Le Riad
Cairo, Egypt
A magical small hotel in the heart of old Cairo, with a sublime roof terrace for breakfast in the sun
The list of superlatives that fairly describe Le Riad is seemingly
endless. Opened in 2009, this is the coolest hotel in Cairo and it
stands bang in the middle of the city’s oldest quarter, the
most vibrant district in town. Inside, you find the lap of luxury:
vast suites, fantastic art, loads of colour, the chicest bathrooms
in all Egypt. Best of all is the sublime roof terrace, where you
can sink into a sofa in the shade of a parasol and listen to the
street passing below. Breakfast up here is hard to beat and views
stretch far and wide: minarets, citadels, distant hills.
As for the Islamic quarter, it’s no less alluring. It teems
with ancient buildings that flaunt their beauty without restraint,
while streets and alleyways are free of cars, the rarest treat in
town. Within 500 metres of the front door you’ll find ancient
mosques, a medieval mansion and Cairo’s most famous souk. As
for the 17 suites in the hotel, they deliver the best of
everything: fabulous beds, the crispest linen, beautiful fabrics,
acres of space. Some have studies, all have sitting rooms, eight
have balconies, too. Don’t miss it.
Reviewed by Tom Bell
Last updated 30 September 2011
Highs
- The roof terrace is the coolest place to hang out in town
- If you find a lovelier bathroom in Egypt, we’d love to know
- The old Islamic quarter is Cairo’s most atmospheric district
- There’s a lift to whisk you up and down and staff who swoop on luggage
Lows
- Being in the Islamic quarter means there’s no alcohol in the hotel
- The prices match the best in Europe, but you get something very special here
- You’re in the middle of the city; expect a little noise
