It seems to be almost gilding the lily to write yet another glowing report on the Marriot "Palace" and Casino, but I feel duty bound to express my appreciation for a fabulous experience.
As a frequent traveler to Egypt, having been a quest at more than 25 hotels in every price range I do not usually rave over five star hotels, where five star service is expected. But the Marriot is something special.
I had used the Marriot in the mid 1980's, but switched to the Nile Hilton, simply because it was more convenient to the Antiquities Museum and downtown Cairo. But, in September/October, decided to return to the Marriot, as the Hilton was becoming a business man's hotel, and not as responsive as it had been to 'ordinary' tourists...even those of us who had been using it for years.
I could not have been more pleased....The Hotel, in celebrating it's 25th Anniversary, underwent a complete refurbishing and the results are stunning. Our rooms, on three different stays, were ALL splendid, with twin Queen-sized beds and enough pillows to drown in. Our views were always either FULL or partial Nile views. And the rooms meticulously maintained.
We were particulary impressed with the efficienciy of the Reception staff AND the beautifully trained, spic and span, friendly staff at Omar's Cafe, where we had our breakfast.. A super buffet that included eveything from Egyptian 'fuul' to omelettes made to order.
The grounds of the hotel are worthy of the Palace that was it's original beginning. The Promenade cafe the best place to people-watch in all of Egypt, and the Egyptian Nights outdoor Restaurant a perfect place to bring friends for dinner.
Whether having dinner at Roy's Tex/Mex, or the Tuscany Italian Restaurant, the food was always beautifully prepared and served. And the Bakery, off the main reception area was the perfect place to stop for coffee, pastry, and a sandwich.

The pool and health spa areas are fantastic and have the added advantage of being available to guests 24/7, with ALL amenities included. A distinct advantage over other 5 star hotels in Cairo where each amenity.....sauna, hot tub, steam room, gym are all charged separately.

We decided, after our third return, that the Marriot would be our home away from home on every succeeding visit to Cairo.

the hotel is very grand and well placed on the nile....nicely tucked away from too much of the hustle and bustle. However, I was extremely unhappy with the service. The staff were very busy and didn't take the time to listen to the question before giving some glib response. I booked through an agency on the web and details around the options I had booked were not forthcoming. I enquired several times to different people at the hotel who fobbed me off. When it came to paying the bill at 3am the hotel argued that I hadn't paid. The money had gone from my account the the company I had booked with had a clear number to be contacted on but the hotel seemed reluctant to call them but wanted to charge me which I refused to do. I also asked about a local restaurant - they enquired and took their time getting a response back but assured me it was open now and bookings were not required - when we arrived by taxi the site was a building site - no restaurant!!! I think unless you are extremely rich and, of course are male, the staff are not terribly courtious or helpful. Also the pool was swarming with midges and wasn't terribly nice to swim in.
The food wasn't brilliant for the price and again the service was very poor.
Sorry. I do normally love Marriott hotels but this was very poor.

I specifically booked this hotel for the location, and made reservations many months in advance. I advised the hotel that I would be arriving in the evening time. The hotel did appear busy on arrival and the check-in was cramped. We received a room key and went to the room. It was noisy, near a parking lot and the curtains didn't close. We went back to the front desk where another receptionist basically told us to go away and return to see if a room was available in an hour. (he was extremely rude (grey hair and glasses, wish I had the name.) I was kind of shocked and felt deflated, so basically went to the lobby bar. After about 15 min. I returned and another clerk provided the key to a room in the tower which was supposedly the room I had booked. After trudging ourselves to the tower room (as the hotel is enormous,) we discovered the room had not been cleaned - dirty towels, bed not made. I almost had a complete meltdown. Back to the front desk.

This is where I believe the hotel took appropriate action and was responsive in the correct manner. We explained the situation very calmly to the manager. They promised to get it rectified right away. We were advised we would get an upgrade, which at this point all we wanted was a decent room to fall asleep in. We were given a beautiful suite in one of the towers with access to the executive floor for breakfast and hors d'oeuvres. The room was a nice size with separate living and sleeping areas and two balconies. I liked that water and the fruit basket were replenished each day and the maid service was very good.

If you do decide to stay at this hotel, make sure you request the executive level, as the food and service was exceptional. This lounge was much better than many of the north american marriotts I have been to. The breakfast was much nicer than continental and the evening appetizers were almost like a meal. The rest of the four night stay went very well. The only other exception I will mention is the pharmacy which ripped us off on some antinal tablets. They are supposed to be a set amount in all pharmacies, but the man managed to charge 6 X the going rate. The only time I had a bad experience in both Egypt and Jordan over the 15 day trip. There are pharmacies and shops out the back of the hotel, including a drink shop. I recommend going there.

The grounds of the hotel are lovely. The pool was beautiful for swimming after a day of sightseeing. We arranged our own private tours through Debbie Senters and had a phenomenal guide and driver, Colin and Wael. I highly recommend this, you can check out her website. The staff at the hotel, aside from the mention above were very nice. I was surprised to see few people tipping for the service in the executive lounge. People in Egypt, including those working in the hotel make very little money.

The history of the hotel is interesting and some of the rooms in the palace section are really breathtaking. I have had good experiences in many Marriott hotels and for Egypt and the downtown area, this is likely one of the better hotels to stay in. It certainly compares with a north american standard hotel and I would consider staying here if and when I come back.

Overall I was pleased but there are some things to be aware of.

Service was poor (but I think this is a feature of Egypt rather than unique to this hotel) for such an exclusive hotel with a 1-hour wait for our bags to be delivered by the bell hop (despite the staff all having a badge saying "whatever the question the answer is YES").

Our room in the garden wing (ground floor) was comfortable (nice comfy beds, pillows and nice toiletries) but noisy with no great view so I recommend you request a tower room.

Food in the Italian (Tuscany) and Roys Kitchen was tasty but expensive for Egypt (as others have noted).

Navigating the many restaurants can be tricky as signage is not ideal.

If you arrive before 7am there is free tea & coffee.

Internet was 31 L.E. for 15 mins and the quality was poor (after 2 attempts on the PC I used the ?owners laptop instead to access BA site)