In conversation with Stefan Fuchs, General Manager, Giza Palace Cairo (Exclusive Interview)

How is Giza Palace positioned in Cairo’s luxury hotel sector? Tell us more about the USP’s and comp set.

“Giza Palace is positioned as a new pillar of luxury in Cairo, where heritage, culture, and understated elegance come together. Our unique setting in West Cairo gives guests a tranquil escape within the city, which is rare. Add to that our architecture, curated gardens, distinctive culinary journey led by Chef Sergi Arola, and our holistic wellness offerings, and you have a property that truly stands apart from our comp set.”

Please share more about the profile of your guest? – key feed markets are ration of corporate versus leisure.

“Our guests are sophisticated, frequent travelers who value authenticity. We welcome a balanced mix of leisure and corporate visitors, with our strongest feeder markets being the GCC, Europe, North America, and Egypt’s premium domestic segment. Many guests choose Giza Palace for its privacy, exceptional dining, elevated wellness experiences, and most importantly its proximity to the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum.”

 What is your view on Cairo’s evolution as a luxury destination? – including the evolution of rates.

“Cairo is maturing into a destination that finally matches its global significance. Luxury in the city is becoming more experience-led, and guests are increasingly willing to pay for quality, hospitality and design. Rates have naturally risen alongside this evolution, reflecting stronger demand and elevated expectations.”

To what extent do you also target locals?

“Local guests are incredibly important to us. Our dining venues, our spa, our lounges, and our seasonal events are designed to be part of the city’s social identity, not just for travelers. We want Giza Palace to be the destination of choice for Cairo’s residents who appreciate refined experiences.

We also welcome Cairo’s business community, where locals are welcomed to host meetings, hold private discussions, and conduct small corporate gatherings.”

What motivated the choice to operate the property independently?

“Our decision to operate independently was driven by a desire to craft a truly distinct luxury experience, one that reflects our own vision rather than conforming to the traditional approach. Giza Palace is deeply rooted in Egyptian heritage and expressed through our refined colonial-inspired design.

At the same time, our association with Leading Hotels of the World affirms our commitment to excellence and is a partnership we are proud of.”

How are the dining and wellness offerings conceived?

“Our dining and wellness offerings are conceived through a philosophy of authenticity, creativity, and purpose. Each outlet is developed with a clear culinary identity, led by renowned chefs who craft menus rooted in storytelling and regional inspiration—from modern Spanish cuisine at Arola Brasserie to Ottoman-inspired dishes at Beit El Ezz.

 For wellness, The Palace Spa is designed as a holistic sanctuary where treatments are thoughtfully curated to restore balance. Every ritual is developed with intention, integrating global wellness traditions with local influences to deliver a deeply personalized and immersive experience.”

Please tell us more about your approach to ensure consistency in service.

“Consistency is a culture, not a checklist. We focus on training, communication, and empowering our team to make decisions that elevate the guest journey. We review our standards daily and emphasize alignment across all departments. A healthy and happy team creates exceptional output, and this is ultimately what guarantees a seamless experience.”

How do you motivate your team?

“People perform their best when they feel valued. We prioritize recognition, clear communication, personal development, and trust. When the team is proud of where they work and understands the vision, motivation comes naturally.”

 Which are the most rewarding aspects about your job? What about the challenges?

“The most rewarding aspect is seeing guests genuinely connect with the hotel, when they leave feeling energized, inspired or deeply satisfied. The challenge is maintaining excellence every day in a rapidly evolving city, but it’s also what pushes us to constantly refine and innovate.”

What novelties shall we be expecting at Giza Palace in 2026?

“In 2026, guests can expect a truly elevated experience at Giza Palace. We are continuously enhancing every touchpoint, from exceptional butler service to thoughtful surprises within our culinary journey and in-room amenities that create memorable moments. Next year will also introduce one-of-a-kind events designed to complement the hotel’s grandeur. And with our grand opening planned for 2026, it will be an exciting year that marks a new chapter for Giza Palace.”

More from LEADERS

---