Set on Gezira Island in Zamalek, the Cairo Marriott occupies the former Gezirah Palace, built in 1869 for the Suez Canal inauguration celebrations. The palace’s historic rooms sit among gardens, with the hotel’s towers overlooking the Nile. You can stay in spacious rooms, dine at restaurants serving Egyptian and international food, or visit the Egyptian Oriental Lounge for drinks and live music. The setting and extensive grounds make the hotel a destination in their own right, though its size can make finding your way around less straightforward.
From palace to hotel
The central building began as Gezirah Palace, commissioned by Khedive Ismail in 1869 to host guests for the Suez Canal inauguration. Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, was among the later guests associated with the palace. The building was converted into a luxury hotel in 1894, while the Cairo Marriott opened in 1983.
The old palace remains at the heart of the property. Its historic rooms now include restaurants, and the hotel grounds extend across gardens on Gezira Island. The newer towers house most of the guest rooms.
The palace and its grounds
The palace’s marble, gold details and textiles give its interiors a different character from the modern guest towers. In the older wing, a visitor can see rooms connected with the royal household, including spaces where the king played billiards and relaxed. The hotel’s gardens provide a quieter route through the large complex, while the main building also contains the pool and entertainment areas.
The hotel sits in Zamalek, a district on Gezira Island in the Nile. Some rooms look towards the river or palace gardens. The property’s scale is useful if you want restaurants and leisure facilities on site, but it can take time to learn your way around; staff are available to help with directions.
Dining and an evening visit
The hotel has a range of dining venues, with Egyptian and Middle Eastern food alongside Italian, Japanese and other international options. Egyptian Nights pairs Egyptian cuisine with live music. The Egyptian Oriental Lounge is another place to spend an evening over drinks, with air conditioning and decorated interiors; live singing has accompanied visits there.
Breakfast is served as a large spread with a wide choice of food. If you are staying at the hotel, it can be an easy way to start the day before exploring Cairo. For a shorter visit, the palace restaurants and lounge let you experience the historic setting without booking a room.
FAQ
What was the Cairo Marriott before it became a hotel?
The central building was Gezirah Palace, built in 1869 for guests attending the Suez Canal inauguration celebrations. It became a luxury hotel in 1894.
Where is the Cairo Marriott Hotel?
It is on Gezira Island in Zamalek, Cairo, at 16 Saray El Gezira Street.
Does the hotel have restaurants?
Yes. Its dining venues serve Egyptian, Middle Eastern and international cuisines, including Italian and Japanese food.
What is the Egyptian Nights experience?
It combines Egyptian cuisine with live music.
