Our first glimpse of the prominent Grand Nile Tower Hotel takes place at sunset from a boat cruising down the Nile. As the Cairo wind and waves dance in chorus, propelling the boat, we marvel at the tall white building with a circular top that catches our attention amongst all the surrounding clutter.
Words by Sandy Aziz.
It is the evening of January 25th, the anniversary of Egypt’s revolution, when we arrive at the Grand Nile Tower. A lavish fountain containing two large, parallel floral arrangements in the grand lobby greets us. The posterior is floor-to-ceiling windows that exhibit views of the Nile River. Large black marble columns appear at every corner, and the rest of the lobby is coloured by burnt brick, beige and gold accents. A retro orange and sand-speckled carpet evokes a sense of nostalgia and the air is full of familiarity as if the warmth of Cairo had followed us in.
Designed by the famous American architect, William B. Tabler, the hotel boasts more than 40 floors, over 700 rooms and suites, along with a wellness spa, a galleria and entertainment centre, and even a private boat with dining on the Nile.
Given the scale of the property, there is much to relish. We start every day by experiencing the entire breathtaking city before we have even had breakfast. But how is that possible, you ask? All it takes is a simple step outside onto our private 35th floor balconies. We agree (almost every day, actually) that it is only from this unparalleled view that one can truly begin to understand Cairo’s beautiful, multifaceted layers.
Our favourite meeting spot quickly becomes the lounge on the 30th floor with its colossal cascading chandeliers, gold ceilings, white marble columns and Arabic-inspired rugs. After our days begin with a view of the city, we visit the lounge to feast on an impressive array of Egyptian breakfast offerings including “feteer” (layers of flaky pastry dough) with molasses and tahini. We top this up with multiple cups of mango, guava, strawberry and orange juice from the freshest juice bar.
It isn’t just the lounge’s breakfast that is notable because the hotel has another seven restaurants, with the 41st floor featuring the hotel’s famed “Revolving Restaurant.” As its name suggests, in an hour and 45 minutes, the restaurant actually rotates 360 degrees, giving yet another indescribable panoramic view of the Nile River, the Pyramids and the ancient cosmopolitan city of Cairo. It is the definition of elevated luxury, both figuratively and literally.
Aside from all its grand features, there is a multitude to be said about the staff, who don’t give off your typical big hotel vibes. Not only were they warm and welcoming, but they were extremely knowledgeable about the city and eager to help add a little Egyptian hospitality at every opportunity.
One thing is certain, grand certainly belongs in the name of this hotel. Thankfully, even with its grand gestures, the hotel still maintains its nostalgic charm in all the ways you would want when visiting the majestic Cairo.
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