Photo: Wikimedia CommonsOccupying the northern tip of Zamalek island, this Sofitel is wrapped on three sides by the Nile, so nearly every room looks out over the water and the city beyond. There is a riverside pool, a clutch of restaurants and a lively rooftop bar. It is a calm island base a short hop from downtown. Ask for a high floor facing the river, and head up to the rooftop at sunset for the finest Nile views in the city.