The Mena House is a true oasis from the hustle and bustle of Cairo. A luxurious Arabesque palace open since 1869, the Mena House has won numerous awards. The location is superb—directly in front of the Pyramids. While traffic snarls around the area due to an excessive amount of tour buses and taxis, once guests are on the hotel grounds a level of calm pervades the space.
Guests' jaws hit the floor when they enter this stunning historic hotel, where intricate wood-carved screens, gold inlaid decor, stunning arched doorways, and dazzling chandeliers abound. The hotel has breathtaking interiors and quiet gardens reminiscent of an ancient Oriental palace. The decor evokes an air of British Colonialism and proves it with a wealth of antiques from the days of Winston Churchill's visits to Egypt.
The food is well-executed, especially in the Indian restaurant, the Moghul Room, which is a destination itself. Numerous other on-site restaurants include the poolside Oasis, al Rubayyat for Continental fare, and Khan el Khalili for round-the-clock Egyptian and Continental options. A few bars and clubs are also on-site, including the Sultan Bar.
Guests will find a lovely pool and golf course, as well as a helpful staff. An 18-hole golf course is located nearby, and the hotel has a round-the-clock fitness center. Equestrians can try their hand at a Middle Eastern favorite, camel riding. Horses are available to ride too.
The hotel provides extensive meeting facilities that span 20,000 sq ft 
of space. Four conference rooms with Internet access and numerous business amenities are available, along with six banquet rooms than can accommodate up to 520 people.
The rooms are slightly dated—as they are part of ancient history—but you can't beat the Pyramid view from many rooms (always worth the uptick in rates). Many units are located directly inside the palace while others are classified as gardenviews. All rooms have private baths with pedestal sinks and limited vanity space, and the seven deluxe suites offer separate areas for dining and sleeping, as well as living rooms. The latter feature the most gilding and original artwork, and some of the lesser expensive rooms are getting a bit long in the tooth. Four executive units offer separate living rooms. Cabana rooms by the pool are especially popular during the summer months. Amenities in accommodations include cable TV, DVD players, high-speed Internet access, dual-line phones with data ports, minibars, tea- and coffeemakers, hair dryers and safes. Two presidential suites boast private pyramid-view terraces.
Room service never ends, and butlers are at guests' command at all hours. Sophisticated world travelers, art-and-architecture buffs and turn-of-the-century princesses make up the clientele. Oberoi's penchant for high standards, top-notch hospitality, and regional flair shines through once again at this tourist-oriented favorite.
