"This "hotel" is a scam. It is a room in an empty derelict building. The front entrance is wide open. There is no reception or security. It is not a hotel although comes up in a search for a hotel. I was fooled by the name "Cairo Dream Boutique Hotel". It is a nightmare.
There was a poor looking guy sitting on a chair outside the building. By western standards, this place was worse than scary.
I booked this accommodation on Expedia and all nights needed to be paid up front (unusual). I arrived late at night. A guy in an old dirty car picked me up at the airport and he was the "hotel transfer". That was the first red flag. He was parked at least a 10 minute walk from the airport.
On the way to the address, driver wanted to stop the car for gas . . . I was asked if I would like some food in my room. They would arrange for something to be delivered. By now I was starting to get worried and asking if it was a real hotel. I did not get a straight answer.
When we arrived it was off the main area of traffic in a dark street. The door to the building was wide open. There was no one around. The building sounded empty and hollow. Curious and trying to not base everything on western standards, I went to the room. Then when we got to the floor still no one around. The hallway was dark.
The driver opened the door of the room. It was also dark with a dim bulb lit. I saw two beds but it was so dark I could barely make out what was in the room. I did not go in - I was afraid of being alone with driver and being raped in the room. The pictures on the Expedia website are fake. They show beds with white linen and furniture. There was only two beds in the room next to the wall. Windows were wide open over the bed.
The elevator did not work to go down and I ran down 7 flights of stairs with my bag. I could not get out of there fast enough. It was almost midnight and I just wanted to go back to the airport.
The person who registered this site with Expedia was fully paid for each night booked. When they were contacted by Expedia they said that I did not "check in" and therefore not eligible for a refund. Frightening experience and set the tone for the rest of my visit to Cairo. To be aware, and that there are no regulations. People can fool authorities and be certified to list with fake pictures of an accommodation. I am a seasoned traveler and have traveled through the middle east a lot - this location was the worst - an area I would not walk through - let alone stay in.
I appreciate everyone needs to make a living, but the name of this accommodation and the website are completely misleading. A complete scam. I lost my trust in everything and everyone from that point including booking sites. Will be doing my research with regard to reviews and stick to a chain hotel for arrival. Then visually inspect a potential accommodation after arrival."
