Arrival/Check-in: The hotel offers check-in service at Cairo International Airport (CAI), allowing the jet-lagged traveler to head straight for the shower upon arrival at the hotel. But to the hotel’s credit, this service doesn’t save much time; my check-in at the front desk was swift and painless. Besides, I wanted to soak in the atmosphere of that lobby — a marbled hallway opens up into a light-filled, high-ceilinged space with soaring columns, sleek furnishings and an imposing obelisk flanked by four sphinxes. The lobby, populated with Westerners in suits and Cairenes and Saudis in their dishdasha and checkered head scarves, is busy yet relatively hushed, the noise never enough to disturb a conversation. The hotel is adjacent to the Middle East’s largest retail and entertainment complex, but the location doesn’t take away from its exclusiveness; and the hotel’s security is reassuringly tight, with guards and metal detectors at every entrance. (30/30)
Guest Quarters: My poolside room was at the end of a dimly lit hallway in a serviceable if less than glamorous two-story annex. The room itself wasn’t as lavish as those in the main building, but the configuration was no different from that of a standard room. The king-sized bed was heaped with big pillows; the bathrooms featured Blitz showers; and the workspace was ample with a large desk, complimentary high-speed Internet and vi ews of the pool — utterly enticing on a sizzling midsummer afternoon. The drawback of being so close to the pool is that you’re a bit far from everything else. (25/30)
Services/Amenities: This is considered Cairo’s best business hotel, and in addition to extensive meeting and conference facilities, the super-attentive staff is a big part of that. My every request was met with a prompt and polite response.
Wireless Internet allowed me to roam the grounds with my laptop, and the exchange service on the first floor offered a hassle-free way to turn my dollars into Egyptian pounds. (A sparkling casino, open around the clock on the eighth floor, will turn those dollars into chips as well.) Best of all was the Lifestyle Health Club & Spa, nearly 33,000 square feet of fitness space, with exercise machines, squash and tennis courts, sauna, hydro pool and a dozen different treatment rooms available on a complimentary basis to all guests. Fayruz, one of the hotel’s eight restaurants and bars, features Lebanese cuisine, while the Mondial Café offers an elaborate breakfast buffet off the main lobby. (39/40)
Experience: Just 10 minutes by car from Cairo International Airport (CAI) and next to the country’s biggest mall, the InterContinental Citystars is perfect for the business traveler on a short stay or the family passing through on vacation. It isn’t as close to major tourist attractions as other 5-stars, but the building itself is impressive, and the hotel’s expert concierge can order up private limo or car service in a snap.
Total Score: (94/100)
InterContinental Citystars
Omar Ibn el Khattab Street
Cairo, Egypt
tel 011 20 2 2480 0100
www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinenta
Read This Next
Diabetes
2004 / April 2004
Sep 1, 2010All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Apr 26, 2024The Bishop’s Lodge’s Bunkhouse: A Rustic, Historic Getaway
Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a small town that’s big on historic landmarks, buildings, parks and Western lore. Many of its most fascinating structures also happen to be hotels, including Bishop’s Lodge, which extends the city’s specific charms from the streets into the public areas and private suites and rooms. While most of the properties within historic buildings are upscale, Bishop’s Lodge is now a member of Auberge Resorts Collection thanks to a painstaking restoration, luxury appointments, commitment to personal service and wide range of exclusive activities.
Sponsored Content
Hit the High Notes in Nashville
Nashville’s once-modest skyline continues to evolve as its luxury market grows. Lavish hotel properties are added to the landscape while acclaimed chefs stake claim in the robust culinary scene and premier cultural offerings round out the city’s repertoire.
Daily
Apr 26, 2024Book the Ultimate Summer Escape at Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen
Plan your 2024 summer vacation to Mexico. Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen offers travelers special experiences this summer, as well as an all-inclusive offer. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, your significant other or solo, this resort has something for everyone.
Daily
Apr 26, 2024Jamaica Gears Up for Summer with New Hotels and Experiences
Just in time for summer, Jamaica is easier to enjoy than ever thanks to new hotels and excursions. This Caribbean island has never been more alive than this year, and this summer is to be its best one yet.
Sponsored Content
Tips to Plan a Destination Event Worth the Trip
It's time to shake things up and inject some serious excitement into your next gathering. Whether planning a corporate conference, black-tie gala or milestone celebration, choosing the right venue can make all the difference. City Winery shares some tips to make your next gathering a rockin' success.
Daily
Apr 25, 2024Former Massachusetts Glasses Factory Transforms into New Hotel
In the late 1800s, eyeglass manufacturer George Washington Wells became the founder and owner of the largest eyeglass company in the town by merging with several smaller lens manufacturers in Southbridge, Massachusetts. By the early 1900s, Wells was running the largest eyeglass manufacturing company in the world, owning several factories in Southbridge and occupying more than 80 acres on both sides of the Quinebaug River. It was called the American Optical Company, known locally in town as “AO.”
Hôtel Royal Unveils evian SPA, the First in Europe
Daily
Apr 25, 2024Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh Review
eFlyer Reviews
Apr 24, 2024Wolf by Vanderpump Opens at Harveys Lake Tahoe
Daily
Apr 24, 2024eFlyer News
Apr 24, 2024Lufthansa’s Allegris Takes Off May 1
Lufthansa’s new travel experience on long-haul routes starts its scheduled service May 1. Allegris is the airline’s new cabin, marking a new era for Lufthansa. Allegris sees updates and changes to economy, premium economy and business class, with a planned first-class cabin later this year.
Sponsored Content
Fill Your Heart with Ireland
Whether it's the people, the craic (fun) or the coasts, travelers always find something to love about the island of Ireland. What fills your heart?
eFlyer News
Apr 24, 2024IHG Hotels & Resorts Introduces 12 New Properties to Vignette Collection in 2024
IHG Hotels & Resorts welcomes 12 new properties to its brand-new luxury and lifestyle brand, Vignette Collection. Vignette Collection is a curation of distinct, hand-picked hotels, each offering one-of-a-kind stays from beachfront resorts to boutique townhouses.
ShareThis