This was the second time of staying here awith groups of 10+ people and was again pleased with the overall service. Having read reports on here I would agree that in some respects this hotel is 'tired' - however, what do people expect from one of the oldest hotels in the city? I much prefer this style to the soul-less modern hotel which are the same the world over.

The bell boys, reception staff and bar staff are friendly and helpful, breakfast choice excellent with numerous choices and plenty of fresh fruit. The only slight complaint being sometimes the service of tea/coffee was slow, but then again the restaurant was full. Evening meals are good but I prefer to eat out in the city to get more of the 'local feel'.

Rooms are of good size, I have now stayed in 4 (2 on each trip as I spent time elsewhere in bewtween) and agree that Nile view rooms do have road noise whereas those at the back are quiet but have no view. Personally I prefer a view and dont have a problem sleeping. Rooms vary in size and layout, I have had rooms with large seating area, another with a kitchen, whereas the last one was what i would call standard. All however have big beds, large bathrooms, good facilities and overall very clean.

This is a hotel with character and very convenient for walking into the city, the museum and along the nile. I would say it is a good 3 star by european standards but not far off 4 star.

Would I stay again - yes. Next time taking a large group of international business guests with me (60 people) for a conference

I wasn't sure what to expect after reading the variety of reviews on this hotel, but found it better than expected. The main floor was quite nice -- obviously not new but it had a certain elegance. The breakfast buffet is served in a large room overlooking the Nile and offerings are exceptional. This room becomes a dinner buffet at night, which I had opportunity to try but would recommend other venues instead -- not bad, just not memorable at all. Room service was prompt as well.

Because I stayed here two nights at the start of my tour and two nights at the end, I had two different rooms. The first was facing the back and very quiet. The second (320) was right above the main entrance and the traffic sounded as though it was right in the room with you. Good thing I was exhausted and had no problems sleeping in the comfortable bed. This room also had a small balcony with 2 chairs and a table, whereas the first room did not.

Decor in the rooms was understated but nice, it had a bit of a Moorish feel with arched doorways and light fixtures. The bathroom was large and, while not new, was obviously updated fairly recently. Ample closet space and a minibar rounded out the room.

Proximity to the Museum was nice, but traffic makes walking anywhere a bit of a nightmare. If being close to the museum is a major point, I'd suggest the Nile Hilton instead, as it literally is next door and also has some nice shops and several banks in the lobby.

All in all, the stay was better than I was expecting, service was friendly, and you could certainly do a lot worse than give the Shepheard a try, particularly at a good price point.

We enjoyed the Shepheard Hotel especially because our room was quiet and we were able to sleep (having had two restless nights elsewhere due to traffice noise).

The hotel is far from new but has been refurbished. The reception and downstairs areas, including a cafe serving delicious cakes and quality tea and coffee, are pleasant and comfortable.

Our room was clean, large and roomy with two double beds. Best of all, it was quiet. While there was no view, we were content to be able to sleep at night. Large bathroom with wide-width shower, bidet and soft fluffy towels.

We ate in one of the hotel's restaurants in the evenings and were satisfied with both the meal, service abd singer who performed during the evening.

The hotel is close to the Egyptian Museum and other attractions. We felt safe walking in the nearby streets though did not venture far.

Only complaint was check in and check out which was very very slow. Apparently only one person is allowed to process check in or check out. We were greeted pleasantly enough by another staff member but then it took a long time standing in line waiting for the one person processing check in/check out to deal with everyone. All the time, four other people stood about behind the registration desk doing nothing. When approached, they pointed to the one man who was apparently responsible. It caused a lot of frustration particularly at check out time when people had various tours to catch.

Shepheards Hotel, Cairo, Egypt
Reviewer, Trip Advisor , Suffolk, England.
21 February 2008
Previous reports of this hotel were not brilliant but my travel agent had booked us in so we had no choice. The first impression was favourable, tall large marble floored atrium includes reception, large breakfast/dining room, cafe serving gorgeous cakes and proper tea and coffee. Breakfast is outstanding, loads of fresh fruit, toast-making facility, omelette bar, cereals and all the usual hot buffet stuff. Staff are all smart and very efficient.
Room 430 was clean, big and roomy with two big double beds (both with that horrible roll in to the middle), super bathroom with full wall-width shower, bidet, good towels and lots of smelly toiletries. CNN TV, English speaking movie channels with continuous old films. Our room looked out on to empty offices but you could pay a little extra and get a full view of the Nile. Lifts are fast and plentiful.
Downstairs there is another restaurant, the 'Asian' serving Chinese and Indian, which is better than the big one.
The location is perfect for the Egyptian Museum, downtown Cairo and faluca rides on the Nile.
It is 20 steps across the road to the Intercontinental Hotel which offers more elegant surroundings and has a restaurant on the 3rd Floor which has a non-smoking room and overlooks the Nile, roughly about the same prices as Shepheards but much classier.
Shepheards was a pleasant surprise and not at all 'tired' as one trip advisor described it.