I recently stayed at the Holiday Inn Citystars in Cairo, which is advertised as a 5-star hotel, but my experience was extremely disappointing and far from what I expected.
From the moment I arrived, it was clear that this hotel does not live up to its 5-star rating. The building itself is very old and poorly maintained. The rooms are similarly outdated, with furniture that looks like it hasn't been replaced in decades. The carpets in both the rooms and the hallways are not only worn out but also emit a very unpleasant odor, making the environment quite uncomfortable.
The bathrooms and showers were in particularly bad condition. The fixtures were old and rusty, the tiles were cracked, and the overall cleanliness was well below acceptable standards. Using the shower felt like a chore, and the bathroom did not feel hygienic at all.
The breakfast was another major disappointment. The quality and taste of the food were very poor, far below what one would expect from a 5-star hotel. The selection was limited, and the food that was available was bland and unappetizing.
Despite paying a rate that corresponds to a 5-star establishment, the experience I received was not even close to a 2-star standard. The disparity between the advertised quality and the reality was shocking. I expected a luxurious and well-maintained property, but instead, I encountered a place that seemed neglected and in desperate need of renovation.