Le Metropole Luxury Heritage Hotel stands at 52 Saad Zaghloul Street in central Alexandria, in the old downtown quarter that grew up in the city's cosmopolitan age. It is a small, historic hotel with 66 rooms, and its great advantage is its position: the Corniche is a one-minute walk away, and the room types are built around sea views. Golden Classic rooms look over the city at about 237 square feet, Golden Superior rooms and Golden Junior Suites with direct sea views are about 300 square feet, and the Golden Paradise Suite and Golden Royal Suite, with direct sea views, run from about 430 to 700 square feet. There are two restaurants with a French accent, a bar and a terrace, a business centre and free Wi-Fi in the rooms. No pool or spa is offered, so this is a hotel for people who spend their days out in the city.
Location and getting around
This is among the best addresses in Alexandria for sightseeing on foot. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is about twelve minutes on foot, the Alexandria National Museum about fifteen, and Mamoura Beach about fourteen. The Cavafy Museum, the National Museum and Alexandria University are all within about a mile, and the Citadel of Qaitbay and the Mosque of Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi are within about three miles, a short taxi ride.
Masr station is about fifteen minutes on foot. The airport is roughly an hour by car, and a transfer can be arranged for a fee. Valet parking is available for a small charge, but spaces are limited.
Rooms and service
The heritage feel is part of the appeal, with high ceilings and old-world touches in a building that has been refreshed for modern guests. Rooms have air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, and the direct sea-view rooms are the ones worth paying more for, since the Mediterranean is just across the road.
Buffet breakfast is offered at an extra charge on some rates, so check what your rate includes. Because the hotel is small, the service is personal, but facilities are limited compared with the big resorts, and the building has the quirks that come with age.
Who it suits and what to know: this is a good choice for couples, history lovers and anyone who wants to feel the old city, and it works well for a two- or three-day visit built around the Library, the museums and the seafront. It is less suited to families who want a pool or a private beach; the Mamoura and Montaza hotels are better for that.
The downtown streets are busy and can be noisy, so ask for a room away from the street if you are a light sleeper. Prices are in the mid to upper range, with the best value on weekdays outside the summer rush, so compare dates when you book.
Why stay here
- ✓One minute from the Corniche
- ✓Direct sea-view rooms
- ✓Two restaurants
- ✓Bar and terrace
- ✓Business centre
- ✓Free Wi-Fi in rooms
- ✓Valet parking for a fee
- ✓Airport transfer on request
Good questions
Where is Le Metropole Luxury Heritage Hotel?+
It is at 52 Saad Zaghloul Street in central Alexandria, about one minute on foot from the Corniche.
Can I walk to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina?+
Yes, it is about twelve minutes on foot. The Alexandria National Museum is about fifteen minutes on foot.
Does the hotel have a pool?+
No pool or spa is offered. It suits travellers who spend their days sightseeing rather than at the hotel.
