Mena House Oberoi

Egypt

Egypt is a unique destination in that it is one of the rare places on earth where humanity’s past is still alive, thanks to the remains of a civilization whose heritage continues to fascinate millions of visitors throughout the world. Just the mention of names like Thebes, Aswan, Luxor and of course, Cairo, are enough to stir the imagination of every one of us. Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a huge metropolis of eighteen million inhabitants and the birthplace of an abundantly rich culture. Facing the ancient city, on the left bank of the Nile, lies Giza, famous throughout the world for its three pyramids and its legendary Sphinx. It was at the foot of these pyramids that Napoleon uttered these legendary words: “Travelers, imagine from top of these pyramids that forty centuries are watching you.” It is this same spirit that was applied to a luxury hotel that is also at the foot of these immortal monuments.

A palace steeped in history

At the Mena House Oberoi, history is everywhere. Not only is it located 700 meters from the Pyramids of Giza - the Pyramid view rooms are the most sought after, of course - but the history of the Mena House Oberoi itself reflects the development of Egyptian society over the last hundred years. Built in 1869, for the needs of the viceroy of Egypt, the building was a royal hunting pavilion. In 1886, a British couple purchased it during their honeymoon with the purpose of building a hotel. There are still some vestiges from that period like for example, an antique door. It was also at this time that it was given its present name of Mena House, literally the house of Menes, the first pharaoh, founder of the first royal dynasty and unifier of Egypt. It has become the embodiment of luxury and has earned its reputation as the hotel of crowned heads and film stars from all over the world. The list of its guests reads like a who’s who and includes Jimmy Carter, Richard Nixon, King Farouk, George V, and from the world of the arts and show business, Agatha Christie, Cecil B. DeMille, Charlton Heston, Frank Sinatra, Charlie Chaplin, Roger Moore, Omar Sharif, Jane Fonda and Peter Ustinov. Although rich in past history and with the most unique location in the world, the Mena House Oberai is much much more. Each visitor is welcomed to this oasis of well being as if he or she were a star. There are forty hectares of greenery surrounding the establishment including the first golf course to be built in Egypt, and a decor worthy of A Thousand and One Nights with mosaics, arabesques, hand crafted furniture, antiques, a spa and six restaurants.

Winston Churchill fell in love with the hotel during World War II and came here regularly. A suite bearing his name pays tribute the statesman and his love for the hotel.