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Accommodation
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Introduction
At the turn of the century, when Egypt became attractive to rich travelers, savvy foreigners began building accommodations to suit the wealthy. Several of these plush hotels, such as the Sofitel Winter Palace in Luxor and the Sofitel Old Cataract in Aswan, still cater to guests. New construction has added many modern and expensive chain hotels. Good alternatives are the smaller, private hotels that offer nearly the same services as the chains. Their staff members get to know you and extend themselves to make you comfortable. A few pensions are better than their ratings suggest, and visitors with small budgets can use hostels or campgrounds.
The quantity and quality of hotels vary directly with the area's fame and tourist count. In Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, and Hurghada, modern high-rises dominate the landscape. Most offerings in Middle Egypt are humble; running hot water and flushing toilets are luxuries.
Hotel Classes and Standards
The Egyptian government uses a rating system for hotels: five-star (deluxe), four-star (first class), three-star (standard), two-star (tourist), and one-star (pension). Ratings dictate prices, which are quoted in U.S. currency for 3–5-star hotels, and in pounds for others. In hotels rated three-star and above, those paying with Egyptian pounds must present a currency exchange receipt. Otherwise, they must use internationally accepted currency, traveler's checks, or credit cards.
Many hotels include a compulsory breakfast charge, a charge often not included in posted room rates. Some hotels require half-board—breakfast and either lunch or dinner. You'll be billed for the meal whether you eat it or not. Local taxes can raise basic room rates by 14 to 24 percent, so ask if meals and taxes are included in quoted room prices. During peak season (winter in Cairo and Upper Egypt, summer in Alexandria) reserve in advance and take your confirmation with you when you check in.
Choosing Accommodations
Accurately assess your lifestyle. People visiting developing countries tend to select accommodations that fall below their expectations and standards. If you make a mistake, admit it and move up a class in hotels. Do not judge all facilities by inexpensive ones you may have chosen; in Egypt you get what you pay for. Rooms vary within hotels, especially older ones, so always look at your assigned room before you accept it. If you're not satisfied with the first offering, ask to see another; you won't insult the manager. Many smaller hotels do not have private baths, but the shared baths are often close to your room.
Hostels
Accommodations offered by youth hostels throughout Egypt vary in quality, but all are cheap—a few pounds per day. Usually you needn't make reservations, but arrive early to get a bed. Although Egyptian hostels are supposed to require a Hostelling International card, individual hostels don't always enforce the rule. All hostels have kitchen facilities, and most have curfews. If you stay in a hostel, watch your valuables. Take your passport and money to bed with you. For more information, contact the Egyptian Youth Hostels Association, 1 El-Ibrahimy Street, Garden City, Cairo, Tel. +20 (2) 356-1448, fax +20 (2) 355-0329.
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