DISCUSSION for Hilton Honors Hotels in Cairo, Egypt {EGY}
Apr 29, 2018, 12:37 pm
#181
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
Great, thanks!
Should I request an exterior room? Once, at the Hilton Prague, I had an interior room with windows to the atrium, and my room filled with smoke from people smoking in the atrium many floors below. Do people smoke in the atrium or restaurant or lounge at the Heliopolis Towers?
Thanks. I'm thinking the Heliopolis Towers for proximity to the airport sounds good.
Hence my apprehension.
Thanks. Would you recommend booking a meet&assist service to help with entry or exit processing?
If we're staying at the Towers and have one day, what would you recommend seeing tourist-wise, and how should we arrange it?
I like the Conrad also and would consider that 2nd best option in Cairo (The Conrad lounge is better than Towers as I really like the terrace with views over the city and with pyramids in the distance). The Conrad is not at all close to the airport (plan on around an hour or more dependent on traffic).
If we're staying at the Towers and have one day, what would you recommend seeing tourist-wise, and how should we arrange it?
Apr 29, 2018, 12:53 pm
#182
Suspended
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: BA
Posts: 609
Hello, Ill do my best to answer your questions in bold below:
Great, thanks!
Should I request an exterior room? Once, at the Hilton Prague, I had an interior room with windows to the atrium, and my room filled with smoke from people smoking in the atrium many floors below. Do people smoke in the atrium or restaurant or lounge at the Heliopolis Towers?
I didn't see people smoking in the atrium. I also dont recall the room windows opening. Based on what I was told (YMMV as the staff were really lovely people but its not polished service and they didnt seem 100% sure of things) the nonsmoking rooms all looked out over atrium and smoking rooms might look out over pool area (which has shisha/hookah bar). I do not believe smoking was allowed in the lounge but was only there very quickly to grab a few sodas. There is shisha/hookah available in the Lebanese restaurant which is part of the larger Towers/Hilton shared lobby. I would suggest calling the hotel and asking about smoking policy to make the most informed choice as I totally empathize with how irritating smoke can be!
After giving it some more thought and being very frank, I would advise that given the possible extent of your sensitivities to smoke you really consider reevaluating the visit. Smoking is just so prevalent in this area of the world. I also strongly discourage you from staying at the property if even the slightest smoke would cause a health problem for you (Again, I know how unpleasant it can be for people). I see the Le Meridian Cairo airport is (supposedly) 100% smoke free and this may be worth checking out depending on your situation.
Would you recommend booking a meet&assist service to help with entry or exit processing?
That really depends on your flight situation. I have only departed CAI in J (and most recently using *A airlines) and think the departure procedures are really easy and efficient (e.g. there is dedicated Gold Track security and immigration). Arrivals it really depends on timing, you can see how many flights are arriving and what terminal you are arriving to in order to make informed decision. I think the Towers and Hilton will offer highly expedited arrival services for $50 and this would include someone waiting as you get off the plane. If there are many hundreds of people in the arrival hall and its the middle of the night this may be worth it for you.
If we're staying at the Towers and have one day, what would you recommend seeing tourist-wise, and how should we arrange it?
A great question and sadly I have not been able to be a tourist during my visits. I will say again that the staff at the Towers (and the Conrad) were really lovely and I suspect they would easily be able to arrange driver and tour.
Should I request an exterior room? Once, at the Hilton Prague, I had an interior room with windows to the atrium, and my room filled with smoke from people smoking in the atrium many floors below. Do people smoke in the atrium or restaurant or lounge at the Heliopolis Towers?
I didn't see people smoking in the atrium. I also dont recall the room windows opening. Based on what I was told (YMMV as the staff were really lovely people but its not polished service and they didnt seem 100% sure of things) the nonsmoking rooms all looked out over atrium and smoking rooms might look out over pool area (which has shisha/hookah bar). I do not believe smoking was allowed in the lounge but was only there very quickly to grab a few sodas. There is shisha/hookah available in the Lebanese restaurant which is part of the larger Towers/Hilton shared lobby. I would suggest calling the hotel and asking about smoking policy to make the most informed choice as I totally empathize with how irritating smoke can be!
