Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis

Our experience at the Waldorf Astoria Heliopolis was magnificent! Sharif at the concierge desk guided us to the check-in before Mohemmed was kind enough to guide us to our room overlooking the pool. The first and third days there we toured Giza and Saqqara on tours arranged by the chief concierge, Mohamed. The concierge desk was very helpful to us both in arranging the tours and assisting us in retrieving lost luggage. Their assistance was invaluable. The breakfasts at Brasserie Ayda are fantastic. The service even more so. Chef Abeer made us feel like family on a daily basis. We received wonderful service from Menna, Mohamed, Yehia, Samuil and Mahmoud each morning who greeted us individually and were warm and attentive. We also had a meal at Bar Raa, where Deena provided kind and attentive service. Ahmed and Khaled were very helpful at the bell desk, and our 4th floor housekeeper Olina kept our room immaculate every day. All in all, the service was absolutely amazing and we will happily return in the future. The rooms was quite comfortable and there was no airport noise noticeable despite the close proximity. We visited the spa as well, and received amazing deep tissue massages. Their massage tables are heated salt beds and that was a new and comfortable experience. I am ashamed to have forgotten the names of the massueses, but that is because they did too well, and I was too relaxed to think properly!

Usef in the Peacock Lounge was awesome!!!! Visit Cairo soon!! He is so kind and aims to please! He attended to our every need with a smile. Make sure to ask for him and the Waldorf Peacock Lounge!

The hotel was great. The restaurant was a different experience. On our final evening of our 10 day trip to Egypt, my wife and I enjoyed dinner at Ayda, the fine dining restaurant at the Waldorf Astoria . As I often do at high-end properties, I paid the bill without reviewing it closely (my mistake this time). While still at the table, I noticed that the liquor portion was unusually high compared to our past experiences ordering the same drinks at other restaurants in Egypt. Upon checking, I saw that we had been charged double for the drinks we ordered. This charge made these the most expensive vodka martini’a I have ever had at nearly $60 USD per drink, using standard vodka. On top of this, we had noticed how small the drinks were and that is why my wife ordered three and almost a fourth. When I asked to speak with the person who had taken our order (who I understood was the manager), I showed him the drink menu price versus what we had been billed. He explained that the higher charge was because we had chosen Grey Goose vodka. I reminded him that he had asked what type of vodka we preferred for our drinks, and we simply chose from the options he provided - without any mention that it would double the price. I then asked what vodka the listed menu price applied to. He answered that it was for a local vodka called “Swan,” which I then reminded him that he did not offer to us as an option. I made it clear that I had simply ordered what was printed on the menu, with no mention in the menu that it was for Swan vodka or any mention of premium pricing for other vodkas. The manager then claimed—astonishingly—that I had ordered a “Lemon Drop,” and I did not say the complete name that was listed as “The World’s Finest Lemon Drop” on the menu. I have never heard such a thing. He later pointed to a separate page in the menu where different vodka prices were listed. But again, none of this was explained or was indicated in the menu. The conversation became increasingly uncomfortable due to his on the tone that he used with me, to the point I felt it would be best to leave the restaurant. Later, this person called my room to offer a 20% discount. I explained that this would not address the 100% over charge based on the menu price. So I declined his offer of a partial refund for the misleading price listed. In all my travels at countless bars and restaurants worldwide, I have never experienced this kind of deceptive billing practice, especially at such a high-end establishment. I raised this with the staff at the Waldorf and nothing was done to address this (I even provided them with photos of the menu and the bill). Being lied to on a menu and then charged for the most expensive martini’s in the world for a small cocktail with standard Vodka was not the memory we were hoping for as we completed our travels in Egypt. FWIW, this is the only negative review I have ever written

Today, I had an unforgettable experience with Dr. Saeed Mukhtar, an extraordinary guide and expert in ancient Egyptian history. Despite only spending a day with him, it felt like I had known him for years thanks to his incredibly friendly attitude and deep passion for Egypt. From the moment we started our tour, Dr. Saeed’s knowledge was astounding. He led me to the Pyramids of Giza with ease, guiding me through their awe-inspiring history and helping me appreciate the marvels of ancient engineering. Our next stop was the Papyrus Paper Museum, where I learned about the ancient craft and saw how timeless papyrus documents were produced. A highlight of the day was the visit to the GEM Grand Egypt Museum, which had opened only 15 days earlier on November 1, 2025. The museum’s scale and the breadth of artifacts were breathtaking, featuring 147,000 articles extracted from various archaeological sites across Egypt. Dr. Saeed’s insights brought each exhibit to life, enriching the entire experience. We continued to an essence shop where jasmine, papyrus amber, and sandalwood perfumes are crafted. It was fascinating to see how these traditional scents are produced, and I left with a few unique items that capture the spirit of Egypt. Dr. Saeed also took me to a lively local bazaar, where I picked up some thoughtful souvenirs for friends back home. His recommendations were spot-on, balancing authenticity with great value. To cap off the day, Dr. Saeed invited me to dinner at a delicious shawarma shop. The food was remarkable, and the conversation flowed effortlessly. His warmth and generosity made the evening feel like a visit with a trusted friend. Although I only spent one day with him, the connections and sense of familiarity I felt with Dr. Saeed are remarkable. His dedication to his craft, his approachable nature, and his genuine care for guests shine through in every moment. Shout-out to Dr. Saeed Mukhtar for a memorable, enriching experience, and heartfelt thanks to Hotel concierge Mr. Mohammad Essam for introducing me to him. If you’re seeking a knowledgeable guide who can make Egypt’s ancient history come alive while delivering a personalized, friendly experience, Dr. Saeed is your go-to."

Amazing hotel. This is a beautiful hotel from the foyer to restaurants to rooms. Large rooms overlooking the foyer area with palm trees! Breakfast was a huge and fresh selection and the best we experienced in Egypt. The Club lounge offered a great selection of savoury and sweet treats with a choice of drinks. Laundry was very fast. Check in and out was very efficient and the to/go breakfast box a nice touch. Highly recommend if you are staying in Cairo