Yes, it's true, you have a way better smoke from a hookah if you have your own at home, but you also don't have an awesome room full of comfy cushions on the floor at home, do you?
The Sphinx gets four stars PURELY for atmosphere. It's that good... enough so that slow, crappy, (stoned?) service doesn't matter, and expensive small drinks aren't an issue. It's the best place to veg in which I've ever vegged.
If you want to relax in an awesome atmosphere, go to Sphinx.