Briefly, note that there are two Fairmont properties next to each other in Helipolis. One used to be the Sheraton Heliopolis and has the charm you'd expect of a 1960s/1970s hotel; the other is a brand new buiding (the Towers) which soft-opened in April 2008, full opening due in May 2008.

Despite paying a high rate of USD250+taxes per night, the service has been excellent - friendly and accomodating; the rooms are stunning, think boutique hotel with spacious rooms and luxurious bathrooms; and the location is handy for the airport (USD10 transfer) albeit a long way from the city centre.

The internet access is, however, grossly overpriced at EGP160 per day.

Not all services are available in the hotel when I stayed in early May - I had to go to the other Fairmont hotel next door to use the swimming pool - but this has the potential to be an excellent accommdation. I'll visit again when I have business in the Heliopolis area.

(Fairmont are very fair and market the Towers entirely separately from the regular hotel next door. Be careful which you book...)