Despite its gloomy entrance, it is recommended by The Lonely Planet guide. And judging by the number of foreign youths going up and down the stairs of the three-floor building at all times of day there is some basis to this recommendation. What concerns me more is seeing the tourist sites and travelling around the country and sharing the culture of the ordinary people. American copy-editor Tim Deven likewise commented that he was satisfied with the accommodation and had spent a mere LE400 over a period of two weeks in Egypt. The chintz sofa and armchairs in the foyer come straight out of another era.
Rooms contain four to six beds.
Basic non-automatic washing machines are provided. Others accommodated include Canadians and Australians. Many budget travelers are students and they benefit from a 50 per cent reduction on museum admission fees and on train and air fares. An appropriate student card is of course required. Transportation costs can be kept down by using the metro, buses, minibuses and microbuses.