After giving it some more thought and being very frank, I would advise that given the possible extent of your sensitivities to smoke you really consider reevaluating the visit. Smoking is just so prevalent in this area of the world. I also strongly discourage you from staying at the property if even the slightest smoke would cause a health problem for you (Again, I know how unpleasant it can be for people). I see the Le Meridian Cairo airport is (supposedly) 100% smoke free and this may be worth checking out depending on your situation.
Would you recommend booking a meet&assist service to help with entry or exit processing?
That really depends on your flight situation. I have only departed CAI in J (and most recently using *A airlines) and think the departure procedures are really easy and efficient (e.g. there is dedicated Gold Track security and immigration). Arrivals it really depends on timing, you can see how many flights are arriving and what terminal you are arriving to in order to make informed decision. I think the Towers and Hilton will offer highly expedited arrival services for $50 and this would include someone waiting as you get off the plane. If there are many hundreds of people in the arrival hall and its the middle of the night this may be worth it for you.
If we're staying at the Towers and have one day, what would you recommend seeing tourist-wise, and how should we arrange it?
A great question and sadly I have not been able to be a tourist during my visits. I will say again that the staff at the Towers (and the Conrad) were really lovely and I suspect they would easily be able to arrange driver and tour.
Last edited by BOStonTravels; Apr 29, 2018 at 1:05 pm
Apr 29, 2018, 5:14 pm
#183
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
Thanks for the advice. If I can find GM emails for the Hilton Heliopolis and Heliopolis Towers, I will try emailing their GMs. (The Hilton Heliopolis says they do not have smoking rooms, so might possibly be better in that regard.)
Apr 29, 2018, 5:19 pm
#184
Suspended
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: BA
Posts: 609
[email protected]
May 26, 2018, 7:59 am
#185
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Manchester, UK
Programs: Emirates Skywards (Gold), Hilton (Diamond), Radisson (Gold)
Posts: 370
I’m looking at staying in Cairo soon. Heliopolis Hilton is $124 and the WA is $151, however the Radisson Blu literally around the corner is $68. Has anyone stayed there too - are my HH Diamond perks worth the difference?(i’ve already made enough nights for next year).
May 30, 2018, 3:12 am
#186
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: BWIADCA
Posts: 1,902
I've stayed at Hilton Heliopolis last weekend. I really enjoyed my stay. The hotel is 3 minutes from the airport and 30 minutes from the Pyramids and Sphinx (on a Saturday morning 9am). Arrived at the hotel 5am, and was told that as a Gold I can be checked in as early as 7am. Great! I was directed to the bar Fuze. Had early coffee and beer (I was coming from KSA). I was also invited for breakfast while I was waiting for my room (very nice gesture).
Didn't get upgraded to executive floor so didn't had the chance to see the lounge.
The hotel has 12 on site restaurants. Yes, 12. Whatever you think of, they might have it. I wanted to order kusheri, but I've been told that Egyptian Nights restaurant is closed for Ramadan. Bummer. Instead of kusheri I had stuffed pigeons. Apparently another Egyptian specialty. I actually enjoyed them after passing the thought of eating the pigeon
All the hotel staff members were really friendly and helpful.
Had one mishap. After finishing breakfast and heading back to my room, restaurant manager and waiter run after me. Did I forgot something? No. I was presented with the bill for 29000 pounds for breakfast. Roughly $17. They didn't have my name on the list as "free breakfast" person. I've told them that I am HH Gold and that was it. They've apologized and went back to the restaurant. They were always nice about it, not hard feelings
At the check out I've inquired about it and my bill didn't have any extra charges from the breakfast restaurant (I had 2 in room dining orders from previous nights).
The breakfast spread had decent options. I think everybody can find something nice to eat there.
I didn't go to any of the restaurants during the day as I've been Uber-ing from place to place, just to kiss the door knob.
