The MENA HOUSE in Cairo has from its start, in 1886, accommodated royalties such as the Crown Prince of Japan, Prince of Wales, Shah of Iran, Reza Pahlavi; politicians – Bill Clinton, Barbara Bush; artists – Frank Sinatra Charlton Heston, Sarah Bernhardt; writers – Arthur Conan Doyle and many other rich and famous people from all over the world. It is also the place where the wealthiest Egyptian families hold their weddings, sometimes attended by more than 1000 guests. And since its beginning it has often served as a place where political history was made
An Afternoon at the Mena House
In November of 1943 Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Chiang Kai-Shek met for the Cairo Conference, outlining the Allied position against Japan during World War II.
Today it is included in the list of THE MOST FAMOUS HOTELS IN THE WORLD. But its secret is not only its splendid décor, its excellent service and elegant suits; it is the Seventh Wonder of the World, the Pyramids at Giza which are looking down on their guest while they sleep.
Reception Hall at the Mena House
Even while having lunch the Pyramids beckon
Every time somebody mentions the Mena House, or I see a picture of it somewhere, my heart stops a little – why? Because two years ago I spent 5 nights there. No, I am not famous or rich, but when I booked my second tour to Egypt in 2012, staying at the MENA HOUSE had been one of my requests. And I was lucky. Maybe my luck was due to the drop in tourism, the result of the revolution in 2011 and the continues unrest. Maybe having fewer guests made them welcome mere mortal like me. From the balcony of my room – there – very close by, stood the Pyramids – I saw them in the morning mist, in bright sunlight, and at dusk, before they disappeared for the night.
In the Morning Mist
In the sunshine
At Dusk
That is why I think the magic of the MENA HOUSE will always be the PYRAMIDS!
More from Egypt soon
Brigitte
P.S. If you have ever seen the film ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ you have seen a some of the hotel – it was partially shot at the Mena House
Egypt My Love 
I feel like watching “The Spy Who Loved Me” now…will have to wait until after work I guess.
LikeLike
Yes, it is a good movie too – thanks for reading my blog
LikeLike
Your adventures are so wonderful. Thank You for sharing them with us.
LikeLike
Some day we have to find an adventure we can share together – thank you
LikeLike
in the early 2000’s there was a murder by a British man that took place at the Mena House. as i remember it the man in question married a woman of her (insurance?) money. The homicide was treated cavalierly by the authorities but her family pursued the matter.
Do you have any info on the subject?
LikeLike
That is indeed very sad – but unfortunately I cannot help you because, I not only have no information, I have never heard of the case. But they are not very transparent with this kind of news
Good Luck with your search
LikeLike