CAIRO, EGYPT -- (Marketwire) -- 12/23/12 -- No matter how young or old, birthdays are a time for celebration. This year, the Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino celebrated 30 in style, with a lavish party honoring its rich past and bright future.

Built by Khedive Ismail in 1869 as a guest palace for the Suez Canal inauguration celebrations, the Palace Al Gezirah hosted a number of European monarchs, including Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III. Today, as one of the most famous hotels in Cairo, its guests are equally as impressive.

To celebrate its major milestone, this hotel and casino in Cairo threw a festive party, where guests were greeted by the sounds of Opera Aida and the hotel's General Manager, Richard Zeolla, and his wife. Empress Eugenie and Khedive Ismail also made an appearance, kicking off the party from their place on the palace's central balcony.

Guests made their way to the royal gardens, where decorations created a magical setting for the evening. The RIFF Band took the stage, and chefs showcased the hotel's diverse dining options in a delicious buffet. The highlights of the evening were a fire show by Ahmed Essam and a performance by the Chehade Brothers Band, brought in from Beirut.

One of the top event venues in Egypt, the Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino combines the restored palace with two modern towers, creating a hotel that offers both modern amenities and historic charm. Many of the original rooms and their furniture have been preserved, and now serve as reception rooms and lounges. To learn more about this historic hotel, visit www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/caieg-cairo-marriott-hotel-and-omar-khayyam-casino/, where you can book rooms, browse both historic and present-day photos, search packages and learn more about Cairo through a detailed destination guide.

About the Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino
A historic building set in a historic city, the Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino combines the rich details of the original Palace Al Gezirah with modern amenities and comforts. Set in Cairo's commercial center and surrounded by six acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, this beautiful hotel offers a resort experience and breathtaking views of the Nile. Accommodations at this five-star hotel are elegantly appointed with rich linens, a spacious desk, high-speed Internet access, coffee/tea service, minibar, air-conditioning and a TV with enough channels to keep you entertained for your entire stay. If you prefer your entertainment in a more public setting, you're just steps away from this hotel's world-class casino, gym, indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpool, sauna and tennis court. You can also set out to explore this magical city's top attractions including the Cairo Opera House, Coptic Church, Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, Mohamad Ali's Mosque, Khan el Khalili market and, of course, the great Pyramids. You can also travel around the world with this hotel's luxurious dining venues, which include Italian, International, Japanese and Middle Eastern cuisines. With 35,000 sq. ft. of event space, a 24-hour business center and stunning grounds, this Cairo hotel is a top choice for meetings, conferences and celebrations.

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