Egypt’s luxury hotel sector back on track

Egypt ranks first in the list of African countries in terms of hotel development, according to the annual report on hotel chain development pipelines in Africa. This survey, conducted by the W Hospitality Group in collaboration with the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum, is based on responses provided by 45 global and regional hotel chains operating in Africa.

North Africa continues to dominate the hotel sector, with Egypt leading the way, accounting for 21% of hotels and 30% of rooms currently under development or construction across the continent. This translates to nearly 25,000 rooms spread across 103 hotels in Egypt. The “land of the two rivers” has over three times the number of rooms in development compared to Nigeria, which holds the second spot in the ranking, and four times more than Morocco and Ethiopia.

Despite its status as a leader in terms of the absolute number of projects, Egypt has the lowest percentage of rooms actually under construction due to the recent “birth” of its project portfolio. Out of the 103 ongoing projects, half of them were signed in 2020 or later, accounting for nearly 60% of the rooms. In terms of destinations, Cairo takes a dominant position, representing 12% of the entire pipeline, closely followed by Sharm El Sheikh and Addis Ababa.

“The strength of hotel development in Egypt can be attributed to several factors, including the low value of the Egyptian pound, its unparalleled tourist attractions, proximity to major source markets, and good infrastructure,” said Trevor Ward, CEO of the W Hospitality Group.

With such findings, it’s no surprise that major hotel groups are setting their sights on this emerging and popular destination.

Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, a renowned luxury hotel brand under Hilton, announced its expansion into Egypt by inaugurating the Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis at the end of August. Ideally situated in the historic district of Heliopolis, the Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis is near the main Egyptian presidential palace. Additionally, it offers easy access to must-see attractions like downtown Cairo, the Khan El Khalili bazaar, and the highly anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum. The hotel is also close to the rapidly growing new administrative capital, a emerging urban community housing government, residential, commercial, and cultural districts.

The hotel elegantly blends modern ambiance with a touch of local authenticity, offering 252 luxurious and contemporary rooms and suites. Travelers are invited on a culinary journey with four delightful restaurants and bars, while premium amenities include a Waldorf Astoria spa and sumptuous event spaces.

The interiors, designed by London-based Adrian Barboza Design, draw inspiration from Art Deco while paying homage to Pharaonic arts. They feature a soothing color palette of rich greens and blues, warm wood tones, and the use of natural materials.

Radisson Collection Resort, Marsa Alam Port Phoenice

Last June, Radisson Hotel Group unveiled the creation of the Radisson Collection Resort, Marsa Alam Port Phoenice. Set to open its doors in early 2025, this resort will be ideally located in Port Phoenice on the Red Sea. It will offer a complete luxury experience, including upscale residences, golf courses, water activities, shopping centers, health facilities, and schools, all within proximity to the Marsa Alam International Airport.

This new resort will feature 294 rooms, including 20 suites, carefully designed with architectural influences blending Mediterranean and Italian styles. The resort’s facilities will include a lounge, an all-day dining restaurant, a high-end specialty restaurant, and a magnificent beachfront restaurant and bar offering panoramic sea views. Guests can also enjoy a fitness center, diving center, theater, kids’ club, multiple swimming pools, and direct beach access.

SODIC and Nobu Hospitality

SODIC, Egypt’s leading real estate developer, is partnering with Nobu Hospitality to announce an ambitious expansion project of the Nobu brand in the land of the Pharaohs. This project will include the creation of luxury hotels, prestigious residences, and the opening of an iconic Nobu restaurant. Leveraging SODIC’s expertise and reputation, the introduction of the Nobu brand in Egypt will mark the launch of two major SODIC projects: one in Cairo’s New Zayed area and the other on the North Coast. This project will result in the creation of two five-star hotels, a Nobu restaurant, and luxury residences bearing the Nobu brand. These projects will offer a wide range of facilities for residents and visitors.

The Nobu Hotel and Residences in Cairo will be integrated into SODIC’s flagship project in New Zayed, a thriving neighborhood to the west of Cairo. They will be an essential part of “The Estates Residences,” a collection of carefully planned exclusive residences and apartments. Guests and residents will enjoy proximity to famous attractions such as the Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and the highly anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum, set to open later this year. The Nobu Hotel and Residences Cairo will also offer direct access to the renowned North Coast, allowing residents to escape for weekends or extended stays.

