The Helnan Palestine Hotel stands at Kasr El Montazah in the east of Alexandria, inside a landscaped regional park beside the Montaza palace estate. The palace and its gardens are only a couple of minutes on foot, and the hotel has its own private beach with sun loungers, an outdoor pool with a poolside bar and a garden and terrace. It has around 218 rooms and suites, from superior rooms with sea views and balconies to executive, royal and presidential suites. Five restaurants, three cafes, a spa offering massages and body treatments, and on-site shops give guests plenty to do without leaving the grounds. Free wifi, air conditioning and 24-hour room service come as standard. Reviewers praise the location, the sea views and the breakfast, and they often mention that rooms and facilities feel dated.
Location and getting around
This is the far eastern end of the city, so the ancient sites are a long ride away. Plan on a taxi or ride-hailing trip of well over half an hour in traffic to the Citadel, the Library and the downtown ruins. The advantage is calm.
The Montaza gardens, the beach and the park setting make it feel like a resort rather than a city hotel, and walking the grounds in the evening is a pleasure. A private driver for a day of sightseeing, with a return to the beach in the afternoon, suits this base well.
Rooms and who it suits
Rooms are comfortable and spacious in the suites, with balconies, mini fridges and safes, though reviewers say the decor is older. Choose a sea-view room if you can. The hotel suits families, couples looking for a seaside break and travellers who want to pair a few days of sightseeing with beach time in summer.
All-inclusive rates are offered on some dates, which can simplify budgeting for families. The property also hosts weddings and events, and some guests mention noise on those nights, so ask about the calendar if you want quiet.
Good to know
Buffet breakfast is often an extra charge unless your rate includes it, valet parking is available for a daily fee and pets are not allowed. Check-out is at noon. Summer is the busy season, when Egyptian families fill the coast, so book early for July, August and weekends.
In winter the beach is windy and cool but the grounds are quiet and the rates are lower. If you want to walk to cafes and the Corniche from your door, a downtown hotel is a better choice, but for a restful finish to a trip this is a good one.
Why stay here
- ✓Private beach with loungers
- ✓Outdoor pool with bar
- ✓Next to Montaza gardens
- ✓Five on-site restaurants
- ✓Helnan Beach Spa
- ✓Sea-view rooms with balconies
- ✓Free in-room wifi
- ✓24-hour room service
Good questions
How close is the hotel to the Montaza gardens?+
The palace estate is about a two-minute walk, and Montaza Beach is a few minutes further on foot. The hotel sits inside the same landscaped park.
Is it close to the ancient sites?+
No, it is at the eastern edge of the city, so allow a ride of well over half an hour in traffic to the Citadel and downtown ruins. A private driver makes sightseeing days easier.
What are the facilities?+
A private beach, an outdoor pool, a spa, five restaurants and three cafes. Breakfast is often an extra, so check your rate.
