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Cairo... Where to crash?

Replies: 15 - Last Post: Dec 8, 2012 10:43 AM Last Post By: BWT

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beibolugo

beibolugo avatar

Dec 6, 2012 5:01 AM
Posts:  54

Cairo... Where to crash?

Hi!! I will arrive in Cairo in mid December and I'm trying to decide where to stay. Most midrange hotels in Cairo are located in Downtown, near Tahrir Square, Talaat Harb and Corniche el-Nil street. But I'm not sure if it's convenient to stay in that area, because of the frequent political manifestations. I mean, it's obvious that to stay near Tahrir is a no-no. But...

  • What about the hotels along the Corniche? They are also affected? Is possible to get in and out of them during the protests?
  • Are Maspero and Garden City good options to stay?
  • Or is just better to cross the Nile and stay in Gezira, Zamalek or Doqqi?? (even if hotels there are more expensive)
  • I think Heliopolis and Giza are too far from most attractions in Cairo, but I will consider them as well.

I will like to hear from people who are staying in Cairo right now or have been staying there until recently. Thanks for any help or tip!!

laketraveller

laketraveller avatar

Dec 6, 2012 6:22 AM
Posts:  5,467

1

There's nothing wrong with staying in Zamalek as it's a nice area. I wouldn't stay in Giza.

As far as central Cairo, there are numerous hostels near, but not adjacent to, Tahrir Square which would be fine to stay in. Staying right on Tahrir Square might not be a good idea, but being six or more blocks away is fine.

Look at places like Dina's or Pension Roma.

Good luck.

fear_rua

fear_rua avatar

Dec 6, 2012 10:09 AM
Posts:  701

2

I'm with no. 1. Stay away from Maspero. Anywhere in downtown north of Talaat Harb Square should be OK but Zamalek is a good option.

beibolugo

beibolugo avatar

Dec 6, 2012 10:31 AM
Posts:  54

3

I was considering an offer at the Ramses Hilton ($100 per night at a five-star hotel). But I think the Hilton is near Maspero. So not even for $50...

beibolugo

beibolugo avatar

Dec 6, 2012 1:36 PM
Posts:  54

4

Perhaps I should avoid Heliopolis as well. The Egyptian Presidential Palace is there.

fear_rua

fear_rua avatar

Dec 6, 2012 3:28 PM
Posts:  701

5

Heliopolis would be a bad choice anyway, as it's relatively far from all attractions and it's not on the metro.

beibolugo

beibolugo avatar

Dec 6, 2012 4:59 PM
Posts:  54

6

Yeah, I think I will crash in Zamalek. Thanks, laketraveller and fear_rua !!

laketraveller

laketraveller avatar

Dec 6, 2012 5:07 PM
Posts:  5,467

7

If you get the chance (and have the interest) you could visit Diwan on the main street through Zamalek. It's a great english language book store. They have a wide selection and often feature various authors and speakers.

Have fun.

BWT

BWT avatar

Dec 6, 2012 7:05 PM
Posts:  3

8

Hi Lake,just wondering why you don't recommend staying in Giza? I'm headed to Egypt for two weeks later this month and staying in Cairo but also Giza (wanted a view of the pyramids). Would love to get your thoughts. We are going to Luxor and Aswan as well :)

laketraveller

laketraveller avatar

Dec 6, 2012 7:50 PM
Posts:  5,467

9

IMHO Giza has little to no character, doesn't have the desired places to eat and have fun and is substantially less interesting than central Cairo or Zamalek.

I don't know where you're from, but if it's a bigger city there is probably an interesting area in the city and more boring places in the suburbs that simply don't have anything to offer a tourist. Giza has nothing to offer beyond proximity to the Pyramids and that isn't important to me (they're only a taxi ride away from central).

Have fun.

fear_rua

fear_rua avatar

Dec 6, 2012 8:07 PM
Posts:  701

10

I'd add that Giza is a big area. Around the train station you are close to the metro but nowhere near the pyramids. Up near the pyramids, there's nothing much to do or see except said pyramids, and at rush hour (which lasts quite a few hours in Cairo) it can take a very long time to get back down as far as the metro station in order to get downtown or anywhere else more interesting, although there are also busses that take the ring road and may be a bit quicker.

Faisal street in Giza is full of fascinating urban life and enticing-looking cheap restaurants, though!

BWT

BWT avatar

Dec 7, 2012 12:36 AM
Posts:  3

11

Thanks lake and fear, much appreciated!

Would love to get your thoughts on this itinerary:
Dec 23rd arrive in Cairo noon
24th leaving Cairo at night and stay in Giza 24th, 25th. Plan to see the Giza Pyramids, Saqqara and Dashur
26th Overnight train to Aswan then to Luxor on 29th 
Luxor 29 - 1st or 2nd
Head back to Cairo leaving Jan 6. Might mix in a night at white desert or beach if possible.

Ps I'm from Los Angeles

Edited by: BWT

Edited by: BWT

beibolugo

beibolugo avatar

Dec 7, 2012 3:59 AM
Posts:  54

12

I agree with the guys above. There is no real reason to stay at Giza (unless we were talking about the expensive Mena House Hotel, which is an attraction itself). Stay in Cairo and treat the Giza Pyramids, Saqqara and Dashur as a day trip. Just check the current situation and try to stay away from the trouble (that is, away from Tahrir and the Presidential Palace at Heliopolis). Cheers!

Edited by: beibolugo

catw

catw avatar

Dec 7, 2012 6:16 AM
Posts:  1,466

13

Giza looks like an industrial zone. The only hotels there were built for tour operators. The only reason to stay there is if you can afford the old Mena Oberoi House palace.

beibolugo

beibolugo avatar

Dec 8, 2012 8:41 AM
Posts:  54

14

OK, I will stay at Hotel Longchamps, in Zamalek. Quiet, nice and not very expensive... Thanks for all your help!
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