We arrived at the Paradise Inn Le Metropole after a full day on the road from Cairo — the St Macarius Monastery, the Catacombs, Pompey’s Pillar — tired, a little dusty, and ready to stop moving. What greeted us at check-in was the kind of welcome that instantly resets a long day: a cool drink, croissants, small cakes, and a room overlooking the Mediterranean waiting for us. This hotel has been doing exactly this since 1902, and it shows in all the right ways.
Afternoon tea on arrival at Paradise Inn Le Metropole Alexandria
We travelled with Egyptian Edu Travel, who arranged a driver and an Egyptologist for our travels through Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, and Abu Simbel. Not being rushed from site to site and having someone who could handle tickets, tipping, and local knowledge made a genuine difference to how relaxed this leg of the trip felt.
Reader discount: quote TTT2024 with Egyptian Edu Travel for 5% off. Contact: [email protected]
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Book your accommodation here at the Paradise Inn Le Metropole Alexandria
Location
Address: 52 Saad Zaglol Street, Raml Station, Alexandria
This is the only one of our Egypt hotel stays right in the heart of Alexandria’s seafront — walking distance from Pompey’s Pillar, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, and the Corniche itself. If you’re planning to explore central Alexandria on foot, the location alone is worth factoring into your choice of hotel.
The Room
We’d booked the Golden Superior Room with a Direct Sea View and balcony, light dinner and breakfast included, for our two-night stay.
The original 1902 lift is still in operation, and we loved it — there’s something about stepping into it that immediately sets the tone for the whole hotel. The corridors and reception areas carry the same classical furnishings throughout, and walking to your room genuinely feels like stepping into another era.
Our Bedroom, Paradise Inn Le Metropole Alexandria
Our room was decorated in classic blue and gold hues, with antique furniture that fit the era of the building rather than fighting against it.
Our Bathroom, Paradise Inn Le Metropole Alexandria
The bathroom carried the same ornate blue and gold tiling and felt genuinely spacious — a nice surprise in a hotel this old. Toiletries, slippers, bathrobes, a hairdryer, a kettle, a TV, air conditioning, and plenty of power sockets were all provided.
The view, Paradise Inn Le Metropole Alexandria
The balcony was small, but the view from it wasn’t — Alexandria and the Mediterranean stretched out in front of us, with sunsets and sunrises that we made a point of not missing either morning.
Skyview Restaurant
The Skyview Restaurant, Paradise Inn Le Metropole Alexandria
After dropping our bags, we went straight up to the rooftop Skyview Restaurant and Bar. Below us, Alexandria was settling into early evening — busy roads, noisy trams carrying people home — and being that close to the ocean gave the whole scene a sense of space we hadn’t felt in Cairo. The air felt cleaner, too.
The “light dinner” at the restaurant
After a few Sakara beers, we headed downstairs for what our rate called a “light dinner” — a label we’re still not sure about, given the spread of hot dishes, soups, salads, sandwiches, and wraps that arrived. It was more feast than snack.
Breakfast at the restaurant
Breakfast, taken in the same restaurant both mornings, was equally generous — a genuine mix of Western and Egyptian hot and cold dishes, fruit, croissants, cereals, and juices.
Our second night, we went back up to Skyview rather than eating downstairs — and we’d genuinely recommend doing the same at least once. Another evening of great views, an excellent French and International menu, and service that matched the setting. It’s the kind of experience that makes a stay memorable rather than just comfortable.
Would We Stay Again?
Without hesitation. Between the classical atmosphere, the original lift, and two evenings we still talk about at Skyview, we wouldn’t choose anywhere else in Alexandria. If you want a hotel that feels genuinely tied to the city’s history rather than a generic international chain, this is it.
Book your accommodation here at the Paradise Inn Le Metropole Alexandria
FAQ: Paradise Inn Le Metropole, Alexandria
How central is the Paradise Inn Le Metropole? Very — it’s within walking distance of Pompey’s Pillar, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, and the Corniche, making it a genuinely convenient base for exploring central Alexandria on foot.
Is breakfast included? Yes, and it’s a generous buffet with both Western and Egyptian options.
Is the Skyview Restaurant worth trying even if you’re not staying multiple nights? Yes — we’d prioritise at least one evening there for the views and menu alone, even on a single-night stay.
When is the best time to visit Alexandria? Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) offer the most comfortable weather.
Is this hotel suitable if you want modern amenities alongside historic charm? Yes — air conditioning, hairdryers, and other modern comforts are all provided, alongside the genuinely historic feel of the building itself (including that original 1902 lift).
General Travel Information for Visiting Alexandria
Related reading: 2 Days in Alexandria, Egypt: Itinerary, Transport, and What It Actually Cost
Visa for Egypt: Certain countries can apply for a visa on arrival in Egypt. If you’d prefer to arrange one in advance, check the visa checker here.
Travel Insurance:
Travel is full of unforgettable moments — but sometimes the unexpected happens too. That’s why we always recommend travelling with insurance. Ekta Travel Insurance offers flexible coverage options to help protect your trip, so you can focus on enjoying the adventure ahead.
Where to Next?
- 4 Days in Luxor
- Aswan in 2 Days: Feluccas, Temples, and Nubian Villages
- How to Spend 2 Days in Abu Simbel
- Steigenberger El Tahrir, Cairo: Our Honest Review
- Marriott Mena House, Giza: Waking Up to the Pyramids
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