Planning your Cairo adventure? Discover if the Holiday Inn Citystars is the right fit for you. Our in-depth review covers everything from its convenient Citystars location to rooms, dining, service and more. Get essential tips and unbiased insights before you book!
Overview of Holiday Inn Citystars
The Holiday Inn Citystars is a 5-star hotel located directly inside the Citystars shopping mall complex in Cairo, Egypt. With 311 guest rooms and amenities like a year-round outdoor pool, gym and restaurants, it’s a convenient choice for leisure and business travellers.
Key facts:
– IHG branded hotel with 311 rooms and suites
– Rooms range from 18 square metres for standard rooms to 66 square metres for 1 bedroom suites
– Among the top 35 hotels in Cairo on TripAdvisor (out of 200 hotels)
– Central location inside Citystars mall
Good to Know
If you’re considering booking a stay at the Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars, here are some helpful ‘good to know’ details:
– Address: Ali Rashed Street, Cairo, 11757 Egypt
– Phone: + 20-2-24803000 – Email: [email protected]
– Distance to Attractions: It’s not close to the Pyramids of Giza at over 30km, so factor in 40-60 mins of driving time for sightseeing (or less if you avoid peak hours).
Plan on using Uber, Careem or taxis to get around Cairo rather than renting a car. We would recommend Careem over Uber in Cairo – cheaper rates overall.
You can have a look at their website here.
TIP: IHG Points Deals – Watch for promotions on IHG points to score rooms for 25-30% off! For cash rates, you may want to use Hotelscombined.
Convenient Location and Accessibility
Let’s dive into the Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars’ prime spot directly inside the Citystars mall.
Citystars Mall Location
The #1 advantage of this hotel is its direct indoor connection to the Citystars shopping mall via the lower level basement. However, the downside is the hotel’s distance from major Cairo attractions like the iconic Pyramids of Giza.
You’ll need to budget at least 40-60 minutes of driving time for sightseeing excursions to Giza given the hotel lies over 30km away. This may be an important factor when choosing where to stay in Cairo.
Check-in Experience
We had a disappointing check-in experience which didn’t meet 5-star standards:
– Given check-in voucher for free drinks while waiting over 1 hour for our room to be ready. Turns out there was an issue with lighting which they were repairing.
– No communication or updates provided which meant having to go back and forth to front desk multiple times.
– Once finally given a room, we realised that it was different from the one we had initially been allocated (room 875). We were told it was a ‘better’ room.
– Also had to request staff to collect our luggage from outside the hotel upon arrival. You expect this service automatically at a 5-star hotel.
The check-in experience really set the tone for the rest of our stay. Communication was sorely lacking.
Parking and Transportation
There’s parking available in the lower level Citystars garage at US$10 per day. Contact the hotel to arrange parking if required.
TIP: As mentioned, use Uber, Careem or taxis to get around Cairo rather than self-driving. Airport transfers arranged via the hotel concierge cost 20 – 35 US$, quite pricey. We preferred to book Careem rides directly for airport pick-ups and drop-offs at nearly a third of the cost.
Early check-in and late check-out may be available for IHG Platinum and Diamond members depending on availability. We were upgraded from a standard room to a premium one based on our Diamond Elite status.
Room Features and Amenities
Let’s look at the different room types and amenities offered:
Room Type and Size
We originally booked a standard twin room, but were upgraded to a twin premium room upon check-in. Here are the room details:
– Category: Twin Premium
– Size: Large room with balcony
– Overall, the rooms are clean and spacious ranging from 18 square metres for standard up to 66 square metres for the suites.
Check our short video here.
Office Space
The in-room desk space is generous in size but the desk chair itself wasn’t the most comfortable and needed cleaning.
Bedroom
The bedroom featured two nice and plush single beds with comfortable pillows. However, the TV was quite outdated. Standard tea and coffee making facilities were provided.
Bathroom
The bathroom includes:
– Anti-slip mat
– Good selection of toiletries – body lotion, shower gel, shampoo
– Bathtub
However, the bathroom hasn’t been updated in a while and looked quite dated. The shower head also needed maintenance.
Balcony & Outside View
Our room had a balcony facing the pool area, but the view was uninspiring. The balcony doors also automatically lock for safety reasons, so you can easily get locked out on the balcony inadvertently in 40 degree heat! It was also noisy during the day, with music blasting from the swimming pool area.
