Sheraton Royal Gardens

Opinion

A rather appealing and unique option built around the former home of a famous Egyptian film star and boasting some imaginative touches; it offers a welcome and characterful alternative to the conventional beige marble and chandelier offerings that predominate in the city. The backstreet location is full of local character but not very convenient for either Downtown or the Pyramids, being approximately half-way between the two.

Exterior

An impressive 4-storey former private villa built in the 1940s with a 1 to 5 storey modern yellow concrete extension built around a central pool courtyard; one section of the exterior is styled on a European house. All rooms with a balcony or patio.

Property type: Hotel

Storeys: 5

Built Year: 1942

Interior

An unusual, understated interior which has a terracotta tiled floor and plain sandstone wall; the lobby has the appearance of an Egyptian courtyard and extends to an inviting sunken lounge bar. The rather dull, low-lit main buffet restaurant is across the pool courtyard and has bamboo matted walls, papyrus-covered pillars and an open kitchen; a chic Japanese is adjacent and a there is an attractive Lebanese option.

Rooms: 153

Grounds

A pleasing central brick and terracotta courtyard has palms and shrubs, tables and chairs and a good-sized pool with a thatched swim up bar and edged with ornamental boulders; a shisha café and barbeque grill is tucked away in one corner.

Location

Area Type: On a narrow, dusty residential road just off the main Pyramids road in a bustling, authentic but out-of-the-way location. Plenty of local shops surround. Downtown 5 mls, Pyramids 5 mls.

Map Ref: 14