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Talisman Hotel

3.0 star property
Hotel in Cairo with free breakfast and a 24-hour front desk

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Photo gallery for Talisman Hotel

Premium bedding, desk, blackout drapes, free internet
Interior
Dining
Shower, free toiletries, hair dryer, bathrobes
Double Room | Premium bedding, desk, blackout drapes, free internet

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Laundry
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
39 Talaat Harb St., Downtown, Cairo
  • Egyptian Museum
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Khan el-Khalili
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Tahrir Square
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Cairo (CAI-Cairo Intl.)
    ‪15 min drive‬

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Room options

View all photos for Single Room

Premium bedding, desk, blackout drapes, free internet

Single Room

  • City view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room | Premium bedding, desk, blackout drapes, free internet

Double Room

  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 King Beds

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About the neighborhood

Cairo

Located in Islamic Cairo, Talisman Hotel is within a mile (2 km) of sights such as Ain Shams University and Qauit Bey Madrassa. This 24-room, 3-star hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like free breakfast, concierge services, and a library.

What's nearby

  • Egyptian Museum - 4 min drive - 3.3 miles
  • Al-Azhar University - 4 min drive - 2.2 miles
  • Khan el-Khalili - 4 min drive - 1.9 miles
  • Tahrir Square - 4 min drive - 3.6 miles
  • Cairo Tower - 6 min drive - 4.3 miles

Getting around

  • Cairo Ramses Station - 4 min drive
  • Abdou Pasha Station - 8 min walk
  • Cairo Intl. Airport (CAI) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪ملك المانجا والفراولة - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪دجاج كنتاكى - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪شاي - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪كافيتريا البركة - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪كوفي شوب الحفيد - ‬7 min walk

About this property

Talisman Hotel

Hotel in Cairo with free breakfast and a 24-hour front desk
Guests staying at Talisman Hotel enjoy free WiFi in public areas, a library, and a TV in a common area. The 24-hour front desk has multilingual staff ready to assist with concierge services, securing valuables, and dry cleaning/laundry. This hotel also has a porter/bellhop.
For entertainment, guests can enjoy satellite TV. Beds are dressed in premium bedding and bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Sitting areas, phones, and desks are other standard amenities.

Languages

Arabic, English

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Library
  • Shopping
  • TV in common areas

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop

Accessibility

  • Elevator

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Bidet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Partially-open bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Satellite channels

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Phone
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 1 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 1 PM—-anytime
  • Check-out: noon
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Unmarried guests may be restricted from sharing rooms in accordance with local laws. Guests must provide proof of marriage if requested by the property.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Talisman de Charme
Talisman de Charme Cairo
Talisman Hotel de Charme
Talisman Hotel de Charme Cairo
Talisman Hotel Cairo
Talisman Hotel
Talisman Cairo
Talisman Hotel Hotel
Talisman Hotel Cairo
Talisman Hotel Hotel Cairo

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at Talisman Hotel?

Talisman Hotel provides free cancellation on some room rates. For more details, review the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

What can I see around Talisman Hotel?

This hotel is situated in Islamic Cairo, close to Egyptian Museum, Tahrir Square, and Citystars Heliopolis. You'll also find Khan el-Khalili and Talaat Harb Street within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Talisman Hotel?

No, there isn't parking available at the hotel.

Does Talisman Hotel have a casino at the property?

No, Talisman Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Talisman Hotel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is Talisman Hotel good for couples?

Couples staying at this hotel will appreciate amenities like premium bedding and bathrobes as well as a restaurant.

Does Talisman Hotel have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Talisman Hotel have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, Talisman Hotel serves free continental breakfast from its restaurant.

Does Talisman Hotel allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Talisman Hotel.

Are there connecting rooms at Talisman Hotel?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

How far is the airport from Talisman Hotel?

The closest major airport to Talisman Hotel is Cairo Intl. Airport (CAI), which is 9.4 mi away (28 minutes by car). Another top airport is Giza (SPX-Sphinx Intl.), which is located 29.6 mi away (45-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies at Talisman Hotel?