Check our short video here.
Dining Options
Let’s look at the on-site restaurants, in-room dining, and off-site choices:
On-Site Restaurants
There are 4 on-site dining options:
– Windows Restaurant – International cuisine, buffet & a la carte, open 24 hours
– Star Corner – Breakfast, lunch, dinner & shisha, 8am – 2am
– Indira Indian Restaurant – Open 1pm – 12am
You can view their menu here.
– Pool Garden – Summer only, outdoor snacks & cocktails
We tried the breakfast buffet at Windows Restaurant but found it underwhelming with a small selection and average quality.
We’d suggest having breakfast at the many cafes and restaurants inside Citystars mall itself for better value – our top picks are Paul and Brioche Doree.
In-Room Dining (same Menu as Windows Restaurant)
Round the clock in-room dining is available as well.
Off-Site Options
With over 700 shops and restaurants, the adjoining Citystars mall offers endless dining choices from fast food to fine dining.
Top picks include traditional Egyptian cuisine at Abou El Sid and Al Khal restaurants, Asian flavours at Shogun Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bay, as well as chains like Paul, Brioche Doree, Starbucks and Costa Coffee.
Hotel Services
How does the Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars rate in terms of amenities, facilities, staff service and more?
Wi-Fi and Internet
Here’s an overview of the internet speeds and performance:
In-room Wi-Fi:
– Download speed: 8.5 Mbps
– Upload speed: 8.5 Mbps
– Good for streaming HD 720p resolution video
Lobby Wi-Fi:
– Download speed: 8.5 Mbps
– Upload speed: Less than 8.5 Mbps
– Good for streaming HD 720p resolution video
We got faster internet speeds using our own TP link Wi-Fi router and local Egyptian SIM card:
In-room with TP link:
– Download speed: 10 Mbps
– Upload speed: 1 Mbps
– Good for streaming SD 480p resolution video
In lobby with TP link:
– Download speed: 40 Mbps
– Upload speed: 20 Mbps
– Good for streaming 4K 2160p resolution video
On-Site Amenities
The Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars has these facilities:
– Outdoor pool (heated in winter) open 7am to sunset
– Gym (6am – 11pm)
– 24 hour business centre (staffed 9am – 5pm)
– 7 meeting rooms and ballroom for events
There’s also direct indoor access to the Citystars mall shops and restaurants at Level -2.
TIP: Not all lifts go the Level -2. You can either choose other lifts or go to Level 0 and change lifts there (to the ones located near the ATMs).
Organised Tours and Hotel Transfers
Make the most of your Cairo holiday by booking a guided tour or excursion. Here are the hotel’s offerings:
The Holiday Inn Citystars partners with the local travel agency Kanoo & ElShabrawy to offer organized sightseeing tours around Cairo and beyond.
A half-day private excursion to the iconic Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx for two people costs 140 US$. This includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, air conditioned vehicle and entrance fees.
While convenient, these private tours are quite pricey. Consider doing a group day tour for a more budget-friendly option to see the top Cairo sights!
Accessibility
The Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars offers wheelchair accessible rooms and amenities to suit all guests’ needs:
Wheelchair Access
The hotel is equipped with lifts to all floors, ramps and hallways wide enough to navigate a wheelchair or scooter with ease.
Accessible Rooms
Inform the hotel staff when booking if you require a specially equipped accessible room.
These rooms feature grab bars, roll-in showers, lowered amenities and plenty of manoeuvring space.
ATMs (Cash Withdrawals & Foreign Currency Exchange)
There are conveniently located ATMs available right in the hotel lobby area from Bank Misr and Arab African International Bank.
The Citystars mall also houses numerous ATMs from major Egyptian banks, so you’ll never be far from quick cash access!
TIP: The Arab African International Bank (AAIB) ATM also offers foreign currency exchange services. However, we would advise to go to a bank and use their over-the counter service. There is an AAIB branch within the adjacent shopping mall.
Unlock the secrets of hassle-free payments in Egypt – check out our insider tips for cash withdrawals and more here.
