Africa Chevron. Egypt Chevron. Cairo Chevron. Why book? There's no competing with Mena House's location at the foot of the Giza pyramidsโwe're talking once-in-a-lifetime views guaranteed from many corners of the property. Just about everyone here is living out an item on their bucket list. Not just seeing the pyramids, but sleeping at this hotel specifically. You'll see honeymooners holding hands over dinner; families speaking dozens of languages and cooing over the view as they shuffle kids from one building to the next; and, naturally, a sprinkling of influencers in colorful dresses chasing the likes and comments guaranteed by this setting best to just avoid the small bridge by the restaurant, unless you're also trying to shoot some Reel content.
I was struck by how truly international the crowd feltโat breakfast, tucking into Turkish coffee and fresh yogurt, I heard Japanese, French, Arabic, and English. The reason this hotel has such a primo location? It's been here since the s. It was once a hunting lodge for Egyptian royalty, but a family named Locke eventually bought it from the government and opened it as a hotel in It was home to the first swimming pool on the continent of Africa, built in it's now the pond between the restaurant and the pyramids , and it has since been the site of countless historic moments.
Roosevelt discussed post-WWII plans, happened on these grounds. Take time to admire the black-and-white photos throughout the lobby areas, and you'll see proof that everyone from Frank Sinatra to the entire British Royal Family has checked in. Ask for a tour, or just linger long enough around these relics, and a staffer will likely share legendary stories of these halls. The property is once again owned by the Egyptian government, who contracts out its operationโMarriott is the most recent and current manager of Mena House, as of , after taking over from Oberoi.
As tends to happen with hotels that have an incomparable selling point see: pyramid-side location , the rooms in the main building are just fine.
You can take your pick of mini suites, garden views, partial pyramid views, and executive roomsโbut if you can pull yourself away from the window, you'll notice the interiors are a bit dated. Don't get me wrong: They're tidy, everything works as it should, and the style is right for the destinationโwith bright white walls, dark wood, and sepia photographs on the walls. But if luxury is the only game you play, keep an eye on the palace rooms, which are currently being renovated and have always been a cut above.
