The staff is overwhelming friendly and interesting. I always felt that my needs were met and exceeded. I had interesting conversations with all the staff (because of their English, not my Arabic, which is non-existant). The hostel is cleaned regularly and is very secure in general (you can leave valuable items with the staff/behind the desk if you are in a dorm room, like I left my laptop). It's right in downtown, so it's convenient to get food or to walk along the Nile. Overall, a very comfortable and easy place to stay on my first trip to Cairo, and I will certainly return when I am in the area again. Also, they have almost more rooms than any other budget hotel in the area, so you're practically guaranteed a room, with or without reservations. It's the best deal for your money in terms of budget hostels/hotels.

basically, you get what you pay for in this hostel. it is cheap, that's for sure. i was a single female traveller and i rate cairo as one of my favourite places to go and i think it's parlty to the service at the hostel. yes, the showers are lukewarm at best, the lift doesn't work between 8am and 3pm, it's doesn't have modern decore, the egyptian staff and hangers on will try and steal the remote and keep it on arabic channels, but it is so CHEAP! if you can tolerate these things, than this place is definately for you.
first day in cairo on my own; didn't know what to do. doesn't matter cos less than five mintues down the road is the Egyptian Museum - you only have to get to the other side of the road! it is so close to so many things: take the metro line 2 or 3 stops to coptic cairo; 10-15 pounds in a taxi to khan el khalali, take a longish walk across the river (that's the nile mind you!) to discover the best schwerma place in cairo. nearby is kfc (if you must) and a multitude of places to buy schwerma and koshuri (14 pounds sit down for a large koshuri and coke - 2 people), and a charming little tea house. ask the reception where the local bar; ladies take a man though, not a place for single girls.
even at the end of the second time i was there, the 'concierge' hailed a taxi and arranged the correct payment for the driver to take me to the airport. would definately stay there again if ever in cairo. was not luxurious, but an amazing experience!