Travel/Tourism
Sheraton Cairo Reopens for Business after Renovation
By Dipo Olowookere
The Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino in Egypt has been reopened for business after its management completed an extensive renovation of the facility.
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, which manages the hospitality business, said the hotel was given a facelift to reveal its distinct and vibrant aesthetic with modern interiors, refreshed public spaces and innovative and revitalized dining concepts.
Perched on the West Bank of the River Nile, the property enjoys a prime location, in the heart of the city, just steps away from the Egyptian Museum, Cairo Opera House and the iconic 70 story Cairo Tower.
With signature brand experiences and the warmth of the familiar hallmark Sheraton service that goes above and beyond to make every guest experience meaningful, the hotel is poised to quickly regain its glory of yesteryears.
Commenting, President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International, Mr Alex Kyriakidis said, “Sheraton Cairo was our first Sheraton hotel in Africa and has been a local icon since it’s opening in 1971.
“The reopening of this hotel is a milestone in our journey as it not only showcases our transformation efforts around the Sheraton brand, but also reinstates our commitment to Egypt as a strategic growth market.”
The hotel’s 326 fully renovated rooms and suites feature a harmonious blend of modern design with a warm palette offering unmatched comfort and the Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience.
Sheraton Club rooms offer exclusive access to the Sheraton® Club Lounge, a private space located on the 26th floor providing spectacular views of the city, where guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, drinks and snacks during the day.
Leisure facilities include an extensive fitness centre with cutting edge equipment available 24 hours a day for in-house guests, a luxurious pool and a fully equipped wellness centre
Six distinctive restaurants and bars create an enriching culinary voyage and offer authentic and unique experiences.
El Mawardia Depuis 1985, a social institution on the west side of the Nile for over 30 years, a place to see and be seen is back in a new avatar showcasing local cuisine paired with international favorites complemented by a thoughtfully cultivated assortment of coffees, teas, beverages as well as unique shisha flavours.
Giannini’s, the first New York Italian style restaurant in Egypt, explores the joy of communal dining as the acclaimed chef prepares special dishes that will surely electrify the most refined taste buds.
Inspired by mystical voyages and the many magical lands and travels that have found their place in Egyptian heritage, Rawi features undiscovered pairings of local ingredients and regional Arabic cuisine that lend their unique flavor and distinct identity to the menu at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Guests can look forward to starting the day with fresh coffee, pastries and savories served at the Bridge Café located in the hotel’s upper lobby, before moving to the Pool Bar to enjoy the fun atmosphere and eclectic mix-and-match menu, followed by an evening of music and classic cocktails at Studio70.
With more than 1400 square meters of dedicated and unparalleled meeting space, Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino features a lavishly appointed ballroom, 13 meeting rooms and a fully equipped business centre, all with state-of-the-art facilities and seamless connectivity through high-speed Wi-Fi. The hotel provides both choice and flexibility together with thoughtful and personalized services making it an exclusive option for large-scale business meetings, social events, weddings or even smaller intimate gatherings.
“For over 45 years, generations upon generations of visitors have marvelled at the breath-taking sights surrounding the iconic Sheraton Cairo Hotel and experienced its warm and welcoming service, “said Hans Joerg Kreitner, General Manager, Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino. “We are committed to going above and beyond to relive that promise as we begin a new journey that stems from this rich and cherished legacy.”
Marriott International currently operates 18 hotels in Egypt across 7 brands including JW Marriott, The Ritz Carlton, Le Méridien, Marriott Hotels, Renaissance, Sheraton and Westin. It also has two additional hotels under advanced development including Mena House and The St. Regis Cairo.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced plans to introduce V-Pass, a biometric facial recognition system designed to make passenger processing faster, safer and more seamless across its domestic airports.
According to FAAN, the new technology will allow passengers to verify their identities through facial recognition after a one-time enrolment, reducing reliance on physical identification documents and shortening queues through automated electronic gates.
