Volume II, Number 1 January 1st, 2001

Catherine Plaza Hotel

By Jimmy Dunn

St. Catherine's Monastery

St. Catherine's Monastery, located at the foot of Mount Sinai, is an increasingly popular destination for many tourists to Egypt. The monastery itself was originally constructed at the order of Emperor Justinian, between 527 and 565 AD, contains great works of Christian era art, along with the second largest collection of illuminated manuscripts in the world (after the Vatican). That, and its proximity to Mount Sinai, have inspired visits by many, including a recent journey by the Catholic Pope. But until recently, places to stay in the area have been limited, and many tourists elect to take a day tour of the area originating from one of the sea coast cities such as Sharm El-Sheik. This is unfortunate, as there is much to see in the area, and even nature walks of the surrounding mountains have become popular.

So the new Catherine Plaza Hotel is a welcome, and new addition to the area. While this hotel may not be of the caliber of five star Cairo hotels, it is comfortable, and has considerable facilities really not found elsewhere in the area.

The main building of the hotel accommodates the reception and lobby area, the Starlight Bar where one may play pool, the main restaurant, and a 24 hour coffee shop. In addition, there is a sunset terrace which serves barbeque, the El Wady Restaurant, a disco, swimming pool and tower bar. Other facilities include a swimming pool, nine shops, a mountain bike rental, laundry facilities and a diverse travel agency specializing in desert tours. The hotel even has catering and conferencing facilities.

The hotel features 112 standard double rooms, 16 family rooms, 16 junior suites, and 3 full suites, all with terraces, private baths, international direct dial telephones, satellite TVs and air conditioning.

All in all, the Catherine Plaza Hotel is a comfortable and relaxing hub for activities throughout these historical mountains and beautiful valleys, where one may retreat from the crowded flavor of the seaside Sinai resorts and focus on one of the most religious of all Christian heritage areas.

Catherine Plaza Hotel
Phone: 20-62-470288 or 20-62-470299
Fax: 20-62-470292 In Cairo: Phone or Fax
20-2-24144100
20-2-24198959
20-2-24197185

Nile Cruises By Jimmy Dunn

Celebration for the Young and Old By Mohamed Osama

The Western Desert of Egypt: Adventure Travel at its Best By Cassandra Vivan

The Latest Fashions in Ancient Egypt By Ilene Springer

Editor's Commentary By Jimmy Dunn

Ancient Beauty Secrets By Judith Illes

Book Reviews Various Editors

Hotel Reviews By Jimmy Dunn & Juergen Stryjak

Kid's Corner By Margo Wayman

Cooking with Tour Egypt By Mary K Radnich

Egyptian Exhibitions By Staff