The 16 Best Hotels in Egypt To Book With Points [Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, IHG]

Egypt is one of those bucket list destinations you dream about visiting. Whether it’s admiring the Pyramids of Giza, cruising down the Nile River, or visiting the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum (the largest museum dedicated to a single civilization), the country seems to have endless wonders.

And whether you’re a history buff, an ancient Egypt fanatic, or just want a bit of winter sun along the Red Sea’s gentle waters or the serene Nile River, there’s also a place — and a points hotel — for you. Better yet, as Egypt is affordable, you can often stay in luxurious digs for less or find midrange accommodation for extremely cheap prices, in both points and cash.

Here’s where to stay in Egypt, from the best neighborhoods in Cairo to the best points hotels throughout the entire country.

Where To Stay in Cairo: Best Neighborhoods in Cairo

Cairo is a massive city, home to more than 10 million. Understandably, different neighborhoods in Cairo offer different types of travel experiences.

Here’s what to know when figuring out where to stay in Cario:

• Giza: Home to the famous Pyramids of Giza, this area is 40 to 60 minutes by car from central Cairo. It’s the ideal place to stay if you want to explore the pyramids and the aforementioned brand-new Grand Egyptian Museum — many luxury hotels here have pyramid views. Giza is also calmer than the hustle and bustle of Cairo.
• Downtown Cairo: This area is busy but close to many tourist attractions, such as the Egyptian Museum and El-Tahrir Square. Many Nile River hotels are in downtown Cairo.
• Maadi: This quieter Cairo suburb is close to the city but is also calmer than the hectic pace of central Cairo.
• Garden City: This Nile River neighborhood is also home to riverfront hotels and isn’t too far from downtown Cairo, but it may feel less crowded and more manageable for some travelers.
• Zamalek: This island zone on the Nile River has many trendy restaurants, bars, and shops.
• Heliopolis: This neighborhood combines historical sites with modern conveniences. It is ideal for long layovers, as it is close to Cairo International Airport (CAI).

The 10 Best Hotels in Cairo To Book With Points

One of the best things about Cairo’s top points hotels is that many are reasonably priced, which means you don’t have to dip too deep into your points stash to have whatever kind of Egyptian vacation you’d like.

From easy airport hotels to luxurious Nile River high-rises, here are the best hotels in Cairo where you can use your points and miles, broken out by hotel chain.

The 4 Best Marriott Hotels in Cairo To Book With Points

Marriott has many Cairo properties to choose from, which means travelers can find the perfect place to stay based on their desired Cairo location, budget, and trip style.

1. Marriott Mena House, Cairo

If your Egypt trip just wouldn’t feel complete without iconic pyramid views as you sip your morning coffee, relax by the pool, or even when you blink your eyes open in the morning, then stay at the Marriott Mena House, Cairo. With its exceptional pyramid views at nearly every turn — from the inviting breakfast nooks, landscaped gardens, and even the guest rooms — you get that traditional Egyptian feel at this Giza hotel.

Rates start at $392 or 24,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night (an especially good value using points).

2. The St. Regis Cairo

One of Cairo’s newish hotels (yes, it opened back in 2019, but The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo, dates back to 1959!), The St. Regis Cairo in Garden City offers lavish rooms, suites, and apartments decked out in leather and velvet, with floor-to-ceiling windows featuring city and Nile River views and large soaking tubs. The 36-story high-rise hotel was designed by architect Michael Graves and features private butler service, indoor and outdoor pools, a kids playroom, a spa, and inviting outside (and inside) dining areas and relaxation spaces.

Rates start at $232 or 34,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

3. The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo

Situated in the heart of downtown Cairo, this hotel has the Nile River on one side and Tahir Square on the other and is just a quick stroll from the Egyptian Museum. Although some of The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo‘s rooms may feel dated, when you open the drapes to those city or Nile River views, it’s all worth it. The hotel’s massive ground-level swimming pool is the ideal place for a dip to cool off when the Egyptian sunshine gets too powerful.

Rates start at 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points or $235 per night.

4. Le Méridien Cairo Airport

Sometimes, it’s not about glamour but about convenience. And nothing is more convenient when you’ve got a 6-hour layover or a quick overnight stop in Cairo than Le Méridien Cairo Airport, which is actually connected to the airport’s Terminal 3. Yes, you can walk from the airport to this hotel and back via a covered walkway, and the hotel’s large, inviting pool and guest rooms that overlook the runway make a stay here (even a quick one) fun.

Rates start at an affordable $133 or 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night (sometimes you can find PointSaver awards here).

Hot Tip:

Earn extra Marriott Bonvoy points and get additional perks using a top Mariott co-branded credit card. For example, the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card gives you Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status and up to 1,000 bonus points per stay.

