Waldorf Astoria debuts in Egypt

(Image: Supplied by Hilton)

Hilton’s luxury hotel brand Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts has opened its first property in Egypt as well as in Africa.

Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis is located in the ancient city of Heliopolis, close to Egypt’s main presidential palace and a few minutes drive from Cairo International airport. Downtown Cairo, Khan El Khalili Bazaar and the upcoming Grand Egyptian Museum are all easily accessible from the hotel.

The hotel features 252 deluxe rooms and suites. The interiors of the hotel have been designed by London-based Adrian Barboza Design, and are inspired by the Art Deco era with references to Pharaonic arts. It has a colour palette of greens and blues, warm wood tones combined with natural materials.

A soaring glass-walled atrium lobby has reportedly been curved into the shape of the eye of Ra.

Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis’ highlights

Its F&B options include the hotel’s signature restaurant Brasserie Ayda which serves a ‘Mediterranean-without-Borders’ menu, while Peacock Alley is the property’s signature lounge found at Waldorf Astoria hotels around the world. Bar Raa is named after the ancient Egyptian sun god and will feature jazz music and live performances while the Le Jardin Pool Bar offers fusion dishes.

The spa has four treatment suites, each with a private relaxation zone, and one multipurpose treatment room too. Treatments include a traditional Hammam scrub experience. The spa also features Psammo Therapy treatment tables in two of the suites. Psammo, otherwise known as hot sand therapy, is a typical ancient Egyptian treatment.

The property also has a meeting and events space. It has six fully equipped meeting rooms and a ballroom that can accommodate up to 2,000 guests.

“As the first Waldorf Astoria property to debut in Egypt, Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis signals Hilton’s commitment to expanding our luxury portfolio to the world’s most sought-after destinations,” said Dino Michael, senior vice president and global category head, Hilton Luxury Brands.

Elsewhere in the region, Waldorf Astoria opened a 429-key property in Doha ahead of the football World Cup in Qatar last year. A few months prior in 2022, the brand also opened in Kuwait City. Hilton has already signed an agreement with Star Hill Tanger SA to open the Waldorf Astoria Tanger by 2025 which will be the first Waldorf Astoria in Morocco.

This article originally appeared on Business Traveller Middle East