On the west bank of the Nile in Giza, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence rises 20 floors above the river on one side and the leafy zoological and botanical gardens on the other, with the Great Pyramid on the horizon and some of the largest hotel rooms in the city behind its floor-to-ceiling windows.
The address is one of the most prestigious in Giza: the First Residence complex on Giza Street, directly opposite the city's zoological and botanical gardens, with the high-end boutiques of the First Mall in the same building. Open since May 2000 and still, in our view, the benchmark for polished service on this side of the river, the hotel pairs classic European styling with a distinctly Egyptian outlook. East-facing rooms frame the Nile; west-facing rooms look across a canopy of green towards the Pyramids in the distance on a clear day.
Life here revolves around three things. There is the fourth floor terrace, where a heated pool sits among cabanas with Lebanese cooking at Aura and burgers at Char Bar a few steps away. There is the spa, an Asian-inspired retreat with a Turkish hammam and a couples suite looking over the river. And there is the First Nile Boat, the hotel's own culinary boat moored just across the corniche, where five venues run from pan-Asian at Nairu to Brazilian churrascaria at XODÓ.
This is the quieter, greener of Cairo's grand hotel addresses. You trade the walk-everywhere buzz of downtown for space, garden views and a genuine head start on the Giza plateau, and with ten places to eat and drink on site you will never feel short of an evening. Our customers tell us the service is the thing they remember. For a first visit to Cairo built around the Pyramids, we think it is very hard to better.
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With 212 rooms and 50 suites spread over 20 floors, the accommodation at Four Seasons First Residence Cairo is among the most spacious in the city, starting at around 42 m² and climbing to a 520 m² Royal Suite. Every room has floor-to-ceiling windows, a proper marble bathroom with separate bathtub and walk-in shower, and a view of either the Nile or the gardens, with the Pyramids in the distance from many of the garden-facing floors. Styling is classic rather than trendy: soft tones, polished wood and original Egyptian art.
The entry category, and already bigger than many hotels' suites. Superior Rooms sit on the higher floors, with a king or twin beds, a seating corner by the window and outlooks over the Nile or the gardens. A comfortable choice for a two or three night sightseeing stay.
A clear step up in floor space, with a proper lounge area, a work desk and the same choice of king or twin bedding. Tranquil, elegantly finished rooms that work well for longer stays, with Nile or garden and distant Pyramid outlooks depending on position.
The largest of the standard rooms and the one we recommend most often. The extra space goes into a generous sitting area against those floor-to-ceiling windows; ask for a Nile-side room and breakfast comes with a river panorama.
The most affordable way into suite living, with a defined seating area and views over the Nile or the pool terrace. A good shout for special occasions or anyone who likes room to spread out.
Proper one bedroom suites of around 100 m² overlooking the pool or the gardens, with separate living rooms that make them favourites for families and extended stays. Cots and extra beds can be arranged on request.
High-floor suites of around 108 m² with dining space as well as a lounge, and sweeping outlooks that can take in the Nile, the gardens and the Pyramids. These are the suites we suggest when the view matters as much as the space.
At the top of the tower sit some of the largest suites in Cairo: the Ambassador at around 278 m², the Presidential at around 252 m² and the Royal at around 520 m², each with multiple bedrooms and panoramic views across the river, the gardens and out to Giza. Ideal for multi-generation family trips; talk to us and we will put the right configuration together.
We sell Four Seasons First Residence Cairo on a bed and breakfast basis, and breakfast is a highlight rather than a formality. It is served as a generous buffet in the Tea Lounge on the third floor, beneath a striking circular stained-glass window, mixing Egyptian delicacies with egg specialities and international favourites, often to live piano. Prefer a French start to the day? La Gourmandise, the hotel's patisserie and deli, serves breakfast until midday. Lunch and dinner are à la carte and payable locally, and with around ten venues between the hotel and its boat, you could eat differently every night of the week without calling a taxi.
The third floor heart of the hotel, home to the daily breakfast spread and a calm, piano-scored spot for tea and coffee later in the day.
Modern Shami cooking on the fourth floor beside the pool, with stylish high tables and Nile views. Our pick for a long, mezze-led lunch.
Gourmet burgers and cold beers by the pool terrace, with a pool table and foosball for after. The most relaxed room in the hotel.
Pastries, cakes and light meals from morning until evening; call in for a coffee and something sweet between sightseeing runs.
The hotel's signature bar, pouring world-class wines and locally inspired cocktails. A polished first stop before dinner.
Moored on the river directly opposite the hotel, the First Nile Boat is Four Seasons' own floating dining destination, and one of the most fashionable tables in Cairo. Five distinct venues share its decks, all with water views.
All-day dining on the upper deck with sweeping views over the Nile and the city skyline.
Cantonese, Indian, Thai and Japanese kitchens under one roof, plus the low-lit Nairu Lounge. Book a window table at dusk.
Prime cuts carved tableside from the skewer, Rio style. Arrive hungry.
Oven-baked pizzas, Italian classics and cocktails in the open air at water level.
A playful projection-mapped dinner show where a tiny animated chef cooks on your table between courses. Tables are limited, so reserve ahead.
Classic Holidays when selling travel arrangements is a trading name of Co-op Travel Services Ltd. Classic Holidays is an Accredited Body Member of Co-operative Travel Consortium. (ABTA P7508, ATOL 12904).
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All of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme but ATOL protection does not apply to non-flight holiday and travel services offered on this website. Classic Holidays will provide you with information on the protection that applies in the case of each holiday and travel service offered before you make your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk
