Cairo Marriott Palace Hotel

The Marriott Palace hotel was built in 1869 by orders from ruler of Egypt at that time Khedive Ismail who ordered its construction by the River Nile, he asked the architects of that time to make it resemble another palace in France, "Versailles", where Empress Eugenie used to stay. The purpose for that palace was to host the French Empress Eugenie who was invited along with her husband Emperor Napoleon of France. The occasion of that invitation was the opening of the Suez Canal, which was a huge project at that time.

The Marriott Palace still exists by the River Nile but is currently used as a hotel run by Marriott International. The managing hotel company along with the owner observed carefully the importance and the value of that historical palace. Until now there are many original statues that were given and sculpted specially for the French Royals, also some of the venues are still carrying of Eugenie such as Salon Eugenie, Salon Vert, Salon Verdi, Aida Ballroom and Salon Royal.

The Marriott Palace was also the first place where opera Aida was performed, Aida was composed by the Italian composer Verdi and also names of the main characters in this opera was given to the venues in the Marriott Palace.

One of the main characteristics of the Marriott Palace is the old palm trees that one can see in the garden area, some of the palm trees are hundred years old, and also the beautiful large garden that used to extend to what is now called Gezira Club which can show you how large and spacious the palace was. and another palace was also built for Empress Eugenie in the pyramids area and a route was made from the Zamalek Palace to the Pyramids Palace.

In the reception area you can see a lot of authentic items such as the two flower vases facing the reception desk erected on a wonderful alabaster column, also the royal mirror of Empress Eugenie located in between the two vases facing the reception, and you can see the dressing desk placed on the second floor of the palace in Aida ballroom foyer. In the second floor used to be the bedroom of the Empress and facing her bedroom there were and still exist three beautiful balconies facing to the garden.

On the ground floor where is now Omar Khayyam restaurants you can see a lot of black and white restaurant that can bring you many years back to live and experience the royal time of Egypt.

External links

* http://www.cairomarriotthotel.com