Opinion

A vast polished and luxurious option boasting a gleaming, well appointed interior, plenty of space and a wide array of facilities and amenities including an 18-hole golf course. It has little local flavour and the international ambience means it could be anywhere. Its isolated desert location outside the city means a long drive to any of the cultural attractions. Attracts conferences, upmarket tour groups and golfers seeking a few relaxing rounds before tackling the chaos that is Cairo. There are some privately-owned villas on site and the overall complex is called Mirage City.

Exterior

A modernistic mammoth 2-storey curved main building; a stepped 5-storey accommodation building with balconies and a single storey block with patios set around the swimming pool.

Property type: Hotel

Storeys: 5

Built Year: 2006

Interior

The spacious modern interior is smart and refined; a huge circular 3rd floor lobby has marble floors, tall columns and a sunken central lounge area with plush sofas. Brass railed stairs lead down to a lower level which has a lounge bar and tiered restaurant area beside picture windows overlooking a lake and golf course. A selection of stylish eateries include a smart Lebanese, a traditional American steakhouse, a sushi bar, a 2-storey Italian trattoria with an attractive indoor courtyard, and a 24-hour international a la carte and buffet.

Rooms: 428

Grounds

A well-presented pool area features a small waterpark with slides and a wave pool next to a small sandy 'beach'; plenty of loungers are provided and there is an pleasant bar/restaurant. The gardens are a little patchy. An 18-hole golf course designed by Peter Harradine has a classy clubhouse and restaurant.

Location

Area Type: On the buzy main Suez highway surrounded by barren desert with some local dwellings and petrol stations, but otherwise in the middle of nowhere. Downtown 30 miles.