An authentic Egyptian experience

I'm from the US and I've been working abroad for over one year. During my travels I've lived in furnished apartments in 8 countries (in eastern Europe, Greece and Turkey). I stayed with Ashraf and Tarek in their apartment for three weeks. Their friendliness, customer service and in-depth knowledge of Egyptian history and the tourist industry surpassed the service I received at all the other locations I've stayed at. Egypt can be a difficult country for westerners to navigate. Ashraf and Tarek were always honest and upfront in discussing the pitfalls tourists face. They were extremely accommodating and highly skilled at helping me tailor my trip. For example, I decided I would like to scuba dive in Dahab for a weekend. Ashraf's extensive contact list made this a breeze. In another case, Tarek and I worked out one-on-one tours of various Pyramid sites so I could get the most out of the experience. Surveying the ruins with Tarek was essentially spending an entire day in a private lesson with an Egyptologist. These guys know everything about Giza and Cairo and they are more than willing to share. They approach their business with a refreshing sincerity that I will never forget.

During this years vacation we had a terrific apartment in Athens, a breathtaking three bedroom Mediteranean view in Oia, Santorini and three days at the Movenpick in Aswan Egypt. But the part we will remember forever was our stay with Ashraf at the Villa in the Sky in Giza May 11 to 18, 2009.

We whole heartedly confrim all of the comments from the preceding reviews ... Ashraf, his father Moses, and his connections in Aswan were all marvelous ... Ashraf could teach the GM's of huge hotels a few things about making people comfortable. We booked for 7 days, stayed three, left our excess luggage there and flew to Aswan for three nights - everything in Aswan was arranged by Ashraf and a releative in the tour business. Our last 24 hours in Cairo was simply walking around the neighbourhood, going for the obligatory Camel ride in the desert (arranged by Ashraf) and dining at the Pyramid Cafe (absolutely terrific food and great service - and a bonus - almost no english!)

This is as close to a true Egyptian community that we "westerners" will ever get to see. Ashraf and Moses, we wish you success in this family business venture, Inshallah.

Fred and Lois,
Regina, Canada

So many guests gave the feedback that the villa in the sky is more than great, we just can agree to 100000%
But we will try to find reasons why you might not like it:

You hate to see the pyramids from the terrasse, the
living room,one sleeping room and the bathroom

You like tiny, anonymous hotel rooms, a spacious very
well equipped appartment is not the right choice for you

You like to have your holiday planned minute by minute
by somebody, it is stress for you that you can do what
ever you like and Ashraf (your host) only organises what
you really want.

You like to complain after your holiday that nothing has
been like promised, in this case it might be
disappointing, because it is greater than shown in
internet.

To be honest, we have NO idea why you should not love it, it is a wonderful place and Ashraf a perfect host, we really hope that you have the chance to go there!

We have returned from a fabulous time in Egypt staying at Villa in the Sky. You have a clean and spacious living space and the most famous views in the world, the great Pyramids of Giza. The views are truly amazing with Pyramind views from the living room window and the master bedroom and terrace. Also on the roof of the building there is seats and tables with panoramic views. You are getting the true cultural experience staying were Egyptian people live, locals are very friendly and you get a feel for the life. Ashraf is the perfect host, we have never received a better personal service than how Ashraf looked after us. Ashraf took great pleasure in making sure our stay was perfect, took us shopping for food, local markets, took us to a jewellery factory for a special gift and for genuine Egyptian Papyrus. We sampled real Egyptian life with Ashraf around local shops buying Egyptian food and coffee ground for taking home. Ashraf made the experience very fun. You get the complete package, airport transfers, all your tours arranged and we were very lucky to have spent two days with Ashraf’s Father Moses who has a wealth of Egyptian history and made our tours extremely interesting, well explained and a lot of fun and humour during our times.Thank you very much Moses, your personality and wealth of experience made it a real pleasure. If you ever have the opportunity to go on a trip with Moses and visit Memphis, you will see the statue of King Ramses II that Moses found during the 1960’s, it’s a truly amazing sight, as it was pointed out to us by a local “This is Moses statue”.There is a vast amount to do and see in this area, from the deep rich history to quad biking and horse riding in the desert and camel rides. All this can be arranged for you and nothing is too much trouble. I could go on writing pages on everything and what a wonderful time we have, but to truly experience it you have to be there and the views and apartment and Ashraf’s and his family’s hospitably really made this a very special time. Thank you very much Ashraf, best regards to you and your family and your special Father from us both. You made our holiday very fulfilled and relaxing. We’ll see the views again from “Villa in the Sky” and we will keep in touch, if you are reading this review and are thinking of visiting Egypt then you have not picked a better place to stay and enjoy than this beautiful apartment owned by such great people.

