We had a short night in Cairo coming from LHR and flying to Aswan early the next morning. It took less than five minutes to get to the hotel from the airport. The lobby is lovely and cool with the staff being very friendly and efficient. Our double room was adequate, complete with all the necessary things, but seemed a bit tired with huge stains on the carpet. The bathroom definately needed some TLC. It was great surprise to find that the breakfast buffet opened at 0400. It was nice to sit and relax with the first morning cuppa instead of picking up a breakfast box on the way out the door. We would return to the hotel for another quick stopover, but would find a different place if we were staying longer.

On a recent business trip to Alex, Egypt I had a week-end free and decided to travel to Cairo. I did not realise that over week-ends (Fri and Sat in Egypt),and without booking, it is almost impossible finding decent , reasonably priced hotels anywhere in Cairo. My South African travel agent recomended the Le Passage (formerly Movenpick Cairo Airport), unfortunately I did not get the rate as advised by my agent. I decided to accept the hotel's rack rate of $201/night in the Executive club section, apparently these were only rooms that were available on 29 February to 2 March 08. Most other hotels also offered me the executive rooms at rates ranging from $200 to $300 per night. I guess that's their marketing and sales strategy when you desperately need room-(once you check-in dont expect to be transferred to standard rooms) Anyway, the hotel has a fantastic lobby, but the rooms don't quite match the ambiance of the lobby. The rooms and bathrooms need to be refurbished in view of rates charged. The location is almost in the carpark of Cairo Airport, but was pleasantly surprised that there was no disturbance from plane noises. The hotel has beautifully laid out gardens and a very large pool area. Over the 3 days I stayed at this hotel, there were several weddings and other special occassions celebrated by the locals, and this offered me the opportunity to appreciate the Egyptian culture. I found the staff very friendly (staff at lobby bar). and accommodating. I recommend this hotel if you want to stay close to the airport and be away from the hustle & bustle of downtown Cairo. You are in close proximity to "City Stars" , a new upmarket shopping mall, and Roxy Mall. Expect to pay 50LE for a 45 minute taxi ride to the city centre in peak traffic.

Le Passage has apparently changed hands recently and this has been associated with poor staff training. It is situated right in the airport which is convenient but the room we had was noisy with the piano in the lobby intrusive into the evening, there was a party going on somewhere near and the staff were chatting in the corridor into the early hours. The reception staff do not speak English all that well and the checking out is slow. The rooms could do with freshening up. If you want convenience, it's OK.