Windsor Hotel

Wonderful Hotel Windsor

by TripAdvisor Member mowermutt

My first trip to Egypt 12 years ago I went with a tour group and for future reference NEVER bother with that nonesense! Meeting others at their hotels, the big name ones all had the same thing in common. If you were to put the Hilton, Omni and others in the U.S., Motel 6 would get better reviews. They were over-priced, not friendly staff, horrible food, etc.

On the second trip, sans, travel groupI find Hotel Windsor, call them to make reservations. They picked me up at the airport, helped through customs, gave me a side trip drive and took my bags to my room.

This is a wonderful old hotel from that was a British gentlemen's club back in it's day. It is also NOT a hotel for someone who expects a 5 star stay in N.Y. It is a very clean, quiet place, no hoopla and I had to ask them to turn on the hotwater for a long soak in the bathtub. They will go out of your way to make your stay as wonderful as possible, but they do not hover and annoy the life out of you asking non-stop, can we help you. They will assist in setting up any tours you want to take, take you any place you want to go and the food was really excellent.

Don't forget when you are in Cairo to blow off the taxi's and scarey bus. Take the subway, it will not only save you time and money but a great deal of hassle. Beats all the way around, in all my many trips, any high priced hotel in the city.

It grows on you.

by TripAdvisor Member mmaann

I knew the Windsor Hotel from my visit seven yearsago. When I decided to come back to Egypt for a shortbreak, I booked the Windsor again. Not because I particularly liked it, but more out of convenience.

I now have to admit that this second experience was most pleasant. The hotel is still a little shabby of course, but the charm and reading room/bar more than make up for the rundownness. In fact, compared with the other hotels I've expereinced in Egypt, it is quite well looked after! Also, the shabbiness of the hotel suits Cairo quite
well.

The water is hot (if you let the shower run for 5 minutes), the beds are comfortable (no bed bugs), the staff are friendly, and it has a certain amount of charm that a concrete block never will have.

Overall, this second visit was more comfortable than the first (reduced expectations?) - or maybe the hot shower felt better after a long day trip on Egyptian trains?!

Do bring earplugs though: Cairo is incredibly noisy, all the time.

I believe that no double beds are available. Check directly with the hotel.

don't rely on your booking

by TripAdvisor Member waterloomole

We booked this hotel through Expedia because of its historical interest. When we arrived, the hotel claimed not to have a record of our booking. They sent us to their 'sister' hotel, the Lotus. Do not under any circumstances go to the Lotus - it is a dump on top of a derelict building. We felt unsafe and didn't sleep at all. Have an alternative ready in case you need it. The Windsor is otherwise a great place to stay, but has the feel of having switched to a new management that doesn't really care about maintaining the place and is seeking a quick buck.

Good budget hotel, large room 50s decor, some staff not customer oriented

by TripAdvisor Member grmartineau

My partner and I stayed at the Windsor Hotel, simply because recommended by travel books and hotel has a bit of history attached to it. It is an old hotel with large rooms, two single beds, old fashion bathroom but working, furniture still from the 50s, but good location for Cairo. Entrance is on a small - but safe - side street.

Do not expect the comfort inn or ibis, otherwise you will be disappointed. Served breakfast - was ok - but if you go at Easter do not take the Easter colored egg they offer because they will charge you for it! Was I naive thinking they were trying to be nice! By the way, nice waitress working there. Her smile and manners did compensate for plain breakfast. One staff at front desk was a rude in trying to push us to get tour of Luxor - it was annoying, but otherwise ok.

I would recommend it to people who want to try something different with history attached to it. Also, hotel can provide shuttle to pick you at airport (even if arriving at night). We also booked in advance directly with hotel by credit card and had no problems.

Quirky, charming and definitely memorable

by TripAdvisor Member liese17

My husband and I have travelled through many parts of the world and stayed in all manner of hotels / guest houses ranging from extremely basic to top-class luxury. Although we have stayed in far more salubrious and dare I say it - comfortable hotels, the Windsor (where we stayed in 2004) remains the most memorable and quirkily charming for both of us. I do not think this hotel would suit everyone, but for those who like to truly experience the places they travel to and immerse themselves in a bit of history this place is a treat and a wonderful haven in central Cairo (which can be a tad bit over-whelming) The best part of the hotel is the lounge area where all the guests seem to gather in the late afternoon to enjoy a drink and share their tales. The rooms are certainly on the shabby side and we had two single beds instead of a double - but that didn't bother either of us and it seemed in keeping with the price we paid. Cleanliness was as good as anywhere we stayed in Egypt (we experienced much worse!) and we certainly had no problems with bed bugs or the like.

The Windsor Hotel -Cairo

by Angelal

""An unreal individuality" - Michael Palin"

There are much 'nicer' hotels than the Windsor Hotel in Cairo but they probably don't have as much history and character.

Michael Palin stayed here when making his documentary, ' Around the World in 80 Days' and it was also featured in the film ' Legend of the Lost Tomb'.

Until 1952 The Windsor was a British Officer club until Nasser came into power and the revolution took place. On the day in 1952 known as 'Black Saturday' Cairenes took to the street to revolt against continued British occupation and buildings across Cairo that represented 'British Rule' were attacked. One of these building was The Windsor Hotel. In the dining room there is an Oil painting with loads of holes in it. This was damaged during Black Saturday and they keep it on display as a historical reminder.

The rooms are simple but clean some are huge some are tiny. Breakfast is continental in the sense that you get a couple of bits of toast a bread roll and some cheese and jam. The bar is a great place to have a drink in the evening and they also serve reasonably priced meals.