The Best Hyatt Hotel in Cairo To Book With Points

Hyatt’s presence in Cairo is small, but there is a hotel perfect for Hyatt loyalists who want to experience Cairo’s best offerings.

Hyatt Centric Cairo West

Nearly equidistant from downtown Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza (about a 30-minute drive from each), the Hyatt Centric Cairo West recently opened its doors and is perfect for travelers who want to see many areas of Cairo. Rooms are funky and fun, featuring Egyptian-inspired art pieces and a baboon (not a real one!). Baboons, according to ancient Egyptian mythology, are symbols of warmth and hospitality. You’ll also find trendy dining spots, a pool, and a cigar and whiskey bar.

Rates at the Category 2 property start at $142 or just 6,500 World of Hyatt points per night.

Hot Tip:

If you need more World of Hyatt points, remember you can transfer them from Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. Or use The World of Hyatt Credit Card, which gives you Hyatt Discoverist status and a free night each year on your cardmember anniversary, valid for a Category 1-4 hotel.

The 3 Best Hilton Hotels in Cairo To Book With Points

From a brand-new Waldorf Astoria to a riverside Hilton, the brand has a decent presence of properties in the Egyptian capital (although the storied Conrad Cairo will become a Sofitel starting in 2025).

Here’s where to stay.

1. Hilton Cairo Grand Nile

Set between downtown Cairo and Garden City, the Hilton Cairo Grand Nile‘s rooms are on the traditional side, featuring carpeted floors and decorative drapes. Still, similar to other riverside hotels, the views here make the stay special, and all the guest rooms offer some form of a river view (I recommend a high floor, if possible, for the best vistas). Plus, the hotel features a floating restaurant on the Nile as well as a revolving rooftop restaurant.

Rates start at $146 or 30,000 Hilton Honors per night.

2. Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis

Opened in February 2024, this Heliopolis hotel is perfect for a long layover in Cairo when you don’t want to stray too far from the airport but still want luxury accommodations. The Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis features modern guest rooms with contemporary chandeliers and enormous windows. The experience starts in the massive lobby atrium, complete with marble floors and real palm trees, and continues at the pool, spa, and various dining venues, from a jazz bar to a Mediterranean brasserie.

Rates start at $294 or 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

3. Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi (Opening Soon)

Starting in March 2025, enjoy a quiet stay at the Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi, which is south of downtown Cairo along the river. An alternative to both busy Cairo and touristy Giza, this hotel’s luminous, modern guestrooms (some of which have balconies overlooking the Nile) feel peaceful compared to the hectic pace of the city center. You can also relax in the property’s outdoor pool or spa.

Rates start at $200 or 40,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Hot Tip:

Hilton has several co-branded cards that can help you bulk up your balance of Hilton points, but our favorite is the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card*. Although there’s a hefty $550 annual fee (rates & fees), the card gives you top-tier Hilton Diamond status and 14 Hilton Honors Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hilton properties.

*The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

The Best IHG Hotel in Cairo To Book With Points

IHG has a small presence in Cairo, but there is 1 hotel worth a stay.

Semiramis InterContinental Cairo

Set upon El-Tahir Square and the banks of the Nile, the Semiramis InterContinental Cairo offers spacious, traditional rooms with balconies that overlook the river. The hotel features a spa and riverfront dining, but the best hangout spot is the huge outdoor swimming pool, which feels like it’s directly on the riverbank.

Rates start at $175 or 27,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Hot Tip:

Wondering which IHG credit card is best for you? The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers 1 free hotel night per card year anniversary and up to 26 points per $1 spent at IHG properties.

The Best American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) in Cairo To Book With Points

The aforementioned Nile Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis Cairo, and Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis are part of the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts collection. However, when booking through Amex, you get additional perks, including:

• Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
• Daily breakfast for 2 people
• Noon check-in, when available
• Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Unique property amenity, such as a spa or food and beverage credit, valued at a minimum of $100.

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence

Perched along the banks of the Nile and next to the Giza Zoo, the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence is a regal high-rise property that also features First Nile Boat, home to a lounge area and a restaurant. With a large outdoor pool that overlooks the Nile (and a children’s pool — this Cairo hotel welcomes families), a spa, and 10 restaurants, it’ll be tough to leave, even if it’s for a coveted pyramids excursion.

Rates start around $300 or around 30,000 Amex Membership Rewards points per night via Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts.

Hot Tip:

You must hold premium Amex cards to access Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts. These include The Platinum Card^® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, and the Centurion^® Card from American Express.

The 6 Best Hotels Outside of Cairo To Book With Points

Cairo isn’t the only destination in Egypt with excellent-value points hotels, from luxury Luxor digs to one of the nicest Sheratons I’ve ever visited.

