I grew up hearing about The Mena House at the foot of the ancient Pyramids of Giza, one of the most famous hotels in the world. My mother, who traveled to Cairo in the 1970s on a fashion shoot for Vogue Magazine, shared tales of its beauty and exotic ambiance with her family.
Many years later, our family fulfilled a Bucket List dream trip to Egypt. We recovered from a whirlwind Trafalgar Tour of antiquities with three days of relaxation at the Marriott Mena House, Cairo. The hotel’s original Palace Wing — the one Mom adored — is under restoration.
Yet, this comfortable resort’s unique location, Pyramid views, authentic welcome, luxurious amenities, and fine dining continue to ensure its world-class reputation.
Why Families Love The Mena House
The Marriott Mena House, Cairo is a luxurious, welcoming compound with 331 guestrooms. Considered Egypt’s top hotel, it boasts beautiful gardens, tiled fountains and views of the Pyramids. Vintage images of old Egypt, antiques and original art decorate guestrooms and public spaces. Lounges showcase photos of the many politicians, celebrities and dignitaries who gathered here.
A very diverse range of guests all love the grand facilities. Truly fine restaurants range from Italian to Indian to a lavish 24-hour buffet featuring Egyptian and continental favorites. A Roy Wilson-designed, nine-hole golf course is under renovation.
High Tech, High Touch at the Marriott Mena House in Cairo
While an immaculately restored historic hotel, Mena House uses technology for guest comfort and efficiency. The At Your Service button on in-room phones and the Marriott Bonvoy Chat app allow guests to communicate directly with hotel staff for reservations, laundry service, housekeeping and more. Scan barcodes for menus; use keycards to access outside doors. Energy saving air-conditioning shuts off when balcony doors open. Take advantage of secure WiFi, business services and conference rooms if you need to work.
Outstanding service, however, is the hotel’s greatest amenity. Long-time staff — many there for more than 30 years — obviously love the place and its storied past. They take to heart their role in shaping your guest experience… and you feel it.
The Mena House Hotel’s Colorful History
It began in 1869, when the Egyptian Khedive Isma’il Pasha built a mud brick hut to house his hunting parties about 20 miles south of Cairo. Lord Isma’il sold his rustic Giza lodge to a British couple who expanded it into a regal private residence. Another couple seeking the healthful climate at the Pyramids bought their palace. They expanded it into an 80-room “family” hotel in 1887, named for King Menes, founder of the first Egyptian Dynasty. In 1890, installation of the country’s first swimming pool enabled the popular resort to stay open year-round for fashionable Europeans.
During World War I, Australian troops used The Mena House for housing and, later, as a hospital. International fame came in 1943. That’s when the Cairo Conference brought Sir Winston Churchill, Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt and General Chiang Kai-Shek from China together to announce the independence of the Korean peninsula.
The Indian luxury brand, Oberoi Group, guided The Mena House restoration in the early 70s, when a 300-room wing and 33.3-meter lap pool were added. History was made again as Egyptian and Israeli officials negotiated the peace agreement leading to the 1978 Camp David Accord. My mother joined notables President Jimmy Carter, Gianni Versace, John Travolta, Lionel Messi, Will Smith, Luis Fonsi and many, many others who have kept The Mena House reputation alive.
Families and Business Travelers Enjoy Luxury Services and Amenities in Cairo
Today, Marriott International manages the resort. In 2019, they began renovation of the original palace at the foot of the Great Pyramid.
Mena House facilities are still extensive yet low-key, catering to families, international business travelers, and celebrities.
Everyone enjoys relaxing in the gardens by the large, heated pool and children’s pool. Whether you’re in a bikini or a burkini, you feel welcomed. The attentive staff serve food and cocktails. Kids love the delicious non-alcoholic drinks as much as other guests. A lifeguard watches over swimmers as pool boys silently rotate umbrellas to catch the shade.
Expect a hotel limo service, tourist agency for local tours and guides, ATM in the lobby, gift shop and a 24-hour, well stocked fitness center. The stylish Lobby Bar, air-conditioned and intimate, serves pastries, coffees and drinks later on. M Club members (available with certain upgraded rooms) have access to a separate, tranquil lounge open 24 hours. Meet up there for complimentary beverages, snacks and a happy hour.
Pamper Yourselves at this Marriott International’s Saray Spa
Soothe those sore pyramid-climbing legs at the small, classy Saray Spa. We are usually wary of hotel spas where over-priced massages aren’t the quality we enjoy at home. Not at the Marriott Mena House Hotel. Saray Spa has both male and female, expertly trained therapists like Aya and Hesham. They use magical hands and medicinal Egyptian oils for massage therapy, hydration and rejuvenation. Relax afterwards with tea and dried fruits, while lounging around a carved granite basin filled with rose petals.
All guests are free to use the men’s and women’s locker rooms. Saray Spa requires appointments for the sauna, steam room and mixed gender jacuzzi, to avoid crowding.
Eat Anything You Crave at the Marriott Mena House’s 139 Pavilion
Of course, with indoor and outdoor seating facing the Pyramids, you’ll want to try a meal at one of The Mena House’s three restaurants. The first, named 139 Pavilion, is the most casual and varied. It’s open 24 hours and serves Egyptian and African specialties plus international dishes. Breakfast buffets are legendary. International treats include the Egyptian belila porridge, fine French pastries, granola, Chinese noodles and flavorful, made-to-order omelets.
