Hotel President

Opinion

This property has a tired, untidy external appearance but it is classily in keeping with it's upmarket residential surroundings. The Cellar Restaurant is popular with locals and businessmen and is run as a franchise but the top floor restaurant lacks the same appeal other than the view. This is a quieter place to stay in the city with most of the sights within relatively easy reach. The facilities do not make it suitable for families with young children other, perhaps, than for a couple of nights stay.

Exterior

A mainly dark concrete facade fronts this property with some rooms having balconies. It is squeezed between other high residential blocks and should be noted the first nine floors above reception level are private apartments. It is on a surprisingly quiet street and has an integral portico over a wide front entrance.

Property type: Hotel

Storeys: 12

Built Year: 1920

Interior

The doors open on to a small foyer from which stairs lead down to the Cellar Bar and restaurant, attractively furnished with wooden, cushioned stools, chairs and benches. The wooden panelled walls are adorned with artwork and the bar servery is fronted by a moral of bottle bottoms. From the foyer, steps lead past a patisserie counter and on to the main lobby which has a central reception facing a row of soft cushioned armchairs. The 2 elevators are located towards the rear by a small bar servery. The rooms are situated on the 10th, 11th and 12th floors with those below housing private apartments. On the top floor, there is a large restaurant and bar which, although sparsely and basically furnished, has large windows to 3 sides affording views across the city.

Rooms: 150

Grounds

There are no grounds at this property.

Location

Area Type: Situated towards the northern end of Gezira Island on the river in the heart of the city in an area that includes embassy residences. A 5-min stroll leads over the bridge to west bank where there are shops, bars and restaurants. Being on the western side of city, relative easy drive to the Pyramids in 20 mins. Many of the major sights can be reached on foot on the east bank mindful of heat and traffic.

Map Ref: 1