Description
The Mena House, once the hunting palace of King Farouk, is set in 40 acres of verdant jasmine scented gardens with the Pyramids literally towering above. Opened in 1869, the hotel’s distinguished atmosphere is full of character and style and over the years has played host to Kings and Emperors, Heads of State and celebrities.
The Mena House has 523 rooms and suites split between two sections; the original Palace wing and the newer Garden wing. Rooms are lavishly appointed, spacious and comfortable and the whole property is furnished with traditional arabesque furniture, exquisite antiques, hand crafted mosaic tiles and carved brass-bound wooden doors. The Mena House embraces its rich history and colourful traditions in every sense and a stay here feels like true emergence into a palatial Egyptian past.
The hotel has five restaurants and two bars - choose from relaxed poolside homemade Italian cuisine, exotic Indian fine dining at the celebrated Moghul Room and Egyptian, Oriental and Continental fare can be accompanied by the trance like effect of Sufi dance performers. The Sultan Lounge is a memorable place to start your evening - cocktails as the sun sets over the pyramids has got to be one of life's great indulgences.
The nearby attractions include the Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Egyptian museum, maze like streets of Islamic Cairo and Coptic quarter of Old Cairo and all are within easy reach as are the shops, restaurants and nightlife of Cairo's more cosmopolitan quarters. In addition, there are a wide range of recreational facilities at Mena House including an outdoor swimming pool (the largest in Cairo), outdoor tennis courts, a fitness centre and horse and camel riding with experienced instructors - what better way to see the pyramids, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
After a day's sightseeing indulge yourself at the Mena Garden Spa where some of Egypt's top spa therapists offer a wide range of treatments to alleviate the mind and body of the stresses of modern life.
Accommodation
All of Mena House's 523 Rooms and Suites are located in the Palace and Garden wing and are lavishly appointed with traditionally inspired furnishings and rich carpets. In the older Palace wing, the Palace Deluxe Rooms have high ceilings and breathtaking views of the pyramids - some have private balconies. The Mena Garden Rooms (garden wing) overlook the lush gardens or the pyramids and have wooden floors, dining tables and large balconies. The Executive Suites offer guests a separate living room, the Deluxe Suites have the addition of a dining room and are adorned with original artworks and stunning detailing. In fact, all of the Suites in the older Palace wing enjoy beautiful traditional detailing, gilding, panels and murals and all suites have the added benefit of a private butler service. The regally appointed Presidential Suites have large private terraces overlooking the pyramids and the Mena Garden Suite (in the garden wing) has abundant space and the same spellbinding view.
Childcare
Children are very welcome at the Mena House and will be stunned by its location just 700 metres from the pyramids. It is a malaria free zone and there is a children's pool for them to enjoy. Children's meals and babysitting can also be arranged on request.
Facilities
With 7 restaurants and bars there is a huge choice of dining options from relaxed pizzas to fine dining in historical settings and delicious oriental, continental and Indian cuisine, the Mena House has something for everyone. Enjoy cocktails overlooking the pyramids and performances from traditional belly dancers. The hotel has a newly opened 9 hole golf course where players can tee off in the shadow of the pyramids. There is also a 33m swimming pool which is heated in winter, a children's pool, fitness centre with small gym and tennis courts. The Mena Garden Spa is an oasis where trained therapists offer aromatherapy treatments to heal the body and mind in six private spa rooms.
Activities
Within the hotel's 40 acres of lush verdant gardens guests can enjoy the two swimming pools (one for children), fitness facilities, golf course and indulgent spa. Sight seeing tours and horse and camel riding to the pyramids can be arranged and the hotel is just 15 minutes from Cairo's city centre should you wish to enjoy the sights of old Cairo and the restaurants, nightlife, culture and shops the city has to offer.
When to travel
Egypt enjoys a mild climate, making it a good year round destination. However, temperatures increase as you travel due south. Cairo can be chilly between December and February, and very hot between June and September. But the heat in Egypt is made bearable by the northerly breeze that leads to a drop in temperature at night. Peak temperatures in Upper Egypt occur between May and October, and are accompanied by extremely low humidity. The best time to visit Cairo is in the cooler months between November and March
Cairo has long-standing populations of major religious groups and past colonial powers, so it’s possible to find celebrations for most every major holiday. Islam, however, is the prevailing force here, and the month of Ramadan is one of the most pronounced Islamic holidays. It happens in July or August, and during this time, some shops and restaurants may stay closed during the daytime fast.
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Location and directions
Cairo, Egypt
Mena House Oberoi is located in the Giza district of Cairo, the capital of Egypt. The hotel is 15 kilometers from the city center, set in 40 acres of gardens under the shadow of the Great Pyramids.
How to get there
5-hour direct flight to Cairo International airport. The airport is a 45-minutes drive from the hotel, which is well connected by international flights from a host of destinations worldwide.
