The former Semiramis Hotel, opened in 1907, was a renowned hotel known for its grandeur and opulent interiors including a grand staircase draped in red carpet, magnificent chandeliers, life-size ebony sculptures, and the majestic aura of Louis XVI décor. Located overlooking the Nile Corniche and situated a stone’s throw away from the Egyptian Museum, the hotel had a long-standing reputation amongst both Egyptian and international elite circles. Throughout its operational period, the hotel was open exclusively in the winter season which resulted in thousands of distinguished guests including royalty, aristocrats, and diplomats who selected Semiramis Hotel as their winter retreat. During both World Wars, the hotel was occupied by the British Army due to its strategic location. The hotel served as headquarters, a hospital, a space for troops to find some comfort. It was also important for key conferences including the 1921 Cairo Conference. After World War Two, the hotel began to operate year-round and became the first hotel in Cairo to install elevators. It also opened Cairo’s first European-style nightclub, a rooftop restaurant with a dance orchestra was introduced in 1946 and subsequently launched the Night & Day café in 1960. In 1974, the decision was made to demolish the hotel to replace it with a new, more modern hotel resulting in the distribution of antique furnishings, carpets, crystals and porcelain pieces as well as other items being auctioned including a complete bedroom suite. Although it was the end of an era, the hotel rebirthed itself as Semiramis InterContinental on the same revered site, reclaiming its rightful place as a landmark of Cairo. 

Semiramis InterContinental Hotel

An historic landmark situated on the banks of the River Nile Semiramis InterContinental Hotel has a long-standing history of being one of the most iconic hotels in Cairo known for its hospitality and for being the city’s most prominent social and conference hubs.

The hotel features elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each overlooking either the historic cityscape or the Nile, which all include minibars, tea and coffee-making facilities, international direct dialling, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and six dedicated non-smoking floors. There are also four exclusive floors reserved for Club InterContinental business guests, alongside a state-of-the-art 24-hour business centre located within the meetings destination, Pavillion Semiramis. A luxurious spa situated in the hotel perfect for enjoying relaxing treatments, a fitness centre and an outdoor swimming pool where visitors can take in views of the Nile whilst taking a dip.

The hotel’s restaurants and bars offering an impressive culinary journey across Middle Eastern, Thai, Italian and international cuisines. Each restaurant consists of modern interior with authentic cultural elements and food crafted by an expert team of local and international chefs perfect for every palate. Birdcage captures the true spirit and flavours of Thailand, while Pane Vino brings the soul of Italy to life. Sushiramis introduces a fresh, contemporary concept featuring premium sushi and sashimi selections. At the historic Night & Day café, guests indulge in innovative global cuisine and live cooking stations, while Tea Garden serves as a chic social haven offering artisanal beverages and ‘pâtisserie du jour’. The range of dining options has resulted in Semiramis InterContinental firmly establishing itself as one of Cairo’s premier dining destinations, proudly recognized with numerous TripAdvisor accolades.

The renovated Cleopatra Ballroom is one of Egypt’s largest and most versatile conference venues, and featuring state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, including a full-sized permanent stage. Three additional event spaces — Nefertiti, Babylon, and the newly renovated Teeba overlooking the Nile — offer elegant options for mid-sized celebrations and meetings. For corporate gatherings, the Semiramis Pavilion presents a modern business environment that blends contemporary design with advanced technology. To further suit the needs of its guests, the hotel has an underground parking garage and an onsite shopping arcade available, as well as 24-hour room service, laundry services, and valet parking.

Sameh Sobhy

General Manager of Semiramis InterContinental hotel

Sameh Sobhy has had a longstanding career with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) starting in 1987 as part of the Sales and Marketing team. Subsequently he has held several senior positions including Hotel Manager, Resident Manager and Executive Assistant Manager spanning 26 years before he was promoted to the role of General Manager of Semiramis InterContinental in April 2013 making him the first Egyptian to manage the hotel ensuring the hotel maintains its high standards and esteemed reputation. Sameh has been recognized for his excellence in hotel management one of them being awarded ‘Best General Manager’ granted by the Minister of Tourism among five-star hotels in the Cairo Governate, an award that was tied to World Tourism Day. His tenure in this role has also seen the hotel celebrate significant achievements and recognition in the hospitality industry. His commitment to ensuring excellent standards at the hotel are continuously displayed, has led him to be a key part of the hotel’s day-to-day operations ensuring guests are able to receive the best experience in one of Cairo’s most historic and iconic hotels.

Semiramis InterContinental is the perfect balance between history and luxury combining state-of-the-art facilities with outstanding management resulting to deliver a premium experience for all guests. The hotel is the perfect accommodation for tourists exploring Cairo, families, events and business executives as well as visitors that enjoy dining in one of the many restaurants on site.