Overall Ratings & Reviews Talisman Hotel

Location : It is extraordinary difficult to find the entrance especially over the weekend as it is crazy crowded near the entrance. We had to drag our luggages and go through the crowd to enter the main building. In the building it was not easy to find the main door, and we had to go up and down multiple time with a no so safe elevator. Payment: I had to pay the fee at the hotel and wanted to pay in Egyptian pound, but I was told I can only pay in $, or the equal amount in Egyptian pounds but with THE BLACK market exchange rate, which was almost double of what I exchanged my $. (1$=31 EGP, vs 50EGP in black market) Breakfast: it was way below expectations, very simple, not much variety, it took them almost 10 min to give us bread.

We loved this meticulously restored to its 1800s splendor--think Haussmann Parisian high ceilings and large French windows--with exquisite Egyptian antiques yet all modern conveniences (en suite bathrooms, air conditioning etc). Atmosphere is completed by being met each morning by elderly woman maitre d' in flawless French. High on 5th floor down a pedestrianized side street, no Cairo traffic noise to disturb you. Walkable to Egyptian Museum and old Cairo but in an Egyptian medium/high shopping neighborhood so no hassle and lots of good local (ie not tourist) food options. As others have said, dont be put off by rather run down ground floor covered courtyard from which you get lift to 5th floor. This hotel is the antidote to bland, impersonal, 5 star hotels and grotty noisy backpacker hotels. Plus, instead of trying to sell you tours or overpriced transport, here they told us about Uber which was a fraction of the price, very reliable and had seatbelts, and local restaurants from which they got no commission! Character, cleanliness, convenience. You could not do better.

Please be advised, the building in which this hostel is located is a semi-abandon building. There was a man sleeping in the hallway entrance of the place and another one in another floor since this hostel is on the 5th floor. The building is in terrible shape, and very sketchy. Once in the “hotel” the electricity went off. My partner and I decided to leave the next night and stayed somewhere else, although we were supposed to stay there another night. (Still haven’t gotten my money back for the 2nd day cancellation) Due yourselves and love ones a favor and do not book here.

Location is perfect @ down town Caïro. Best spot to witness local life of the inhabitants of Caïro.

Totally unique for Cairo, a real sanctuary right in a downtown area full of wonderful 1930s French architecture. I visit Cairo a lot and usually stay in one of the 4 or 5 star chains. All so far are dull, large concrete buildings with no soul. The staff were wonderful and everything worked perfectly. We stayed 3 nights. It may not be everyone's ideal but for those who want to experience old Cairo, rather than an anonymous bunker, this is a real sanctuary. One review said breakfast was 'basic' but there was a good range of options, the fresh guavas were my highlight. Don't miss a visit to Cage Riche 5-10 mins walk away, another institution.

Don't take credit card though it is stated on the reservation confirmation that it is an option?! Breakfast is pretty basic. The location is great, clean and nicely decorated. Staff is friendly and kind (but depends who is attending).

Charming as the name indicates. Down an alley off Talit Harb St. Old fashioned open cage elevator. Hotel is on fifth floor. Great for travellers who like the local flavor rather than the "Hilton" feel. Staff speaks English and were very helpful and accomidating. In a typical bustling Cairo neighborhood in downtown Cairo. Walk to Tahrir Square, Egyptian Museum and the Nile. Highly reccomended.

The hotel was fine, I was happy until the last day when I realised that someone has stolen all the precious stones, jeweleries, and cash from the safe box inside the room. If you stay at this hotel do not leave anything valuable in the safe box as advised. I did just that, and even with my own individual code they open the safebox and stole everything that was valuable. Do not stay at this Hotel!!!

The hotel staff were so friendly and helpful and the public rooms were furnished with fab Egyptian historical pieces throughout. Breakfast lovely and particularly cool was the fact we were only in our room for about 1 minute when a knock on the door revealed the waiter with welcoming fresh fruit drinks. You will though need to arrive by taxi as not easy at all to find. In small sidestreet with no obvious signage.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Cairo. The transport from the airport was an issue and consideration should be given for airport pick up which would assist in the frenetic conditions of the arrival section of the airport. Hotel arranged transport to airport when we left which made life easier. Best wishes to all at the Hotel Talisman.

