Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel

This is the second time to stay at this hotel and it is not getting better. The rooms are very big but are really showing their age and need to be updated. The paint is dirty, rugs are very worn, furniture looks old and worn. Baths are very old and small. It does not meet the Sofitel standard and unless changes are made, should not be one. On a good note, the gardens and pool are lovely.

The Sofitel Winter Palace is across the street from the Mediterranean Sea. Somehow the group we were with, Archaeological Paths, bused us to a dock area on the opposite side, so we took a ferry across the waterway to get to the Winter Palace. The reason was because the drive was horrendous & quite long--the ferry across was faster. So overtime we went out for the day, we started with the ferry ride. This is an old elegant hotel. We were on the ground floor which was very easy to access and noise wasn't a problem. Each ground floor unit has two outside doors. The inside door locks with a key--& that was pretty tricky because of their age--we suspect. However, the two doors are an excellent sound barrier for anything going on in the wide hallway. There are hand held shower fixtures that were tricky to maneuver--water all over the floor wasn't unusual. The televisions in Egypt are alway difficult to get in a different language--this one was no exception. However, after calling the front desk, a technician came and set us up while we were away for the day. I left a note asking for the TV to be in English and on a particular news channel I selected from the printed guide in the room. It was handled well. Our group had two evening meals outside, just past the pool. A barbecue was served by putting several braziers with cooked meats on each round table. The only problem was the smoke generated by the braziers. So keep moving it until the smoke blows away from you. In Egypt we found 3 meats to always be on the menu, beef (which was always gristly), ground lamb in the shape of sausages, & chicken. The chicken was always the best in our estimation. At home we have now sworn off chicken for at least a year. Several times we asked for a particular drink, (Milk & Sprite) and it never came--so be forceful in repeating your request. That was the only thing that worked. The front desk, wait staff, and housekeeping were always pleasant and accommodating. The room was comfortable, but only had 2 outlets for charging batteries.