Mazeej Balad — Hotel in Cairo

I was invited to a rooftop evening dinner event downtown. I was curious since downtown Cairo is in the midst of an exciting renaissance. Gorgeous old buildings are being restored, hip restaurants, shops and hotels like Mazeej are opening. We pulled up to this small gorgeous white European style building to an open door with grand stairs and red carpeting. It's classy but a bit daunting if you have a suitcase or mobility issues. Thankfully, there is an elevator to take you up to the hotel lobby, rooms and roof. Once we walked out, we were transported to a garden oasis. Plants lining the perimeter and a feeling that you're at a garden party on someone's estate. There is a unique decor and attention to detail all the way down to the place settings. The service was SIX STAR. The waiters provided a kind of drink that wasn't on the menu that night and did so without hesitation. We had a special celebratory meal for Ramadan to break our fast and the appetizers, salads and soups placed on the table and the buffet items were devoured. I was so enchanted by the decor I brought a group back for dinner days later and they all agreed this is an oasis of Zen and sophistication that melts away the chaos of Cairo. We toured the five boutique hotel rooms. The attention to detail and the comfort are geared toward the traveller looking for a unique luxe experience in a city full of hotels. I will gladly be spreading the word...

As an American traveler who enjoys a bit of luxury but dislikes big chain high rise hotels, no matter how luxurious, and whose primary travel instinct is curiosity, I always search for interesting and creative local hotels, and this was the perfect place in Cairo. Tucked away from the main tourist area, but still close to all of the major sites of interest, the hotel is a wonderful, creative, and beautiful perch of luxury in a historic building on a busy street where you can tuck away to rest, relax, and eat. It was a great location for the curious traveler to be in and out, wandering and exploring. It’s five minutes from the Egyptian Museum, El-Tahrir, the metro, and an easy drive to various neighborhoods. Having never been to Egypt before, I wrote to the hotel with some questions. They were extremely helpful to me understanding the area, making suggestions for local places to visit, eat, and things to do, even arranging a 3-day tour of historic sites with a high quality tour company, and a spa visit in the area. The restaurant has excellent food and a beautiful atmosphere—it was a lovely place to recover after a day in the city—and I had nearly all of my meals there. The hotel is beautiful, with excellent standards of style and quality, and the people who work there are wonderful. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves a beautiful, unique hotel with a balance of luxury and place. Thank...

We stayed for 3 nights and got to experience hotel and restaurant.||Loved the hotel! It has few rooms and a very intimate atmosphere. |The rooms are very classy, large, tastefully decorated. The floor feels good with its real wood parquet, the shower is great, large, and good quality fittings. I loved the beds the most - very comfortable, the pillows - two types - one hard, one soft. The very high ceilings make you think of an old Italian villa. ||The restaurant on the terrace is very nice and the staff very accommodating. We much enjoyed their Egyptian mezze and also the special dishes for breakfast. |The service though is slow. On the last morning we waited 25 minutes for the (included) breakfast to arrive. Nearly late for the tour ...||The best of the hotel was the young lady at the reception - she seems to be the good fairy of the place - calm, friendly, solving any problem in seconds. Her positive 'can do' attitude upgrades the place to a five star establishment. I'm sure she can elevate the restaurant experience as well, given the responsibility of the upper level. Thank you!||We heartily recommend the hotel for a couple of days' stay in safe walking distance of Tahrir Square with the Museum and many shopping and dining...