The authority said the system is expected to enhance airport security while improving the overall travel experience for domestic passengers.
FAAN added that V-Pass has been developed with data privacy at its core and is compliant with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).
The agency described the initiative as part of its commitment to delivering smarter, technology-driven airport services and said nationwide sensitisation and rollout updates would be announced in due course.
Airports in countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates already deploy facial recognition technology for processes such as check-in, security screening, immigration and boarding, so the move also aligns Nigeria’s aviation sector with a growing global trend towards contactless travel.
These systems have been adopted to improve operational efficiency, strengthen security and enhance the overall passenger experience.
For FAAN, the deployment of V-Pass forms part of its broader digital transformation agenda aimed at modernising airport operations and accommodating rising passenger traffic.
Experts say that beyond improving convenience, the authority expects the biometric platform to strengthen identity verification, reduce the risk of impersonation and support more efficient airport security, while maintaining compliance with data protection.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
About 14.12 per cent stake in Ikeja Hotel Plc has been acquired by Honeywell Group Limited, a notice on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited has revealed.
Honeywell Group took up the part of the hospitality firm through one of its affiliates known as HGL Real Estate Limited.
Ikeja Hotel, in the disclosure filed with the NGX on July 2, 2026, said the stake comprised 305,323,525 units of its equities.
“Ikeja Hotel hereby notifies the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the general public that it has received notification from HGL Real Estate Limited, an affiliate of Honeywell Group Limited, that it has acquired 305,323,525 units of Ikeja Hotel Plc’s shares, representing 14.12 per cent shareholding in the company,” the notice stated.
Ikeja Hotel is one of Nigeria’s leading hospitality investment and hotel management companies with premium hospitality assets.
It operates two leading hospitality organisations in Lagos, the Sheraton Lagos Hotel and Balmoral Convention Centre.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
About 10 hospitality establishments, including hotels and restaurants, were sealed on Wednesday by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).
The affected businesses are located in different locations in the Alimosho Local Government Area of the metropolis, Business Post learned from a statement from the agency.
It was stated that they were sealed by LASEPA for persistent violations of environmental regulations despite repeated warnings, abatement notices, and several opportunities to comply with the agency’s directives.
According to the notice, the enforcement exercise was carried out in line with the directives of the Lagos State government to ensure strict compliance with environmental laws and to safeguard public health.
The affected facilities were said to have breached various environmental regulations, including noise pollution, air pollution, unlawful discharge of untreated effluent, obstruction of official duties, among others.
LASEPA closed the premises of Granduer Meridian at Obasa Akiniyi Street, Oluwaga, Ipaja for non-compliance with the agency’s directives; Lasola (Spazio Bar), located on Ipaja Road, Fatolu Bus Stop, Ipaja, was sealed for noise pollution and non-compliance with directives; Millennium Restaurant, located at Gate Bus Stop, Ipaja, Ayobo, was shut down for non-compliance with directives; O2 Exquisite Suites & Tower on Jimoh Akinremi Street, Jimoh Bus Stop, Akowonjo, was sealed for non-compliance with directives; and Chirozz Hotel & Suites, located on Samuel Street, Akowonjo, by Vulcanizer Bus Stop, Egbeda, was closed for noise pollution and non-compliance with directives.
In addition, House 7 Hotel, located at Remi Akande Street, Egbeda, was sealed for non-compliance with LASEPA’s directives; House 48 on Isiba Oluwo Street, Egbeda, was sealed for non-compliance with directives; Exclusive Hotel, located at Ishan Kimishe, Akesan Bus Stop, was shut down by non-compliance with directives; Sabola Ventures Limited, Iocated at Km 11, LASU–Isheri Road, Igando, was shut down for operating without evidence of an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), and discharging untreated effluent into public drains; and City Int’l Motel, located at Chief Olu-Adegbite Street, off Oladun Street, Council Bus Stop, Idimu, was sealed for non-compliance with directives.
