With 17 million people expected to visit Egypt in 2025, one may wonder where are the best places to stay in Cairo in 2025? Take it from the locals, staying close to the pyramids is not always the best bet. This is why in this guide we lay out our favorite places to stay in Cairo and why!
Be sure to read through our Complete Guide to Visiting Cairo to help you navigate the best attractions, top restaurants and tips for exploring the best the city has to offer! If you’re traveling through Egypt, take some time to read about our favorite destinations like the Nubian Village in Aswan or day trip tips for Alexandria.
Explore Downtown
Cairo’s historic downtown is a bustling space with thousands of local shops and restaurants. It’s the defintion of Cairo’s chaos and frankly not for everyone. Downtown is however very central and could be a great resting point between all that Cairo has to offer. Don’t be fooled by super affordable stays, those often mean a compromise in quality. If you want luxury or modern comforts, you may prefer areas like Zamalek, Maadi or Sheikh Zayed (close to the GEM and Pyramids).
The Nile Ritz-Carlton
If your idea of travel includes comfort, luxury and sipping cocktails by the pool while watching the sun set over the Nile, then the Ritz is your dream base. This is not just a hotel —it’s part of Cairo’s story. Heads of state, Hollywood stars, and world travelers have passed through its elegant halls since the 1950s, and of course that comes with a price tag.
Mazeej Hotel
Tucked away in the beating heart of Downtown, Mazeej is a boutique experience that blends Egyptian soul with modern aesthetics. Every detail, from the curated local art on the walls to the cozy breakfast spread, makes you feel like you’ve found a hidden gem. It’s also walking distance from Tahrir Square and the Historic Cairo Museum.
Hathor House
Named after the Egyptian Goddess of love and joy this budget hotel is also a great choice for downtown. It feels more like a stylish urban loft than a typical hotel, making it a favorite among creatives and design-conscious travelers.
Near the Pyramids
Frankly the most controversial decision of all is whether or not to stay near the Pyramids and here’s the honest truth. It’s easy to fall for the beautiful airbnb rooms with the jacuzzi and the Pyramids as a backdrop, however they are typically nestled in the surrounding slums of the Pyramids and are not safe for foreigners. If you’re still set on being nearby and want to be close the Grand Egyptian Museum as well, we’ve put together a curated list of safe and reliable places to stay.
Mena House
Argualy the most famous hotel in all of Egypt, recongizable for it’s surreal landscape and backdrop of the Pyramids, lavish rooms and excellent restaurants.
La Boutique Hotel
If you’re looking for more afforable stays near the Pyramids, La Boutique is just that. While it’s very close to the main road and could be noisey, the ambience and boho-chic decor makes up for it.
Hyatt Regency Cairo West
Opened recently in the up-and-coming Pyramids Heights Business Park area, this modern luxury hotel is designed for travelers who want to be near the action—but above the chaos. It’s elegant without being stuffy, and every design choice—from earthy textures to desert tones—feels intentional.
Zamalek
Zamalek used to be the center of the elites and the expats in Cairo, with only the best restaurants and stunning nile views all around the island. Today, while it remains a favorite for locals, it has gotten considerably busy and loud. We still think it’s a great place to settle while you’re exploring Cairo because of how accessible the rest of the city is from here.
Sofitel Nile
A nice melange of French elegance and Egyptian hospitality and one of the best views of the Nile River. The sofitel is a wonderful hotel with unbeatable luxury. Just a few steps away from the Cairo tower, felucca rides and the across the river from downtown.
Longchamps Boutique Hotel
A family-run hotel beloved for its warm atmosphere and peaceful location in one of Cairo’s most charming neighborhoods. Tucked away on a quiet street, it offers clean, sleek, and tastefully decorated rooms.
The Crimson Sun Charm
If we didn’t live in Cairo already, we’d want to live here! This small boutique two-bedroom apartment is the perfect cozy getaway in Zamalek.
Maadi
Unlike Zamalek, Maadi is still revered as one of Cairo’s best neighborhoods to live and stay – for both locals and foreigners. Filled with lush greenery, speciality restaurants, parks and more, here are the top choices for where to stay in Maadi.
The Holiday Inn
Overlooking the Nile, the Holiday Inn is a winner in terms of convenience, a blend of comfort, and scenic views. A favored choice for both leisure and business travelers!
Villa Atouta Boutique
Run by Lemon Spaces, a boutique residence agency, Villa Atouta is a serene gem. The company is no stranger to beautiful accomodations, in fact they run similar boutiques in downtown and near the Abdeen palace.
New Cairo (near the airport)
You may feel an inclination to book a hotel near the airport – let’s just say this: there is nothing to do around the airport except for shopping. None of the museums or the attractions are going to be nearby. Regardless, if you need to hop on an early flight or are in town for business, New Cairo might make the most sense.
Dusit Thani LakeView
An all-in-one luxury experience in the Fifth Settlement area or what locals call New Cairo. The Dusit is a 5-star hotel with all the amenities you can imagine, a spa, amazing restaurants and plenty of pools. It’s also incredibly close Cairo Festival City one of the largest shopping malls in Egypt.
The Maran Residence
A cozy boutique residence away from the hustle and bustle of downtown and other busy neighborhoods. This stands out for its comfortable accommodations, strategic location, and attentive service – and of course being close to the airport.