Yes, some guestrooms at Talisman Hotel offer a balcony and may feature city views.

Talisman Hotel Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 22 out of 59 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 21 out of 59 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 59 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 59 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 59 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Nikta

Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort

Not happy with location, payment, breakfast

Location : It is extraordinary difficult to find the entrance especially over the weekend as it is crazy crowded near the entrance. We had to drag our luggages and go through the crowd to enter the main building. In the building it was not easy to find the main door, and we had to go up and down multiple time with a no so safe elevator. Payment: I had to pay the fee at the hotel and wanted to pay in Egyptian pound, but I was told I can only pay in $, or the equal amount in Egyptian pounds but with THE BLACK market exchange rate, which was almost double of what I exchanged my $. (1$=31 EGP, vs 50EGP in black market) Breakfast: it was way below expectations, very simple, not much variety, it took them almost 10 min to give us bread.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved this meticulously restored to its 1800s splendor--think Haussmann Parisian high ceilings and large French windows--with exquisite Egyptian antiques yet all modern conveniences (en suite bathrooms, air conditioning etc). Atmosphere is completed by being met each morning by elderly woman maitre d' in flawless French. High on 5th floor down a pedestrianized side street, no Cairo traffic noise to disturb you. Walkable to Egyptian Museum and old Cairo but in an Egyptian medium/high shopping neighborhood so no hassle and lots of good local (ie not tourist) food options. As others have said, dont be put off by rather run down ground floor covered courtyard from which you get lift to 5th floor. This hotel is the antidote to bland, impersonal, 5 star hotels and grotty noisy backpacker hotels. Plus, instead of trying to sell you tours or overpriced transport, here they told us about Uber which was a fraction of the price, very reliable and had seatbelts, and local restaurants from which they got no commission! Character, cleanliness, convenience. You could not do better.

4/10 Poor

Dwight

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Please be advised, the building in which this hostel is located is a semi-abandon building. There was a man sleeping in the hallway entrance of the place and another one in another floor since this hostel is on the 5th floor. The building is in terrible shape, and very sketchy. Once in the “hotel” the electricity went off. My partner and I decided to leave the next night and stayed somewhere else, although we were supposed to stay there another night. (Still haven’t gotten my money back for the 2nd day cancellation) Due yourselves and love ones a favor and do not book here.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location is perfect @ down town Caïro. Best spot to witness local life of the inhabitants of Caïro.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Totally unique for Cairo, a real sanctuary right in a downtown area full of wonderful 1930s French architecture. I visit Cairo a lot and usually stay in one of the 4 or 5 star chains. All so far are dull, large concrete buildings with no soul. The staff were wonderful and everything worked perfectly. We stayed 3 nights. It may not be everyone's ideal but for those who want to experience old Cairo, rather than an anonymous bunker, this is a real sanctuary. One review said breakfast was 'basic' but there was a good range of options, the fresh guavas were my highlight. Don't miss a visit to Cage Riche 5-10 mins walk away, another institution.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2018

8/10 Good

Ilan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Don't take credit card though it is stated on the reservation confirmation that it is an option?! Breakfast is pretty basic. The location is great, clean and nicely decorated. Staff is friendly and kind (but depends who is attending).
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2017

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent for a feel if Cairo

Charming as the name indicates. Down an alley off Talit Harb St. Old fashioned open cage elevator. Hotel is on fifth floor. Great for travellers who like the local flavor rather than the "Hilton" feel. Staff speaks English and were very helpful and accomidating. In a typical bustling Cairo neighborhood in downtown Cairo. Walk to Tahrir Square, Egyptian Museum and the Nile. Highly reccomended.

2/10 Terrible

Celia, Sydney

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

DO NOT STAY AT THIS HOTEL!!! THERE ARE THIEVES!!

The hotel was fine, I was happy until the last day when I realised that someone has stolen all the precious stones, jeweleries, and cash from the safe box inside the room. If you stay at this hotel do not leave anything valuable in the safe box as advised. I did just that, and even with my own individual code they open the safebox and stole everything that was valuable. Do not stay at this Hotel!!!

