Windsor Palace: Alexandria's Royal Escape Since 1902!
Okay, buckle up, because reviewing Windsor Palace is less about dry facts and more about… well, feeling like royalty, or maybe just surviving Alexandria's chaos in style. Let's get messy with it.
Windsor Palace: Alexandria's Royal Escape Since 1902! - A (Very) Honest Review
Alright, so Windsor Palace. The name alone conjures images of, you know, actual palaces. And, yeah, walking in, you get a whiff of faded grandeur. It's like stumbling into a sepia-toned postcard, which, honestly, is half the charm. Built in 1902? That's history, people. Real, breathing, dust-mote-dancing history.
First Impressions (and a Little Whining, Because I'm Human)
The taxi ride to the place was… an experience. Let's just say Egyptian traffic is less a commute and more a gladiatorial contest. But hey, the doorman at Windsor Palace, a genuinely charming guy, whisked my bags away like I was a visiting queen. Score one for the good guys! The doorman deserves a raise, seriously.
Accessibility - The Good, the Bad, and The… Almost There
Okay, straight up: if you need hardcore, perfectly-engineered accessibility, do your homework. While the elevator exists (praise be!), and they do have facilities for disabled guests, this is an older hotel. It's not a 2024-built, ultra-modern, perfectly smooth-sailing machine. There are steps. Likely a few questionable ramps. Call ahead, be very specific about your needs. Don't expect perfection, but expect them to try to accommodate you. I saw CCTV in common areas, which always gives me a little peace of mind.
Rooms - Where the Royal Fantasy Starts (and Ends?)
My room? Ah, the room. It was… spacious. And honestly, a bit… faded. I’m going to be honest, the carpeting looked like it had seen some things – probably a few decades of spilled tea and late-night conversations. But hey, it's part of the charm, right?! There's air conditioning, thank God, because Alexandria can get sweaty. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver (hello, jet lag!), and the bed was enormous. Oh, and they had bathrobes. I'm a sucker for bathrobes. I basically lived in it.
And yeah, a refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, and free bottled water are standard by now, and are all highly appreciated. They even had an in-room safe box. Because you never know. They could have also set up a laptop workspace, which is good for remote work.
The bathroom? Adequate. The shower worked. The toiletries were… well, they were there. Nothing fancy, but functional. But honestly, a fresh, clean towel is everything after a hot, dusty day exploring the city. I’m a sucker for all of those.
Important Note: No Pets! Sadly, no Pets allowed, so I'm not bringing my cat!
The Internet - A Tale of Two Wi-Fis?
Okay, so the free Wi-Fi? It bounced. Sometimes it was blazing fast, other times… slow. Like, dial-up slow. The internet internet access – wireless worked better in the lobby. There was also Internet [LAN] which I never tried, but it existed. Honestly, it's Egypt. Internet is a wild card. I'm talking, a Wi-Fi for special events might be useful here, so the hotel may need to improve this part.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food, Glorious Food… Mostly
The breakfast [buffet] was… a buffet. Typical. There was a decent selection of fruit, pastries that seemed like they'd been there since 1902, and the usual suspects: eggs, some sort of vaguely-identifiable sausage. But the Asian breakfast stood out. What? Yeah. And honestly, it was pretty tasty. They had restaurants, and a poolside bar with very cold drinks. They also had room service [24-hour]. Which is important: I had a late-night snack of… well, it's a blur, but it involved a lot of bread. The bar was perfect as place to wind down.
I did a few times order coffee/tea in restaurant. The coffee shop was great too.
Ways to Relax - Spa-tacular Potential!
Okay, I didn't get the spa experience I wanted. I was so bummed! I didn't get any Body scrub or Body wrap. The Spa was there. Spa/sauna was there. Steamroom? Yep. Sauna? Yep. I saw it, but I didn’t have time to use it. But the Pool with view and Swimming pool [outdoor] looked inviting. And honestly, just knowing they were there, waiting… that was enough. There's a Fitness center too, but I'm on vacation, so I’m not going there.
Cleanliness and Safety - Seriously Important
This is where Windsor Palace shines. They were serious about cleanliness. The Daily disinfection in common areas was evident. I saw staff constantly sanitizing everything. They had Hand sanitizer everywhere. They actually seemed concerned. And that's a huge plus. There’s also a First aid kit. And you feel safe. Safe dining setup and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. Individually-wrapped food options. Everything was a concern here. Staff trained in safety protocol. That's the kind of detail I appreciate. There’s a Smoke detector and Fire extinguisher in the room. I also had the option to opt-out the Room sanitization opt-out available.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter
They had everything. Concierge? Check. Laundry service? Check. Daily housekeeping? Absolutely. The doorman was amazing. Cash withdrawal. They have it. They even had a Gift/souvenir shop. The Air conditioning in public area was a lifesaver. Great Car park [free of charge], so you don't have to worry about that ridiculous parking situation. Luggage storage, safe deposit boxes. All the things that make travel easier. The Elevator was my best friend.
