Family Coming to Visit Cairo Egypt - Whoopee and Whoops! How to Arrange?

Whoopee, my extended family of seven (six from Canada and one from US) choose to visit us. Their Plan was 4 nights in Cairo, 4 nights in Sharm and 4 nights back in Cairo. Then came realization - where could they stay and how could I arrange transport? So maybe what we did could be of assistance to others as trip went wonderfully well.

Let me go back a bit. Canada group was connecting in London to Cairo on BMI and second was on United. I searched to see what time these flights arrived and of course what Terminal.  After searching finally discovered - flights were code share and both were connecting to Egyptair although was not clear on itineraries. (maybe other airlines did not want travelers to know they were on Egyptair-?) In end all were arriving on same flight, same time. Whew!, that was a relief.


Now were could they stay as my flat not big enough? I live in Maadi so wanted them as close as possible and soon realized the Residence Hotel (Building 11 Road 18 Maadi) was a good choice and in end was fully fit for our purpose. Suite, had 2 1/2 bath, 3 bedrooms, full kitchen, huge reception, nice decor, large balcony, Sat TV etc. Check out prices and if seems little high google and compare to grief of Cairo's 5 star hotels. Also a coffee shop and 2 restaurants in same building. Residence Hotel email is  residence_hotel@hotmail.com. As a late entry, if location is of secondary importance for your family, or friends, check out this blog 

living area - me giving directions complete with all the short numbers for ordering in. They are not used to having everything one needs delivered. Bedroom pics below.  BTW check out this link (pdf) for long list of short numbers

Hotel was only about 10 minute walk to my place and 15 minutes to Road 9 and Lucille's their favorite for breakfast. Of course Road 9 became a favorite for changing money (Thomas Cook), shopping a bit, having a latte's (Cafe Greco) quick snack, getting the important beer (Drinkies) etc..

Family strolling down road 85 towards my place.

Boys surprised to see McDonalds delivery as not available where they live in Canada.

Now to transport - even though I live here that was a quandary. I sure did not want to rely on taxis. Whilst at ACE club, thinking over a Sakara beer, asked a few friends for any ideas. One popped up - "Use Limo Marco". Who is hell is Marco I asked? After some discussion phoned Marco and he came over for chat.  Well in end, my man "Limo Marco" arranged everything - nice buses, vans, cars, guides,  the whole nine yards, on time with great drivers. So thankful to him the whole trip went unbelievably smooth.  (Marco's number 0101063081 email marco24x7@yahoo.com)

We did all the normal sites - Museum, Saqqara Pyramid, Giza Pyramids including light show, Citadel, Khan Khalili and ACE club of course, plus a nice trip on Nile with Christina Boat. My second trip - see previous blog. All had a wonderful time and experience. Of course, one of the  lasting memories will be the traffic chaos of Cairo.