Sphinx Guest House – Room with a view of the Pyramids

At Sphinx Guest House, stay for a room with a view of the Pyramids but not for its amenities. The panoramic view from the rooftop of this two-star hotel won’t disappoint you.

Location: 
The name speaks for itself: it is right in front of the famed Sphinx, guardian of the Pyramids. This is the best location you can find in Giza. It’s 20 steps to the ticket booth and entrance to the Pyramids. At night, when the Light and Sound Show is going on, the rooftop offers a panoramic view of the Pyramids bathe in incredible colours.

The window on the left is the ticket booth. The door on the right is the entrance to the Pyramids. The iron gate on the far right is the exit. / Sphinx Guest House – Hotel Room with A View of the Pyramids / Giza, Egypt.

There’s also a Pizza Hut and KFC in front of the ticket booth.

There are restaurants and cafes around here but they offer two menu prices: one for the locals and the other for the tourists. It’s ridiculous.

Staying here or around this area can be very stressful, too. Every time you walk out the door, you’ll be met with touts who’ll ask you questions, sell / offer you something or invite you to go to his shop. Just say, “No, thanks” politely and continue walking. DO NOT STOP. Just go on. There are some who won’t just leave you alone — and it is very frustrating.

Comfort 
Though, you won’t be disappointed with the sweeping view of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the amenities inside the room are nothing but short of comfort. Hostel beds I had in Cairo and Luxor are so much better than the ones I had here.

The mattresses are sinking and the pillows are a bit hard. I had a sore neck the next day. It has, however, a three-piece bathroom with hot water. There’s a small refrigerator in the room but the cupboards were dusty.

My Room on the Rooftop
I booked for a room with a view of the Pyramids for three nights here. It is, no doubt, the best place to stay if you want the panoramic view of the wide landscape of the Pyramids area. The guest house has five floors.

My room is on the rooftop — and when I open my door and windows, the Pyramids are right directly staring at me. 

Related: Sunset at the Pyramids from the Rooftop 
Related: Pyramids Light and Sound Show from the Rooftop

Cleanliness
The tables and chairs on the rooftop are not prioritized to be cleaned. It is super dusty and sandy. The common area on the fourth floor, however, is clean and still has a very good view of the Pyramids.

Wifi
There’s no wifi in my room or on the rooftop. The dining / common area on the fourth floor has a good wifi connection.

Breakfast
Every morning, you have to pick up your breakfast on the second floor and bring it to the 4th floor. Or if you want to eat it on the rooftop, you clean a table and a chair yourself. It is included in the price. I had a yogurt, bread, boiled egg, cheese/jam, and something that looks like a cookie. If you don’t drink tea or coffee or milk, ask for a bottled water.

Facilities
What facilities? Hmmmnnn… well, they have a souvenir shops on the first floor. Is that considered facilities? 🙂

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Staff
They were ok. They told me that if I wanted to do camel or horse riding, they could get me a cheap, discounted price of EGP100/hour—which is pretty expensive for me. They didn’t know I have a Lonely Planet Guide Book. I didn’t take their suggestion but I went outside and someone offered me as low as EGP60/hour without sweating to bargain because I told him that I’m a backpacker. Also, they recommended a taxi to take me to Giza Metro for EGP40. I declined the offer. I went to the main road and I got one for EGP15.

Value for Money
For $40 a night, you pay for the view, not for the comfort. As a backpacker, I’m used to lack of comfortability. This is not for those who seek comfort. Just like I said above, stay for the view but not for the comfort.