I spent 30 hours in Egypt earlier in the week, and it was eye opening. My friend Tiffany and I had layovers that overlapped by a few hours, so we hired a guide to and went to the pyramids, which was amazing.
But what I took away from Egypt more than anything is just how dire the situation is. It’s surreal to go somewhere as iconic as the Pyramids of Giza and more or less have them to yourselves. Heck, they’re so deserted that even half of the vendors don’t bother showing up anymore.
Pyramids of Giza
The degree to which the revolution destroyed Egypt’s tourism industry is indescribable.
Not only did I feel safe everywhere I went, but I also found everyone I interacted with to be over the top friendly. I think they kind of realize the situation they’re collectively in, and are trying to do everything they can to paint a positive image.
On the hotel front, I can’t even begin to say how positively blown away I was by Le Meridien Cairo Airport. It’s a brand new hotel, and the construction of it was clearly very poorly timed. They started building it before the revolution, and frankly I’m kind of surprised they ended up finishing it, given how things changed. It’s amazing how much construction in Egypt is 90% done, but they never bothered to finish it after the revolution.
After landing at Terminal 1 at Cairo Airport I had low expectations of the airport hotel, given what a dump the airport is.
But I couldn’t have been more wrong, as the property was gorgeous.
Le Meridien Cairo Airport lobby
Le Meridien Cairo Airport club lounge
Le Meridien Cairo Airport pool
I got upgraded to a massive 1,700+ square foot panoramic suite.
It featured what I think may be the biggest living room I’ve ever had in a hotel room.
Le Meridien Cairo Panoramic Suite living room
Le Meridien Cairo Panoramic Suite living room
Hell, even my separate bedroom had a living room!
Le Meridien Cairo Panoramic Suite bedroom
Le Meridien Cairo Panoramic Suite bedroom
Then there was a large balcony, which was actually quite nice since it wasn’t too hot outside.
Le Meridien Cairo Panoramic Suite balcony
While the whole property was gorgeous and in great condition, the service was really what stood out. Every single employee was so over-the-top indescribably accommodating. Tiffany also stayed at the Le Meridien (and got the same upgrade as a Platinum member), and she mentioned that the experience felt like it was straight out of Beauty and the Beast.
I’ve never seen Beauty and the Beast (what can I say, I had a deprived childhood), so she sent me this clip from the movie:
I think that really sums it up perfectly. For example, we had lunch at the hotel’s Lebanese restaurant, and while there were a handful of chefs and servers on hand, we were the only guests. The level of attentiveness was unreal and felt exactly like that clip.
Mezzeh Restaurant
Mezzeh Restaurant lunch
Mezzeh Restaurant lunch
I might just come back and vacation at the Le Meridien Cairo Airport. It’s an amazing hotel with amazing service — I can’t recommend it enough!
Have you stayed at the Le Meridien Cairo Airport, and if so, what was your experience?
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