I really wanted to visit Air Force Museum (15 minutes walking distance from the hotel) and October War Panorama museum. When I got off from Uber at AF museum I couldn't find anyone. I've poked my head to the only one open window and saw soldiers drinking tea. Museum? Go to the gate. I went to the gate and was surrounded by 10 military guys with machine guns. Only 2 spoke limited English. Museum is here? Closed. Come back June 15... Damn it! They were very friendly. They don't see many "falangs" in that area, so that's why all 10 on duty soldiers came to "speak" to me. I had to shake hand with all of them. That was probably highlight of their day
Then I went to museum October War. Same thing. Closed for renovations.
Anyway, the next day I had tour scheduled for the pyramids. My guide arrived around 8:30am, I was given a call on my room phone and met with him.
The ride from the hotel to the pyramids took 30 minutes. On the way back little longer, about 45 minutes.
Check out took little longer (scan this card, sing here, sign there). Why? I already gave you my CC when I've checked in. After 10 minutes I was directed to the free shuttle bus to the airport. I was the only passenger. The ride took about 15 minutes as we had to stop at the mandatory military check right in front of the airport.
Overall, good hotel. I would definitely stay there again. Oh, and even this hotel is so close to the airport, you don't see or hear the airplanes. This hotel is close to departing runway, and far away from two arriving runways.
The only sound that I've heard was military practice shooting. They have a range right in front of the hotel (across the street)
Didn't get upgraded to executive floor so didn't had the chance to see the lounge.
The hotel has 12 on site restaurants. Yes, 12. Whatever you think of, they might have it. I wanted to order kusheri, but I've been told that Egyptian Nights restaurant is closed for Ramadan. Bummer. Instead of kusheri I had stuffed pigeons. Apparently another Egyptian specialty. I actually enjoyed them after passing the thought of eating the pigeon
All the hotel staff members were really friendly and helpful.
Had one mishap. After finishing breakfast and heading back to my room, restaurant manager and waiter run after me. Did I forgot something? No. I was presented with the bill for 29000 pounds for breakfast. Roughly $17. They didn't have my name on the list as "free breakfast" person. I've told them that I am HH Gold and that was it. They've apologized and went back to the restaurant. They were always nice about it, not hard feelings
At the check out I've inquired about it and my bill didn't have any extra charges from the breakfast restaurant (I had 2 in room dining orders from previous nights).
The breakfast spread had decent options. I think everybody can find something nice to eat there.
I didn't go to any of the restaurants during the day as I've been Uber-ing from place to place, just to kiss the door knob.
I really wanted to visit Air Force Museum (15 minutes walking distance from the hotel) and October War Panorama museum. When I got off from Uber at AF museum I couldn't find anyone. I've poked my head to the only one open window and saw soldiers drinking tea. Museum? Go to the gate. I went to the gate and was surrounded by 10 military guys with machine guns. Only 2 spoke limited English. Museum is here? Closed. Come back June 15... Damn it! They were very friendly. They don't see many "falangs" in that area, so that's why all 10 on duty soldiers came to "speak" to me. I had to shake hand with all of them. That was probably highlight of their day
Then I went to museum October War. Same thing. Closed for renovations.
Anyway, the next day I had tour scheduled for the pyramids. My guide arrived around 8:30am, I was given a call on my room phone and met with him.
The ride from the hotel to the pyramids took 30 minutes. On the way back little longer, about 45 minutes.
Check out took little longer (scan this card, sing here, sign there). Why? I already gave you my CC when I've checked in. After 10 minutes I was directed to the free shuttle bus to the airport. I was the only passenger. The ride took about 15 minutes as we had to stop at the mandatory military check right in front of the airport.
Overall, good hotel. I would definitely stay there again. Oh, and even this hotel is so close to the airport, you don't see or hear the airplanes. This hotel is close to departing runway, and far away from two arriving runways.
The only sound that I've heard was military practice shooting. They have a range right in front of the hotel (across the street)
Aug 3, 2018, 5:49 am
#187
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Great Britain
Programs: Air: QR Silver. BA Silver Emirates, Hotels: CC Gold, IHG Spire AMB, Hilton Diamond.
Posts: 1,487
Looks like I have a lot of reading to do on this thread.
I (solo trip) need a night in Cairo in November and plan to visit the Egyptian Museum.
Have done the Sphinx & Pyramids before.
