The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo offers global travellers an ideal base from which to explore the historic Egyptian city

The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo offers leisure and business travellers an opulent retreat in the heart of the Egyptian city. Lying on the shores of the Nile, the property offers visitors a stately vantage point to witness the resurgence of one of the world’s most famous historic destinations. 

The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo is an historic landmark, having opened its doors back in 1958 as the Nile Hilton. It closed in 2010 and underwent a $127-million renovation before reopening late last year as a Ritz-Carlton property, marking a new era for the majestic property.

“Cairo is a city that fuses the majesty of the past with the pulse of the present and the promise of the future,” says Herve Humler, President and COO, The Ritz-Carlton.  “Visitors over the centuries have been drawn by its ever-evolving mix of history, trade and culture, which continues to draw adventurists, as well as families and business travellers to this vibrant city. With millennial travellers seeking luxury as part of their travel experience, the Nile Ritz-Carlton Cairo marries this ‘bucket-list’ city with world-class services. This has not only made Cairo more appealing but has also given us the opportunity to raise our first Ritz-Carlton flag on the banks of the Nile.” 

For the modern luxury traveller experiencing the vibe of Cairo for the first time, the property provides the ideal base from which to dive into the energy of the city as well as to withdraw from it to reflect and introspect. 

Business and leisure travellers can get the best of both worlds in the historic 331-room hotel, with its ultramodern facilities including an Olympic-size pool as well as meeting rooms, ballrooms and business facilities. Gastronomes visiting Egypt will also be spoilt for choice with an array of dining venues, with innovative and cutting-edge fare spanning Arabian, Italian and Continental cuisine.

With a combination of old-world charm and contemporary sophistication, the rooms and suites of The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo, are havens of luxurious living in the heart of the city. The rooms at one of Cairo’s most iconic hotels epitomise the city’s vibrancy and charm, weaving its classic flavour and traditions into the fabric of the guest experience. As the legendary property begins a new era, the hotel’s 331 rooms, including 50 suites designed by Frank Nicholson, are emerging as benchmarks of global standards and Egyptian hospitality in the city.

Spacious and stylish, the 45-sq-m rooms offer guests a well-appointed sanctuary to unwind. Overlooking the heart of the city or the mesmerising flow of The Nile, the room views not only offer a window to the inimitable energy of the city but also allow guests to embrace the dynamism and scale of the city.


THE SUITES 

Elegant and elaborate, the suites are lavish spaces with breathtaking views of the Nile. Featuring a bedroom, living area and for some suites, a dining room, they are sanctuaries of calm in the midst of a vibrant city. They include 32 Executive Suites (96 sq m), 12 Junior Suites (72 sq m), 4 Presidential Suites (144 sq m), and 2 Royal Suites (300 sq m).

Fit for a pharaoh, the Royal Suites encompass a master bedroom, expansive living area and a large dining room with a kitchenette. All the Executive Suites are connected to the Royal Suites for even more space should guests require it.

The restaurants and bars at the hotel include:

• The Patio: Overlooking the swimming pool, the Patio offers laidback dining, from oriental delicacies to comfort snacks.

• Bar’Oro: A stylish bar reminiscent of an old-school watering hole complete with a pianist tickling the ivories in the corner.

• NOX*: The rooftop lounge offers breath-taking views of Cairo. For those looking for something to eat, NOX* offers American sharing dishes – the first restaurant in the city to champion this concept.

• Out of the NOX*: The rooftop terrace is the perfect setting to enjoy an al fresco meal.

• Culina: Featuring international cuisines with live cooking stations.

• Sweet Boutique: A treasure trove of treats for those with a sweet tooth.

• Bab Al Sharq: An Arabic restaurant which recreates traditional Arabic cuisines including signature grills and savoury baked dishes. Using a traditional wood-fired oven, the restaurant is set in a lush indoor-outdoor garden.

• The Lobby Lounge: The heart of elegant dining at the hotel, the Lobby Lounge is a meeting place of minds, flavours and refinement.

