Villa Belle Epoque

A colonial-style country house in a peaceful neighbourhood with great staff, a cool pool and a gorgeous garden

Welcome to Villa Belle Epoque. This is the hotel where you come to escape Cairo’s clatter and as you potter about at the pyramids in the baking sun you will turn your thoughts to the comforts that await your return: the sublime peace of this smart neighbourhood, the lush gardens that cocoon you; the glistening pool in which you can shake off the heat of the city. Then you will spot the other tourists wilting on their feet and you will realise that for once in your life you have picked the winning ticket.

Built by the British in 1920 and discreetly hidden in the quiet streets of Maadi, a 20-minute metro ride from central Cairo, the hotel has the feel of a smart country house, albeit one shaded by palm trees. Sparkling interiors give a colonial feel and come with airy colours, beautiful art and parquet flooring. Several bedrooms have balconies, but you are more likely to gather in the very pretty garden, where tables and chairs stand on smart terraces and padded loungers flank the pool. Jasmine scents the air, parrots occasional come to eat the palm dates. There’s good food for humans, too, while kind staff go the extra mile. Tarek and Beryl recently bought the house next door, so expect your pleasure to double.

Highs

• There is no better escape from Cairo’s crazy streets than this peaceful hotel
• The lush garden is fantastic with its terraces and pool
• There are good local restaurants and you can eat at the hotel, which means you won’t have to slog off to the centre of town at night
• Great service from English-speaking staff: all things are possible here

Lows

• You’re not particularly central and even though you’re on the metro, you’ll have to resort to Cairo’s taxis some of the time
• Breakfast was a little lacklustre in comparison to everything else
• Bathrooms aren’t as fancy as you might expect and towels could be a little bigger
• Maadi is a residential quarter, so not the glitziest in Cairo, but it’s one of the quietest