Planning your Alexandria adventure? Immerse yourself in the city’s coastal charm with a stay at the iconic Steigenberger Cecil Hotel. Our in-depth review covers its history, location, rooms, dining and essential tips – everything you need to decide if this waterfront gem is right for you!
An Iconic Alexandria Landmark
The Steigenberger Cecil Hotel was built in 1929 and is an Alexandrian institution beloved for its history and prime waterfront location. This hotel with a lot of character has hosted famous guests over the decades like Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie and Egypt’s iconic singer Oum Kalthoum.
Stepping into the lobby feels like a voyage back in time, with vintage touches like old-world lifts, polished marble floors and chandeliers setting a nostalgic tone. The hotel seamlessly blends this historic charm with contemporary amenities to create a relaxing retreat.
The Steigenberger Cecil Hotel, which is located right on the Mediterranean Sea and in the heart of Alexandria, places you steps from the water and moments from top attractions. Watch fishing boats bobbing on the waves as you gaze out from your private balcony. Take a stroll down the scenic seaside corniche. Soak up Alexandria’s coastal atmosphere from this iconic waterfront perch.
Location and Accessibility: How to Get to Steigenberger Cecil Hotel?
Address: 16 Saad Zaghloul Square, Alexandria, Egypt
Phone: +20 3 4877173
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.hrewards.com/en/steigenberger-hotels-resorts
The hotel enjoys a prime location right in Alexandria’s city centre just next to the central Raml Square tram station. It’s about 8 km and a 15-minute drive from Go Bus Coach Station (Muhrram Bey), depending on traffic. Avoid rush hour traffic when possible!
TIP: Download the Careem App and book your transfer from the coach station to the hotel | (48 LE/$1.50) | 25 minutes
TIP: Parking near the hotel is around 10 LE/US$ 0.30 per hour (they may have daily rates).
TIP: For great deals on hotels , explore Holidaycheck and Agoda. HotelsCombined is also a preferred hotel search engine for competitive prices.
Checking In at One of the Best Hotels in Alexandria
This 4-star hotel offers 82 tastefully decorated guest rooms and 3 spacious suites ranging from 20 to 70 square meters.
Check-in Time: 3 pm
Check-out Time: 12 pm
The helpful 24-hour front desk is ready to check you in and out smoothly while providing all necessary information about the hotel.
Relaxing Guest Rooms with Sea Views
We stayed in a 22 square meter partial sea view room on the 2nd floor overlooking the Mediterranean and Saad Zaghloul Square. Here’s what our accommodation was like:
– Furnishings: The room featured elegant antique-style furnishings alongside modern amenities.
– View: Our small balcony offered gorgeous partial views of the sea and the city. Rooms with full sea views are also available.
Have a look at our short video: Balcony View
– Bed: The twin beds were wonderfully comfortable with high-quality linens. A pillow menu would have been nice.
– Tech: An older model Samsung flatscreen TV offered limited channels while free WiFi worked well.
– Bathroom: The tidy bathroom had a combined tub/shower, good lighting and quality toiletries.
– Housekeeping: 24hr. Samua from housekeeping was very attentive.
– Laundry: Reasonable prices. They were also running a promotion: 400 LE/US$ 13 for a bag-full of clothes.
– Extras: The minibar fridge was stocked with complimentary water and other soft drinks (chargeable). The in-room safe was quite small.
You can find the Minibar List here.
While compact, our room was clean and comfortable with charming old-world touches. The soundproofing could have been better but the seaside location outweighed any street noise.
TIP: Choose a room on higher floors to avoid noise from the 1st-floor entertainment.
TIP: Wake up early and watch the beautiful sunrise from your balcony.
On-site Dining Options
Fancy a drink or a bite without leaving the hotel? You’re covered! While we only had the chance to try breakfast (which was delightful by the way), the hotel offers a variety of spots to unwind and indulge.
