Nestled in the heart of Alexandria on its historic waterfront, the Windsor Palace Luxury Heritage Hotel Since 1906 by Paradise Inn Group offers an unparalleled historical experience. Originally the palace of an English merchant, this hotel dates back to 1906 and retains its early 20th-century architecture, making it a notable part of the city's history.
A view of Alexandria, where the Windsor Palace Hotel is located.
A Journey Back in Time
The moment you step inside, you're transported back in time to the golden age of Egypt. The hotel's exquisite old palace charm and classic, elegant look make it an immersion into the luxurious ambiance of the early 20th century. Guests rave about the architecture and heritage, with the building exuding history from every corner.
The historic charm is palpable with the original colonial furniture and decor evoking the grandeur of a bygone era. The magnificent furnishings and antique elevators, which are museum pieces in their own right, add to the vintage decoration that is nothing short of marvelous. With historical character and a well-preserved building, this grand old property offers splendid views of the port, blending seamlessly with its charming old-world style.
The vintage ambiance, combined with a reliable and available staff, ensures that every guest feels not just accommodated but part of history itself.
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Alexandria's Cosmopolitan Heyday
Alexandria enjoyed a period of prosperity as it became a transit town for travellers to and from India between the years of 1835, when the land route began in earnest, and 1869, when the Suez Canal opened. Then, following the de facto annexation of Egypt by Britain in 1882, Alexandria became a fashionable place for tourists with its cosmopolitan population and its varied cuisine.
During this time, several hotels emerged to cater to the growing number of visitors. Hill’s (also known as Rey’s) was owned by J.R.Hill who set up with a colleague Mr Raven as a rival to Thomas Waghorn, who is often credited with pioneering the overland route to India. The next to open was Coulomb’s later known as the Hotel d’Orient. These hotels were on the central square of Alexandria known variously as the Grand Place and the Place des Consuls (because the main powers had their diplomatic missions there).
As E.M. Forster noted, "Strange and African as Alexandria had appeared to me three months before, it now seemed familiar, and almost European: the streets were thronged with men in hats, and smooth chins; the cafés rustled with newspapers; the walls were placarded with announcements of the evening's opera; and, above all, the calm sea reflecting many a British flag, lay smiling before me with its old familiar face."
The arrival of mail was a significant event, with every European eye in Alexandria watching eagerly for the British Consul’s flag-staff, whereon the hoisting of the red ensign was to announce the first appearance of the Oriental steamer.
Waghorn and Hill found it easier to provide overnight accommodation in Alexandria than at Suez, given the "wretchedness of Suez," where the hotels belonging to the rival agents, Mr. Waghorn, and Messrs. Hill and Raven, were both uncomfortable.
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Theban Traveller - Alexandria 1.1
A German Guide for Travellers in Egypt published in 1858 comments on the best hotels:
- Hotel de l'Europe-outside very grand, inside rather neglected, good table, board and lodging 9 shilling per diem, candles 1shilling, attendance 1shilling.
- Peninsular and Oriental Hotel -opposite first mentioned, on the great square, in every respect the best hotel in Egypt; landlord P Zech, a German, servants also mostly German, 10 shillings. per diem.
- Hotel Victoria-English, 8 shillings. per diem.
- Hotel du Nord-French, kept unorderly, 11 francs for French, 1shilling. for Englishmen.
- India family hotel-English, 10shillings.
P. Zech, Proprietor of the Hotel d'Orient, Alexandria, also became the Proprietor of the celebrated Shepheard's Hotel, Cairo, aiming to provide cleanliness and English comforts.
You will notice more than a little snobbery about these hotels. European servants were seen as an advantage. Germans were associated with efficiency and the French with a lack of organisation.
Rebuilding After the Bombardment
The British bombardment of Alexandria in 1882 changed everything. Following Colonel Arabi’s uprising against the Khedive Admiral Seymour’s squadron shelled the forts of Alexandria for over 10 hours. The Place des Consuls was heavily damaged. Only the English church and the statue of Mohammed Ali escaped unscathed.
The aftermath of the bombardment led to a rebuilding of Alexandria.
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The aftermath of the British bombardment of Alexandria in 1882.
Modern Amenities and Features
Today, the Windsor Palace Hotel offers 77 elegant rooms with hand-decorated high ceilings. Each has a balcony, satellite TV and free Wi-Fi. Individually controlled air conditioning is standard in all rooms.
Light snacks and refreshments can be enjoyed in the open-air Prince Charles Café with sea views. Guests will be ideally in the social and cultural hub of the city. There are several street cafés, shopping boutiques, and seaside promenades nearby. The hotel is situated a 2-minute walk from the El Raml Train Station and the sandy beaches. The library of Alexandria is 1.5 km away.
The hotel also boasts two on-site restaurants serving international cuisine, two bars, a nightclub, and a rooftop terrace offering sweeping panoramas of the historic district.
A Boutique Hotel with a Story
The Windsor Palace does not quite give its visitors the sense of being a hotel, it is more like being welcomed into a real palace. One cannot enter the hotel’s lobby without craning their neck to take in the splendid view of the breathtaking antique portraits and sculptures including an ancient statue of Alexander the Great. The elevator, similar to the one at the Metropole, displays a gold three-star flag from King Farouk’s era.
The restaurant located on the roof has always been one of hotel’s most attractive spots, and many outsiders come visit the hotel just to have breakfast in front with the beautiful view.
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