Well, I never thought I would see the day where I became guest of the day at this hotel simply because I drove a car — or at any hotel, for that matter — but that is exactly what happened to me recently.
I Became Guest of the Day at This Hotel Simply Because I Drove a Car
When I arrived at the Hilton Pyramids Golf Resort — located in 6th of October City approximately ten miles away from the famed Pyramids of Giza and the legendary Great Sphinx of Egypt — I was seated at a small desk in the spacious lobby where the agent behind it during the process of checking in for my stay automatically assumed that I used some form of public or privately chauffeured transportation from Cairo International Airport.
“I drove,” I replied. “In fact, I want to ensure that I parked the rental car in the right place.”
He stopped what he was doing. “You have a car?” he asked in a tone of disbelief accompanied by a look of astonishment on his face. “You drove in?!?”
“I did — and believe me, it was not easy.”
Was that ever an understatement.
Other employees of the hotel either overheard the conversation as they passed by; or the agent called their attention. Suddenly, I was amidst several employees of the hotel, incredulously repeating the question “He drove here?“ or “You actually drove here from the airport?!?”
I kept repeating my response in the affirmative — and without incident, I added.
“The general manager would like to meet with you. Could you please wait a moment?”
“Um…okay…?”
After that treacherous drive on Ring Road from the airport, all I wanted to do at that moment was get to my room and relax. Unfortunately, little did I know that I was still a long way from any form of relaxation, as I would wind up trapped in the toilet of my room once I arrived there.
Several minutes later, the general manager of the hotel property approached me with his hand extended for me to shake it with my hand, warmly greeting me to the hotel property — a very nice touch, I must say. He assured me that he had plenty of important connections and knew many influential people in Egypt personally; so if I had any questions or need anything at all that I should ask him at any time, which was quite assuring. He handed me his business card.
When he eventually asked about my itinerary and found out that I intended to visit the pyramids the next day, he wanted to arrange transportation for me.
“Oh, that is okay. No need to do that, but thank you. I rented a car.”
Bewilderment swept across his face. If I did not know any better, I could have sworn I was secretly on some reality television show with the reaction I repeatedly received from everyone who found out that I drove at least 42 miles in Cairo from the airport to the hotel. Look, I thought to myself. While it was quite difficult, I drove a car. Millions of people around the world do it every day. Really — what is the big deal?
“You made it from the airport safely?!?” he asked in amazement.
“Yes,” I replied.
“You should be driver of the day,” he said. “No, wait — you should be guest of the day. Yes! That’s what we’ll do. You are now our Guest of the Day!”
I thought he was joking — but the next thing I knew, a camera was pointed at me. Photographs were taken — one of which was eventually hung on a tree…
…and that is how I became Guest of the Day at a hotel simply because I drove a car. I still do not believe it.
Summary
I intend to give a trip report of my stay at the Hilton Pyramids Golf Resort in a future article with plenty of photographs; and although I paid a cash rate which I procured during this flash sale back in March of 2015, this property was absolutely a steal as a Category 1 for which you could have redeemed a minimum of only 5,000 Hilton HHonors frequent guest loyalty program points to stay for the night.
Unfortunately, this hotel is one of 33 properties which is increasing by one category — meaning that effective as of Wednesday, October 14, 2015, the redemption cost will double to a minimum of 10,000 Hilton HHonors frequent guest loyalty program points to stay for the night.
If you could redeem your points to stay for the night at this hotel property prior to October 14, I highly recommend you do so.
I will hint to you that not only was I treated extremely well at this resort property — the general manager is one of the best with whom I have dealt at a hotel property — but I was also upgraded to a spacious suite…
Photograph ©2015 by Brian Cohen.