Stretching across 178 hectares along the seashore, the Nobu Hotel and Residences in the North Coast will offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Nestled in the Ras El Hikma region, known for its crystal-clear waters and pristine sandy beaches, this project is at the heart of one of the fastest-growing luxury destinations in the region. In the immersive style characteristic of Nobu brand resorts, this luxury North Coast destination will be open seasonally from May to October.

IHG Hotels in Cairo

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the global leaders in the hotel industry, is strengthening its partnership with one of Egypt’s leading real estate developers, Arkan Palm for Real Estate Investment, to build two new hotel properties in the capital. The first, the InterContinental West Cairo 205, is set to open in January 2028, while the second, the Voco West Cairo 205 Suites, is scheduled for June 2026. This dual signing adds 390 rooms to IHG’s portfolio in Egypt, meeting the growing demand for luxury and high-end experiences in the region.

The InterContinental West Cairo 205, with 250 rooms, promises an exceptional luxury experience through its exceptional design, diverse offerings, and quality service. The hotel will offer a range of four dining options, including an all-day specialty restaurant, a lobby lounge, and a popular bar. Business travelers in search of an elegant and functional space will have access to meeting and event facilities totaling 1,110 square meters, including a ballroom. The hotel will also feature a club lounge, a spa, a health club, and a swimming pool for guest well-being.

The Voco West Cairo 205 Suites, consisting of 140 rooms, will provide a high-end experience from the beginning to the end of guests’ stays. It will offer a dining option as well as quick-service dining, in addition to a fitness center. The distinctive features of the Voco brand, such as bold design and quality amenities, will add a unique touch to each stay.

Oberoi’s “Best of Egypt” Package

Oberoi Hotels and Resorts, one of the world’s most renowned hotel brands, invites travelers to delve into the mystery of ancient Egypt and experience an immersive journey of Egyptian culture and historical treasures through the brand’s “Best of Egypt” package.

This package offers luxury cruises of four and six nights aboard the Oberoi Philae, a magnificent Nile cruise ship. It features 18 luxury cabins, four luxury suites, exquisite bathrooms, and breathtaking views. Travelers seeking the best cuisine can enjoy Western, Indian, Asian, and Middle Eastern dishes prepared by Oberoi’s chefs. Onboard the cruise ship, guests can also enjoy traditional dance and music performances for an authentic cultural experience.

The Oberoi Zahra, another luxury Nile cruise ship, offers a three- or seven-night cruise that includes visits to ancient temples, the Valley of the Kings (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and more. Guests enjoy private accommodations, fine dining, personalized spa treatments, and traditional cultural performances.

To complete this river adventure, travelers then stay at the award-winning The Oberoi, Sahl Hasheesh, located on the Red Sea. This exclusive property, featuring only suites, boasts contemporary Arabian style across 48 hectares, with a private beach offering an unforgettable beach experience.

Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh

Since May, the Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh has been welcoming guests to its new luxury suite known as “The Palace.” This is the largest suite in the city and opens seasonally from May to October to allow visitors to fully enjoy the Egyptian summer months. This milestone marks a major multi-million-dollar expansion that has doubled the size of the Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh property.

The Palace, spanning an area of 6,082 square meters, has been specially designed to accommodate celebrities and the global elite. It is a completely self-contained sanctuary offering a range of private amenities such as a pool, fitness facilities, a spa, a lodge, office space, and full residential facilities.

This self-contained palace is nestled within a fully landscaped garden that provides panoramic views of half a kilometer of waterfront. It distinguishes itself with a design that seamlessly blends interior and exterior, with direct beach access from every room, the living room, and the entrance hall. The terrace is equipped with lounge furniture for outdoor dining, as well as a relaxation area between dips in the private pool and the jetted bathtub. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of the Red Sea and the lush surrounding greenery. Inside, the living space is adorned with artistic details and carefully selected accessories, along with numerous seating areas for gatherings and dining.