The Bar/Lounge at Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah

"The lobby lounge has the atmosphere of a vast private villa and leads to a floating river bar; an outdoor infinity pool that gives swimmers the impression they are dipping into the Nile itself; and El Kebabgy, an alfresco Nile-side restaurant popular with upper-class Egyptians for Friday lunch, and which serves some obscure dishes—such as megadera, a puree of black lentils and rice, and Om Hassan, a dessert of rose-flavored milk pudding with fresh fruit and grenadine syrup—among Egyptian and Lebanese favorites"

"The circular tower has been gracing the Cairo skyline for well over two decades, but the interiors here have been brought up to date, and the hotel has reemerged as a must-visit place among expats and visitors for its bars and restaurants"

"Buddha Bar lounge, with a DJ, signature cocktails, and an open-air terrace, draws night owls"

"There are several good restaurants, including excellent Moroccan cuisine at La Palmeraie (open 3pm to 3am), and the Buddha Bar"

"The hotel also has its own riverfront promenade and a deck that houses an open-air bar floating on the water"

"Close by is Window on the Nile, a quiet lounge area perched over the river for tea, pastries or cocktails"