Mena House Hotel

I read other reviews before booking at Mena House. I've traveled fairly extensively, so here's my take on the hotel after my own experience. First, it is very well kept. The grounds are beautiful and my room was kept immaculately clean. I traveled with my elderly mother, so I needed special care for her. They were extremely helpful. Mom's hair kept getting frizzy and one of the ladies offered to get her some hair product (free of charge!). The hotel will pick you up in a club car if you need it and transport you to and from the lobby and/or restaurant. Everyone was friendly - particularly the porters. Also, we felt extremely safe. Security checks vehicles entering the grounds and there are metal detectors and security guards in each building. Now, about amenities: The pool is one of the best-kept pools I've ever seen. A current constantly flows through the pool to keep bugs, etc. out. Most of the time I avoid hotel pools even in upscale hotes, but this one was excellent. I didn't try the spa (although I know some guests were trying it) or the gym. I saw the gym and it looked adequate - typical resort gym. As for the late night functions (noises some mention): There happened to be a TV network function one night. Actually, it was nice because I finally got to see the pyramids lit up. They also had a traditional band playing. We were far enough away that closing the patio doors and curtains muffled the sound. If we had been closer to the restaurant side, then it might have been a problem. The music seemed to stop around midnight and there was just one night of that, so it wasn't that big of a deal for me. The room: we stayed in the newer section (or newest really). There seem to be three sections: the original hotel, a later section (with beautiful gold, maroon, and white alabaster), and the newer section. If you choose to stay in the older sections, you are farther from the pool and the morning buffet. If you stay in the newer sections, you are farther from the better restaurants. You'll have to weigh out what your priority is. obviously, the older sections are very upscale in decor. Although the new section was very nice (think a very nice Hilton or upscale Marriot in decor). The newer section seemed to serve me well. If you want a room in the older section you might want to see about upgrading after booking. But, honestly, I don't feel like a missed out on something because I didn't stay in those sections. Maybe when I go back I'll try that out. Food: the food quality was okay (just okay). if you are American (like me) you will probably notice a lack of salient flavors in the food. I don't fault the resort because this seems to be ubiquitous in Egyptian meals I had (and have had). The hotel would probably benefit from ordering foods that cater specifically to the American palate. Maybe Omaha steaks, or at least having American beef to serve specifically for Americans. Again, I don't fault the restaurant, I think it's what the majority of their visitors prefer. I will say this though - one morning the scrambled eggs at the buffet were extremely runny (not even edible). The next morning they were better. They will make eggs to order and crepes and pancakes. The crepes were very good. Because we didn't have access to a supermarket or gas station, we found ourselves using the stocked fridge in the room - be careful, that can get pricey, but you'll probably break down like we did and feel like you have to use it. It has extra bottled water, sodas, fruit juice, and a candy bar. They do give you some free water, but when you come back from a tour you are so thirsty that a free bottled water isn't enough. A good idea might be to have your tour guide stop off at a market and pick up some extra waters or sodas for your room, and snacks. They supply you with free snacks in the room (fruit and a couple of cookies/biscuits). My mother ate a lot of fruit - she had a harder time later with diarrhea. The bath/shower: excellent and very clean. Good water pressure. We were told not to drink the water while in Egypt. You can brush your teeth with it, but otherwise, you are okay. Occasionally there is this strange odor that emanates from the sewage. It dissipates pretty quick and wasn't a distraction for us. I read somewhere that that is typical all over Egypt. Check in and Check out: Fast for me. I had few problems. Charges: Leave your credit card. I was told I didn't have to, that I could pay at the time of service, but this seems to confuse the buffet people. I suggest leaving your credit card. Using the safe: I don't care WHAT someone tells you. I worked for the airlines for a number of years. Your passport is your legal documentation. I keep my passport on me ALWAYS. I never left it at the hotel. Don't let ANYONE tell you otherwise. Keep it on you. I didn't use the safe or the front desk for valuables, but I don't take anything of extreme value anywhere I travel. Besides, no one needs to travel with the family jewels. That's about all that I can think to include. I can honestly say the people of Egypt are extremely friendly and the hotel staff was excellent. They always had smiles on their faces and made us feel welcomed and safe. If Egypt is a dream vacation for you, then ignore the paranoia and GO! And I highly recommend staying at Mena House - it's the most famous resort in Egypt.

This hotel is amazing. The views stunning. The reception building beautiful. I gave it a 4 stars due to the service. I had prepaid for my room and they tried to charge me again for my room and it was a little bit of a hassle to have them not charge me. I hurt my hand and asked 3 times for ice and I only received ice once I ordered it with room service. Friends I were travelling with were not charged upon arrival and on our last day at breakfast we had numerous staff come up to us to ask our room numbers and one even demanded that my friend go pay for his room during breakfast. This is extremely unexpected while you are dining. Especially when they have credit board details with the booking and they could charge when checking out. Apart from those few little instances - amazing

3 forty-something women and our 62 year old dad... we had a blast! This hotel is super accommodating! My dad cant sleep without the noise of a fan so the hotel made sure he had one in his room. The rooms were comfortable and the a/c is cold. We had pyramid views and the view was incredible! The breakfast is really yummy and the cappuccinos are great! The staff was very friendly and they try really hard to make your stay awesome. We had private tours throughout our stay which I was happy about because when you leave the hotel- its another world out there. I highly recommend getting tours that pick you up!! Beautiful hotel!! When we were there- the wifi did not work in our rooms and we had to go down to the lobby to use it. Other than that- simply incredibly awesomely wonderful!!!

We loved our stay at Mena House--had a plush room with a view of the pyramids! The service was great everywhere but the pool area--they just needed more bar/restaurant staff. Security is very important to them--so I felt very secure.

Very nice and unique hotel with excellent service and good food (8/10) Team serving us was very nice and active although we were a very big group Those among us who stayed at the hotel for the night said it is their favorite hotel in Cairo (compared with Hilton dreamland, Marriott zamalek and four seasons Giza) For sure I would like to go back to this hotel again