Thank you Chris & Cheryl, Belfast N.Ireland

My wife and I were a little apprehensive about travelling to Egypt. It is just one of those places we have always wanted to go to but figured we would do it after we retired. Then we found this apartment and could not pass this chance up. We were met at the airport by Ishmael who would become our expert driver for our entire trip. Let me tell you, you don’t want to drive in Cairo if you have never done so. Driving in Cairo is a fine art that they have perfected. We were met at the apartment by the owner, Ashraf, who lives down stairs. He sat down with us the first night and we planned our itinerary for the next few days. He gave us a cell phone to use and told us he is only a call away. The first day we were met by Ashraf’s father Moses who was our guide for two full days. Moses is very knowledgeable and very well respected in the community. He made getting in to just about everywhere a breeze. Once they find out you are with Moses, you just go right through security. Our third and final full day, Ashraf took us around himself sampling the local cuisine and he tried tirelessly to find my wife a type of fabric and baskets she was looking for. Once we found the baskets Ashraf spent 5 minutes negotiating the price for us. We then sat and had tea and “Sheesha” (a flavored tobacco) at a local coffee shop. We were very grateful for the time Ashraf spent with us and it really made a great end to our stay.
The Apartment is very clean and has all the amenities you will need. The view from the balcony is the best around. It is very safe and you are truly treated like family.

We were met at the airport in the middle of the night by a family friend of Ashraf. He transported us to the apartment, which was clean, comfortable, spacious and had everything we needed. Ashraf had successfully created an apartment to meet the needs of visiting Europeans. Our return transportation to the Airport was equally trouble free.

As for the location of the apartment, this was absolutely idyllic and provided a peaceful and private haven for us all in the middle of a busy and bustling traditional Egyptian village. The view of the Pyramids was unprecedented and more than lived up to our expectations, and nearby rooftop neighbours consisted of goats, chickens and geese - a real insight in to the local way of life.

The small village stores were just across the road and provided for basic needs/purchases and the shopkeepers were very friendly and helpful. A short car journey away there was a larger supermarket, but we didn't need to go!

Our cultural needs were more than adequately catered for by Tarek, Ashraf's brother. He provided two days of in depth knowledge around some of the lesser known pyramids as well as some of the more well known 'tourist attractions'. We were overwhelmed by his knowledge, warmth of personality and the welcome he provided to us. This was good value as well as being a most enjoyable time.

Overall, a brilliant holiday and something completely different. We were only there for a week (late October), but would love to return.

This apartment, with it's amazing view, exceeded expectations. Everything about it was great. The apartment was clean and spacious. The sound and light show at the pyramids could be enjoyed on the balcony and was very entertaining. Ashraf was very very helpful. He helped us plan our itinerary, provided us with a driver when we needed one, gave us good suggestions for restaurants, and even took us around Giza himself! Service was very reliable and honest. If I go to Giza again I would stay at Villa in the Sky. Hello to Ashraf and your family.

This accommodation so close to the Pyramids, Sphinx, Horse and Camel Stables and local families is the true egyptian experience. Not only are the premises pristine with the most amazing views of the ancient wonders of the world but the mystique ignites the imagination and bathes your soul throughout the night. The desert silence creeps into your veins as you ponder on earth's history as the enormous monoliths stand like giant sentinels watching you through the multiple window s in the dark of the night.
I was transfixed.Truly an experience to behold and far out weighs the experience of busy Cairo. Being my second visit to Egypt and this time being a mother of two Teenage boys I chose this place to keep returing to instead of the inner city of Cairo.
Through the local families the visitor experiences first hand the day to day life of the local people. Friendly children eager to play are out in the evenings playing ball just waiting their chance to use their english skills. Families when they know you are living with a local family will extend their warm welcome to you. Ashraef the owner of the property helped us in every way imaginable. Even when we had a slight problem when double booking occurred he provided us access to his in-laws unit downstairs.He is the most trustworthy Egyptian we met on our trip. His past travel experiences showed him the ways of the west and he sympathises with our needs and will do whatever is in his power to provide stress free experiences without the common scams.
Through our time with him and his family and the many talks about his country we felt a great friendship developing. Our children remember with fondness the huge help Ahsraef gave with horse rides, showing my sons the simple pursuit of kite flying on the rooftop and even the numerous requests from one son to help him sort out the DVD player.
I cannot recommend this place highly enough. Even for a group of backpackers this is a perfect destination. The five beds plus couches would make this a truly affordable and magnificent adventure location even for the budget minded. This is where you discover the real people, the true Egypt.

Thankyou Ashraef and Rania for your lovely place and a big thankyou to your father who took us on tour to the museum and was so full of the ancient knowledge as Anyone would expect from an Egyptologist who taught at the Cairo University.
Celia and Grant (Tasmania Australia)