Marriott Mena House, Cairo

We stayed here for 3 nights in early October. We had originally booked (more than 6 months in advance) for 7 nights, however, 2 days before we flew to Egypt, we learned from the hotel, that there was going to be a wedding at the hotel for 4 days. Because we suspected that this wedding was going to be on a large scale as the hotel advised that there would be some additional noise, we cut our stay to 3 days, making certain it was after the wedding, but we did run the risk that we incurred cancellation charges. Luckily, the hotel agreed to no cancellation charges as we still booked for 3 days. Our room had a fantastic view of the pyramids and we loved the gardens. We both had treatments at the spa and the steam/sauna and outdoor pool were lovely. Alfredos served good Italian food and the 139 Pavilion is more geared towards buffets. On our final day, there was staging being erected for another wedding but we were able to move to the pool area, where it was quiet. The room itself was clean and comfortable but 'dated' for the 5 star rating. A shower over a bath is very 1980's! The service was fine throughout the hotel, but was inconsistent. The most professional & consistent service was provided by the room cleaners. We loved the hotel's buggy service to the 'old' entrance to the pyramids. 24 hrs notice is required & we needed to buy tickets online, but it was a superb experience. This hotel needs to decide if it is a wedding event venue or a peaceful and tranquil hotel!

The hotel is exceptional for the views. As others have said, there was a big wedding on one day which was outside in front of the pyramids view. It wasn’t too much of an issue though. It would be a 5 star review had it not been for the food and service in the 139. Really not great. Expect much much better for such an expensive and famous hotel Used the golf carts to the exclusive pyramids entrance which was really useful and hassle free. Remember to book in advance as they need your passports to get permission. Also book pyramids tickets in advance too, there is no ticket office at this entrance.

What a colossal waste of money! This 2-night booking was intended to be the "big splurge" of my 20 days in Egypt and Jordan. I upgraded to a full Nile view room and while the view was, indeed, spectacular, I was almost completely unable to enjoy it in anything resembling peace or quiet. On the day my brother and I arrived, set-up for what I thought might be a Rolling Stones concert was already underway, so we were subject to near-constant hammering and construction work. This continued into the night! Yes, after dark! We soon realized it wasn't a concert, but a wedding! I've never seen (or heard!) anything like it. A complete sound stage with risers, live music, hundreds of dinner guests, all outside! The amplified music was so loud, my room shook. Despite having booked months in advance, the only notice I received of this "event" was a note slipped under my door two hours before the event began! Yes, the staff was helpful. Yes, the grounds were lovely. Yes, waking up to the view of the Pyramids was sublime. But it was not at all worth the hassle and the headache and the noise. Upon check-out, after about a half-hour of heated negotiating, I was able to get my bill reduced to $1,147. Yes, more than $1,000 USD for two hellish nights. Until this place decides whether it's an event space or a true hotel, please stay elsewhere.

What other reviewers say about the Marriott Mena House Cairo is true-fantastic location, amenities, staff that goes over and above in providing exceptional service. But-all that is spoiled by the wedding events scheduled during our days/evenings at the hotel. The band playing both nights of our stay was so loud that the steady, booming bass was reverberating in our 3rd floor room. Every word of the singers could be clearly heard. Last evening, the noise continued until 10 pm. This evening, it is to extend until 11 pm. How are we supposed to sleep with this going on? We need to be up early for a morning flight. I understand the profitability of wedding events for the hotel. However, there needs to be some means to protect the need for rest of other guests. I called to complain, knowing full well nothing could or would be done. And it wasn't. The music noise continued at the same level. I resent spending the expensive nightly rate for this hotel with no provisions made for a comfortable, peaceful night's rest for non-wedding guests of the hotel.

The hotel has lost its former glory. As someone who lived in Cairo for 4 years, I always looked forward to staying at this hotel. There is nothing special about the experience other than the view of the pyramids. During breakfast, there were crews working on construction. The younger staff were poorly trained and attentive in a bad way. Everything is overpriced for no reason. The food is subpar and expensive. 0% recommend staying here - go to 9 pyramids lounge for a solid breakfast on your trip to the pyramids.