We stayed at the Sofitel El Gezirah as part of a package tour, so I really have no idea what it cost. My guess, based on the decor and meals, is that it was quite steep.

My understanding is that the Sofitel recently re-opened after an extensive remodel and it shows. Everything in this hotel is gleaming, brand-new, and ultra-modern. Elevators are computerized and surprisingly swift. Room decor might best be described as "Ikea chic", or perhaps something like late 60's Danish Modern. The bathroom was all marble with new fixtures. No tub, but a two-nozzle shower including a ceiling "rain-shower" head. I believe all rooms have balconies although they are quite small and some are just big enough to stand on. Being circular and on an island all have views of the Nile and Cairo. Rooms also have a flat-screen TV with a multitude of satellite channels. The rooms were as large as they could be given that they are wedge-shaped. Our room, on the 11th floor, was completely quiet.

We had lunch in the downstairs buffet, which at $40 USD was pricey, but quite excellent with both regional and continental food. Our dinner was a catered event on a floating platform on the Nile just outside the hotel lobby, and was also excellent. We didn't use the swimming pool, but others we were with did. It isn't terribly large, but has a view of the Nile.

Staff were friendly and reasonably efficient, although we had a minor scuffle over our bags due to a failure to understand their security procedures. Like most Cairo hotels there is a metal detector to enter the hotel, but the Sofitel goes one further and x-rays all luggage.