Dahab Hotel

Dahab hostel was one of the cheapest hostels we found in downtown Cairo. The rooms are BASIC, shared bath/restrooms are clean, make sure you ask for a room with a fan in the summer (not all of them are equiped). There's free wi-fi. The web site boasts a communal kitchen, this is NOT true. There is a kitchen but the hostel uses it to run a cafe. There is a very nice out door common area, and it is a great spot to meet other travelers.
Overall, one of my favorite hostels.
A few warnings:
-There are two other hostels in the building, they are all more expensive and often times the other owners will try to ambush new arrivals downstairs, don't believe them if they tell you Dahab is full (it may be, but always check yourself).
-If you are a girl, don't be overly friendly with ANY of the men in the building.
-Watch your possesions CLOSELY.

I think i can recommend Dahab Hotel. It´s on a rooftop an assortment of rooms and dorm with a qute nice atmosphere, with a communal terrase.

Directions: near Midan Talaat Harb.

No air con, very basic accomodation. It is cheap, maybe £2 per night or £3 with private bathroom. Not the cleanest hostel, but what do you expect for the price?

Maybe worth paying a little more for a better hotel, this is very basic. Friendly and helpful staff, nice metting area, decent breakfasts.

An elevator takes you to the rooftop location. A local will try and ask for money to press the button for you. I found the smallest coins were still gratefully received.

Seems to be a lot of long term stays here (people who are working in Cairo). While it was friendly, I got the feeling that many of the guests already knew each other.

There seems to be a regular evening gathering in the courtyard (on the roof too).

They have laundry service, and pretty much next door is an Internet cafe.

Unique Quality: Good location, central to most of what Cairo has to offer icluding Bus and Train station within walking distance. Be aware, if using hostelworld etc, do not rely on the fact you made a reservation. if they are full when you arrive, its tough, your reservation counts for nothing.

When I arrived, my first room was a tiny 1 bed affair with no air con. The next day I managed to upgrade to a bigger room, but still no air con. Was slightly less noisey as it was on the side, not the front (main road).

After my trip to Southern Egypt, I came back to this hotel. It was 'full'. After a long arguement, they found me a 3 bed room with large cooling fan. They wanted me to pay more, despite having already made a reservation. In the end, I paid £5 for the room as I was exhausted.