Service and Staff
Overall, we experienced patchy and disappointing service from the staff:
– No communication or updates during delayed check-in
– No apologies about issues we faced
– Poor English skills
– Not knowledgeable about IHG loyalty programme or sustainability policies
We believe that the front desk staff of any hotel sets the initial tone and should exemplify 5-star service, which wasn’t the case.
IHG Loyalty Programme
While service was mixed, IHG Rewards can offer value – especially for frequent travellers.
Take advantage of points promotions to redeem for free nights and score discounted rates at this Holiday Inn in Cairo Citystars. We’ve saved around 25-30% this way as Diamond Elite members.
Sustainable and Green Travel
Let’s look at IHG’s environmental initiatives and how they’re applied at this property:
IHG’s Environmental Commitment
Based on what is on their website, IHG has robust environmental programmes in place including:
– Green Engage – Digital tool for hotels to track and reduce their environmental footprint. Energy, water and waste reductions of up to 25% can be achieved.
– 4 Tier Certification – Green Engage rates hotels from Level 1 to Level 4 based on sustainability efforts.
Level 1 represents mandatory initiatives around energy, water and waste for all IHG hotels. Level 4 with the most advanced innovations.
Green Engage System at Holiday Inn Citystars
When we inquired about the hotel’s Green Engage tier certification, the front desk staff didn’t seem to have knowledge about the programme. We never received the promised follow-up on the tier level for this property either.
For eco-conscious travellers, we’d recommend inquiring about their Green Engage status in advance. This will give you an insight into the hotel’s sustainability efforts.
Conclusion
Summary of our Experience
To summarise, the Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars has fantastic location inside Citystars mall but is some way away from major Cairo attractions.
Their premium rooms are spacious and comfortable, however the bathrooms are dated. Facilities like the pool and gym meet expectations.
Staff service falters at times with communication issues and lack of 5-star service level. IHG Rewards membership can add value for regular guests.
The hotel has potential but needs better maintenance and service to truly excel.
Room for Improvement
Here are some areas the Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars could improve upon:
– Better staff training, especially front desk and check-in experience
– Proactive communication on delays, issues and room changes
– More knowledgeable staff on loyalty program and sustainability policies
– Room renovations needed – bathrooms in particular
– Address safety issues like balcony doors locking
With these changes, the hotel could better live up to its 5-star and IHG branding and potentially become an amazing hotel to stay at.
Cleanliness
Location
Staff
Food
Comfort
Amenities*
Atmosphere
Wifi/Internet
Accessibility
Value for Money
OVERALL
* (pools, fitness centres, spas, restaurants, bars, business centres)
Let us know if you have any other questions as you prepare for this bucket list trip! We’re happy to share insider tips and advice to make your stay seamless.
If you are seeking longer stays or apartment-style living, discover our comprehensive review of the Staybridge Suites Cairo Citystars here.
Updated review alert! We stayed at this hotel again in 2024. Did it get better? Find out soon in our latest review – new photos, insider tips and all the details you need for a fantastic trip!
Subscribe to our blog for more insider tips and travel inspiration!
You may also want to read our blogs about other hotels and resorts in Egypt:
Solymar Soma Beach | Soma Bay | Hurghada
Jaz Makadi Star & Spa | Makadi Bay | Hurghada
Jaz Makadina Resort | Makadi Bay | Hurghada
Steigenberger Coraya Beach | Coraya Bay | Marsa Alam
Steigenberger Cecil Hotel | Alexandria
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get from Cairo Airport to the Holiday Inn Citystars?
We recommend booking a Careem ride from the airport to the hotel for the best rates vs. taxis or the hotel’s airport shuttles. Expect to pay around 110 LE (3.50 US$).
How far is the hotel from top Cairo attractions and the Pyramids?
The Holiday Inn Citystars is over 30km from the Pyramids of Giza and other major sights. You’ll need to budget 40-60 minutes driving time for sightseeing excursions.
What is there to do near the hotel?
With direct indoor access, guests can enjoy endless shopping, dining and entertainment inside the 5-story Citystars mall. There are over 700 stores, 65 restaurants, a 21-screen cinema, kids amusement park, and more.
What are the best restaurants at the Holiday Inn Citystars?
The on-site restaurants offer convenient dining but are just average. For better breakfast choices, we recommend popping over to the cafes in Citystars mall like Paul and Brioche Doree instead. Abou El Sid, Maharaja and TGI Friday are also tasty dinner spots.