For the Kids - A Mixed Bag?
I didn't have kids with me, but I saw some. There’s a Babysitting service. There were some basic Kids facilities, but it's not like a kid-focused resort. But it is Family/child friendly!
Getting Around - Transportation Chaos and a Silver Lining!
Okay, the Alexandria traffic is… Intense. The Airport transfer service was a lifesaver. They have a Taxi service, but seriously, use the hotel's transfer. You'll thank me later. The Valet parking, if I had a car, would have been great. There's also Car park [on-site] and even a Car power charging station!
Things to Do - Alexandria at Your Doorstep
That's what a hotel is supposed to be. Windsor Palace? Great location. You're right in the thick of it. Explore the city, and come back to a haven.
My Takeaway - Is This Royal Escape Worth It?
Look, Windsor Palace isn't a five-star, ultra-modern, perfectly polished experience. But it is a genuinely charming, historically-significant hotel with a fantastic location and some genuinely great staff. It has a vibe. It has character. It feels real. You can almost feel the ghosts of the past whispering in the hallways.
The Imperfection? Okay, so the Internet sometimes gets… cranky. And some of the facilities are a bit dated.
The Surprise? Honestly, the staff. They were incredible. They made the whole experience.
Should you book?
ABSOLUTELY.
My Final, Unfiltered Offer - Book Now!
Tired of soulless hotels? Craving a taste of real Alexandria? Then escape to Windsor Palace! Experience the grandeur of a bygone era with a modern twist. Enjoy spacious rooms, a fantastic location, and a level of hospitality that'll have you feeling like Egyptian royalty… even if the Internet is occasionally… unreliable.
Here's the deal: Book your stay at Windsor Palace Alexandria now! Get ready to be transported.
Why you should book now:
- Authentic Experience: Immerse yourself in the history and charm of a hotel that's been welcoming guests since 1902.
- Unbeatable Location: Explore Alexandria's best attractions, all within easy reach.
- Warm Hospitality: Experience a level of service that makes you feel like a cherished guest, not just a transaction.
- Safety and Cleanliness: Relax knowing that Windsor Palace takes hygiene and your well-being seriously.
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This itinerary is less "precision-engineered Swiss watch" and more "slightly bewildered tourist dragging a suitcase across cobblestones in the rain, fueled by questionable street food." Welcome to Windsor Palace, Alexandria style.
A Messy, Glorious, and Utterly Unplanned Week at the Windsor Palace (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Hotel's Very Victorian Charm)
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Disappointment (Followed by Resignation and a Spot of Hope)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Cairo Airport. Arrived! (Finally.) The flight was a purgatory of crying babies and recycled air. Luggage? Naturally, it took a scenic route to… well, somewhere. Found a taxi – I hope he's legit. Alexandria! Here I come! (Probably later).
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Check-in. The lobby is… grand. Like, seriously grand. And dusty. And slightly disheveled, in the way only old-world luxury that's seen better days can be. The concierge, a gentleman named Mr. Farid (who, bless his heart, seems to have been here since the building was erected), informs me my “Sea View” room (booked months ago) is… “temporarily unavailable.” Apparently, a family of particularly boisterous sheikhs has claimed it. My alternative? A room overlooking… the parking lot. Sigh. This is where resignation sets in.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The room. Alright, so the view is… not ideal. But the bed! Oh, the bed. It’s vast, it's draped in heavy velvet drapes, it has more pillows than I have sense. The bathroom, on the other hand? Let's just say, the plumbing is… vintage. I’m pretty sure the showerhead could be a supporting character in an Agatha Christie novel. But the hot water, when it eventually arrives, is a miracle.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner at the Windsor Palace's restaurant. The menu is a delightful mix of the expected and the wonderfully bizarre. I start with the "Alexandrian Fish Soup" (suspiciously thick but somehow comforting), followed by the "Grilled Duck with Fig Sauce" (which, miraculously, is actually good). The live piano music is… well, it’s playing. The waiter, a young man with the kindest eyes, spills a glass of water on me. I forgive him. Because, you know, it’s all part of the experience. I think.