• Vivo: The Italian restaurant, which brings to life the rustic flavours of the Italian countryside in a romantic environment.

• Ritz Bar: Intimate and elegant, the Ritz Bar redefines the classics and offers specialty cocktails in addition to light snacks – all to the backdrop of live music. 

Meanwhile, the hotel’s spa offers a sanctuary of pure indulgence, with nine treatment rooms, including one for couples, a sauna and steam room, and an array of signature treatments.

For the health-conscious, a 24-hour fitness centre is fitted out with state-of-the-art equipment and offers access to a personal trainer. The centre is equipped with 14 cardio-vascular machines, 11 resistance and strength training machines, bench press, Life Fitness anti-burst gym ball, and dumbbells. All cardio-vascular equipment is equipped with a series of TV and radio channels, video and audio instructions, iPod docking station, heart rate sensor, and various exercise programmes to suit the needs of both the beginner and advanced runner. 

Commenting on the capital’s many attractions, Humler says that from five-star Nile cruises to explorative culinary tours and private excursions to the Pyramids, Cairo allows global travellers to discover the city in new and innovative ways. 

While first-time visitors to the city will be awed by the majesty of the Pyramids of Giza, the city also offers alternative experiences such as viewings of the well-preserved medieval residences formerly owned by wealthy merchants, he says.

Cultural aficionados and art enthusiasts who desire more than visits to the Sphinx and the Pyramids can delight in Cairo’s lush art scene that runs the gamut from Islamic art to impressionist paintings. For the gourmand, the flavours that the city offers showcase the potpourri of cultures that has enriched Cairo’s personality and made it a unique destination. With cuisines from around the world and experiences catering to the conventional and the quirky, the city is a culinary playground. 

“Cairo is a vibrant destination and no matter what your purpose in visiting the city, business or leisure, there is always a sense of discovery. The past has left a strong imprint on the personality of the city but its dynamism comes from its ever-evolving cultural and social scenes. For the global tourist, it is this tasteful fusion that appeals and keeps Cairo current,” Humler concludes.


HOW TO DISCOVER CAIRO

Cairo’s charm goes deeper than the labyrinthine tunnels of the pyramids and for those willing to dig beneath the surface of this historic city, the delights are plentiful and memorable.

From traversing the Nile to the joys of flavourful shisha, Cairo offers its visitors memorable experiences at every corner. With the support from The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo, the city is encouraging its visitors not just to enjoy the view but to immerse in its distinct vibe.

Visitors can journey through Cairo’s history via visits to Tahrir Square as well as the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, which houses the King Tut exhibition, or the Museum of Islamic Art, which houses artefacts dating back to the 7th century. 

Another must-visit is the Khan el-Khalili marketplace, which buzzes with the energy of a medieval suq. Shoppers ranging from bargain hunters to antique connoisseurs can find exquisite crafts as well as typical souvenirs including papyrus, perfume and mother-of-pearl furniture. 

Culture vultures will be struck by the richness and diversity in the city’s layout. From the magnificent mosques of Islamic Cairo to the heritage-rich enclaves of medieval Cairo and the hidden architectural jewels of Coptic Cairo such as the Hanging Church, the city design and architecture underpins its continuing status as a global arts and trade hub. 

Food enthusiasts can discover rich and varied flavours. Arabian staples like oshari, mixed grill and sugar cane juice are given a distinctly Egyptian twist in Cairo’s restaurants, including The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo’s Bab el Sharq. Socialising is often accompanied by a mint tea and shisha, giving visitors a window into its daily culture. 

Visitors with a bit of extra time can venture out of the city to Memphis, Sakkara, Alexandria or Dahshour for one-day trips. Alexandria’s strong Mediterranean vibe is an interesting contrast to Cairo’s big city buzz but in addition to great food, music and a beautiful coastline, it is also home to Bibliotheca Alexandrina, one of the biggest libraries in the world, the Catacombs of Kom El Shuqafa, a Roman burial site and the awe-inspiring Roman amphitheatre.