Most of you probably first heard about Egypt at school, when you learnt about the pyramids, their Gods, their temples and even mummification methods. There’s no doubt that this country has long been considered one of the most important and interesting civilisations in history.
Cairo, Egypt’s mesmerising capital, is the home of The Great Pyramids of Giza and The Sphinx, the only remaining survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
So when in Egypt, you WILL have to visit this vibrant city for at least 3 to 4 days.
Now the million-dollar question is, where to stay?
If you want to indulge and have a truly unforgettable time the answer is easy: FOUR SEASONS.
The second question is now, which Four Seasons should I choose, Nile Plaza or First Residence?
The answer is even easier, why not split your time between the two Four Seasons?
The Nile Plaza has the edge in terms of location and the spa is superior, the First Residence has a more boutique lobby and marginally better rooms. Both have great pools and are stunning hotels.
But if you’re still unsure, we will tell you soon about our fabulous experience with them.
FOUR SEASONS NILE PLAZA:
Location: 1089 CORNICHE EL NIL, 11519 GARDEN CITY, CAIRO, EGYPT
This property offers panoramic views of the city and the pyramids, (on a clear day). The hotel rests quietly but powerfully along the banks of the Nile, with a precious view of both the river and the Citadel. At a height of thirty stories, the rooms overlook the shoulders of the city and catch an eyeful of the culture and vivaciousness of Cairo.
Nile View Room
We had the privilege of staying in this stunning room on the 18th with uninterrupted views of the Nile and Island of Zamalek, best enjoyed from your room’s private outdoor terrace.
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Amenities:
Eight on-site restaurants and lounges (amongst our favorites: Bella, Italian cuisine, 8, Chinese cuisine and Zitouni, offering Egyptian food and also where you take breakfast at the hotel with an impressive spread.
Indoor adult pool
Shisha corner whirlpool
Steam room and sauna
Outdoor pools
24-hour gym/fitness center
Services:
Multilingual concierge
Transport and tour booking services
Twice-daily housekeeping
L’Occitane Toiletries
*and if what you need is not included in the list, they can arrange virtually anything you ask for
FOUR SEASONS FIRST RESIDENCE:
Location: 35 GIZA STREET, P.O. BOX 663, 12311
Located on the Giza side of Cairo, with views over the Nile, the Botanical Gardens and out to the Giza Pyramids, the Four Seasons at the First Residence is a grand, elegant and luxurious hotel. The hotel has direct access to sophisticated boutiques and galleries, yet the ancient history and culture of the city are just minutes away. The rooms and suites are amongst the largest in the city and are designed with elegance and relaxation in mind, while the largest spa and wellness centre in the city is the perfect place to unwind after a hard day's sightseeing.
Accomodation:
We stayed in the Diplomatic Suite on the 8th floor which has the following:
King bed in the main bedroom,
Queen sofa bed in the lounge
Full marble bathrooms, plus guest powder room
Views:
The Nile, pyramids and the botanical gardens
Large Private terrace
Click here to see all accommodation
DINNING:
Aura
Tea Lounge
La Gourmandise
In-Room Dinning
The First Bar
Amenities:
Outdoor pool, located on the fourth floor, offers views of the city skyline
Spa and wellness center
Children’s pool
Whirlpool
Sauna
Services:
Multilingual concierge
Transport and tour booking services
Twice-daily housekeeping
L’Occitane Toiletries
For us, what set the Four Seasons apart from other places that we’ve stayed in was the intangibles – yes the hotel has amazing facilities, but it’s their incredible attention to detail that made the stay an unforgettable experience.
It’s the little things such as the lovely aromas as soon as you enter the lobby, the smiles everywhere you go, the directions, the suggestions, the incredible feeling when getting back to the room at night and finding the curtains drown for you, the slippers just under your bedside table, the TV set on the right angle to enjoy a movie. These touches truly impressed us!
We would like to thank both Nile Plaza and First Residence families for a wonderful stay, and we would like to leave you with a great quote by the Four Seasons Founder and Chairman Isadore Sharp:
“The reason for our success is no secret. It's the Golden Rule – the simple idea that we should treat others the way we would want to be treated.”
If you have enjoyed this blog or have any questions, don't be shy, leave us a comment and we'll get back to you as soon as possible! For travel info, questions or collaboration enquiries drop us a line on youmentheseatravel@gmail.com and don't forget to follow us on Instagram @youmeandthesaltysea .