What type of internet speeds can I expect?
In-room Wi-Fi speeds were around 8.5 Mbps download/upload. The lobby was similar. For faster speeds, use your own Wi-Fi router and local SIM card – we got up to 40 Mbps down this way (TP link). Streaming Netflix or using VPNs may be slow on the hotel’s standard Wi-Fi.
What are the best redemption options for IHG loyalty members?
Watch for promotions on purchasing IHG points at a discount. Then redeem those points for bookings to score rooms for 25-30% off at this Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars. As Diamond Elite members, this strategy has delivered excellent value!
Is Holiday Inn Citystars in Heliopolis the best luxury hotel to stay in Cairo?
There are not many good hotels in this area and Holiday Inn Citystars has a lot of potential. It’s strategically located near shopping and entertainment spots making it an ideal base for exploring all that Cairo has to offer. However, it is a bit out of the way if you want a quick visit to the stunning pyramids of Giza (40-60 minutes’ drive) and there is room for improvement, especially in terms of customer service and property maintenance. So, it is not the best luxury hotel in Cairo.
Is this the best place to stay in Cairo for an amazing view of the Pyramids?
While the hotel is conveniently located within Citystars Mall, it is not in the Giza area and therefore you will not able to see the Pyramids. Marriott Mena House could be more suitable if you want a hotel near the pyramids with a spectacular pyramid view right from your room window. However, it is very pricey and located in the Al-Haram area, which is not the best or the safest area in Cairo.
Which is the best area to stay in Cairo?
The best area to stay in Cairo would be central or downtown Cairo, which puts you in the heart of the city. You’ll be in close proximity to popular tourist attractions, including the Cairo Tower, Old Cairo and the bustling downtown area.
How does the location of Holiday Inn Citystars compare with other hotels in Cairo?
Holiday Inn Citystars is located in Nasr City (an area in Cairo) and within a luxury shopping mall, which in our opinion makes it one of the best places to stay in Cairo. It is close to Cairo International Airport and offers easy and cheap access to the major attractions of the city, including downtown Cairo, the pyramids and the sphinx. While it is easy and cheap to book Careem and Uber rides, the Pyramids area is around 40-60 minutes by car, depending on traffic. If you set off early enough, we would expect the ride to be towards the lower end and you will also be able to see a bit of Cairo along the way!
Is it easy to visit the pyramids of Giza from this hotel?
It is not difficult getting a taxi from the hotel to the Giza area, though it will take around 40-60 minutes to get to the Pyramids area. The hotel’s concierge can even help arrange a tour, if needed but be wary of the prices offered which tend to be relatively high.
Is Holiday Inn Citystars the best hotel in Cairo for nightlife?
Cairo has a vibrant nightlife and Holiday Inn Citystars is positively placed for guests who want to enjoy it. It’s close to plenty of coffee shops, restaurants and entertainment venues, only a few steps away within the Citystars Shopping Mall – perfect for those who want to stay in Cairo for nightlife.
What else does the hotel offer?
In addition to its prime location within a shopping mall, Holiday Inn Citystars provides a comfortable stay – relatively speaking. Hotels in Egypt, even those belonging to well established brands, are not usually up to Western standards. For instance, we stayed at Novotel Cairo Aiport, which is part of the Accor group – our experience could not be worse and it was far from a four star hotel as advertised.
Are there other places to visit near the hotel?
Yes. Besides the pyramids, you can explore Old Cairo’s historic sites, visit the Cairo Tower for an impressive view of the city or head to the Nile for a scenic boat ride. Concierge should be able to help or if you want to go solo, you can easily book a taxi.
How suited is this hotel for a family stay in Cairo?
Holiday Inn Citystars is quite family-friendly. They offer bigger rooms/suites and entertainment is readily available within the adjacent mall.
Will we get views of the Nile from the hotel?
No, Holiday Inn Citystars doesn’t have views of the Nile. However, if river views are a priority, you might want to consider hotels more centrally located such as the Nile Ritz-Carlton or Kempinski Nile Hotel which offer astonishing views of the Nile from their rooms.