- Evening (9:00 PM - 11:00 PM): Stroll to the seafront. The hotel is right on the corniche, it is a big plus since I can walk, no need for a taxi at this time of day. The sea breeze and the lights are incredible.
Day 2: The Alexandria Chronicles (and a Near Disaster with a Pastry)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Breakfast. The breakfast buffet is a glorious disaster. Stale croissants (the bane of my existence), lukewarm coffee, and something vaguely resembling scrambled eggs. But there's also fresh fruit, and I devour the fruit and some delicious local cheese.
- Morning (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): The Library. The hotel has a library! It's an actual library of old books, a peaceful haven. I spent a couple of hours absorbing its atmosphere and choosing a book (a very old copy of "The Picture of Dorian Gray").
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The Alexandria Library. The new Bibliotheca Alexandrina is simply… awe-inspiring. A modern architectural marvel, it feels like stepping into the future. I spent hours wandering through the reading rooms and the exhibitions, feeling slightly inadequate in my ignorance.
- Afternoon (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Sweet tooth strike. The hotel next door houses a pastry shop. It is a place I must visit! I bought the most beautiful Baklava I’ve ever laid my eyes on. I took a walk towards the sea. As I was admiring the landscape the Pastry fell on the ground. It was so windy that it went right on the sand. I stood there, defeated, and laughed.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner at a local restaurant the "Seafood Restaurant". Oh, the FOOD! The grilled fish, the flavorful rice. It’s a moment of pure, unadulterated culinary bliss.
- Evening (9:00 PM - 11:00 PM): Back to the room- reading the book, The Picture of Dorian Gray
Day 3: Lost in Translation (and the Magic of the Souk)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Exploration of the city. The hotel staff are great, I asked for some locations to visit nearby.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): The Souk. A riot of colors, smells, and sounds. I get completely lost within minutes. I bargain for spices, scarves, and a brass lamp I definitely don't need. I find myself being offered mint tea by a kindly old man. He has a shop filled with intricately carved furniture. His English is limited, my Arabic is nonexistent, but somehow, we communicate. It’s a beautiful, messy, joyful experience.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Lunch at a street-side falafel stand. The falafel is incredible, the best I’ve ever had. The chaotic energy of the street is exhilarating. I almost get run over by a donkey cart, but I brush it off. It’s all part of the adventure, right?
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner at the hotel.
- Evening (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM): On the hotel's terrace, sipping mint tea and watching the sunset.
Day 4: A Day Trip to Abu Qir (and the Unexpected Beauty of Boredom)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Travel to Abu Qir, a small fishing town. The bus journey is a comedy of errors, involving a series of wrong turns and a near-miss with a particularly aggressive donkey. But the scenery along the way is beautiful.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch in Abu Qir. Fresh seafood on a terrace overlooking the harbor. The sun, the sea, the food – pure bliss.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The beach in Abu Qir. The sand is lovely, the sea is tempting, but the wind is fierce. I give up.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner at the hotel. The staff are great so I ask them where I should go and what to do!
- Evening (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Back at the hotel, I sit on the balcony. Boredom sets in. I actually embrace it. In the overstimulated world, there's something incredibly luxurious about doing absolutely nothing.
Day 5: The Catacombs and the Ghosts of History
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Visit the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. Descending into these ancient tombs is like stepping into another world. The intricate carvings, the shadows, the silence… It’s both fascinating and a little bit eerie.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch at a local cafe. I try a local dish I've never heard of, and it's surprisingly delicious.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Explore the Citadel of Qaitbay. The Citadel is a grand structure, and the view from the top is spectacular. I spend hours wandering through the fortress, imagining the battles and sieges that took place here centuries ago.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner at the hotel.
- Evening (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Drinks at the hotel bar. I meet some other travelers, we share stories and laughter.
Day 6: The Windsor Palace: A Love Letter (and a Bit of a Grip)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): The hotel. Today, I decide to simply be in the hotel. I wander the grand hallways, marveling at the chandeliers and the faded elegance. I sit in the reading room, reading a book, basking in the quiet. I eavesdrop on conversations in the lobby.
Windsor Palace: Alexandria's Royal Escape Since 1902! ... Or at Least, That's What They Tell You. (My Thoughts, Honestly)
Alright, so you're thinking about hitting up Windsor Palace? Good for you! Prepare for... an experience. Don't go expecting a perfectly polished Disney ride. This is Windsor, baby. It's got history, grandeur, and, let's be honest, a whole lotta dust bunnies somewhere. Here's the lowdown, from someone who's been, survived, and has opinions. Lots of opinions.
