Mandarin Oriental to Take Over Management of Historic Hotel in Cairo, Egypt

(23 Mar 2022, 14:46 +07)  Mandarin Oriental has signed a management agreement with Al-Sharif Group that will see it rebrand the historic Shepheard Hotel in Cairo, as the Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo.

The hotel will be the group's first property in Egypt.

The celebrated Shepheard Hotel first opened its doors in 1841 and remains a landmark in the city, respected by the local community and well known internationally.

A comprehensive renovation of the property is already underway and Paris-based interior designer, Sybille de Margerie, has been tasked with preserving the building’s heritage design while enhancing the facilities and services.

Paul Massot (left), CDO of Mandarin Oriental, with Nawaf Faiz Al-Sharif, President of Al-Sharif Group

Upon completion, currently anticipated for 2024, the hotel will re-open as Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo.

James Riley, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental, said, “We are delighted to extend Mandarin Oriental’s renowned levels of hospitality into Egypt and to work with 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.”

Situated on the eastern shore of the Nile, in the heart of Downtown Cairo, the property will feature 188 rooms and 88 suites, many with balconies, providing views over the city, the Nile and Gezira island.

Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo will feature five restaurants and bars, including a rooftop restaurant for al fresco dining, as well as an exclusive club lounge.

The hotel will also offer expansive function spaces - including a rooftop ballroom, a spa with eight treatment suites, an indoor lap pool, a rooftop swimming pool, a beauty salon, fitness centre and a kid’s club.

The project developer is Al Sharif for Tourism and Hotels, an Egyptian Closed Joint Stock Company that is a subsidiary of Al Sharif Group Holding, the Saudi holding group based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, who won the concession to redevelop the site from the Egyptian General Company for Tourism and Hotels in 2020.

“Mandarin Oriental is an award-winning international brand, renowned for its exemplary service and attention to detail” said Mr Nawaf Faiz Al-Sharif, President of Al-Sharif Group. “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.”