ahoyne9After soaking up the high-octane thrill of the Qatar Grand Prix in Doha, Katy and I boarded a Qatar Airways flight bound for Cairo, Egypt—our gateway to the iconic pyramids and my sixth continent checked off the list. The flight itself was a gem: we used just 15,000 Alaska Airlines miles and $112 in taxes to fly in Qatar Airways Q-suites, arguably the best business class product in the sky. Even better? This particular route was classified as first class, which granted us access to the legendary Al Safwa First Class Lounge at Hamad International Airport.
Al Safwa First Class Lounge: Worth the Hype
Calling Al Safwa a lounge feels like an understatement. It’s more like a serene, luxurious museum where you also happen to eat incredible food and unwind before your flight. The soaring ceilings, minimalist architecture, and peaceful water features made it feel more like a five-star resort than an airport terminal. We indulged in an à la carte meal of perfectly plated Arabic mezze, seafood, and gourmet desserts. Private nap rooms, a spa, and high-end shopping made it tempting to miss the flight entirely. If you’re ever flying through Doha and have a chance to experience Al Safwa—do not skip it. I only took videos, they’re up on IG stories.
Arrival in Cairo: Beauty in the Chaos
We landed in Cairo, and the vibe instantly flipped from luxury to absolute chaos. Before entering customs, travelers need to buy a visa on arrival ($25 USD), which is hidden in a corner booth with little signage. I found out the hard way after waiting in the wrong line for 30 minutes—save yourself the headache and either get your visa in advance or head straight to the visa counter first. On the plus side, they accepted credit cards.
After clearing customs, we were immediately surrounded by aggressive taxi drivers. Uber was nearly impossible to arrange from the airport. Eventually, someone arranged a ride for us… and it quickly became one of the top 2 worst driving experiences of my life. Buckle up, literally and emotionally.
Staying at the Historic Mena House
Thankfully, peace returned once we checked into the Marriott Mena House, a beautiful property with jaw-dropping views of the Great Pyramid of Giza. I used 66,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to book two nights, which was a steal considering the location. The food was excellent, especially the breakfast spread, and the lush gardens offered a much-needed breather from the bustling streets outside.
The Pyramids of Giza: A Bucket List Moment
The next morning, we walked to the Giza Plateau, which is about a 10-minute stroll from the hotel entrance. Entry was smooth, and we were able to pay by card. Immediately after, the pyramid hustle began—guides, vendors, camel rides, photo ops, you name it. We eventually gave in and hired a guide, partly because he promised we’d get to ride camels, something I had long dreamed of doing.
The camel ride cost $85 USD and also included a horse buggy ride after we left the main pyramid complex. Yes, it’s a tourist trap. And yes, I loved every second of it. The guide also brought us to a string of souvenir shops (almost certainly places he got a kickback from), but we didn’t mind too much. It was part of the experience.
Pro Tip: Hire Your Own Driver
When it came time to head back to the airport, I booked a driver through the Mena House, and it was so much smoother and safer than our arrival ordeal. Lesson learned: when in Cairo, pay a bit extra for safety and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Cairo is a city of contrasts—luxury and grit, awe and exhaustion. Our two days were packed with unforgettable moments, a few travel hiccups, and a lifetime of memories. Between the Q-suites flight, the surreal pyramid backdrop from our hotel room, and riding a camel across the desert, it was a whirlwind worth every point and penny.
Cheers!