7 Cairo Day Use Pools to Freshen Up Your Hot City Summers
Summer is officially here and the temperatures are already soaring. Luckily, Egypt has no shortage of stunning beaches, but sometimes we need to cool off during the week and on weekends where we just can’t get away. Cairo is home to some amazing hotels, almost all of which have pools, and most offer great day use options for those looking to spend the day by some cool, crystal water with a nice drink in hand and some delicious food to snack on.
To make finding the right one a little easier, we’ve put together some of the city’s best day use pools, from the family and budget friendly, to the more luxurious ones. There’s a pool for everyone in Cairo, so grab your favorite book, slip on those flip-flops and enjoy a refreshing dip right here in the heart of the city.
Sofitel El Gezira
While the Sofitel doesn’t boast the biggest facilities, nor the most luxurious, the pool here has a view that is hard to beat. Overlooking the Nile with the city as a backdrop, the Sofitel is a great place to spend the day while you enjoy Cairo from one of her best angles. The hotel has an excellent kitchen so grabbing a meal here is highly recommended.
A day here will cost around 1000 L.E. per person, which includes sue of the pool, showers, sauna and steam room. The pool is open from 10am to 7pm and reservations should be made at least a day in advance.
Sakkara Country Club
Located just outside of the city, Sakkara Country Club has long been a favorite escape for Cairenes looking to spend their Friday somewhere outdoors. The place is very family friendly, with lots of space and activities for everyone to enjoy. The pool is surrounded by palm trees and a spacious garden, with the desert lying just beyond, making for an exceptionally unique experience. The food, all local, is also worth trying, especially their out-of-this-world baladi bread and baba ghanoush.
A day here costs 400 L.E. per person on weekdays and 450 L.E. on weekends, which includes use of the pool for the day, showers and changing rooms, as well as lunch (you have the choice of different set menus). Reservations can be made by sending a WhatsApp message to 01017030333.
Marriott Mena House
One of Cairo’s oldest and most iconic hotels, the Mena House is absolutely steeped in history and is probably one of the most beautiful locations in the city. There are few places where you can swim with a view of the Great Pyramids standing tall and proud before you and the Mena House is the best of them. The hotel’s stunning architecture and gardens only add to the experience. The hotel also has a superb kitchen so we definitely recommend grabbing a bite to eat here.
The pool is open for day use from Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 7pm, and a day here will cost you around 2700 L.E. per person. Reservations are preferable.
JW Marriott
Probably the best option for families, although a bit more pricey than most, the JW Marriott has a massive pool that includes a man-made beach, a large indoor pool (currently closed for renovations), a gym, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. The day use includes either a room or a poolside cabana where you can change, shower, and have a little rest if you like.
Day use here, from 12pm to 7pm, costs 3200 L.E. for a room and 3800 L.E. for a cabana (2 adults and children under 12), which also gives you access to all the amenities mentioned above. It’s best to reserve well in advance because availability is not guaranteed and prices are subject to change.
Westin Cairo Golf Resort & Spa
The Westin in Katameya Heights offers some spectacular golf views from its gorgeous pool and rooms here are luxurious and extremely comfortable. The hotel lies at the heart of one of Egypt’s most upscale compounds and a day here is the perfect way to treat yourself. It’s only about 30 minutes from Maadi and under an hour from Downtown, making it just far enough to escape the hustle and bustle, while still being easily accessible and hassle-free.
Day use is available from Sunday to Wednesday and costs 2600 L.E. per room (2 adults and children under 12); reservations are needed.
Dusit Thani
Situated inside another of Cairo’s upscale compounds, the Dusit is a beautiful resort-style hotel with a truly stunning and very spacious pool, complete with waterfalls and other lovely water features. It’s one of the more luxurious options available and is a great option if you want to pamper yourself. Rooms are beautifully designed and equipped with all the amenities you would need for your day here. There is also a world-class Thai spa, and although it isn’t included in the day use package, it’s well worth the splurge.
The pool is open from 10am to 6pm and a day here will cost you 3000 L.E. per room (2 adults and children under 12). Reservations aren’t necessary but it’s preferable to book ahead anyway.
Villa Belle Époque
Nestled in the heart of Maadi, this gorgeously charming villa-turned-boutique-hotel is an absolutely wonderful place to spend the day. The whole place has been thoughtfully designed to reflect Egypt’s rich history and heritage, with every little corner holding new treasures and antiques. The beautiful villa is surrounded by lush greenery and their pool, although small, is just perfect for a day spent lounging and swimming. Their restaurant also serves some very delicious cuisine so don’t leave without trying something from their tasty menu.
The pool is open every day from 9am to 5pm and their day use packages cost 1100 L.E. for a single room and 1900 L.E. for a double. The package includes use of the room and pool, as well as a voucher of 200 L.E. to be used at the restaurant. Reservations are not necessary but always preferable.