One of Cairo's most popular budget hostels with a friendly vibe, rooftop social area, and both dorm and private room options. Great for meeting fellow travellers and a short Uber from major sights.
Meramees Hostel operates from a residential building in Dokki, a densely populated district on the west bank of the Nile in Giza Governorate, immediately across the river from the affluent island of Zamalek. Dokki has good metro access via the Dokki station, from which connections run northward toward Mohandeseen and southward toward Giza station. The hostel is positioned as one of Cairo's more sociable budget accommodation options, drawing a mix of solo backpackers, travelling couples, and budget-conscious visitors from across Europe, North America, and Australia.
Accommodation spans dormitory beds — typically in rooms of four to eight beds with shared bathroom facilities — and a smaller number of private rooms for guests preferring additional privacy. Bed linen is provided and dormitory areas include lockers for securing valuables such as passports and electronics.
The communal rooftop terrace is the property's most popular social space, used for morning coffee, evening gatherings, and informal meetings between guests. The hostel also operates a communal kitchen where guests can self-cater using ingredients from the nearby Dokki market. A laundry service is available for a small fee.
The tour desk can arrange shared transport for day trips to the Pyramids of Giza — approximately 15 to 25 minutes away by taxi or Uber — as well as Nile felucca rides, Saqqara visits, and longer excursions by overnight train to Luxor and Aswan. Staff are experienced in helping first-time visitors to Egypt navigate the city's transport, tipping culture, and major attractions. For the price point, Meramees offers strong value, particularly for travellers prioritising social atmosphere and Giza-side access.
Amenities
- Dorm beds and private rooms
- Rooftop terrace
- Communal kitchen
- Laundry
- Tour desk
- Wi-Fi
Location
1 Dokki Street, Giza
30.0390, 31.2108 View on map
Highlights
- Rooftop social terrace popular for evening gatherings among international guests
- Dormitory beds and private rooms both available at competitive prices
- Tour desk for Pyramid day trips, Nile felucca rides, and longer Egypt excursions
- Communal kitchen for self-catering and reduced food costs
- Dokki metro station nearby for connections across Cairo
Tips for visiting
- Use the hostel's tour desk for Pyramid transport rather than negotiating at the gate, where unofficial taxis consistently overcharge tourists
- The rooftop terrace is at its best during cooler evening hours from October to April — morning coffee up there is a worthwhile start to a Cairo day
- Dokki market, a short walk away, provides inexpensive fresh produce and snacks for self-catering in the communal kitchen
- Confirm bunk preferences at check-in if top or bottom berths matter to you; assignments are typically flexible on quieter nights