If you are planning a trip to the Pyramids of Giza and looking for the perfect spot to stay, there is one hotel that stands out. The Marriott Mena House is an iconic hotel that not only has a rich history, but also views of the pyramids you won’t find anywhere else. Below is my full Marriott Mena House review, and why you must consider it on your trip to Egypt.
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Why I Booked Marriott Mena House
There’s really only one hotel to consider if you want to wake up next to the Great Pyramids of Giza, and Marriott Mena House is it. Between the history of the building itself, dating back to 1869, and the unbeatable location, I knew this had to be part of my Egypt trip. One of the wings is currently under construction (and has been for a while), but it is rumored to open as a JW branded hotel. Make sure to keep your eyes out for when this reservation is finished.
Location & Getting to Marriott Mena House
You cannot get closer to the Pyramids of Giza than Marriott Mena House. It’s just steps away, though be ready for a bit of an uphill walk. The hotel dates back to 1869, when it was just a mud brick house, and it went through multiple ownerships and expansions before becoming the Marriott Mena House in 2018. After additional renovations, they expect to reopen a currently closed wing as a JW Marriott, though there’s no confirmed date yet.
The hotel is about 30 miles from Cairo International Airport, and without traffic it takes about 45 minutes. In Egypt, though, I’m not sure there’s ever a time the roads are free of traffic. I landed around 7:00 PM and it took just about an hour to get there.
I highly recommend Uber to get here. Drivers widely accept rides, so you can skip the hassle of negotiating with a taxi driver. Multiple taxi drivers wanted $30-$40 for the ride, while Uber cost 600 EGP (about $12) plus a tip.
Booking Marriott Mena House: What I Paid
Due to the location of this iconic hotel, prices do not come cheap. During peak tourist season, costs run $300-$400 a night. Summer months can be much cheaper, with rates under $200 a night, just remember the summer months are hot. Being a Marriott property, it’s also bookable on points.
I visited in March and room rates were around $350 a night with tax, a bit too rich for my visit. However, I was able to book a base room for 34,000 points. To me this was a no-brainer, so I booked my visit on points.
Check-In & First Impressions
This was the only downfall I had with Uber during my whole Egypt trip. Although the location pin was correct, it led us to a side gate where we weren’t allowed to enter. The main entrance was around the corner, and I had to call the hotel to give our Uber driver instructions. Once I got to the main entrance, it was the normal procedure of a bomb dog sniffing our car before our driver brought us in which is common throughout Egypt.
I ended up arriving at the hotel around 8:00 PM, and the property was a bit quiet. It took a while for a bellman to come help with the luggage, which seemed a bit odd for the caliber of the hotel. Check-in went pretty smoothly, though for the size of the hotel they only had three terminals for checking in. I arrived late, but I could imagine that around 3:00 PM the lines could get pretty long.
The Garden View Suite
Room type: Garden View Suite | View: Hotel gardens, with a partial pyramid view
The whole property maintains a modern, but traditional Egyptian style design, and the Garden View Suite is no exception. From the entry, to the right is the bedroom with a comfortable king-size bed, a couch, and a working desk.
Thankfully, the hotel updated the room with universal plugs throughout. They stocked the minibar, and you’ll find a Nespresso machine and fridge in the room. I have never seen a minibar with such affordable prices either.
Stepping out onto the balcony is a gorgeous view of the garden grounds. There was some minor construction, but just to the right of the room I was able to see the pyramids. Definitely not as good a view as the pyramid view rooms, but nonetheless it was pretty cool.
To the left of the room is a walk-in closet that the bellman put my suitcase in. I was only staying for a night, so there was really no need to unpack, but it was very spacious and could fit more than two people’s clothes for a few days.
The bathroom, for me, was the highlight of the room. It had a beautiful soaking tub that overlooked the gardens. It had a separate room for the toilet, and a shower room, though the shower could’ve used a bit more water pressure. The bathroom was finished off with a his-and-hers vanity.
Restaurants & Bars
At Marriott Mena House there are three main restaurants: 139 Pavilion, Alfredo, and the Moghul Room. 139 Pavilion is the main restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and conveniently open 24 hours a day, something I’ve never seen at a Marriott property. Honestly, this was really nice, because by the time I arrived I didn’t feel like going back out for dinner.
I had a quick club sandwich at 139 Pavilion, which was pretty good. It was definitely a lot more expensive than local food, but I expected that. Alfredo serves an Italian menu and the Moghul Room has Indian cuisine. Both require prior reservations, so make sure to plan in advance.
Additionally, there’s a pool bar with light snacks and drinks, a lobby lounge, and for Platinum-and-above Marriott Bonvoy members, an M Club. I ended up having breakfast at the M Club since I was in a bit of a rush. It was crowded by 7:30 AM, so just something to note.
Pool, Spa & Other Amenities
Marriott Mena House has a spa, fitness center, and a pool. The spa and fitness center sit next to each other. The spa offers a full list of services, from massages to body cleansing, but you must book them a day in advance. The fitness center was modern, with a full set of machines and free weights.
The pool, located right next to the lobby, is a standout piece of the property. You can’t see the pyramids from it due to construction in the area, but it’s a very relaxing spot. They heat the pool and place plenty of chairs to keep it from getting crowded, and a pool attendant walks around to make sure you’re taken care of.
Is Marriott Mena House Worth the Price?
At $300-$400 a night in peak season, this is a genuine splurge, and summer rates under $200 come with serious heat. But on points, 34,000 Bonvoy points for a suite-level stay at the single closest hotel to the Great Pyramids felt like an easy call. If you have points to spend on one Egypt stay, this is hard to beat for location alone.
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