Project of the week: Mandarin Oriental Shepheard
While the Mandarin Oriental Shepheard deal was signed last year, the Egyptian General Company for Tourism and Hotels (EGOTH) recently confirmed that Saudi Arabia-headquartered Al Sharif Group will develop, finance, operate and manage the site according to international standards.
Heritage restoration
The project calls for the restoration of the historic Shepheard Hotel in Cairo, which first opened its doors in 1841.
A comprehensive renovation of the property is already underway, and Paris-based interior designer, Sybille de Margerie, is tasked with preserving the building’s heritage design while enhancing the facilities and services. Completion is currently anticipated for 2024.
Luxury provision
Situated on the eastern shore of The Nile river, in the heart of downtown Cairo, the property will feature 188 rooms and 88 suites, many with balconies. Mandarin Oriental Shepheard will include five restaurants and bars, including a rooftop restaurant for al fresco dining, as well as an exclusive club lounge. The hotel will also offer expansive function spaces, including a rooftop ballroom.
A Spa at Mandarin Oriental will provide eight treatment suites and offer tailored experiences and signature treatments. Further wellness facilities include an indoor lap pool, a rooftop swimming pool, a beauty salon, fitness centre and a kid’s club.
High extension
EGOTH’s US$16.36 million contract with Al Sharif includes the construction of a 14-storey extension to the hotel on an area of 1,000 square metres, and a garage of up to four underground floors in the new building, in addition to the development and rehabilitation works of the main building of the hotel.
Al Sharif has already carried out a number of works related to the renovation and development of the hotel, including dewatering the groundwater under the site, electrical works in what will be the garage, the construction of concrete walls lined with a depth of 23 metres, and the addition of 90 concrete foundations to distribute the load on the main building, as well as renovations within the main building, and the renovation of the swimming pools.