If you’ve read my reviews, you’ll know that I choose lodging based on the kind of experience I hope to have. The Talisman was my 4th and final stop on a solo, 2-week tour of Egypt. Located in the heart of Cairo, the location couldn’t have been better. From the hotel, I walked to the Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili and... More

This hotel really does need to pay attention to the dirt and filth around them. Itself is a lovely place and very like a Marrakesh riad but getting to it might put you off. If the elevator isn't working, or held, this could be a huge drawback. We stayed in one of the back rooms which was a blessing. Breakfast... More

My room was nice, clean, and as a matter of fact, the one pictured above (blue rimmed headboard, sienna walls). It's clean, quiet, conveniently located and all that. The building the hotel is in (it occupies the entire 5th floor) is a dump. Don't let that bother you. Things work in the room - the AC, the TV, the bathroom... More

Way too expensive for a hotel like this. Charge $120 for a double room! U can get a 4 star hotel for this price! Located on the six floor of an old building, stair very dirty. Rooms r ok, with Egyptian style, but very small, and the view of the window is nothing to see. More

the best traveling is time-traveling, and enter the charming past at this hotel. But also enter the smoking past, where the elegant sitting rooms smell like ash-trays after years of second-hand smoke. Having non-smoking rooms in a smoking hotel is like having a peeing section in a public pool, not a great idea. Egyptians have less sense of smell left,... More

We stayed twice at the beginning and end of our 2 week trip in Egypt. Our first experience was generally fine a nice room with balcony, adequate breakfast but getting coffee from a single coffee making machine was extremely slow and frustrating. On our return we got put in a room near reception (noisy), over looking a rubbish dump, could... More

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. More

excellent hotel in the busiest part of the city, but quiet and very comfortable with excellent staff and service. You will never find it unless you know where to look- there isnt even a sign outside, and the entrance isnt very typical, but well worth the effort. ten minutes walk from tahrir Square and the Museum, five minutes from the... More

The location of this hotel is its biggest liability. Its in a hectic, noisy, somewhat scruffy part of downtown Cairo. Some of the sites are within walking distance (if you like long walks) but there are few restaurants in the area, so you will spend considerable time every evening driving through traffic to find a decent place for dinner. Our... More