Alexandria Hotels: Where to Stay in Alexandria, Egypt

Alexandria’s accommodation divides into two distinct zones: the Downtown area around Raml Station, which gives walking access to the city’s main cultural sites and the historic Corniche; and the eastern suburbs around Stanley and San Stefano, which offer beach access but require transport to reach the heritage sites. The right choice depends on why you are visiting.

Downtown and Raml Station Area

Steigenberger Cecil Hotel (formerly the Cecil) is the most atmospherically significant option in Alexandria. Built in 1930 on the Corniche at Raml Station, it was a meeting point for British officials, writers, and intelligence operatives during the Second World War. Somerset Maugham, Lawrence Durrell, and Winston Churchill all stayed here. The building retains its original character — the lobby, the cage elevator, and the wood-panelled bar are largely unchanged. The rooms are dated relative to modern standards but the history is genuine. Rates run approximately EGP 2,000–4,500 per night ($40–90 as of 2026). The location is hard to beat: the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a 10-minute walk east, Qaitbay Citadel approximately 20 minutes west, and the Corniche fish restaurants are directly below.

Paradise Inn Le Metropole Hotel — another historic Downtown property, dating from the early 20th century. Less well-known than the Cecil but occupying a similarly central position near Raml Station. The interiors have a faded grandeur that appeals to the same audience. Rates approximately EGP 1,500–3,500 per night ($30–70 as of 2026).

Holiday Inn Alexandria — Corniche provides reliable mid-range accommodation with Corniche views. The rooms are modern and well-maintained by Egyptian hotel standards. Rates approximately EGP 2,500–5,000 per night ($50–100 as of 2026). Less character than the Cecil but more consistent in the basics — hot water, air conditioning, and soundproofing all work reliably.

Budget options cluster around Raml Station and the Eastern Harbour area: approximately EGP 500–1,200 per night ($10–24 as of 2026). Quality varies considerably — some are clean and functional, others are not. We recommend reading recent reviews carefully and expecting basic facilities. The New Swiss Hotel and Hotel Union are among the better-known budget options in the Downtown cluster.

Eastern Suburbs: Stanley and San Stefano

Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano is the premium option in the city. Beach access, a pool, marina views, and full Four Seasons service. The spa is the best in Alexandria, and the breakfast buffet is notably strong. Rates range approximately EGP 8,000–20,000 per night ($160–400 as of 2026). The location is primarily useful for those prioritising the beach and luxury over proximity to the cultural sites — Downtown is approximately 20 minutes by taxi.

Hilton Alexandria Corniche sits between the Four Seasons and Downtown, offering a middle ground in both location and price. Sea-facing rooms have good Corniche views. Rates approximately EGP 3,000–7,000 per night ($60–140 as of 2026). The on-site restaurants are decent, and the pool area is a reasonable substitute for the overcrowded public beaches.

A cluster of 3–4 star hotels in the Rushdi and Stanley areas offers additional mid-range options at approximately EGP 1,500–4,000 per night ($30–80 as of 2026). Closer to the beach than Downtown; further from everything else. The Sheraton Montazah and the Tolip Hotel are among the more reliable properties in this zone.

Eating Near Your Hotel

One advantage of staying Downtown is proximity to Alexandria’s famous seafood restaurants. Balbaa Village and Fish Market on the Eastern Harbour serve fresh catch at prices that range from approximately EGP 200–500 per person depending on what you order. The fish is displayed on ice and you select your own — it is then grilled or fried to order. For a more casual meal, the street-side kushari and foul shops around Raml Station serve filling meals for EGP 20–40.

In the San Stefano area, dining options are more limited to hotel restaurants and the San Stefano Mall food court. The trade-off for beach proximity is less access to Alexandria’s authentic food scene.

Day Visitors vs. Overnight Stays

Alexandria functions as a day trip from Cairo — the train takes approximately 2–2.5 hours each way (first class tickets approximately EGP 100–180 as of 2026). A day visit delivers the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (entry approximately EGP 70 for foreigners), the Corniche, and Qaitbay Citadel (entry approximately EGP 60). An overnight stay adds time for a seafood dinner at the Eastern Harbour fish restaurants, an evening walk on the Corniche, and a relaxed morning at whichever sites remain. Two nights is enough for a thorough visit including the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa (entry approximately EGP 80) and the Roman Amphitheatre (entry approximately EGP 60).

Summer Booking

July and August are Alexandria’s busiest period. Egyptian families from Cairo arrive in large numbers to escape the summer heat — Cairo regularly exceeds 40°C while Alexandria sits at a more tolerable 30–33°C. The city’s hotels fill significantly, and prices rise 30–50% above the rest of the year. Book well in advance for any summer visit, particularly on weekends (Thursday evening through Saturday in Egypt).

Getting Around Alexandria

The historic tram network covers the Corniche from Downtown to the eastern suburbs — slow but functional and extremely inexpensive at approximately EGP 3–5 per ride. Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Uber and Careem both operate in Alexandria) are the practical option for moving between zones quickly — a Downtown to San Stefano trip costs approximately EGP 50–80 by app.

For more on Alexandria, see our Alexandria city guide. Day tours and excursions in Alexandria can be booked once you’re checked in — half-day options cover Qaitbay, the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina from most central hotels.