10/10 Excellent

Mark, Devon, England

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Hotel Talisman Cairo - friendly and unique

The hotel staff were so friendly and helpful and the public rooms were furnished with fab Egyptian historical pieces throughout. Breakfast lovely and particularly cool was the fact we were only in our room for about 1 minute when a knock on the door revealed the waiter with welcoming fresh fruit drinks. You will though need to arrive by taxi as not easy at all to find. In small sidestreet with no obvious signage.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Cairo Haven

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Cairo. The transport from the airport was an issue and consideration should be given for airport pick up which would assist in the frenetic conditions of the arrival section of the airport. Hotel arranged transport to airport when we left which made life easier. Best wishes to all at the Hotel Talisman.

8/10 Good

Alex, London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A quiet refuge in the heart of Cairo

The Talisman Hotel is the perfect place to stay in the heart of Cairo if you are looking for a friendly boutique hotel that is well-run and has easy access to the Egyptian Museum at a reasonable price.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely

As previously stated the entrance to the hotel might leave you a bit wary, but once you get to the fifth floor it feels completely different. Our Egyptian guides were unaware of it, since the hotel does little/no publicity within the country, but even they were impressed when they dropped us off or picked us up. The fact that there is complimentary breakfast and wireless is very rare and speaks to how homey the hotel is. Everyone at the front desk was helpful and gave us great directions on how to get around Cairo on foot and on the metro. I wholeheartedly recommend this place.

8/10 Good

Abhishek, New Delhi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Talisman

The Hotel was a great experience and we were wowed by the decor and the thoughtful design of the place- though finding it could be a slight challenge a better map (in English) and instructions with bookings could do the trick. The stay was very comfortable and the room was clean, well stocked and with all the comforts expected from a hotel at this price range (though in Egypt the expected cannot be taken for granted) The Breakfast was a good spread and the staff was very helpful and polite. On the whole a very warm and charming experience.

10/10 Excellent

Anel, Pretoria - South Africa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Best thing about Cairo is the Talisman...

The Talisman Hotel has been a pleasant surprise in a not so friendly city. We stayed for two nights, in two different rooms and both were very nicely decorated. We had some issues on our first night with the bathroom, and then asked to be moved, without any hassle. The hotel is absolutely beautiful in terms of decor and atmoshpere. Breakfast was very basic. MacDonalds just accross the street! Try to avoid the hotel's Inhouse tour operator, sitting at the reception, till you know what you want to do and where do you want to go. We almost got bombarderd into booking a very expensive taxi ride to the Pyramids. We ended up booking a taxi, to take us around for the day, at a fifth of the price. Just make sure, that both parties agree on the price. This taxi can take you straight to the pyramids, don't fall for the donkey car ride, and that you can't go any further with a car. I will definitley recommend this hotel, as it is great value for money, and looks even better than on the pictures. It has great atmosphere and is very clean!

8/10 Good

Carole, Los Angeles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

A Jewel Downtown

The location here is within walking distance of the Egyptian museum, Nile River area, felucca boats and 4-5 star hotels. Hotel is located on 5th floor of empty building but once on the 5th floor all is good. Staff is extremely helpful and pleasant. Common rooms and area for reading, lounging and checking emails have the comforts of home including fresh flowers. Queen bedroom and bath was spacious and clean. Just the foyer of the building was a bit strange but a lot of Cairo building look the same...covering in dust. El Abd Bakery, and Felfela Restaurant are an easy walk.

8/10 Good

Dino, UAE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Cairo Experience

The hotel was clean, good service from the freindly staff and in the heart of downtown Cairo. It was close to shopping, resturants and the Cairo Museum

10/10 Excellent

Susan, Bournemouth, UK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

'Traditional Cairo'

If it's traditional Egypt you are after, then this is the place. Centred in the main area of Cairo, on opening the balcony doors, you can almost smell Egypt. Staff very friendly and welcoming, hotel very clean and relaxing. It's really quiet on the 5th floor (hotel is situated 5 floors up). Lovely rooms with traditional décor.

