Venice Hosokawaya

For the whole Egyptian experience

No air-con but has fans; 4 floors up but no lift. Paid internet access (broadband if you're lucky and the computer's in a good mood). Complimentary Egyptian breakfast upon request. Has a kitchen for those who want to cook a bit. Booking beforehand online can get a cheap single for USD2 a night-- though be prepared for what this entails.

Toilets and shower cubicles merge as one, but at least there's hot water readily available, something that many budget hostels in the rest of the country can't lay claim to. Also the cleanest toilets of the 3 hostels in the same building, never mind that you need to provide your own toilet paper (something typical for budget and even 3 star hotels in this country).

Unique Quality: Best attribute has to be the very loungeable balcony that gets something you can't get down on the street level in Cairo-- a good breeze! Though hot in the afternoon, you will find this a great place to meet other travellers during other times of the day or just to enjoy a quiet read by yourself. I recall many a late night conversation with my Russian, Iraqi, Japanese and Nigerian friends here. People from all over, with completely different backgrounds, all here on one balcony.

I would even say that the balcony alone is enough reason to bear with all the other flaws of this hotel.

Stay long enough and befriend the staff and you will get to join in their falafel lunches as Arabic music plays in the background. It doesn't get much more Egyptian than this.

WARNING: Has a mosque directly below on the ground floor-- prayer speakers fixed right outside this hotels. NOT recommended for light sleepers who can't sleep once being rudely awoken by 4am prayer calls. Remember that Muslims pray 5 times a day.

Also has a fruit/vegetable market directly downstairs-- great stuff there at bargain prices!