Originally Posted by
abdulghaniz
I am flying on United from US and then from Munich to Cairo and Cairo to Medinah. This is all on an Award Ticket. Stopover is 12 hours (7 pm to 7 am)
I wanted to know if I will be eligible for a free HOTEL STAY or should I book it myself online using points at some Good Hotel Chain ? I heard that the Iberotel at Cairo Airport where EgyptAir gives the rooms is very bad {poor reviews on this thread}.
Please shed light on the above.
I don't know if points qualify for hotel stays: some evidence in this thread that they do, but ..... I'd call the airline. If you don't get a clear answer, the alternatives don't need to break the bank:
You'll be using Cairo's T3, which has lovely Meridien next to it. It's not cheap, probably $160 and up. But if you have Starwood currency, you're fine.
There's a nice enough Novotel within the airport area, running at around $60: this is the option I usually chose, and it includes a shuttle (you need to arrange it by email/phone).
Not much point going further afield on an overnight stay.
But if you have IHG points, there's an IC, Holiday Inn and Staybridge within the Citystars entertainment and shopping complex in Nasr City, about 15 minutes taxi ride from the airport (they'll send a car + meet and greet - if you pay for it).
Sadly, with the do-it-yourself option i think you need visas. These are very easily arranged on arrival for $25 each.