Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino

Opinion

A large-scale luxury option with an extensive, imaginative and tasteful interior which successfully blends ornate Egyptian styling with contemporary decor, and is based on a 19th century palace which once stood on the same site with several period-style rooms. A good selection of dining venues are on offer and there is plenty of comfort and quality as befits an international upscale chain. The delightful gardens are a peaceful and a welcome haven from the chaos on the doorstep. Attracts many American visitors and diplomats from the plethora of embassies nearby and it is within easy reach of the Egyptian museum, shopping areas and for those wishing to leave the hotel, there are several restaurants nearby. Reputedly the largest hotel in the Middle East.

Exterior

Two 20-storey modern tan-coloured towers flank an impressive 3-storey main building fronted by elaborate gold arches and decorative Arabic fretwork; 3-storey accommodation blocks circle the pool area to the rear.

Property type: Hotel

Storeys: 20

Interior

A sumptuous interior has many elaborate Arabic-style elements, both contemporary and traditional, combined with some modern Western-influenced outlets. An inviting, softly lit wood-panelled lobby lounge bar features decorated murals of 18th century Egypt; on the lower ground level is an extravagent spacious cafe boasting an ornate Moorish wooden ceiling and wall panels, a massive beaten-metal chandelier and large oil paintings. A smart cream-hued Northern Italian restaurant under a vaulted ceiling is light and contemporary. A range of eateries include a steakhouse, Japanese, an American country kitchen and a traditional steakhouse. Bars include a British-style pub and a classy cocktail bar.

Rooms: 1009

Grounds

Pleasant landscaped gardens feature an appealing cane-furnished restaurant under gold arches (not the American chain kind!) separated by low hedges and there is an evening Egyptian barbeque and shisha pipe area with colourful rugs and flowers. The well-presented pool area has tiered brick sundecks set among lush foliage; plenty of loungers and sunshades are available along with a healthy-food cafe.

Location

Area Type: On Zamalak Island situated between the East and West banks of the Nile overlooking the river, in an upmarket area with many embassies and consulates.