Here are some of the best hotels to book with points around Egypt, in destinations such as Luxor, El Gouna, Hurghada, Alexandria, and Sharm El Sheikh.

The Best Hotel in Luxor To Book With Points

You need a comfortable base to see Luxor’s highlights, such as the Valley of the Kings and Karnak. Here’s where to stay.

Hilton Luxor

One of the most memorable travel experiences I’ve ever had was waking up in one of the Nile View guest rooms at the Hilton Luxor to a misty pinkish sunrise and absolute serenity over the Nile River. From the outdoor pool that sits on the banks of the river to the views of the Nile from the fitness center, this Egyptian body of water is the focal point and most delightful highlight of this hotel for those who want to take inspiration from the Nile’s magic.

Rates start at $162 or 30,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

The Best Hotel in Sharm El Sheikh To Book With Points

Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh

For a luxury Red Sea resort experience, head to the Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, which features a private, golden-sand beach, 5 pools, and more than 3,000 palm trees. Its waters are also home to coral reefs and 2 World War I shipwrecks, and you can explore these sites easily thanks to the on-site dive shop, which has 3 yachts and 2 jetties. Guest rooms and suites are spacious and overlook the palm trees or the sparkling sea.

While this isn’t a traditional points property, it is part of Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, so you can use Amex Membership Rewards points or cash to reserve and get a slew of additional benefits. Rates start at around $350 or 35,000 Amex points per night.

The 2 Best Hotels in El Gouna To Book With Points

An alternative to the busier Sharm El Sheik, El Gouna is a laid-back Red Sea beach destination known for being safe and affordable.

1. Sheraton Miramar Resort El Gouna

Centered around the unique islands and lagoons of El Gouna, the Sheraton Miramar Resort El Gouna is one of the most upscale and unique Sheraton properties I’ve visited. The sprawling, colorful resort is set upon 9 Red Sea islands separated by lagoons and charming bridges, and guest rooms feature terraces that overlook the lagoons. Although the beach is somewhat pebbly, the incredible surrounding landscape’s beauty makes up for it.

Rates start at $129 or 16,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, with half-board and all-inclusive options available.

2. Casa Cook El Gouna

Although Thomas Cook went under in 2019, thanks to a loophole (read: shared ownership), the sleek Casa Cook hotels have prevailed. One of the most stylish is Casa Cook El Gouna, a boho chic, adults-only property with its own private beach that’s part of the Mr & Mrs Smith collection (under the Hyatt umbrella). The hotel is more of a tranquil wellness escape than a megaresort, but you can have any type of vacation you want here, from craft cocktails at the pool to kitesurfing in the Red Sea or spa treatments in the hotel’s hammam.

Rates start at $291 or 26,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Hot Tip:

Although Hyatt’s Small Luxury Hotels partnership is officially over (with many SLH properties now partnered with Hilton), more than 700 Mr & Mrs Smith boutique properties have joined forces with Hyatt. Hyatt members can now earn 5 points per $1 spent at eligible properties, while Discoverist, Explorist, and Globalist elites get point bonuses of 10%, 20%, and 30%, respectively, on stays.

The Best Hotel in Alexandria To Book With Points

Home to Mediterranean beaches and ancient wonders, Alexandria is a city worth a visit. Here’s where you should stay.

Hilton Alexandria Corniche

On the Corniche beachfront promenade, the Hilton Alexandria Corniche is best if you want to stay farther out from busy downtown Alexandria. The hotel offers a shuttle to its private beach, as well as a pool and sundeck. It’s worth splurging for a sea-view room that overlooks the Mediterranean, but if not, some of the hotel’s restaurants overlook the sea (dine at Santorini Greek Restaurant, which offers Greek-inspired Mediterranean cuisine and views of the ocean). Rates start at $115 or 28,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

The Best Hotel in Hurghada To Book With Points

Hurghada is another Red Sea resort town popular for its epic snorkeling and diving scene. But you have to come up for air at some point, so staying at just the right spot is key.

Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort

Many of the Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort‘s guest rooms come with sea-facing balconies or pool views. With various pools and a cove-like, shallow beach area, there are plenty of spots to relax in the sun. And you can eat alfresco, too, at spots like the Surf & Turf pool bar and a patio cafe, among others. From spa treatments to dive excursions and kids activities, this oceanfront resort has plenty to do, and downtown Hurghada is just a short drive away. Rates start at $95 or 18,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re in the mood for a Cairene adventure or want to relax along the Nile’s mystic waters or dive in the Red Sea, Egypt has plenty of amazing hotels where you can use your points and miles. The best part? Many are affordable, so you can enjoy a bit of luxury for less on your next Egypt vacation.