I think we can safely say that summer in Cairo has arrived. And while many of us guilty of hightailing out of the city to the closest beach at any given chance, that isn't always a viable option. While no level of positive thinking will ever convince the mind that you can enjoy a weekend just as much surrounded by the hustle and bustle of Cairo, we do have an alternative in the form of the city's many hotel pool day-use options.
Le Méridien Cairo Airport
There's nothing nicer than 'new hotel smell' - yeah, it's a thing. Having officially opened last month, Le Méridien Cairo Airport offers an excellent day-use offer for a pool that is both intimate and private, yet still maintains a pleasing hush of bustle. You can even get your own cabana, because why not?
Rates:
Pool + room: from 10:00 am till 6:00 pm. (870 LE for two)
Pool + cabana: from 10:00 am till 6:00pm. (700 LE for two)
Bouchon: 100 LE
Sofitel Cairo El Gezeirah
If you believe bigger is always better then Sofitel is not for you. The Zamalek hotel's is a little small, but what it may lack in pool size, it makes up for in its incredibly breathtaking view of the Nile till 9 pm - unlike other hotels, who shut-up shop around the pool at sunset.
Rates:
Pool & Spa: from 8:00 am – 9:30 pm. (Weekdays: 300 LE per person / Weekends: 400 LE per person)
Bouchon: 250LE
Fairmont Nile City
High up on the 12th floor of the Fairmont Nile City sits the hotel's Sky Pool; a place where you can feel like you're on top of a mountain while indulging in the peaceful breeze next to a beautiful roof top pool. Needles to say, the view is nothing short of phenomenal.
Rates:
Full Nile view room: 932L.E (Includes pool & Spa for two)
Side Nile view room: 808L.E (Includes pool & Spa for two)
Pool & Spa: from 8:00 am till sunset. (300 LE per person)
Bouchon: Wine - 150LE, Spirits: 250LE
Sakkara Country Club
Yeah, we know - this is not a hotel and making out of the city to Sakkara Country Club is somewhat off-putting. But when it comes to value for money, this is one swimming pool day-use offer that will not disappoint.
Rates:
Pool + Lunch: From 10:00 am to 6:30 pm (175LE per person)
Bouchon: Local bottles 100 LE & Imported: 150LE
Safir Hotel
Speaking of value for money, only Dokki hotel, Safir, can best Sakkara Country Club. While it lacks the glamour and style of the other hotels mentioned on this list, Safir is laid-back and a little more local in atmosphere than its competitors.
Rates:
Pool: from 8:00 am till sunset (120L.E per person, pay extra 80LE for spa)
Bouchon: Whiskey – 120LE, vodka, wine & tequila – 80LE.
