Help Keep This New Beautiful Downtown Cairo Hostel Alive

Located in the heart of Downtown Cairo, the Madina Hostel was set to open in early 2020. And then Corona hit, denying us (for the time being) of a beautiful modern European style hostel.

Whilst there is a spattering of hostels spread out across the nooks and crannies of Downtown Cairo, many of them are run-down and are often unappealing options in comparison to AirBNB for visiting backpackers and tourists looking for a low-priced place to stay.

A hostel with a difference, Madina aims to create a base to "connect, experience and share adventures, travels, and company in a safe place to dream."

Balancing fair prices with a clean, community-centric design, the hostel has private rooms and dorms for up to 20 guests, two lounge areas with kitchens, a balcony with a view, as well as free Wi-Fi and real plants spread across the area.

Due to health and safety reasons, when COVID-19 hit, the hostel's founder Mostafa Nasr decided to keep Madina Hostel closed. The 10-year veteran of the hospitality field then launched a campaign on Start Next to help support it financially until it can open again, hoping that potential visiting tourists and adoring Caireans alike will join forces to donate. In return donors will receive a gift ranging from one night stays to fully planned Cairo itineraries.

"Corona hit us hard right at the time of the planned opening in March 2020", Nasr told CairoScene, "To be able to keep maintaining our fantastic team and hostel throughout the pandemic, we created a support campaign. We invite anyone interested, to secure their future stay at the hostel or buy a piece of art from our partnering artists today".

A lifetime dream of his to own a hostel, Nasr is optimistic for the future when it finally opens. "Expect to look at Cairo through local eyes, exploring fresh perspectives on the culture and experience the urban wonders of everyday life. Cooperating with Egyptian artists and craftswomen, local guides and organizations, we want to create a true social base between the local scene and the travel crowd".

To find out how you can support the hostel click here.