Mandarin Oriental to open first hotel in Egypt
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced a management agreement to rebrand the historic Shepheard Hotel in Cairo, Egypt.
The Shepheard Hotel first opened in 1841 on the eastern shore of the Nile and is a landmark in the city.
Mandarin Oriental confirmed a “comprehensive” renovation of the property is already underway, with Paris-based interior designer Sybille de Margerie overseeing the preservation of the building’s heritage design while enhancing its facilities and services.
The property will reopen as Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo, in 2024 and will be the group’s first hotel in Egypt.
When complete, it will feature 188 rooms and 88 suites, many with balconies offering views over the city, the Nile and Gezira Island.
Guests will be able to choose from five restaurants and bars, including a rooftop restaurant for al fresco dining and an exclusive club lounge.
The hotel will also offer expansive function spaces, including a rooftop ballroom, and a Spa at Mandarin Oriental, which will feature eight treatment suites, an indoor lap pool, a rooftop swimming pool, a beauty salon and fitness centre. There will also be a kids’ club.
The hotel in Downtown Cairo is located close the city’s attractions, including the historical Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili Souq and Al-Azhar Mosque, and offers easy access to the river, key commercial buildings, shops, restaurants and cafes.
Mandarin Oriental’s group chief executive James Riley said: “We are delighted to extend Mandarin Oriental’s renowned levels of hospitality into Egypt and to work with [project developers] Al Sharif Group Holding on bringing this iconic and historic hotel back to life.
“The project presents an ideal opportunity to further grow our brand in the Middle East & Africa, and we look forward to creating many unique experiences for our guests.”
Nawaf Faiz Al-Sharif, president of Al-Sharif Group, added: “Mandarin Oriental is an award-winning international brand, renowned for its exemplary service and attention to detail.
“They are the ideal partner for this unique project, and we look forward to working together on enhancing Cairo’s appeal and creating the most sophisticated luxury hotel in the city.”
Image [from left to right]: Paul Massot, chief development officer of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and Nawaf Faiz Al-Sharif, president of Al-Sharif Group, signing the agreement at the signing ceremony.