The Rameses Hilton seems the best located for that but I'm wondering if any of the other Hiltons would offer a much nicer stay overall ? and have some other interesting things near them too.
I will land early (06:30) and leave early the following day (03:45).
I'm Gold at the moment but expect to be Diamond by the time I stay.
I like that the Heliopolis allows early check-in at 7am (if rooms available) but is it better to be more in the city ?? (do others offer rather early check-in ?)
Not stayed in any of these before.
Any advice ?
Ramses $115 (Best located for the Egyptian Museum)
Conrad $135 (Never stayed in a Conrad before)
Zamelek Residences $104
WTC Residences $70 (liking the price !!)
Heliopolis $124 (Good for airport)
Heliopolis Towers $149 (Good for airport)
Pyramids Golf $104 (bit out of the way).
I (solo trip) need a night in Cairo in November and plan to visit the Egyptian Museum.
Have done the Sphinx & Pyramids before.
The Rameses Hilton seems the best located for that but I'm wondering if any of the other Hiltons would offer a much nicer stay overall ? and have some other interesting things near them too.
I will land early (06:30) and leave early the following day (03:45).
I'm Gold at the moment but expect to be Diamond by the time I stay.
I like that the Heliopolis allows early check-in at 7am (if rooms available) but is it better to be more in the city ?? (do others offer rather early check-in ?)
Not stayed in any of these before.
Any advice ?
Ramses $115 (Best located for the Egyptian Museum)
Conrad $135 (Never stayed in a Conrad before)
Zamelek Residences $104
WTC Residences $70 (liking the price !!)
Heliopolis $124 (Good for airport)
Heliopolis Towers $149 (Good for airport)
Pyramids Golf $104 (bit out of the way).
Last edited by Sisyphus1carus; Aug 3, 2018 at 6:26 am
Aug 3, 2018, 6:31 am
#188
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Great Britain
Programs: Air: QR Silver. BA Silver Emirates, Hotels: CC Gold, IHG Spire AMB, Hilton Diamond.
Posts: 1,487
I’m looking at staying in Cairo soon. Heliopolis Hilton is $124 and the WA is $151, however the Radisson Blu literally around the corner is $68. Has anyone stayed there too - are my HH Diamond perks worth the difference?(i’ve already made enough nights for next year).
Made a decision one way or the other ?
Aug 3, 2018, 10:26 am
#189
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: SAN
Programs: UA 1MM/1K, HH Diamond
Posts: 6,832
Looks like I have a lot of reading to do on this thread.
I (solo trip) need a night in Cairo in November and plan to visit the Egyptian Museum.
Have done the Sphinx & Pyramids before.
The Rameses Hilton seems the best located for that but I'm wondering if any of the other Hiltons would offer a much nicer stay overall ? and have some other interesting things near them too.
I will land early (06:30) and leave early the following day (03:45).
I'm Gold at the moment but expect to be Diamond by the time I stay.
I like that the Heliopolis allows early check-in at 7am (if rooms available) but is it better to be more in the city ?? (do others offer rather early check-in ?)
Not stayed in any of these before.
Any advice ?
Ramses $115 (Best located for the Egyptian Museum)
Conrad $135 (Never stayed in a Conrad before)
Zamelek Residences $104
WTC Residences $70 (liking the price !!)
Heliopolis $124 (Good for airport)
Heliopolis Towers $149 (Good for airport)
Pyramids Golf $104 (bit out of the way).
I (solo trip) need a night in Cairo in November and plan to visit the Egyptian Museum.
Have done the Sphinx & Pyramids before.
The Rameses Hilton seems the best located for that but I'm wondering if any of the other Hiltons would offer a much nicer stay overall ? and have some other interesting things near them too.
I will land early (06:30) and leave early the following day (03:45).
I'm Gold at the moment but expect to be Diamond by the time I stay.
I like that the Heliopolis allows early check-in at 7am (if rooms available) but is it better to be more in the city ?? (do others offer rather early check-in ?)
Not stayed in any of these before.
Any advice ?
Ramses $115 (Best located for the Egyptian Museum)
Conrad $135 (Never stayed in a Conrad before)
Zamelek Residences $104
WTC Residences $70 (liking the price !!)
