Fodor's Expert Review Royal Jewel
Alexandar Akbar St, Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
What started as a 19th-century British Bridge Club and then served as a rest house for Egyptian King Farouk in the 20th century is now one of the most unique places to stay in Alexandria. Famed British novelist Lawrence Durrell stayed here and literature and history lovers will appreciate the on-site library, which holds 300 books, including some that are very rare. As the hotel is steeped in British history and is now owned by the Egyptian military, which gives a discount to local military, clientele tends to be mostly local and British.
PROS
- prices tend to be less expensive than comparable hotels
- guests have access to the unique, on-site library
- prime location for exploring the Downtown area
CONS
- no alcohol is served (but you can bring your own)
- the first-floor nature of the hotel makes it especially noisy
- no pool or beach access