First up, there’s the Monty Bar, open from 9 pm to 2 am. It’s the place to go if you’re in the mood for a cocktail or two. Then there’s the Citadel Café, the main restaurant that’s always bustling, and the Café Bar, which is open 24/7 for those midnight cravings.
If you’re visiting between April and October, don’t miss the Terrace Café just outside the hotel. It’s perfect for soaking up some sun with a refreshing drink in hand.
Now, if you’re in the mood to dance the night away, the Diamond Disco Club is calling your name. They even have a signature cocktail that’s the talk of the town. But be warned, some guests have mentioned that the drinks can be a bit on the pricey side, with cocktails going for as much as US$20. So, if you’re watching your budget, you might want to keep that in mind.
Room service is also available 24/7. The in-room dining menu ranges from pizza and pasta to grilled meats/seafood and sandwiches. You can find the menu here.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet dinner, a lively night out, or just a quick snack, the hotel’s dining options have something for every taste and mood. Enjoy!
Besides, with so many cafes and eateries surrounding the hotel along the lively seaside corniche, delicious dining options abound within an easy stroll.
Off-site Dining Options
Hungry for a taste of Alexandria? You’re in luck! Just a stone’s throw from the hotel, you’ll find a smorgasbord of dining options that’ll tantalise your taste buds. Whether you’re craving a slice of pizza, a mouth-watering falafel or even a Krispy Kreme donut, it’s all right there waiting for you. You will find some of the best restaurants in Alexandria nearby.
Fancy a little stroll? Take a leisurely walk across the nearby Saad Zaghloul Park, and in just 5-7 minutes, you’ll stumble upon a food lover’s paradise. From local delights like Otantik Kumpir and Reghef Shawarma to familiar favourites like Starbucks, it’s like a food mall of flavours. And the best part? The prices won’t make your wallet cry! Imagine sinking your teeth into a 50cm chicken shawarma for just 100 LE (US$ 3), or indulging in 4 donuts for 160 LE (US$ 5). Even a spicy falafel sandwich is a steal at 8 LE (US$ 0.25).
TIP: If you’re feeling a bit lazy or just want to enjoy a meal in the comfort of your room, you can order food from outside via apps like Talabat. Just remember to pay by cash on delivery and head down to reception to pick up your order. Now, this might seem like a small thing, but trust me, it’s a big deal in Egypt. Many hotels won’t let you bring outside food in, but not this one. They’re all about making your stay as enjoyable as possible. We remember staying at a 4-star hotel near the Pyramids once, and they wouldn’t let us bring in food even though their own offerings were overpriced and, frankly, inedible! So kudos to the hotel management here for their flexibility and hospitality. Enjoy your meal!
Hotel Wi-Fi/Internet services
In-room
Download speed was 4 Mbps, upload speed was also 4 Mbps, good for videos with up to 240p resolution on your mobile phone.
In-lobby
Download speed was 4 Mbps, upload speed was less than 3 Mbps, good for videos with up to 720p resolution on your electronic devices.
In-main restaurant
Download speed was 4 Mbps, upload speed was less than 3 Mbps, good for HD videos with up to 720p resolution on your electronic devices.
TIP: We used our own device (TP link Portable Wi-Fi Router) with a local sim data sim card (Etisalat) with the following results:
In-room
Download speed was 15 Mbps, upload speed was up to 8 Mbps, good for 4k videos with up to 2160 resolution on your mobile phone.
In-lobby & In-restaurant
Download speed was 21 Mbps, upload speed was 2 Mbps, good for QHD videos with up to 1440p resolution.
On-Site Amenities and Facilities
– Pool: No pool, but the hotel overlooks the sea. Nearby beaches provide swimming options but they are not as nice as beaches along the Red Sea coast.
– Gym: There is no gym, but the hotel’s seaside location inspires scenic coastal strolls and jogs.
– Business: The hotel has three meeting rooms accommodating up to 220 persons, available for conferences and events.
