Paradise Inn - Windsor Palace Hotel — Hotel in Alexandria

The Windsor is tops on my list after nearly a dozen Alexandria hotels over the past four years. The people would be a good enough reason: Mr. Mohammad Essam in cafe, Gigi the laundress, manager Christina, and especially the darling 5th-floor room maid who I insisted upon returning to (she wished me the earliest “Merry Christmas” – someone told her it was our holiday, and on Thanksgiving I am grateful to be here).

I have returned four times for the fabulous breakfast, the unparalleled view from the rooftop restaurant and the very reasonable international lunch and dinner menu (try the mezzes with your Omar Khayyam local wine). The Cecil and Metropole may compete at much higher prices, but they face the oh-so-noisy park that’s a city transit hub – if you ask for quiet, the Windsor can’t be beat for sea views with history in the old Corniche.

Beach hotels are to the east and west if you must swim and sun (the owners have another Paradise Inn for that). But to feel the Cleopatra vibes, stay in the ancient city's heart where she raised her monuments to love and changed the world.

I've seen wall and floor cracks in most hotels, noting them because I fear earthquakes like the Cairo disaster I just missed in 1992. You're safe in this gracious but solid Victorian palace. It is ever fighting the seaside humidity that marks every Egyptian hotel, so critical guests expecting all surfaces to be like home may note signs of the century’s wear even after a spectacular post-covid renovation. Anyone who complains about such details doesn’t get the point of travel here, which is to admire the most exotic place in the world of tourism that is also safe and friendly – and most of all, that protects its past so we can share it.

Some prefer the pyramids and 13 million people in smoggy, congested Cairo, but that’s so much less approachable than the vast nearby souk and walkable downtown districts. Give me Alex's aging art deco, wrought iron lace doors and elevators, and a glimpse of the last 150 years.

Don’t forget the must-visit library, royal jewelry museum and the excellent and undervisited antiquities in the former American consulate, also a doable walk or dollar Uber away. I wish I could return forever, but there was no question it’s a bucket-list stop to enjoy Egypt at...

Let s start saying that this hotel is presented as a 4 stars Hotel. For the European standards a 4 stars hotel is totally different and much more confortable. European standards would classify this hotel as a 2 to 3 stars. The right pr ice for a room here should be not more than 50 €.

Negative points: the windows are so old that do not seal the room properly and air and sound can enter in the room. The glass is so dirty that if you look the sea view through looks like a foggy day. The road undetneat the hotel is super trafficated day and night and it is like car sounds drill your head continuosly due to the windows that do not isolate the sounds. The fornitures are old and poor quality often broken. The bathroom should be totally rebuilt .....is collapsing i.e. the button for flushing was loosing its gasket and the tube was older than me! Although an hot tub is present is impossible to take a bath because the tub cap is not sealed then the only option is the shower. It looks like the supplied shower gel and shampoo are not new every day but the old container refilled. This assumption comes from the following points: the containers are not sealed, the label writing is consumed, the containers are not half filled and every day in different amount and the outside part of the containers is dirty of shampoo or gel shower. The conditioning air system is so noisy that once on seems to have a tractor engine in the room.  The price for a room is high but the surprise that ypu are charged more for taxes (not sure about what) is worst. Wifi sucks. It is slow and breakdown sovently. Black spots not covered by wifi are present in the room and in the breakfast hall (where I checked)

Positive points: location on the sea shore with an amazing view on the sea. Breakfast with several dishes. Please note that NO ESPRESSO COFFE is served (also cappuccino and similars). Conclusion: select another hotel unless a amazing sea view is...

Stepping into the Windsor Palace Hotel is like traveling back in time—with all the elegance and romance of a bygone era, set against the stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean.

What Makes It Special: • Historic Ambiance: The hotel proudly wears its history. From the vintage cage elevator and grand staircase to the ornate wall moldings and classic room décor, the building exudes colonial-era elegance. • Breathtaking Views: Whether from your room’s balcony or the rooftop restaurant, the sea views are exceptional. The Corniche stretches beautifully in both directions, offering golden light at sunset and a calm blue expanse throughout the day. • Rooftop Dining: The restaurant is a highlight. Red velvet chairs, chandeliers, and glass walls open up to a shaded terrace with uninterrupted sea views. The atmosphere is serene and refined—a perfect place for a leisurely breakfast or sunset dinner. • Classic Comfort: The rooms are simple but well-maintained, offering the essentials with vintage character. While some facilities show their age, they add to the authenticity rather than detract from it. • Location: Situated directly on El-Gaish Road in the heart of Alexandria, the hotel is ideal for exploring local landmarks, enjoying the seafront, or simply soaking in the coastal city’s charm.

What to Expect: • Not a modern luxury hotel, but one steeped in old-world character. • May not suit travelers seeking sleek, contemporary interiors—but perfect for lovers of history and atmosphere.

Overall Verdict: Windsor Palace Hotel is a heritage icon with a soul. If you appreciate classic architecture, historical charm, and unbeatable views of the Mediterranean, this hotel is a unique and memorable choice...