We stayed here as a base in Cairo city whilst on a photo shoot. As this was the last available hotel in the city towards the end of a religious holiday we didn't have great expectations.

We were proved right! Whilst the reception looks fairly clean and tidy and the staff are, in the main, very helpful there were audible gasps from our rooms on seeing the state of the bathrooms. The rooms would have been fine if they were clean but unfortunately this was not the case. Many of our rooms also overlooked a very grotty centre courtyard with air vents from the kitchen, which sent suspect odours into our rooms. The wiring in the rooms was also pretty dodgy.

The only good thing about this hotel was the price, which was understandably low, and the view from the breakfast room/2nd floor bar but this was often obscured by the terrible smog that blankets the city all day.

This is good value for money in a great location for Cairo. Zamalek is peaceful for Cairo, not too far from what you want to see and definitely the best area to stay in. We ate in 4 different, but all good-excellent, restaurants within 10 minutes walk of this hotel. That said the breakfast at President was excellent - fresh and tasty. Our room was enormous and clean, if a bit dated. The staff were generally helpful when we needed them but don't bother getting taxis through them - it's half the price if you're prepared to walk 5-10 minutes. Would stay in the nearby Marriott (looks incredible) if we come again but President is ideal for those looking for a clean place to stay in a good location balancing peacefulness, proximity to the attractions and price.

We were a little shocked by the rooms at first as they weren't what we expected but once you get past the initial shock and realise that you're in Cairo and not Melbourne, we were happy with our stay. It's all about the experience.
Positives:
* Very Friendly Staff and Good Service
* Great Location
* Very Reasonably priced
* Clean (except the bathroom)
* ATM in lobby
Negatives
* Mouldy Bathroom (one out of two rooms we booked)
* The View from the room (although it made for some interesting conversations with others - refer photo)
* A bit worn out
* No family rooms

Well, hate to be arrogant and don't like giving bad reviews but..... as stated above a 3 star by Egyptian standards if far off from what were used to in US. In the US I think of a 3 star as a Holiday Express or something similiar, this is far different from Cairo standars. Even our Eyptian guide laughed and stated, "a 3 Star for an Egyptian is a place to sleep overnight"....

I have to say though the area around the hotel wasn't bad with some nice restaurants up the street. There was a Euro Style Deli and a upscale 5 star Restaurant which was very good. Can't remember the name. The hotel was also in the Zamalek area where embassies are. A nicer area of Cairo.

The Room: Terrible! what can I say. Areas on the wall with chipped paint, a stained carpet, warn linen with "old pillowcases" and no available electrical outlets, other than in the bathroom. It did however have a nice view of the Cairo Skyline with a porch. The bathroom was old and outdated with "cracked walls" and mouldy shower curtain but it did have hot water and the water pressure was ok.

The Staff: Friendly and willing to help. Always looking for the backsheesh, AKA tipping.

Entrance to hotel was ok. Outdated and smoky.


Surrounding area: nicer area of Cairo in the Zamalek area where all the embassies are. Would not want my wife however walking alone there at night.

Breakfast: was good and included in the price. Included cereal, boiled eggs, croussants, and tea/OJ. Not bad.

We stayed the night because we were leaving early the next day but would not stay here again. Would book at a 5 star next time in Cairo as this is what were used to. If you wanted to "rough it" and wanted to stay on a very fixed budget this place would be ok if for one night and as our tour guide stated " a place to sleep".

Happy travels in Cairo, great city!