Originally Posted by
KBrownCA
... How easy is it to get a taxi from the hotel? Would it be better to hire a guide and driver? ... Also, are there any good restaurants you recommend in the area?
Getting a cab in Cairo is no problem, just flag one down on the street. If you're six people, you'll most likely have to get two cabs. And haggle on the price...counter the initial offer with anything from a quarter (if you're prepared to wait for another taxi) to half of it. Tourists are easy prey for cabbies in Egypt.
Restaurant wise, well, depends on what you're looking for. There's a traditional Egyptian place (touristy but nice) downtown, but I'll have to get back to you with the name. I'll also try and get some more suggestions, I'm more familiar with the restaurants in Alexandria than Cairo.
Sitting in the Marriott garden is nice for a meal, but maybe a bit chilly in December.