Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo — Hotel in Cairo

An Oasis of Hospitality in the Heart of Cairo: Steigenberger, an Experience with a Wink

My stay at the Steigenberger Hotel in Cairo was an unforgettable experience, which I would rate a solid 9.5/10. From the moment I stepped into the lobby, I felt the classic grandeur of this hotel, which with its spotless and well-maintained interior, is reminiscent of a stately cruise ship. It's a ship with stories to tell, which might need some love and attention in the form of a modernization, but is currently cherished with great dedication. And just like with a beloved ship, you can feel the soul and charm in every corner.

The absolute trump card of the Steigenberger is undoubtedly its phenomenal location. Right in the heart of Cairo, with the Egyptian Museum literally around the corner, it's the perfect base for exploring the vibrant city. This makes it easy to return to your comfortable safe haven after a day full of overwhelming and adventurous discoveries.

But let's also talk about the culinary journey that the Steigenberger offers, especially the legendary breakfast buffet. With a staggering selection of at least 200 products, where new tasty surprises await discovery every day, this breakfast is a true feast for the senses. From fresh local delicacies to international classics, you'll find everything here to start your day energetically.

And then there's the room service! It's as if a genie lives in a lamp, that's how quick and efficient the service is. The friendly staff are always ready with a smile, and the dishes they serve are not only delicious and generous in portion size, but also surprisingly affordable by Western standards. After a long day of sightseeing, there's nothing better than enjoying a tasty meal in the privacy of your own room.

Our room was spotlessly clean and well-maintained, a nice place to relax. Admittedly, like the rest of the hotel, a refresh would undoubtedly make the room even better. The Wi-Fi was generally fine, although it sometimes struggled a bit with the number of users, but it wasn't really bothersome. The fridge worked, although I probably wouldn't store delicate fresh products in it. The air conditioning seemed to have a mind of its own, but fortunately, the pleasant weather wasn't a dealbreaker.

However, what truly makes the Steigenberger unique is the warm and dedicated staff. Absolutely everyone puts their heart and soul into making your stay as pleasant as possible. Customer satisfaction here isn't just a slogan, but a living philosophy that you feel in every interaction. It's like being embraced by warm Egyptian hospitality.

The massages at the hotel are highly recommended! Let yourself be pampered and experience a deep relaxation that will make you forget all the stress of the day. The swimming pool may not be Olympic-sized, but it offers a wonderful refreshment after a day in the sun. And every time we stepped back into the hotel after an eventful day, it truly felt like coming home.

So why the 9.5 instead of a perfect 10? Well, within the well-oiled machine of standard procedures, everything runs flawlessly. However, when I had a personal request that went just a little off the beaten track, the organization (thus management) seemed less flexible. While this was a pity, it didn't outweigh all the positive aspects of our stay.

In short, the Steigenberger Hotel in Cairo is highly recommended. The prime location, the abundant breakfast, the fantastic staff, and the overall warm atmosphere make this hotel a perfect choice for both tourists and business travelers. I'm already looking forward to docking at this hospitable "ship" again on my next...

Dear Steigenberger Management Team,

I am writing to share what can only be described as the worst hotel experience my family and I have ever encountered, during our recent stay at Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir in Cairo.

We organized a trip to Egypt to celebrate my brother’s 40th birthday, and for our final night, we chose to stay at your hotel, expecting a luxury experience fitting the occasion. We visited the hotel in person to make the reservation directly at the reception desk. We booked a suite for 3 persons, with 3 beds, at a rate of approximately $500 USD attached the. The payment was made upfront to secure the room.

On February 20th, we returned to the hotel in the morning to leave our luggage at reception until our suite was ready. We also booked a private driver through the hotel to visit the pyramids. However, when we returned at 2:12 PM, we were informed the room was still not ready. The receptionist assured us they would upgrade us to a different suite that was supposedly ready.

The Reality: An Unacceptable Room and Dining Experience

Upon entering the suite — which was claimed to be the hotel’s most expensive — we were shocked to find two extra beds in disgraceful condition. The sheets were dirty, torn, and even placed inside-out. Please see attached photos for reference.

Dinner at the hotel restaurant was equally disastrous. We waited over 40 minutes for a simple soup and three main courses. When we inquired, the staff repeatedly told us the food would arrive in “just 3 minutes” — but that was far from reality.

Additionally, we ordered a bottle of red wine, which was served at an unacceptably warm temperature (approximately 16-17 degrees Celsius), making it undrinkable. My sister and brother both ordered steaks, which were extremely tough, and the potatoes were equally disappointing. Again, photos are attached for your reference.

After-Dinner Complaint and Follow-Up

We immediately raised these concerns with the reception team after dinner. The following morning, during breakfast, a staff member approached our table to apologize. Later, we spoke directly with Galad, the Food & Beverage Manager, who offered compensation in the form of a complimentary massage for my brother and a free lunch.

With all due respect, this type of compensation does not undo the disaster we experienced during such an important celebration. A 40th birthday cannot be re-celebrated, and our memory of this special trip has been completely tainted by the negligence, poor service, and lack of quality control in your property.

This experience was not just disappointing — it was a complete failure to deliver the luxury and professionalism expected from a brand like Steigenberger.

I urge you to carefully review the attached photos, which clearly show the unacceptable condition of the room and the poor quality of the food served.

We expect a formal response from hotel management and a meaningful resolution to this regrettable situation. This is not a matter of minor inconvenience — it reflects a serious breakdown in standards at your hotel, and we are prepared to escalate this matter further if necessary.

I look forward to your prompt reply and to finding a fair and proper...

I had an extremely disappointing and distressing experience at Steigenberger Hotel, El Tahrir, Cairo, Egypt. Along with 10 of my friends, we had booked 7 rooms for two nights (April 18–20, 2025) as part of our Egypt trip. We arrived early, around 8 AM, and politely inquired about the possibility of an early check-in. We were informed that rooms wouldn’t be available until after 3 PM, which was completely understandable. The hotel assured us they would store our luggage in the meantime. What followed was utterly unacceptable. Rather than storing our luggage safely inside, the hotel chose to leave it out in the open, near the reception entrance, in the sweltering heat—over 90°F. When we raised serious concerns—particularly because some bags contained chocolates and temperature-sensitive medications—we were told there was “no space” inside to accommodate our luggage. After pressing the matter, we were told only “critical” luggage could be brought in. We spent over two frustrating hours arguing with hotel management, who showed a complete lack of accountability and customer care. Eventually, they claimed to be doing us a "favor" by offering one room to store all our bags. This was not a favor—it was the bare minimum any responsible hotel should provide to safeguard their guests' belongings. We had no need for a room at that time—we had agreed to check in later as instructed. What we expected, and what any guest should expect, was that our property would be stored safely and appropriately. Instead, we were subjected to poor management, indifference, and unnecessary stress on what was meant to be an enjoyable trip. If you're planning a stay in Cairo and value peace of mind, I strongly urge you to avoid this hotel. There are many other reputable options nearby that actually understand hospitality and basic...