The Talisman Hotel is the perfect place to stay in the heart of Cairo if you are looking for a friendly boutique hotel that is well-run and has easy access to the Egyptian Museum at a reasonable price.

As previously stated the entrance to the hotel might leave you a bit wary, but once you get to the fifth floor it feels completely different. Our Egyptian guides were unaware of it, since the hotel does little/no publicity within the country, but even they were impressed when they dropped us off or picked us up. The fact that there is complimentary breakfast and wireless is very rare and speaks to how homey the hotel is. Everyone at the front desk was helpful and gave us great directions on how to get around Cairo on foot and on the metro. I wholeheartedly recommend this place.

The Hotel was a great experience and we were wowed by the decor and the thoughtful design of the place- though finding it could be a slight challenge a better map (in English) and instructions with bookings could do the trick. The stay was very comfortable and the room was clean, well stocked and with all the comforts expected from a hotel at this price range (though in Egypt the expected cannot be taken for granted) The Breakfast was a good spread and the staff was very helpful and polite. On the whole a very warm and charming experience.

The Talisman Hotel has been a pleasant surprise in a not so friendly city. We stayed for two nights, in two different rooms and both were very nicely decorated. We had some issues on our first night with the bathroom, and then asked to be moved, without any hassle. The hotel is absolutely beautiful in terms of decor and atmoshpere. Breakfast was very basic. MacDonalds just accross the street! Try to avoid the hotel's Inhouse tour operator, sitting at the reception, till you know what you want to do and where do you want to go. We almost got bombarderd into booking a very expensive taxi ride to the Pyramids. We ended up booking a taxi, to take us around for the day, at a fifth of the price. Just make sure, that both parties agree on the price. This taxi can take you straight to the pyramids, don't fall for the donkey car ride, and that you can't go any further with a car. I will definitley recommend this hotel, as it is great value for money, and looks even better than on the pictures. It has great atmosphere and is very clean!

The location here is within walking distance of the Egyptian museum, Nile River area, felucca boats and 4-5 star hotels. Hotel is located on 5th floor of empty building but once on the 5th floor all is good. Staff is extremely helpful and pleasant. Common rooms and area for reading, lounging and checking emails have the comforts of home including fresh flowers. Queen bedroom and bath was spacious and clean. Just the foyer of the building was a bit strange but a lot of Cairo building look the same...covering in dust. El Abd Bakery, and Felfela Restaurant are an easy walk.

The hotel was clean, good service from the freindly staff and in the heart of downtown Cairo. It was close to shopping, resturants and the Cairo Museum

If it's traditional Egypt you are after, then this is the place. Centred in the main area of Cairo, on opening the balcony doors, you can almost smell Egypt. Staff very friendly and welcoming, hotel very clean and relaxing. It's really quiet on the 5th floor (hotel is situated 5 floors up). Lovely rooms with traditional décor.

While a bit hard to locate (the entry is down an alley), the Talisman is a boutique hotel with an old-world charm, even including a 'cage' lift. The hotel is nicely decorated and has a cosy feel; and the staff are pleasant and obliging. Hamdi at the travel desk (Egypt Adventure Tours) is very helpful

As this was my first visit to Cairo I was unprepared for the condition of the downtown area where we stayed; the buildings reflect the beautiful detail of early 20th century architecture but so many of them are falling into disrepair. The exterior condition is somewhat disconcerting upon arriving at The Talisman and the mix of vacant floors with inhabited floors was also a surprise. The Talisman itself is a charming boutique hotel with a wonderfully helpful and accommodating staff. The furnishings are more than comfortable and make a guest feel quite at home. Once a visitor becomes accustomed to the downtown area's condition The Talisman's location as "base camp" makes for a convenient visit for all that Cairo has to offer.

The hotel is on a very good location in Cairo, walking distance to the Egypcian Museum, the Nile river, many restaurants and the subway statation. The staff is fantastic, very friendly and helpfull providing excellent service. I will go back to this hotel on a future trips to Cairo.