Cairo is home to 21 million people, so there are ample hotel options across the megacity. But if you’re interested in waking up to views of the Giza Pyramids outside your window, then one option rises above the rest. Guardian Guest House is a small property adjacent to the Giza Plateau, and for the budget friendly price of just $60/night, the Sphinx and the Pyramids will greet you every morning of your stay. (Photo above: Sunrise over the pyramids from the rooftop terrace.)
Guardian Guest House | From $40/night
Location: There are a number of hotel properties along the Giza plateau, including higher end options such as the Mövenpick. However, none offer quite the same view of the Pyramids that Guardian Guest House does. I looked at the websites of every other hotel in the area to compare their views. Other properties’ views were blocked by other structures or were at an angle that didn’t show the entire plateau. From the Guardian Guest House, you could easily walk to the entrance of the Pyramids if you hadn’t arranged a tour. There are several restaurant options in walking distance. We’re not ashamed to admit we ate at the Pizza Hut next door! We got it to-go and watched the Sound and Light show from the rooftop terrace.
Enjoying a Pizza Hut dinner while we watch the sun set and await the Sound and Light Show.
Rooms: Guardian Guest House has two classes of rooms: those with a Pyramid View, and those with a City View. The Pyramid View rooms run a little more at $60 a night. If you’re looking to trim a bit from your budget, you could stay in a City View room for $40 and still have access to the rooftop terrace for the amazing views. The rooms are fairly simple, but still comfortable, and appropriately priced. However, the pyramid view makes it worth so much more that you’ll feel like you’re getting a steal.
Also worth noting, the rooms had really good window unit air conditioners. After a sweltering hot day in the Cairo sun, the air in that room felt amazing. And the shower had hot, strong water pressure which is always important!
Photo by Guardian Guest House
The view from our room.
Staff: We only had two days in Cairo before we embarked on our Nile River cruise, so the staff at the Guardian Guest House were able to arrange a custom itinerary for all the attractions we wanted to see in our short time. We simply emailed them our requests in advance and they took care of the rest. On site, they were very attentive to our needs, providing medicine when a stomach bug popped up, taking care of our laundry, and waking early to have breakfast ready for us before we departed for Luxor.
The street in front of the hotel is pretty quiet.
In conclusion: Location, location, location. Guardian Guest House has it in spades. You won’t be staying here for a luxury experience. You’re staying here for the unbeatable views. With a budget-friendly price and attentive staff, a stay at the Guardian Guest House will be a value that can’t be beat.