Carlton Hotel

Lots of old school style and charm in the hotel's public places. No wonder there was a film crew and production unit shooting a tv drama for several of the days I stayed. The rooms themselves are a little in need of attention, though. I had two, because they showed me into a horrible little interior one at first, before providing me with my allotted classic double room, which was much bigger, brighter and outward facing. But still a little dilapidated. The rooftop terrace for dining was nice. At breakfast, choose the Egyptian rather than the Continental, as you will receive a much more filling and tasty selection.

This is a hugely quirky hotel. It’s old and has a charm peculiar to it. The room was clean and the staff were really helpful and polite. I chose downtown Cairo because I wanted to be in the middle of the hustle and bustle. The Carlton ticked that box and when it gets a bit much after a long day then the rooftop bar was a great refuge where you could get a meal or a cold beer. The menu is limited and the prices out dated. This needs updating. It’s not really a family hotel if you have young kids, the elevators have no protecting door as you travel so the walls are moving right in front of you plus the roof bar has some plants in a planter and then it’s an eight storey drop. You can hear everything outside and there’s some kind of auto part market and someone down there is selling novelty car horns so expect to hear the General Lee clad on going off up until about 10 pm. You can’t come to a city as densely populated as Cairo and not expect to hear noise, see rubbish and nearly get run over. I loved it, it was exactly what I wanted and I absolutely recommend this place but not to families. I would come here again. The breakfast was great and yeah the locks are quirky but that’s part of the charm.

Rooftop bar! I did not stay at the hotel. We enjoyed a fabulous food tour (Bellies on route) and we ended the tour here. Stunning view and they serve Shisha and alcohol. Not much shade, so I would suggest going late afternoon/evening and the city view at night is stunning.