Giza: The most amazing Kortn's Crib yet

We’ve made it to Egypt. Finally.

We arrived a few days ago, after a torturous two-days of cheap flights and layovers (another blog post coming soon).

As constant world-wanderers, we’ve always had Egypt on our radar. And in fact, we canceled an extended stay scheduled – and paid for – back in late 2023, due to the unfolding conflict in nearby Gaza.

Anyway, we’re here now and enjoying every eye-popping second — starting with our first accommodation.

Below is a special ‘Kortn’s Crib’ video tour of our Giza, Egypt, guest house. Check it out. You’re gonna be amazed! (Wife Ellen says it’s the best one yet!)

Video tour of our bed & breakfast at Pyramids Overlook Inn, Giza, Egypt, May 2025.

We usually only produce Kortn’s Crib videos for places where we stay long-term. But as you can see, this is something so stunning, we just had to share it.

In truth, our room at the Pyramids Overlook Inn is the closest room to the Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza that can be had on planet Earth! Plus, the $48 nightly rate includes a huge breakfast (for two persons). The owner (Adel) and staff at the Pyramids Overlook Inn are extremely friendly and knowledgeable about all things Egypt… without any ‘hard sell’.

Note: There are reports of bogus hotel listings at Giza on booking.com, so stick with hotels that have hundreds of good reviews.

As you see in the video, we might as well be inside the ancient complex. We are basically on top of the security wall — even closer to the 4,000-year-old tombs than the ticket booth and entry gate!

Every day we enjoy the breakfast banquet (and other paid meals if desired) as we take in one of the most breathtaking views imaginable. In the evening, we have an automatic front-row seat to the nightly ‘light and sound’ show. Each night I wind down the day with cold beers. (Take-out 500ml cans at nearby stores are $1.30 – $1.40 each.) All the ancient Egyptian structures are tastefully lit through the whole night. Wow! Sunrise on our terrace brings more astonishing views. Just priceless!

Unfortunately, this incredible experience is under threat. As I show in the video, there is recent demolition work literally right next to our guesthouse. (Work is currently paused.)

Sources tell me the government is using ’eminent domain’ power to clear the older mom & pop hotels from the prime areas closest to the historic Giza structures. Many fear they will eventually seize all the best real estate — then turn it over wealthy developers who will upscale — and up-price — the whole experience.

Admittedly, the area around the Sphinx entry gate is a mish-mash of old buildings and businesses in various states of repair. The streets bustle with people, horse-carts, camels, tour busses, touts, and pushy vendors. Sometimes it feels like a circus.

But that is Egypt! It’s enthralling. It’s genuine. It is human history. Turning the place into an exclusive Disneyland would be a disservice to humanity, in my opinion.

Regardless, I say all this to alert any potential visitor to the changes that might be coming. And honestly, I’d advise anyone who wants to enjoy this amazing place at a value price to come visit soon. The ‘redevelopment’ timetable is unknown. But the eminent domain process is underway.

For those who are interested, below is a map where I’ve highlighted the hotels that have views similar to ours. Before making reservations, I looked at many of them on Booking.com. Room rates mostly ranged from $50 to $100 per night.

Of course, there are hundreds (maybe thousands?) of other hotels near the pyramids and all around Cairo and Giza. Still, this particular spot feels truly special — thus the ‘improvement plan’. We’ve already decided we want to return and enjoy more of the jaw-dropping views and meals and beers – at budget-friendly prices. Hopefully, the opportunity will exist for at least a few more years, so you can get here, too.

As always, be thankful and generous. Happy trails & more beer.

Life is NOW!

Thanks for reading, “Giza: The most amazing Kortn’s Crib yet.”

About Theo

Tedly (Theo) retired early from the news business to wander the planet with wife Ellen. He enjoys exploring all Earth has to offer: jungles and beaches, volcanoes and deserts – always drinking beer along the way.