Things to do in Cairo
Although this Holiday Inn wasn’t ideal, Cairo has so many incredible things to see and do. Here’s a quick overview of top attractions along with driving times and cost estimates using the Careem App from the hotel:
Pyramids of Giza
The iconic Pyramids of Giza are Cairo’s top attraction and Egypt’s most famous site. Situated on the Giza Plateau, the pyramids, especially the Great Pyramid, are the last surviving ancient Wonder of the World and one of the most recognizable sights globally. A visit to these astounding ancient monuments is a must for any traveller to Egypt.
Distance from Hotel: 34 km| 40-60 minutes by car (Careem Ride: 235 LE/7.60 US$)
Egyptian Museum
The vast Egyptian Museum in Cairo houses the world’s premier collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Highlights include King Tut’s iconic gold mask and coffins, the Royal Mummies and a staggering array of statues, jewels and treasures spanning Egypt’s ancient past. This is a place to visit as it provides an unparalleled look into the lives of the pharaohs.
Distance from Hotel: 15 km| 30-35 minutes by car (Careem Ride: 100 LE/3.25 US$)
Khan El Khalili
The lively Khan El-Khalili bazaar is Cairo’s top shopping destination, located in Islamic Cairo just off al-Muizz Street. This famous market offers a mesmerizing array of goods, from spices to souvenirs and antiques, all while providing an immersive glimpse into Cairo’s vibrant commercial past. No visit to Cairo is complete without a stop at the legendary Khan El-Khalili.
Distance from Hotel: 12.5 km| 20-30 minutes by car (Careem Ride: 215 LE/7 US$)
Al-Azhar Mosque: one of Cairo’s oldest mosques
Al-Azhar Mosque is a renowned Cairo Mosque built in 970 AD, soon after Cairo became the capital of the Fatimid Caliphate. Nicknamed “the Shining One”, it was the city’s first mosque and helped earn Cairo the moniker “City of a Thousand Minarets”. Al-Azhar is a shining example of Fatimid architecture in the historic Islamic core of Cairo.
Distance from Hotel: 15 km| 30-35 minutes by car (Careem Ride: 350 LE/11.30 US$)
Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church (The Hanging Church)
The Hanging Church in Coptic Cairo lives up to its name – built over a Roman fortress gatehouse, it is one of Egypt’s oldest Christian churches. With its distinctive suspended structure, the ornate 7th century church officially called Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church is the most renowned church in Coptic Cairo’s historic Christian community.
Distance from Hotel: 18 km| 30-35 minutes by car (Careem Ride: 110 LE/4 US$)
The Monastery of Saint Simon (The Cave Church)
The vast Monastery of Saint Simon, or Cave Church, is set within the Mokattam hills overlooking Cairo. This 20,000 capacity church, the largest in the Middle East, has a main hall used in summer and a smaller winter hall. With its hilltop location and expansive subterranean spaces, the Cave Church is a remarkable and free site to visit.
Distance from Hotel: 13.5 km| 30-35 minutes by car (Careem Ride: 85 LE/2.75 US$)
Cairo Tower
The Cairo Tower on Gezira Island offers unmatched 360-degree views over Cairo from its observation deck and rotating restaurant. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Pyramids of Giza. At 187 meters tall, this iconic tower provides a bird’s-eye panorama of Cairo’s sprawling cityscape and landmarks.
Distance from Hotel: 17 km| 35-40 minutes by car (Careem Ride: 105 LE/3.40 US$)
Qasr El Nil Bridge with views of the Nile
The Qasr El Nil Bridge made history as Cairo’s first Nile River crossing when completed in 1871. Linking Tahrir Square to Gezira Island, this landmark bridge provides stunning views and an iconic connection between downtown Cairo and the island’s leisure venues. An impressive feat of 19th century engineering, the Qasr El Nil Bridge remains a vital artery crossing the Nile.
Distance from Hotel: 16 km| 30-35 minutes by car (Careem Ride: 120LE/3.90 US$)
No trip to Cairo is complete without seeing these incredible attractions. Though Staybridge Suites disappointed us, nothing should stop you from exploring the wonders of Cairo!
Final Tips for An Epic Egypt Trip
- Use Careem for affordable rides
- Skip the hotel breakfast
- Take advantage of IHG points deals
- Check HotelsCombined for best rates
- Seek out hotels with better service
- Give yourself ample time for sightseeing
- Enjoy this fascinating destination!
Let us know if you have any other questions as you plan your travels to Cairo and Egypt.
