CAIRO—The political unrest shaking Cairo is leaving hotels scrambling to ensure guest safety.
For the past week, crowds have wreaked havoc in the Egyptian capital and are calling for President Hosni Mubarak to step down after three decades in power. Amid the turmoil, hotel officials say they are making guest safety priority No. 1.
There are 91 properties comprising 21,923 rooms in Cairo, according to STR Global data.
Hotel press officials either did not return calls for comment by press time or were hesitant to give interviews, but several companies did share written statements providing updates on hotel operations. Following are updates from hotel companies regarding the status of hotel operations in Cairo.
Hilton Worldwide
“The well-being, safety and security of our guests and team members are of paramount importance and our hotels across Egypt are making every effort to ensure we deliver the highest level of security. We have implemented additional security procedures at all our hotels across Egypt, particularly Cairo, and our teams are working around the clock to take care of our guests, including those who have had to extend their stay due to flight disruptions. Hotels in the resort areas have been less impacted and are able to largely operate business as usual,” Hilton Worldwide said according to a statement.
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The Ramses Hilton |
“We are receiving a number of cancellation requests for hotels, primarily those in Cairo, and we are waiving cancellation fees for upcoming reservations. We are reviewing and updating our cancellation policy as the situation progresses. We are also helping guests who choose to transfer their bookings to other parts of the Middle East, such as Dubai.
“We continue to monitor the situation closely. Guests planning to travel to Egypt should contact their respective governments or tour operators for travel advice and more information.”
Hilton’s Cairo portfolio includes: the Hilton Zamalek Residence Cairo, the Ramses Hilton, the Hilton Cairo World Trade Center Residence; the Hilton Pyramids Golf Resort; and the Conrad Cairo.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
"All employees and guests of Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, Four Seasons Resort Alexandria, and Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh are safe,” Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts said in a statement.
“The city of Sharm El Sheikh and the South Sinai are remotely located from the main population centres, and the Resort continues to operate normally, including all guest and telecommunications services. International flights to and from Sharm El Sheikh International Airport are operating as scheduled.
“Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria also continues to operate and is well protected from the unrest.
“In Cairo, we are taking a number of security precautions to ensure the continued safety of our guests and employees including assisting international guests to leave the country. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza and Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residences are not taking any reservations at this time. The hotels are continuing to experience Internet and mobile phone disruptions, but incoming and outgoing land lines are operating as normal. We are continuing to monitor the situation closely.”
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts
“At Hyatt hotels and resorts throughout the world, the safety and security of guests and associates is one of our top concerns. The hotels employ a wide range of security measures and safety protocols customized to the needs of each hotel and the current environment in which it is operating. We do not comment, however, on specific security measures employed,” according to a statement released by Hyatt Hotels and Resorts.
“In light of the current situation in Cairo, we have heightened the level of security measures at Grand Hyatt Cairo, and the management of the hotel has implemented appropriate measures in an effort to ensure that guests and associates remain in a safe environment.”
Hyatt’s hotel in Cairo is the Grand Hyatt Cairo.
Marriott International
“We are aware of and continue to monitor the developing situation in Cairo, Egypt. Although the unrest is not currently affecting areas in proximity to the two Marriott hotels located in the city of Cairo, we are carefully monitoring the situation. At this time the civil disturbances are centered on the east side of the Nile River. The Cairo Marriott Hotel is located on an island located on the west side of the Nile River and the JW Marriott Hotel Cairo is located approximately 10 miles outside the city. The safety and security of our guests and employees is one of our top priorities and the hotel will continue to evaluate the threat levels and respond accordingly,” Marriott International said in a statement.
Marriott operates two hotels in Cairo, the Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino and the JW Marriott Hotel Cairo.