8/10 Good

Andrew, Singapore

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

A pleasant sanctuary in a busy city

While a bit hard to locate (the entry is down an alley), the Talisman is a boutique hotel with an old-world charm, even including a 'cage' lift. The hotel is nicely decorated and has a cosy feel; and the staff are pleasant and obliging. Hamdi at the travel desk (Egypt Adventure Tours) is very helpful

10/10 Excellent

Karyn, Portland, OR

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great Hotel: Know Before You Go

As this was my first visit to Cairo I was unprepared for the condition of the downtown area where we stayed; the buildings reflect the beautiful detail of early 20th century architecture but so many of them are falling into disrepair. The exterior condition is somewhat disconcerting upon arriving at The Talisman and the mix of vacant floors with inhabited floors was also a surprise. The Talisman itself is a charming boutique hotel with a wonderfully helpful and accommodating staff. The furnishings are more than comfortable and make a guest feel quite at home. Once a visitor becomes accustomed to the downtown area's condition The Talisman's location as "base camp" makes for a convenient visit for all that Cairo has to offer.

10/10 Excellent

Miguel, San Jose, Ca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

The Talisman hotel in Cairo

The hotel is on a very good location in Cairo, walking distance to the Egypcian Museum, the Nile river, many restaurants and the subway statation. The staff is fantastic, very friendly and helpfull providing excellent service. I will go back to this hotel on a future trips to Cairo.

8/10 Good

mazhar, sanjose california

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

8/10 Good

Rod/Melanie, Diamond Bar,CA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Cairo downtown experience

The location (downtown Cairo) is a very bustling area, especially at night. This can be intimidating if you are not expecting it. While the hotel exterior is not attractive, once you take the antiquated (but cool) elevator to get to the 5th floor (where the hotel is located) you are greeted by an Arabian Nights-type environment . The hotel has clean , charming rooms /ammenities with great air conditioning. What especially stood out was the VERY helpful staff that will make your satisfaction their priority. The hotel has more local personality than staying at the large sterile American chain hotels over on the Nile... and much less expensive. It is an easy walk from there to the famouis Cairo Museum and to the Nile River. If you are a bit adventurous and want to experience Cairo without being sheltered in an American resort environment, this hotel has our recommendation...

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Tailsman

Simply put, I could not have asked for more

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Talisman Hotel de Charme - Good value for money in

Talisman Hotel de Charme is a hotel that will meet the needs of any tourist that is looking for a competitively priced hotel in the downtown area. We enjoyed our stay at the hotel and can recommend it to anyone that requires no-frill accommodation. The rooms are clean and everything in good working order. The staff are friendly and acommodating. The hotel is beatifully decorated, which makes the stay more worthwhile. The hotel is somewhat difficult to find, but we found it after asking some shopkeepers in the area. If we were to return to Cairo for another holiday, we'll seriously consider staying there again.

8/10 Good

theresa, washington, dc

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A Beautiful Stay

I really enjoyed the Talisman. I loved the architectural features, the marble showers, the salon, library and decoration. At checkin, the receptionist seemed a little unprepared for my arrival, but it caused no problems at all. She was helpful but did give incorrect information regarding Khal al Khalili which put me in a bad situation. Nevertheless, I looved the hotel. It was convenient for what I wanted to do. I was able to walk to the Egyptian Museum and the Nile. There were plenty of shops and busy-ness near the hotel. I was across the street from McDonalds which I appreciated because I did not feel like trying to guess at a decent place to eat. I just went with what was familiar as I only had two days in Cairo and I arrived later than I expected! The hotel has a menu with decent prices as well. I ordered from them my second night and was satisfied. The breakfast at the Talisman is fair. There's juice, toast, cereal, fruit, yogurt and a few other selections I probably do not remember. It is what I needed to start my days in Cairo. There was not anything hot as I recall. The antique elevator was charming to me, although before I went I read others' reviews that spoke against the look of the hotel from the outside. I don't know what these people would expect in as large and busy a city as Cairo, but the entrance was no bother to me, as the Cairene people are very nice and I did not feel a sense of danger at all. In summary, I loved the Talisman. I am glad that I stayed there