Egypt Accommodation Tips

Deciding where you will stay and finding the right place for your needs is essential for any good holiday, so here are a few tips on accommodation and things you will want to be aware of before you go and when you get there.

Choosing a hotel in Cairo

The most convenient places to stay are by the Nile in central Cairo, which is close to the Egyptian Museum, the Khan al-Khalili market and Islamic Cairo. However, there are now an increasing number of five-star hotels located in the neighborhood of the Pyramids which one might consider, however this will mean that all the other sites of Cairo are quite a taxi ride away.

Choosing hotels in Luxor and Aswan

Both Luxor and Aswan are small enough that, in terms of location, it doesn’t really matter where you stay. All of the best accommodation clusters around the Nile and you should make sure that your room has river views. An interesting alternative in Luxor is to stay on the relatively undeveloped West Bank, where facilities tend to be more basic but this is compensated for by the timeless rural setting.

Historic Hotels

You can book yourself into a piece of history at a number of historic hotels mostly built in the late 19th century when Egypt was enjoying its first tourist boom.  Most of these properties are now managed by international hotel chains and offer all the facilities expected of a five-star establishment, but with added historical charm.

Seasonal Price Variations and Offers

Prices are highest around Christmas, New Year and Easter, and also during the Islamic festivals of Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr, which fall at the end of Ramadan.  However between June and August, which are considered out of season months, it is often possible to find some excellent deals – but be prepared for the heat! Rates are usually quoted in US dollars, although if paying by cash you do so in Egyptian pounds.

Hidden Extras

Hotel rooms are subject to about an extra 20% in taxes. In two- or three-star hotels you may be charged extra for air-conditioning, fridges and TV.  So be sure to double check that the rate quoted is all-inclusive when making your booking.

Making Reservations

Most Egyptian hotels and even hostels have internet booking, but be sure to always follow up with an email and print out the confirmation.  Egyptian hoteliers are famously slipshod when it comes to bookings and it is not unheard of for guests to turn up and find their reservation has not been recorded – look out for number one!

Finding Something on the Spot

In out of season months it is sometimes possible but generally it isn’t recommended. All the best places get booked up in advance and at peak times (Christmas, New Year, Easter and the Islamic festivals); if you leave it too late you’ll find even the worst of places can be fully booked.

Tipping or “Backsheesh!”

Backsheesh, which is basically tipping and something you should have some idea about before you go to Egypt.  Service workers are badly paid in Egypt and tipping the staff is never amiss. The simplest way is to leave something in your room or as is generally customary, leave an envelope for them in reception which they can share out later on between themselves.  A reasonable tip is between 3-5 Egyptian pounds.  But beware not to tip everyone that asks!

Hotel Touts

Tourists arriving at the railway station in Luxor or Aswan are swamped by touts offering cheap rooms. Most are hustling for commissions.  The hotel they recommend is simply the one that charges the highest commission – and most often it’s the seediest hotels that need the help of the touts to fill their rooms. The tout’s commission will be added to your bill – so make sure you don’t pay twice if you choose to take one of these cheap rooms.

Hotel Re-routing

In Cairo some taxi drivers ferrying tourists from the airport top up their earnings by touting for hotels. They may tell you that the hotel for which you’re heading is now closed and they can recommend somewhere better. This is most probably not true and the recommended hotel is paying drivers for any guests they can steer its way!