Thanks
khabah! Do you have any opinion whether you'd prefer the Mena over the Marriott or Sheraton in Cairo?
Originally Posted by
khabah
Updates:
- The evening F&B in the lounge consists of breads, a cheese plate, salad greens and accoutrements, a hot selection of skewered meats and small bowls of hummus and labneh - enough to make a meal out of. Happy hour (6-8 PM) drinks on offer are local beer and wine, plus a fridge of water and soft drinks that's open all day. Lounge was empty save one couple; service is inattentive.
- Clearly there isn't a dress code being enforced at the lounge in any shape or form as two guests who just walked in and were welcomed were wearing a swimsuit, t-shirt and flip-flops while the other is in a bathrobe and slippers. Me: ...
- Spoke to the lovely Director of Guest Experience who introduced herself to guests in the lounge this evening about the renovation plans. As mentioned previously, the Palace is closed off and as-yet not renovated whilst the owners work on the designs and figure out plans with Marriott. They want to restore the Palace more than outright renovate it in order to bring back its original details and retain its character; this should happen after the start of 2019. When they finish, the plan is to position the Palace as a Marriott luxury brand, but they haven't decided which one yet - it could go to JW Marriott, Ritz-Carlton or The Luxury Collection, but all they know for now is that it will be a luxury Marriott brand. The remainder of the property will continue to operate under the flagship Marriott brand even after the Palace reopens, so the property will include two separate hotels operating under different brands. Out with the JW plans for the whole property!
Very interesting... one to watch over the next few months.
khabah