Started our 15 days Egypt tour in Cairo (Sheraton Towers).
When arrived in Cairo international after a fligth of (only) 4 hours and 5 minutes from Brussels we landed in an other world.
Big culture shock came over us.
Luckely we booked a room in the Sheraton Towers along the river Nile. Yes luckely, we found this was an isle in this chaotic city. No hard feelings about Cairo or Egypt because the peolple are very nice, except for dome salesmen/women, but this did not bothered us.
Very large hotel, advice you look very sharp where you're going to find you're way back later on !!!
We stayed in the Cleopatra tower, I think the rooms in the other tower (Nefetari) are more upgraded because all Arab looking guests stayed in that tower! TRY TO BOOK INTO THIS TOWER !
Our room was just OK, everything from wallpaper over furniture, beds and bathroom needed renovations, although the room was clean !
The Italian restaurant is very expensive as well as the wine list !
We booked half board and the (international) food buffet in the "main" restaurant was very good ! We eated there every day.
Be carefull when checking out ! Our other tour guests had some bad experience here. We payed every day for our drinks when leaving the restaurant and had no problem when checking-out.
Visited Cairo during 4 days, it was very a beautifull experience and very interesting!

Rooms under renovation so they are sprucing up. We were a 21st floor room in Cleo. Tower. Clean Beds, Clean Rooms, Nice Service. Room would be a Low to mid level 4 star. WE LOVED THE LOCATION . Don't rule out, unless you want full luxury. ASK FOR DETAILS AT CHECK IN ABOUT DUTY FREE SHOP!!!!! We didn't learn about this until day 5 - two days too late. Use Door Men to help you negotiate taxis, but really lots of good 'sheraton' labeled taxis lingering about with good rates. Again, use the door man, he wil help! But don't be afraid to pass one up for another and get yoru best rate.

We went with our 2 boys, almost 5yrs and 18 months and found Egypt - at a leisurely pace - an awesome vacation. We moved on from Sheraton to a resort in New Cairo with Golf and Waterpark for the kids after the 'Sightseeing' part of our trip. We did Cairo in 8 Days, which appears to be unheard of - most people Rush In and Rush out. Don't. Take your time. People are very lovely and friendly.

Don't let the Tout's put you off. Say No - Firmly with a Smile and Move on. They ALWAYS said certainly, Welcome to
Egypt, Thank You and have a good trip.

I hear from my work colleagues that "Ones' - US versions are welcome as tips for everything and certainly, as we are based in Dubai, without US $ we were a bit out of pace as they base all taxi fares and other on US Currency- but entry to musuems, etc are in Egyptian Pounds.

Relax if you are taking kids! It was great - they are lovely people and we had a fabulous time! The kids loved the guides and the guides were kind and thoughtful to our needs of traveling with little ones. Our taxi drivers stopped randomly and bought bananas and tangerines (all 'wrapped' fruits so no issue) and made sure that we had access to plenty of water bottle purchases and shade.

We spent four nights at the Sheraton Cairo. While all the personnel were extremely friendly and allowed us to check in early, all rooms in the Nephiteri tower (remodeled) were booked, even when I offered to pay for an upgrade. That left us with a room on the Preferred Floor of the Cleopatra Tower. While the newer tower (built in 1989), the room decor and furniture were from 1989 without any update.

The room was large and had a good balcony looking over the city and Nile. The bed and sheets were also comfortable and we slept well. However all the other aspects of the room were dated and worn, and in some places even dirty. The Sheraton recently announced a $40 million upgrade to these rooms, which should be completed in 2009, so I would stay at the Marriott, Hilton or others until this is completed.

Problems in the room included a peach and green motif (I haven't seen that since 1991) TV was VERY small and on its own stand. The bed had one of the older style bedspread with visible stains (left that one completely off the bed.) Bathroom, while I am sure pretty in the day, with marble had visible mold and had the appearance of being left alone until the rennovation.

Contrasting the room were the restaurants which were all enjoyable with great food. Our fa vorite is the Bonduko Lounge across the street next to the river. GREAT meat and fish both on the menu and through the afternoon buffet. It felt like we were the only ones discovering this upscale and hip place, so make sure to make them busier by heading there. The candles and bold lighting open air on the river were perfect.

The Japanese restaurant was superb with good sushi and the breakfast restaurant was full of color in the morning with friendly faces and help. Room Service was prompt and hot, if you are recovering from jet lag.

Tourist Tip - Make sure to walk the four blocks to see the Khalil Musem of French Impressionist art -- Only 50 pounds and we saw at least 6 Monets and countless other artists work.

We were upgraded to a Nile view and the room was really nice - much better than I feared after reading some reviews. We must have got into the right tower! Much like a 4/5star hotel anywhere else, though there was lots of security. We overlooked a roundabout (as well as the Nile!) which provided lots of entertainment with the crazy Cairo driving.