Long Layover at CAI
 

I'm arriving from Amman on Egyptair at about 8:00 p.m. and connecting to a KLM flight to Amsterdam that departs at 2:55 a.m (flying business class). From the posts here, and my own fading memories of CAI, I recall a mediocre shared lounge facility for business class passengers, but I'm wondering if anyone has recent experiences that might help me decide whether I should wait it out in the airport or spend a few hours at one of the near-airport hotels. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Been to the lounge in CAI (at least after you clear customs) and believe me it is nothing to write home about. There is a Movenpick close to the hotel where I would at least try to catch a shower and some shuteye before the overnight trip. Not sure what your budget is, but it would be worth it. The lounge isn't bad (has A/C but mostly water, juice and a couple of bread items.

Taxi into town and head to one of the hotel casinos and play blackjack til midnight. You'll have fun and make a lot of money. ;)

But definitely do not stay at the airport. It isn't very pleasant.

Do both flights arrive and leave from the same terminal? When I flew SQ out of CAI earlier this year, I connected via BEY (my homebase) on ME. The ME flight landed in the "domestic" terminal and SQ left from the "international" terminal. It is not a simple walk from one terminal to the other. They had to arrange for a bus to take me from one end to the other (a good 5-10 minute ride). Arranging for a bus (and going through customs, immigration and baggage handlers) is a whole new chapter. Let's just say it isn't as "simple" as one might imagine it to be. I am not sure if that is going to be your case too. I think it is almost easier to exit the airport (need to buy a visa from the "banks" just next to immigration) and then check back in later. The hotels next to the airprot (Movenpick and Novotel) are nothing, NOTHING to write home about. Good luck.

Yes. One time I flew RUH-CAI-TLV and I had to buy a visa, go through immigration and then take a taxi to the old airport for the flight to TLV. It's worth looking into.

Shame it isnt the other way around as I found the lounges in the Domestic Terminal to be really good.. especially the 'English Club Room'.

Recommend the Sheraton Heliopolis. Not that far, but don't rely on their shuttle bus, get a pick up and drop off booked.