Mazeej Balad: the Cairo based boutique hotel blending nostalgia with hope 

*Alarm rings*

I open my eyes to the silhouette of the sun, veiled by silk-transparent curtains.  Its 9:00 am, I can hear taxis honking and vendors yelling, “Kae’k Kae’k!”. The window of my hotel window is overlooking the downtown streets of Cairo. It’s a busy morning midst rush hour, but for some reason I don’t feel the need to rush. The interior of my hotel room is calm and serene. It’s a blend of the old and the new, reminding me to take in every second of life. 

I look around the room, the contrast of the wooden floors to the white walls resembles the way this building is situated; a modern interior juxtaposing a historic exterior. The marble detailing on the floor reminds me of the past centuries lived in this beautiful city where art and architecture were curated. 

I am staying at Mazeej Balad – “Ma-zee-j” the arabic translation to blend which is exactly what this hotel does. Located in the heart of Cairo, Mazeej transforms old buildings with character to modern intimate sanctuaries. Within these four walls Egypt’s past meets its present, tradition meets modernity and nostalgia meets hope. 

This boutique hotel is distinctively known for combining juxtaposing concepts one would have never imagined mixing what  goes beyond its architecture and interior design. Besides its extraordinary hospitality, Mazeej is a culinary destination. 

Although I was travelling alone, Madame Marika, the elegant hostess, was able to treat me to a cup of espresso before I could start my day.  Inspired by the different characters one could come across through the streets of Cairo, Mazeej offers its guests 5 different rooms. Bashmohandes Nabil, Abanoub, Souad, Madame Marika and Rochdi Pasha all actors one could select depending on the scene they wish to play during their stay at Mazeej Balad. 

In my case, Madame Marika was a 65 year old woman with charm like no other. Within the walls of her sanctuary the recorder never turned off. Through day and night  sounds of Tolis Voskopoulos and Fairuz echoed across the chamber celebrating both the Mazeej of her Arab and Greek roots. 

Higher up the building is where the restaurant is located. A rooftop overlooking the vibrant streets of downtown Cairo. There, I was able to enjoy seasonal dishes merging the essence of Egyptian breakfast with international cuisines. Mazeej offers its guests a seasonal ingredient led menu. Where comfort foods are met with unexpected twists and signature drinks are guided by local inspiration. 

As time slowly moved I enjoyed Vanilla Feteer looking over the dynamic streets of Cairo filled with stories of past and present and souls of old and new. As I devoured my cream filled stuffed Feteer I wondered to what direction the present we are building will guide us to.