Heliopolis $124 (Good for airport)
Heliopolis Towers $149 (Good for airport)
Pyramids Golf $104 (bit out of the way).
Aug 4, 2018, 6:51 am
#190
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Great Britain
Programs: Air: QR Silver. BA Silver Emirates, Hotels: CC Gold, IHG Spire AMB, Hilton Diamond.
Posts: 1,487
Have done a bit of reading about Islamic Cairo (which I hadn't heard of before to be honest) and that does sound rather interesting.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_Cairo
Location wise, the Ramses wins it seems although I do like the idea of a very short journey to the airport for my unpleasantly early BA flight home.
If the Conrad sounded nicer (lots of comments about it being rather old) I'd take the $20 hit and the extra cost of transport to the sights but it sounds like it won't be a particularly good example of a Conrad.
Still thinking :-)
Cheers.
Last edited by Sisyphus1carus; Aug 4, 2018 at 7:01 am
Aug 4, 2018, 12:56 pm
#191
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
BTW, I have a similar question for an upcoming trip. Will arrive in CAI in the evening, will have the next day to sight-see, and then fly out on the 3 AM BA flight the following day (technically the day after that of course). I'm thinking of staying at the Heliopolis Towers, soon to be rebranded as a W-A, and booking a tour to see the pyramids during the full day, and just hanging around the hotel during the following day.
Aug 6, 2018, 4:33 pm
#192
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Great Britain
Programs: Air: QR Silver. BA Silver Emirates, Hotels: CC Gold, IHG Spire AMB, Hilton Diamond.
Posts: 1,487
Thanks very much guys.
Quidco just threw a spanner in the works; 15% cashback on IHG IC hotels.
IC Cairo (Semiramis) would be under $100.
Have Platinum IHG
Have Gold Hilton (Expecting to be Diamond before this stay though).
Grrrr..... was about to bite at $135 for the Conrad. The IC would now be quite a lot cheaper at the end of a pricey holiday.
How does the IC Semiramis compare to the Conrad ??
Quidco just threw a spanner in the works; 15% cashback on IHG IC hotels.
IC Cairo (Semiramis) would be under $100.
Have Platinum IHG
Have Gold Hilton (Expecting to be Diamond before this stay though).
Grrrr..... was about to bite at $135 for the Conrad. The IC would now be quite a lot cheaper at the end of a pricey holiday.
How does the IC Semiramis compare to the Conrad ??
Aug 18, 2018, 4:25 pm
#193
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,477
Hi guys I am going to ask one question here. Reading on Tripadvisor I saw a guy claiming to be HH Gold and the Hilton Heliopolis give free Meet and Assist service because he is Gold. Is this possible?
And for the shuttle, if you do not have access to phone, where should you wait for the shuttle bus? I heard many hectic scenes upon arrival to CAI that people grab your bags and harass you all the way. Would like to hear some old timers to give some advice as it will be my first time going to Egypt by plane. Thanks.
And for the shuttle, if you do not have access to phone, where should you wait for the shuttle bus? I heard many hectic scenes upon arrival to CAI that people grab your bags and harass you all the way. Would like to hear some old timers to give some advice as it will be my first time going to Egypt by plane. Thanks.
Aug 19, 2018, 12:28 am
#194
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Manchester, UK
Programs: Emirates Skywards (Gold), Hilton (Diamond), Radisson (Gold)
Posts: 370
Aug 31, 2018, 3:48 am
#195
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Manchester, UK
Programs: Emirates Skywards (Gold), Hilton (Diamond), Radisson (Gold)
Posts: 370
Just want to second @BOStonTravels - the Heliopolis Towers WA is the best Hilton property in Cairo, and as a result of my two night stay this week, is now in my top 5 in the world.
Staff are exceptional here (more than 50% of them greeted me by name on sight), and the pre-customs meet and greet for $50 is excellent. From airplane to car to the hotel in 6 minutes, and that included a medical check and a VOA application.
Staff are exceptional here (more than 50% of them greeted me by name on sight), and the pre-customs meet and greet for $50 is excellent. From airplane to car to the hotel in 6 minutes, and that included a medical check and a VOA application.