3 Best Hotels in Alexandria, Egypt

What started as a 19th-century British Bridge Club and then served as a rest house for Egyptian King Farouk in the 20th century is now one of the most unique places to stay in Alexandria. Famed British novelist Lawrence Durrell stayed here and literature and history lovers will appreciate the on-site library, which holds 300 books, including some that are very rare. As the hotel is steeped in British history and is now owned by the Egyptian military, which gives a discount to local military, clientele tends to be mostly local and British.

With the Cecil, you're paying for history more than creature comforts, but if atmosphere is what you want you'll find it here in spades. Built in 1930 and immortalized as one of Justine's haunts in Lawrence Durrell's Alexandria Quartet, it retains few reminders of that era—just its elegant revolving door, two gorgeous old wooden elevators, and a dusty bar that's changed little since World War II. The rooms have high ceilings and large shuttered windows, and there's a richness in the burgundy and gold drapes and soft furnishings that decorate the space, which give a classical French feel. Some rooms and suites also have a sea view.

On a delightful bay, this modern hotel has international-style amenities and a resort setting not often seen in Egypt. Think business and conference spaces, special needs rooms, and a spa offering less-common treatments (in Egypt, at least) such as Thai massage, chocolate therapy treatments, and traditional Turkish hammam rituals. Rooms are in three low-rise buildings and are decorated in a sober classical Western style comprising warm woods and neutral-colored walls. Most have sea views. The private beachfront with protected shallows is a great asset and ideal if you want to combine sightseeing in Alexandria with a little relaxation.