The Mena house is just outside the city of Cairo quite literally at the foot of the pyramids. It is a moderate drive from the Cairo international airport but will be the best location for you to get away from the city while allowing you to see the ancient attractions which include the great pyramids, the sphinx, the solar boat, and the museum. The step pyramids are 45 minutes away.
The hotel has security at the front entrance and at every hotel wing entrance which includes metal detectors and x-ray machines for bags. This adds to the layer of security we felt while entering the main entrance of the hotel with a drug/bomb sniffing (?) dog and vehicle checks.
The hotel itself has beautiful details in the lobby and restaurants. Most of the lobby is gold and marble which makes for an impressive sight even with the pyramids right out the door. The hotel itself has hosted many famous presidents and dignitaries which adds more to its charm. You can take a tour of the old Mena House rooms dedicated to some of those early visitors.
Within the lobby there is currency exchange office that offers competitive rates but lacks small bills which is necessary for tipping. Next door to this office is a small but well stocked gift shop with things like post cards, silver jewelry etc. in my experience after touring down the nile, in Luxor, Aswan, Edfu etc. this shop has the same exact things your going to see or want, except you won't be swarmed by 5 to 10 people trying to get you to buy in their particular shop. My suggestion is that unless you want papyrus or cotton to just go in this shop and get your little trinkets. No hassle but the prices are somewhat higher. They take cash and credit.
The property itself has four restaurants. During this trip we sampled the Egyptian cuisine which is the restaurant right of the main lobby and up the stairs. It was delicious and priced at about $7-10 USD per person.
The rooms themselves are well equipped with all the necessities and WiFi. The bathroom is a decent size but the bathtub/shower combo are very short and tiny. You might find if you are 5'6" or taller that the hotel interior is smaller than your used to, although not uncomfortable.
The beds are firm and stocked with clean Egyptian cotton sheets and pillows. The Wifi is strong in the Garden wing where we stood. Our room had a balcony with two seats and a table which allowed us to walk out and admire the pyramids off to the right of our room. Absolutely stunning views and picture opportunities.
The breakfast was included in our tour package and was a lovely buffet with local and international cuisine. Food was better than expected for an included breakfast with many types of cereals, hot foods, and fruits.
The pool and fountain area is quite stunning. The fountain in front of the breakfast restaurant had a lovely negative edge pool of water that flows within two blue tiled canals into a courtyard filled with grass and trees baring fruit the birds like to eat. Some flowering trees as well.
I would recommend the Mena House to anyone looking for a quiet place away from the city. We enjoyed our time there immensely and will no doubt return