The Mena House Oberoi
Overlooked by the Pyramid of Cheops and linked with travel to Egypt since the days of British and French empires. Originally a resthouse-cum-hunting lodge for Khedive Ismail (its core being what is today the hotel’s Arabesque dining room) subsequent English ownership combined with major structural changes and contrasting English and Ottoman décor created what evolved into one of the world’s ‘grand hotels’. With restaurants, bars and swimming pool the Garden Wing accommodation is in air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-fridge and satellite TV. An ongoing process of daytime room renovation may necessitate one separate section of the Garden Wing being closed off, with minimal disturbance to guests.
El Salamlek Palace Hotel
A royal hunting lodge built by Khedive Abbas Helmi II for his mistress, the Hungarian Countess May-Torok von Szendro. Set on a small hill in beautiful parkland overlooking the sea it was used later by his son, King Fuad and then by King Farouk, as a royal resort and guesthouse. Enjoy a drink in the elegant ‘Al Fouad’ piano bar or dine in the restaurants Al Farouk, once the King’s study or Al Farida, named after his first wife. It has a private beach and the air-conditioned suite accommodation which overlooks the sea includes a living/dining room, private facilities (two bathrooms), hairdryer, mini-bar and satellite TV.
Old Winter Palace, Luxor
Built in 1886 this 5-star hotel has restaurants, including the stylish ‘1886’, bars, the Victoria lounge, pool, tennis courts, health club and squash court. The 86 guest rooms, all different, have high ceilings and attractive fixtures with private facilities, hairdryer, air-conditioning, mini-bar, safe and satellite TV.
