The best hotels in Alexandria

This old-school hotel sits right in the heart of Raml Station, steps from the tram stop and downtown shopping. Rooms are basic but clean, with high ceilings that hint at the building's colonial past. The staff are friendly and genuinely helpful with directions around the city. Do not expect luxury finishes, but for the price and location it is hard to beat. Book a room facing the street for natural light.

The New Capri sits a short walk from the Corniche waterfront in the downtown core, making it a solid base for exploring on foot. Rooms are compact and straightforward, but beds are comfortable and everything is kept tidy. The breakfast is simple but included and saves you money on the first meal of the day. Staff speak enough English to handle most requests without confusion. Ideal for travelers who want to spend their budget on food and day trips rather than accommodation.

The Cecil is a genuine Alexandria landmark, sitting on Saad Zaghloul Square right on the Corniche since 1929. The lobby alone is worth walking through, with marble floors and an air of faded grandeur that feels authentic rather than staged. Rooms vary in size and decor, so request one of the renovated sea-view rooms for the best experience. The rooftop terrace has one of the better views of the Eastern Harbor in the city. Somerset Maugham and Lawrence Durrell both stayed here, which tells you something.

This hotel is positioned near Sidi Gaber railway station, making it practical for travelers arriving by train from Cairo. The rooms are modern, well-maintained, and noticeably quieter than properties directly on the Corniche. The on-site restaurant serves a decent mix of Egyptian and international dishes without being overpriced. Business travelers appreciate the reliable WiFi and meeting facilities. The beach is a short taxi ride away, which is the main trade-off for the calmer location.

The Helnan Palestine sits inside the Montazah Royal Gardens at the eastern edge of the city, surrounded by pine trees and directly above a private beach. The grounds are expansive and well-kept, giving the whole property a resort feel that downtown hotels cannot match. Rooms are spacious and most have sea views, with decor that is comfortable if slightly dated. The private beach access alone justifies the price during summer months. Getting to central Alexandria requires a 30-minute taxi ride, so factor that in if sightseeing is the priority.

The Riviera Plaza is located in the Miami Beach district in eastern Alexandria, a quieter residential stretch of coast away from the city center crowds. The hotel has direct beach access, an outdoor pool, and rooms with actual sea views rather than partial glimpses between buildings. Service is attentive and the pace here feels more relaxed than downtown properties. The hotel restaurant does good grilled fish. It is not for travelers who want to walk to major sites, but a good pick for those prioritizing the sea.

El Salamlek was originally a hunting lodge built for Khedive Abbas II inside the Montazah Royal Gardens, and the history of the place is palpable throughout. The rooms are individually decorated with antiques and period furniture, making it feel genuinely unique compared to any chain hotel in the city. The gardens around the property are beautifully maintained and the sea views from the upper floors are excellent. Couples in particular find the atmosphere here hard to replicate elsewhere in Alexandria. It costs more than standard hotels but the setting is singular.

The Arabesque sits close to Stanley Beach, one of the more popular swimming spots in the city, and is a well-run boutique property with above-average service. Rooms are finished to a higher standard than most mid-range options in Alexandria, with good bedding and proper blackout curtains. The rooftop breakfast area has clear sea views and is genuinely a highlight of staying here. Staff remember names and preferences, which makes a real difference on a longer stay. Booking in advance is advised during July and August when the hotel fills with Egyptian vacationers.

The Four Seasons at San Stefano is the clear top choice for luxury travelers in Alexandria, occupying a prime position on the Corniche in the upscale San Stefano district. The private beach, multiple pools, and spa facilities are all maintained to the standard you expect from the brand. Rooms and suites face the Mediterranean and the quality of the sea views from upper floors is outstanding. The dining options on site are consistently good, with the seafood restaurant being a particular standout. Service throughout is polished and genuinely anticipates what guests need before they ask.

The Tolip sits directly on the Corniche in the heart of the city, offering uninterrupted views of the Eastern Harbor from the majority of its rooms. The interior design is modern and polished, with a large pool deck that overlooks the sea. It functions well for both leisure and business guests, with solid meeting facilities and fast internet throughout. The location puts you within walking distance of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Citadel of Qaitbay, which is genuinely convenient for sightseeing. Breakfast here is one of the better hotel spreads in the city.