Arrival
Four Seasons First Residence Check in was handled by our Memphis representative Ahmed (No. 1 - there were a few!) but hotel were staff very friendly and helpful without his assistance, they did not take a credit card swipe as it got complicated for some reason. No drink or towels but there are coffee and tea facilities within the lobby and you can smoke if you want to - indoors!
Room
We were escorted to our room by a member of staff and the Ahmed. It was classically furnished, very large with walk in wardrobe and a big bathroom with separate shower, bath, two sinks and separate toilet plus a small balcony with views over the Botanical Gardens, Zoo and the Pyramids in the distance.
Smoking is allowed on the balcony which has no furniture and gets hot and dusty, we think we could have smoked although we didn’t, lovely ashtray and no didn’t pinch it!
Room Size: 58 sqm
First Residence Room Facilities
- Toiletries by L’Occitane
- Tea and coffee machine provided plus plenty of drinking water.
- International TV Channels
- Welcome pastries and then fresh fruit daily.
- Plenty of Hangers
- Safe
- Iron and Ironing Board
Dining

We had room service every night and Jon played around the App to order. Very good food and plenty of it.

Breakfast was really good, great selections and the Eggs Benedict rated a 9/10. Smoking section again which took some getting used to.
Also tried the First Residence Afternoon Tea, very happy to get scones and clotted cream. There was so much of it we had the cakes sent up to the room.
Amenities
The pool area was very busy, noisy with lots of children running around and messy with pool towels everywhere. There are a number of poolside cabanas which were blocking any views. Even if we had had time it did not look very appealing.
Spa and Gym
Very well equipped but in true Glad Rags style we didn't take advantage - afternoon tea was far more inviting!
First Residence Shopping Mall
The attached shopping mall is pretty poor, only one decent shop for clothes which had nothing inspiring.
Restaurants / Bar
Aura - Shami cuisine (never heard of that) - located at the pool and it looked like a road side cafe.
Tea Lounge - breakfast and afternoon tea
La Gourmandise - located in the Mall for lunch type food and sushi/sashimi at night- don’t bother.
The First Bar - cocktails etc
Conclusion
Overall I really liked the hotel, loved the room and the staff were friendly and very helpful, service was excellent and room service was very efficient, you can download the App for quick responses.
The only minus point is that if you do feel like walking out of the hotel you are possible about a 10 minute walk from the river and some restaurants. As this was our first time in Cairo we did not really feel comfortable to leave the hotel although we were told it was okay to do so.
I would certainly stay here again, I think either this or the FS Nile Plaza are the best hotels in Cairo, difficult to say which is better. For visiting the Pyramids this is the better choice and it does have a more intimate feel. After a hectic sightseeing schedule the perfect retreat!
TIP - if you are leaving early in the morning then order a Breakfast box the night before. You get one each filled with yoghurt, juice, pastries, fruit, jam and butter, this was a godsend in Luxor!
Four Seasons First Residence Hotel, Cairo
I have no hesitation in recommending the First Residence Cairo. A perfect an luxurious escape from the grime and madness that is the amazing city of Cairo. Click the logo to visit their website
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