Cairo - Mena House or Intercontinental?
 

Hi all

Seen some fairly average reviews of the Mena House Oberoi recently - especially for the 'garden room' which I have reserved. I will only be in Cairo for two nights - hence the location near the pyramids was appealing (I am travelling with someone who has never been before).

I usually stay at the Intercontinental Pyramids Park - which is a lovely hotel (huge arched hall-ways - piano bar - huge pool - lovely grounds) - but a little trek to the pyramids. This hotel also has a free shuttle bus to the museum of the antiquities.

Any advice on which one I should go for given the above?

Does anyone know if the Mena House can secure some of the 150 tickets each session for the grand pyramid? that would swing my decision as it is a shame to go all that way and no go inside.

Thanks in advance

LME FF

The Oberoi is in a far better position and has better facilities, but it's also far more expensive. If you are OK with the Interconti's position next to the Desert Highway and overpass, then I'm sure its concierge can arrange just about anything you need in the line of tickets.

Im finishing up an Egypt trip and can share this experience. I had the Oberoi as my top pick for the CAI stay but in the end declined because of the less than flattering reviews I got from my Travel Agent and also from various fora, plus their pricing. During our trip, I met two couples that were staying at the Oberoi and they confirmed that they were largely dissapointed, and one had even booked a suite. Apart from paying a fortune, they said that service was lackluster (not on par with the Oberoi pedigree).

We stayed at the Marriott, in the refurbished tower and had a great experience. Staff was excellent, super friendly, and the western food at their restaurants was some of the best we had in Egypt. I ate Egyptian food all the time but my wife is a little weary of non western food so this was a big issue for us.

Bottom line... I guess my conclusion is that the Oberoi is not worth the $$$.