TravelDiari matches your credit cards to every hotel booking — saving you points you'd otherwise miss.

Destination + card

The best credit card for hotels in Egypt.

Updated

Why this card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant for hotels in Egypt.

Egypt has the Marriott Mena House at the foot of the Pyramids, the St Regis Cairo, Four Seasons Cairo at Nile Plaza, and Marriott resort properties along the Red Sea. Hilton has the Conrad Cairo and Waldorf Astoria Sharm El Sheikh. Hyatt has limited coverage.

Annual fee

$650

Best earn rate

6 points per dollar at Marriotts, Platinum status, 85,000-point free night certificate annually

Signup bonus

Currently around 150,000 points after tiered spend, see issuer for the current offer

Marriott Mena House is one of the most photographed hotels in the world, with views straight at the Great Pyramid. It prices around 50,000 to 70,000 points a night and the 85K free night cert covers it. Platinum status often upgrades you to a pyramid-view room which retails as a $200-plus per night upgrade. St Regis Cairo is similar pricing. Single redemption justifies the fee.

See this cardarrow_forward

If the top pick is not right

Alternative: Hilton Honors Aspire.

Waldorf Astoria Sharm El Sheikh is a Red Sea resort where Diamond status includes the dive boat shuttle and breakfast. If you split time between Cairo and the Red Sea, the Aspire stacks nicely with the Marriott free night.

American ExpressAnnual fee $550

At a glance

Side by side.

SpecMarriott Bonvoy BrilliantHilton Honors Aspire
Annual fee$650$550
Best earn rate6 points per dollar at Marriotts, Platinum status, 85,000-point free night certificate annuallySee alternative section above
Signup bonusCurrently around 150,000 points after tiered spend, see issuer for the current offerVaries by month

Local tip

What to know before you book.

Tipping (baksheesh) is expected at every interaction in Egypt including hotel staff, restroom attendants, and site guards. Keep small Egyptian pound notes on hand. Nile cruises are generally cash spend for tips and onboard purchases, so your card play is mostly on the bookend hotel nights in Cairo and Luxor.

Questions

Frequently asked.

What is the best credit card for hotels in Egypt?

expand_more

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant from American Express. Marriott Mena House is one of the most photographed hotels in the world, with views straight at the Great Pyramid. Annual fee is $650.

How many points do you need for a free night in Egypt?

expand_more

Roughly 55,000 points per night at the recommended chain for Egypt. Cash rate is around $240 per night, so the points stay is a meaningful discount versus paying cash.

Is the Hilton Honors Aspire a better choice for hotels in Egypt?

expand_more

Waldorf Astoria Sharm El Sheikh is a Red Sea resort where Diamond status includes the dive boat shuttle and breakfast. If you split time between Cairo and the Red Sea, the Aspire stacks nicely with the Marriott free night. Annual fee is $550.