Choose among very tasty Egyptian mazzah (cold and hot appetizers and dips) or a Salade Nicoise with fresh grilled tuna, beef burgers and several vegetarian options at lunch. High Tea is a classic offering that families love. Chefs at outdoor grills cook beef kibbeh and kebabs during the evening. The endless carving stations, salads, cheese, breads and desserts are irresistible.
A meal at the 139 Pavilion, however, doesn’t replace the Pyramids Sound & Light Show. While the show is hokey, sitting by The Sphinx to watch light projections on the Pyramids is memorable.
Mythical Indian Cuisine at the Legendary Moghul Room
The famous Moghul Room is now located within an ornate Arabian-style dome with Pyramid views. Portraits of Indian sultans and antique bronze sculpture decorate the elegant and intimate space.
Feast, as we did, on a mixed Tandoori platter with shrimp, lamb chops, beef kibbeh and tender chicken marinated in yoghurt and spices. Old World butter chicken, curries and Kashmiri pulau (saffron rice with almonds and currants) are other guest favorites.
Italian Flavors, Prosecco and Flair at Alfredo’s
Alfredo’s is a different, more contemporary dining experience. Book outdoor or indoor seating for fresh pastas, pizzas, delicious salads and Italian staples. As at the other Mena House restaurants, both the restaurant manager Mr. Kamel and hostess, Madonna, greeted us warmly and made suggestions from the menu.
Children around us played by the fountains while parents sampled the extensive wine list, which includes an array of Egyptian wines like the popular Jardin de Nil white wine, Beausoleil rose and Omar Khayyam red wines.
Cairo’s Luxury Accommodations at the Unique Marriott Mena House
Guests today choose among two, four-story wings framing the 40-acre grounds. All The Mena House’s grand entrances open out to both wings, a confusing layout that made us feel like tomb raiders searching for our guest room.
Many families opt for a contemporary Pyramid view room and enjoy the priceless view. History buffs, on the other hand, often prefer the 30 junior suites in the more traditional, historically inspired wing overlooking the grounds.
Spacious rooms are furnished with a small loveseat and coffee table, balcony, dining table and chairs for two, large armoire, closet with safe and ironing board. Plush bathrobes and slippers, fine Egyptian cotton linens, minibar, Nespresso and tea kettle, bottled water round out the amenities. Modern bathrooms have a bathtub, shower, quality bulk toiletries and counters made from the same marble as some of the pharaohs’ tombs.
Recently renovated, the lovely traditional suites boast more detail in décor including ornate, carved wood headboards, light fixtures and chandeliers. Balconies face the swaying King palms, Royal Poinciana trees, lush lawns and gurgling fountains. The only rooms that are truly “historic” and have Pyramid views will open with the restored Palace Wing.
Booking a Pyramid View Room at the Five Star Marriott Mena House, Cairo
Rooms in the newer resort wing face the Pyramids. Full Pyramid View rooms look directly to the Great Pyramid – the tallest one dedicated to King Khufu — and its smaller sibling, the Pyramid of Khafre. Partial Pyramid View rooms have the same amenities and layout but cost less. In ours, Room 362, we had to go out on the balcony to enjoy the Pyramids – not a hardship if you ask me.
All rooms accommodate up to two adults and two children under 12, with rollaway beds and cribs available. Families looking for more space can book connecting rooms with a king room connecting to one with two single beds, providing two bathrooms, privacy and plenty of space.
The Top Attractions and Activities at The Marriott Mena House Hotel
Take advantage of your Giza base to relax, sightsee, shop or just pamper yourself. The hotel’s diverse and colorful international crowd make people-watching another great option. Being away from Cairo’s crazy traffic and relentless buzz is one more perk.
Tour other Egyptian antiquities and archeological sites with ease. The hotel is very close to the new and spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum, open for preview tours at our visit. The hotel’s travel agency books camel and horseback rides to the Pyramids of Giza. Cars with drivers and guides whisk you to the fascinating ancient sites at Memphis and Saqqara.
Pick up souvenirs at the hotel’s shops. Egyptian specialties include teak boxes inlaid with mother of pearl, carved tin and copper lamps, alabaster sculpture and vases. Bring home bargains in fine cotton clothing and scarves, gold jewelry and objects made with the country’s famous lapis lazuli and turquoise gems. Since The Mena House shops were not open at our visit, we walked a few blocks to the Turquoise Hotel Gift Shop. Drop in and visit with Nsrin, who helped us choose among treasures. Shops happily bargain down 25%-35% off price tags.
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Book a Stay and Experience the Marriott Mena House, Cairo
We discovered so many reasons why the Marriott Mena House, Cairo is justifiably famous and should be your family’s base in Giza. The hotel has luxury accommodations without being fussy. The staff cater to travelers of any age with memorable service. World-class facilities for wellness, fitness and dining are tucked into a mysterious, yet very exclusive enclave.
Pyramid views, of course, top the list. And, what can we say?
That view never gets old.
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