My son is now studying in Cairo, living in Zamalek, and he suggested I use this hotel when I visited him. Now, to be honest, I'm usually a 3-4 star chap, so this came as a bit of a surprise to me, but if you are on a budget, it's great. I have nothing bad to say about it.
The hotel is just off the main July 26th St in Zamalek. (A posh residential area in Cairo, on an island in the Nile, with many embassies nearby.) The rooms are clean, but basic, with air-con and en-suite facilities. Like many hotels out there, the shower doesn't have a curtain, so you sweep the excess water away into a drain after showering, but that's no big deal. With temperatures in the 30's it soon evaporates anyway. It's not too noisy, and there is a terrace/balcony for breakfast. Breakfast is, to be honest, not too exciting, so on two days I skipped it and went with my son to a local cafe.
However, I had a "superior room" which cost me a princely £14 per night- so about $28 at current rates.
The reception people spke English, as almost eveyone does in Cairo, who wants to sell something.
It's close to the American University, and there are just loads of places to eat round about.
Interestingly, my son drinks the tap water and has been OK. It is chlorinated now. Personally, only being there for four days, I used bottled water.
Cairo generally is pretty noisy and busy, but it's fascinating, and young people on a budget would find it great. food and drink are very cheap. A dish of Kusherry costs about 50p (c $1)
Enjoy!