What the place is
Nestled on Alexandria’s Corniche, the Windsor Palace Hotel is a historic hotel with Belle Époque architecture, antique-filled interiors, and views of the Mediterranean Sea. Established in 1906, it has welcomed dignitaries, artists, and travelers. Its central location makes it a base for exploring sites including the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Citadel of Qaitbay (Fodor's; Luxury Hotel Guide; Egypt Tours Plus).
Historical Background
The hotel was constructed in 1906, when Alexandria was flourishing as Egypt’s principal Mediterranean port. The city’s population included Egyptian, Greek, Italian, and French communities, and the hotel’s neoclassical and Belle Époque design reflects this cosmopolitan history. It has served as a gathering place for royalty, diplomats, and artists, and hosted social gatherings, banquets, and diplomatic events (Fodor's; HotelsCombined).
What to see
The hotel’s architectural features include a grand façade, marble staircases, ornate moldings, stained glass, and vintage chandeliers. Public spaces and dining rooms contain period furniture, oil paintings, and tapestries. The Queen Elizabeth Hall and Prince Charles Café are notable for their historic décor (Luxury Hotel Guide).
The Skyroof terrace offers views of the Corniche and Mediterranean and is used for dining and social events. The antique-filled lobby and vintage décor are also part of the hotel’s historic public spaces (Lonely Planet Windsor Palace).
Practical visiting information
Hours, tickets, and location
- Public areas The rooftop terrace and cafés are open daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
- Tickets Non-resident visitors do not need a separate ticket to dine or attend events. Guided heritage tours may be available by prior arrangement; contact the hotel directly (Windsor Palace Hotel Official).
- Address 17 El Shohada Street, El Ramle Station, Alexandria.
- Transport The hotel is centrally situated, with access to public transport, taxis, and the Corniche promenade.
Accommodation and amenities
- Standard rooms 20–25 m², with city or partial sea views, air conditioning, modern bathrooms, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
- Deluxe sea view rooms Up to 30 m², often with private balconies facing the Mediterranean.
- Suites 35–50 m², with separate living areas and expansive balconies; some are named after historical figures (Booking.com Windsor Palace).
- In-room features High-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with international channels, minibars, safes, 24-hour room service, daily housekeeping, laundry, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.
- Family options Accessible rooms are available. Families can request interconnected rooms, cribs, or extra beds. Children under six typically stay free with parents.
- Fitness and massage The fitness center has cardio and free-weight equipment; in-room massages are available.
- Business and events Meeting rooms and a historic ballroom that accommodates up to 200 guests (Tripadvisor Windsor Palace).
Dining
The main restaurant serves a buffet breakfast with Egyptian and continental options, plus à la carte lunch and dinner featuring Mediterranean seafood, grills, and vegetarian dishes (Windsor Palace Dining).
The rooftop bar offers light snacks by day and cocktails and live music by night. The lounge serves afternoon tea and Egyptian sweets in a vintage setting. Room service is available 24/7, with dietary accommodations for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive guests. Special themed dining nights and holiday feasts celebrate Alexandria’s culinary heritage.
Travel tips and practical advice
- Best visitation period October to April offers mild weather.
- Dress code Modest attire is recommended, especially at religious or historical sites.
- Language Arabic is the official language; English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Currency Egyptian Pound (EGP); major cards are accepted at the hotel and most restaurants.
- Safety Alexandria is generally safe; standard precautions are advised.
- Room rates Rates are lowest in March, and mid-week nights often offer the best deals (HotelsCombined).
- Concierge The multilingual concierge can assist with airport transfers, guided tours, and local bookings.
- Navigation The Audiala app offers maps, ticketing, and real-time updates. Official channels also provide travel tips and offers.
Nearby historical attractions
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
- Distance 0.9 miles from the hotel.
- Hours 10:00 AM–7:00 PM, Saturday–Thursday; 1:00 PM–7:00 PM, Friday.
- Tickets ~70 EGP; guided tours are available (Official Bibliotheca Alexandrina).
Citadel of Qaitbay
- Hours 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
- Tickets ~60 EGP.
Roman Amphitheatre
- Hours 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.
- Tickets ~50 EGP.
Alexandria National Museum, Montazah Palace & Gardens, the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar, the Royal Jewelry Museum, and local souks are also accessible (Egypt Tourism Authority; Divergent Travelers; Trip101).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can non-guests visit the Windsor Palace Hotel’s public areas?
Yes. The rooftop, cafés, and restaurants are open to non-guests during their operational hours.
Are guided tours of the hotel available?
Heritage tours may be arranged by contacting the hotel directly.
How do I access historical sites from the hotel?
Most major sites are within walking distance or a short taxi or tram ride. The concierge can help with bookings.
Is the hotel accessible for people with mobility issues?
Main public areas are wheelchair accessible, though some historic architectural features may limit access in certain sections.
What are check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 2:00 PM; check-out is by 12:00 PM.
Are there hotel packages that include tours or monument tickets?
Combined tickets are often available for sites; ask the concierge about current offers.