– Transportation: The concierge desk can arrange private cars, limo service, and airport transfers. But we preferred to use Careem as it was not difficult navigating around Alexandria and it was cheap.
– Disabled Access: Wheelchair accessible rooms and facilities are available.
– Shops: There is a small shop next to the hotel entrance for water, snacks, and soft drinks. 0.6-litre water bottles were priced at 4 LE each (US$ 0.15).
– Beach: The hotel does not have its own beach. Private beaches owned by hotels are not that common in the area but we have found many others where you have to pay an entrance fee to get in.
HEADS UP: There were scheduled power cuts every day from 6pm to 8pm during our stay. From what we understood, this is everywhere across Alexandria.
TIP: There are 2 ATMs next to the Reception area (CIB and Arab African International Bank). The CIB ATM also offers forex exchange services but there has been at least one report of a customer complaining that the machine was faulty and took her dollars without giving out Egyptian pounds. We would recommend using your debit cards instead or exchange your foreign currency over the counter at one of the many banks.
Unlock the secrets of hassle-free payments in Egypt – check out our insider tips for cash withdrawals and more here.
Service and Staff
The front desk, restaurant and housekeeping staff were all welcoming and helpful. Late checkout at 1 pm was possible, adding to the overall positive experience.
Sustainable Travel
The hotel operates under the umbrella of Jaz Hotels in Egypt and is part of the Group’s sustainability programme. You can find more details about their sustainability initiatives in our blog about our stay at Jaz Makadi Star & Spa in Hurghada.
Guest Experience and Feedback
The main appeal of this resort is its location and the main drawback is the small room size.
Exploring Alexandria from the Hotel
The Steigenberger Cecil’s coveted waterfront address places you in the heart of Alexandria’s top attractions. Here are some must-see highlights:
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina (New Library of Alexandria)
Nestled near the site of the old library of Alexandria, the modern interpretation of this institution emerges as a cylindrical building with eleven floors. Within its walls, a remarkable collection of more than eight million books awaits.
Distance from Hotel: 1.4 km| 6 minutes by car (Careem Ride: 30 LE/US$ 0.80) | 15-17 minutes’ walk
The Alexandria National Museum
This impressive modern museum houses ancient Egyptian, Graeco-Roman, and other artifacts. Don’t miss the Pharaonic mummies and the famous royal jewellery collection.
Distance from Hotel: 1.8 km| 10 minutes by car (Careem Ride: 35 LE/US$ 1.15) | 15-17 minutes’ walk
Fort Qaitbay (the Citadel)
Constructed on the grounds of the Pharos Lighthouse during the 1480s, the citadel, reminiscent of a grand castle fortress, was commissioned by Sultan Qaitbey with the purpose of safeguarding the city from the incessant maritime assaults launched by the crusaders. This should definitely be one of the things to do in Alexandria.
Distance from Hotel: 2.7 km| 11 minutes by car (Careem Ride: 35 LE/US$ 1.15) | 33-35 minutes’ walk (not recommended in Summer)
[See our blog about our visit to Fort Qaitbay here]
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
In 1900, an unexpected encounter occurred when a donkey vanished into the ground, leading to the chance discovery of these catacombs. Serving as the vastest Roman burial grounds in Egypt, they stand as a testament to the ancient Egyptian religion, representing one of the final grand architectural undertakings.
Distance from Hotel: 3 km| 19 minutes by car (Careem Ride: 40 LE/US$ 1.30)
Montazah Palace & Gardens
These are the majestic Palace and gardens of Egypt’s last monarch, King Faruk.
Distance from Hotel: 16.5 km| 39 minutes by car (Careem Ride: 100LE/US$ 3.25)
The Verdict: A Must-Stay Hotel for your Trip to Alexandria
For charm, convenience and seaside atmosphere, the Steigenberger Cecil Hotel is an Alexandria icon and our top lodging recommendation. The vintage character, prime waterfront location of the hotel on the coast of the Mediterranean and helpful service offer an unbeatable Alexandria experience.
