STARTING July, Sofitel Al-Gezirah opens its doors to soft operation after months of extensive renovations, introducing the latest edition in Cairo's hospitality sector. Inauguration will be in October. With an unrivalled location in the heart of Cairo, on the southern tip of Gezirah Island, the hotel embraces an incomparable view of the River Nile from every angle. The resilience of the hotel has helped its evolution into a more contemporary set-up that encapsulates the romantic, elegant and vivacious mood of France merged with the opulence of Egypt's time-honoured culture. The hotel has 433 rooms including tastefully decorated 50 suites designed in a relaxed, vivid and orderly setting, fusing both style and contemporary modern art décor in perfect harmony, thus offering both an appealing and soothing mood to all discerning travellers. All rooms and suites have a spectacular view of the Nile thus creating the perfect ambiance for a relaxed state of mind. The rooms are hi- tech for business travellers in particular. Each has its own spacious terrace overlooking the glistening waters of the Nile. The hotel's interior is the work of renowned French architect Pierre-Yves Rochon, which includes a mélange of paintings, sculptures, tapestries and objets d'art that garnish the walls and corridors. New concepts in food and beverage based on French taste will be introduced. The Vendome, the specialty French cuisine, will be the highlight of elegant dining in Cairo. Successful, too, will be Café Sud, the perfect meeting place for an intimate conversation over freshly baked pastries, Windows on the Nile lounge, and Paradise Island, a floating barge in the Middle of the Nile. Sofitel El-Gezirah will also introduce, for the first time in Egypt, the Buddha Bar, expected to be the most attractive night outing in Cairo. Jean-Pierre , general manager of the hotel, says the Kebabgy, Cairo's most popular restaurant offering Oriental sizzling grills and specialties, will start operation in August, the last outlet to open. "It will be like a cherry on the cake," said. Although the hotel is surrounded by many five- star properties, believes Sofitel Al-Gezirah is unique as a deluxe property in the true meaning of the word. It has the most competitive location on the Nile and although it is in the heart of the bustling city, it enjoys the serenity and exclusivity of a resort. "We've created a resort within the city. You are in the heart of the city and away at the same time," he said. added that Sofitel Al-Gezirah will bring new standards and level of excellence to the hotel industry in Cairo, bringing a distinctive style and outstanding service to its clientele. "We mainly target the business market, individuals who come for business or for leisure. We do not deal with groups," said. Sofitel Al-Gezirah, previously Gezirah Sheraton, is keeping two-thirds of its staff. "We are keeping 500 of the old staff of Sheraton and adding 230 new ones," said. "The old staff has a very strong belonging to the place. It is a treasure so why get rid of it?"
