The Mediterranean breeze in Alexandria hits different when you’re standing on a balcony that once belonged to a world leader. Most people visiting Egypt’s second city rush to the Citadel of Qaitbay or the modern Library of Alexandria. They walk right past the white, ornate facade of the Cecil Hotel Alexandria Egypt, barely realizing they’re looking at the epicenter of 20th-century espionage, literature, and high-society drama.
It’s grand. It’s old. Honestly, it's kinda like a time machine that actually works.
Built in 1929, the Cecil isn't just a building; it’s a survivor. While the rest of the city has modernized or crumbled, this hotel—now officially the Steigenberger Cecil Hotel—has held onto its soul. You’ve probably heard of the Al Capone rumors. People swear the gangster hid out here. Whether he actually did or if it's just a brilliant marketing myth from decades ago is up for debate, but the fact remains: everyone who was anyone eventually checked in here.
The Cecil Hotel Alexandria Egypt: What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a common misconception that the Cecil is just another "colonial relic." That’s a bit of an oversimplification.
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It was actually the brainchild of Albert Metzger, a Jewish-French businessman who wanted to create something that rivaled the best hotels in Europe. He hired Alessandro Loria, a Jewish-Egyptian architect, to bring it to life. Loria didn’t just build a hotel; he built a Florentine-style palace right in the middle of Saad Zaghloul Square.
People often think the Egyptian government has always run it. Not true. The history is way messier than that. The Metzger family lost the hotel during the 1952 revolution when assets were nationalized. They didn't get it back until 2007 after a massive, decades-long legal battle. They eventually sold it back to the state, and today it's managed by the German brand Steigenberger, though many locals still just call it "The Cecil."
A Guest List That Sounds Like a History Textbook
When you walk into the lobby, you aren't just a tourist. You're following the footsteps of:
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- Winston Churchill: Who used the hotel as a base during the North Africa campaign.
- Agatha Christie: Who allegedly loved the view of the Eastern Harbour (and maybe plotted a few murders here, fictionally speaking).
- Lawrence Durrell: The hotel is a literal character in his famous Alexandria Quartet.
- Oum Kalthoum: Egypt’s most legendary singer, who had her own preferred suite.
The Secret Floor and the British Spies
During World War II, the Cecil wasn't just for cocktails and jazz. It was basically a hub for the British Secret Service.
Think about that for a second. While people were dancing in the ballroom, intelligence officers were one floor up, decoding messages and planning the Battle of El Alamein. There are stories of secret meetings held in the very rooms you can book today. It gives the "standard room" experience a whole new layer of intensity.
The hotel only has 85 rooms. It's relatively small by modern standards, which is exactly why the atmosphere feels so concentrated. The original wooden elevators are still there. They creak. They’re slow. They are absolutely beautiful. If you’re looking for a sterile, high-tech experience, go to the Four Seasons. If you want to feel the weight of history under your feet, you stay at the Cecil.
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Why the Location is Actually the Best Part
You are right in the heart of things. Basically, if you step out the front door, you're at the Raml Station tram hub. Turn left, and you're on the Corniche.
- The View: Every morning, the Mediterranean looks different. From the balconies, you can see the fishing boats in the Eastern Harbour.
- Food Proximity: You are a three-minute walk from Brazilian Coffee Stores and the famous Trianon cafe.
- The Walkability: You can walk to the Library of Alexandria in about 15 minutes. It's a straight shot along the water.
The hotel's own Monty's Bar—named after Field Marshal Montgomery—is a trip. It’s dark, wood-paneled, and feels like a place where secrets are still being told over gin and tonics. It hasn't changed much since the 1940s.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you’re planning to visit the Cecil Hotel Alexandria Egypt, don't just book the cheapest room. You’ll regret it.
- Request a Sea View: The rooms facing the square can be noisy. Alexandria is a loud city. The sea view rooms offer a buffer and a much better sunrise.
- Check the Plaques: Every room door has a nameplate of the famous person who stayed there. If you’re a fan of a specific author or leader, ask the front desk if their suite is available for a tour (if it's not occupied).
- Rooftop at Sunset: The rooftop terrace is one of the best spots in the city. Grab a coffee or a drink around 5:00 PM and watch the sky turn pink over the Mediterranean.
- Skip the Buffet, Explore Local: While the hotel food is decent, you’re in the culinary heart of Alexandria. Go to Mohamed Ahmed for the best foul and falafel you've ever had—it's right around the corner.
The Cecil isn't perfect. Some parts show their age, and the Wi-Fi can be hit or miss depending on where you are in the building. But honestly, who comes to a 100-year-old spy hub to scroll through TikTok? You come here to breathe in the salt air and imagine a world that used to be.
To make the most of your visit, book your stay at least three weeks in advance during the summer months, as the hotel fills up quickly with locals escaping the Cairo heat. Always confirm your airport transfer from Borg El Arab (HBE) ahead of time, as it's a solid hour's drive from the city center. Once you arrive, drop your bags, head straight to the balcony, and just look at the water. That's the real Cecil experience.