Despite small rooms and occasional street noise, the hotel’s history, amenities, and beautiful Mediterranean views outweigh any drawbacks for a memorable stay. You definitely need to visit Alexandria and stay at the Steigenberger Cecil Hotel!
Cleanliness
Location
Staff
Food
Comfort
Amenities*
Atmosphere
Wifi/Internet
Accessibility
Value for Money
OVERALL
* (pools, fitness centres, spas, restaurants, bars, business centres)
For travellers seeking old-world ambiance, seaside views and total convenience, the Steigenberger Cecil brings Alexandria’s past to life while providing the perfect base for experiencing this fascinating coastal Egyptian destination.
We hope this review has provided a helpful glimpse into the iconic Steigenberger Cecil Hotel and why it’s a must-stay for any trip to Alexandria. If you have any other questions after reading my blog, feel free to reach out! We are happy to provide additional details about our experience, recommendations for top things to do in Alexandria or address any other aspects you would like us to cover related to this fascinating coastal city.
For those ready to book their Egyptian coastal getaway, head over to the Steigenberger Cecil Hotel website to check rates and availability. We are confident you’ll love unwinding in this historic retreat just as much as we did!
Let us know if you have any other feedback or if there’s anything else you would like us to include in our Alexandria travel guide. We aim to provide the most useful information to help readers plan an incredible trip, so your suggestions are most welcome! Just drop us a comment below or send us a message anytime.
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**Key Highlights**
– Historic 1920s elegance blends seamlessly with modern comforts
– Unbeatable central waterfront location next to top attractions
– Charming vintage details like antique elevators and decor
– Tasty breakfast buffet with sea views
– Walkable access to restaurants, cafes and sights
– Multilingual concierge service provides local insights
You may also want to read our blogs about other hotels and resorts in Egypt:
Solymar Soma Beach | Soma Bay | Hurghada
Jaz Makadi Star & Spa | Makadi Bay | Hurghada
Jaz Makadina Resort | Makadi Bay | Hurghada
Steigenberger Coraya Beach | Coraya Bay | Marsa Alam
Holiday Inn Citystars | Nasr City | Cairo
Staybridge Suites Citystars | Nasr City | Cairo
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FAQs
What makes the Steigenberger Cecil Hotel a must-visit hotel in Alexandria?
The Steigenberger Cecil Hotel is one of the best places for a stay in Alexandria. It’s an iconic presence on the Alexandria Corniche, offering a blend of history and modern luxury. Its central location and close proximity to all the things you need to visit in Alexandria, like the Great Library of Alexandria and Fort Qaitbay, make it a convenient choice. So, if you are heading to Alexandria, do not hesitate to book your stay at this hotel!
What is the best time to visit Alexandria, Egypt?
The best time in Alexandria is from April to June and from September to November, when the weather is pleasant. However, this Mediterranean city in Egypt is known for its milder climate compared to the other cities in Egypt, so it is fairly comfortable for visitors most of the year.
Are there any must-visit historical sites in Alexandria?
Most definitely! When you visit Alexandria, Egypt, you shouldn’t miss the Great Library of Alexandria (Bibliotheca Alexandria) and the Qaybait Citadel. Moreover, a walk along the Alexandria Corniche is a must-do experience that can provide you with a beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea.
How does staying in Alexandria compare to staying in Cairo?
While Cairo offers a unique look into Ancient Egypt with its world-renowned pyramids, Alexandria doesn’t lack in history either. From the Bibliotheca Alexandria to Qaybait Citadel, the city is a treasure trove of ancient wonders. Plus, its Mediterranean charm coupled with modern amenities makes it an appealing alternative to Cairo. You should definitely add Alexandria on your itinerary.
How long does the Cairo to Alexandria trip take?
By coach such as Go Bus, it will take around 2.5 to 3 hours. This is similar to using trains but we would recommend using the cheaper coach services. In any case, you should definitely make time for Alexandria!
