If you check into the Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino, take a moment to look around. You’re not just entering a five-star hotel: you’re stepping into a 19th-century Royal Palace once built for a Suez Canal inauguration. A place where emperors dined, weddings lasted 40 days, and now, you’re sipping espresso on a garden terrace bordered by modern twin towers. Cairo doesn’t get more cinematic than this.
Built in 1869 by Khedive Ismail, the Al Gezira Palace was designed by German architect Julius Franz, with interiors by Carl von Diebitsch, who shipped in furnishings, drapes, and decor from Europe. While most of the palace’s estate is long gone, the original structure remains restored with ornate ceilings, sweeping staircases, and preserved lounges that whisper stories from another era.
The hotel now blends history with the buzz of modern Cairo. The two towers offer views of the Nile, the six acres of lush gardens, the prestigious Gezira Sporting Club, and the tree-lined district of Zamalek. You’re also minutes away from Cairo’s main attractions, but the hotel feels like a hidden retreat from the city’s chaos.
With 1,064 rooms, including multiple suites that redefine the word “spacious”, there’s a room for every kind of traveler.
The Cairo Marriott has 14 food and beverage outlets: from a perfect Wagyu steak at JW Steakhouse, to northern Italian indulgence at Ristorante Tuscany, or smoky kofta and fresh baladi bread at Egyptian Nights under the stars, there’s something for every craving, and every Instagram story.
Wellness hasn’t been overlooked either. The Saray Spa brings the Silk Road to Cairo, offering steam rooms, hammams, and massage rituals to unwind after a day at the pyramids (or the pool). The 24/7 gym and heated outdoor pool mean you can still be active while traveling.
It’s rare to find a hotel that feels like part of a city’s soul where history isn’t just remembered, it’s lived in.