Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa

The six-floor Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa is within walking distance of the Great Pyramids of Giza. When entering the property, be prepared to encounter a bomb-sniffing dog before passing through a metal detector. The lobby feels luxurious, with a grand staircase and a chandelier. Hallways have neutral-colored carpeting, wooden doors, and white walls. A modern spiral staircase, with a skylight, leads to the stylish Explore Spa by Le Meridien, which has a sauna, a steam room, a locker room, and a hot tub. The large, carpeted gym has modern cardio equipment, several flat-screen TVs, and a fitness studio with a punching bag. A weight room includes free weights and a flat-screen TV. Past guests have complained about indoor cigarette odors in the common areas.

Palms and lush landscaping create a tropical oasis feeling around the property. There are two outdoor heated pools, and a kids' pool, overlooking the pyramids. The larger pool features a swim-up bar, bridges, and a deck with orange lounge chairs and red umbrellas. The smaller pool has submerged lounge beds in a shallow section, and a deck with lounge chairs and a small terrace providing shade. 

The hotel is situated in El Remaya Square, within walking distance of the pyramids and the Great Sphinx of Giza. Other hotels, restaurants, and two markets populate the immediate area. Amusement rides are available at Dream Park, which is 30 minutes away by car. Dreamland Golf is also a 30-minute drive. Cairo -- with the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and Opera House -- is a 30-minute car trip. It’s about a half-hour drive to the Mall of Arabia. The Cairo International Airport is about an hour's drive from the hotel, and the Giza train station is about a 20-minute drive.

There are Deluxe Rooms and Deluxe and Junior Suites at Le Meridien Pyramids. Rooms have standard modern hotel furniture, neutral carpeting, and writing desks, all livened up a bit by colorful Egyptian paintings. Wi-Fi comes with a fee. Some rooms have balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows, which look onto the gardens, pools, or pyramids. Modern bathrooms have sleek fixtures, hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, shower/tub combos or walk-in showers, and basic toiletries; some have bidets. Deluxe Suites have the best pyramid views. Junior Suites offer garden and city views, sitting areas with small dining tables, free daily newspapers, and mini-fridges. Safes and minibars can be requested (for a fee). Some furniture looks worn and could be replaced.

The hotel has multiple international dining choices. The Latest Recipe Restaurant is modern with several dining rooms, an open kitchen design, large windows, and a terrace with red sofas. The Laredo Tex Mex restaurant has country decor, reconstructed barrel furniture, flat-screen TVs, and a stage. The Citrus swim-up pool bar offers a poolside terrace. The Harris Cafe serves coffee and baked goods, and the Shisha Cafe offers flavored hookahs and tea.

Three elegantly designed meeting rooms -- Al Sultan, Khoufou, and Al Majlis -- are available, fitting up to 800 people. There’s also a business center with Internet access for a fee, a fitness center, and a spa.