What's the deal with this "Royal Escape" thing? Is it *really* an escape?
Oh, the "Royal Escape." That's the marketing speak. It sounds glamorous, doesn't it? Like Princess Alexandra needed a quick weekend getaway and *poof*! Windsor was her secret Parisian hideaway disguised as a palace. Here's the truth (and this is based on, like, *some* actual reading I did, not just Instagram): It’s more about showcasing the history of the place, connecting it to some royal figures, and trying to sell you merchandise. Is it an escape? Well, if escaping reality means wandering around a beautiful building and staring at incredibly old stuff, then yes. If you're expecting a secret passage to Narnia, lower your expectations. WAY lower.
So, wait, is it actually... interesting? Worth my time?
Okay, *that's* the big question. And the answer is: Maybe! It depends. Are you into history? Do you get a thrill from seeing ridiculously opulent furniture and portraits of people who look perpetually grumpy? Then yes, absolutely. Spend a good chunk in the staterooms, I dare you! If you're the type who gets bored easily or needs constant stimulation, you might find yourself checking your watch. I personally had a bit of a *moment* in the Queen Mary's dollhouse. Mind. Blown. Tiny, perfect furniture? Yes, please. Spent, like, a solid twenty minutes just staring. My husband, on the other hand? "Is this it? Are we done yet?" See? Totally depends. It is a beautiful building though. No denying that.
What's the best way to visit? Any tips?
Right, practical stuff! Here's what I learned the hard way (because, who reads the guide before going? Not me!).
- Book in advance! Seriously. Trying to waltz in on a Saturday is a recipe for tears (probably yours). They might be sold out.
- Get there early. The crowds are brutal. The earlier you go, the more breathing room you'll have. Which is important for me because I get claustrophobic.
- Wear comfortable shoes. This is not a sprint. You'll be doing a lot of walking. My feet were screaming by the end.
- The audio guide IS worth it. I usually roll my eyes at audio guides, but this one actually gives you some decent context. Plus, the narrators seem to know all sorts of little secrets.
- Pace Yourself. Don't try to see everything in one go. Take breaks. Grab a coffee. Stare at a painting for a bit. Enjoy the moment.
- Don't underestimate water. Seriously! All that walking and looking at stuff is exhausting. Stay hydrated.
- Don't try to take pictures of everything. You'll just get frustrated. Pick and choose. And maybe take some to remember your moment.
Oh, and one more thing, because I'm still annoyed by this: the gift shop. Prepare for a massive, overwhelming retail experience. Be strategic. Know what you want (or, better yet, don't want). Or brace yourself and just… surrender to the souvenir tsunami.
Are there any "hidden gems" or things most people miss?
This is where I shine! (Well, maybe not shine, but...) Look closely! Don't just rush through everything. The little details are often the most interesting. For instance:
- The carvings on the ceilings. Seriously, some of them are incredible. Take a moment to look UP.
- The tiny, secret passages. Okay, I didn't ACTUALLY find any secret passages, but it *feels* like there should be some. Keep an eye out for unexpected doorways or alcoves.
- The guards. They're not just statues, they're people! Watch them for a bit. They have to stand for a long time!
- The people watching! You can see all kinds of folks, tourists, families, and school trips!
- The St George's Chapel It’s a different sort of beauty. This is a place to find reflection.
And be sure to spend some time in the gardens. They're gorgeous, even if you're not a huge gardener. (I am! I love gardening!)
Okay, let's get real. Is it overpriced?
Ugh. The money question. Yes, it's not cheap. It's a decent chunk of change, especially for a family. But is it worth it? Again, that's a personal call. Consider what you're getting: access to a truly historical landmark, a chance to see some amazing art and architecture, and a memory that will last... well, probably longer than the souvenir tea towels.
Personally, I thought it was worth it. But I'm a sucker for this sort of thing. If you're on a tight budget, do some research first and decide if the experience aligns with your values. And then, you know, try to find some decent deals on lunch. Because the food inside is... well, let's just say you're paying for the view.
I heard something about the Royal Collection Trust... What is that? Is it helpful OR just a marketing thing?
Okay, so the Royal Collection Trust? Yeah, it's not *just* a marketing thing, though they're definitely keen on the marketing. Basically, they're the folks who look after the royal art collection and open the palaces to the public. They handle everything from the security to the audio guides. It’s their job, I think, to sort of manage the whole experience, collect revenue, and educate the public while the Windsor Palace folks (who, I think, have real jobs) move in and out.
So is it helpful? Yep. They keep the place running. They provide information. They curate the exhibitions. They hire the staff. Without them, you wouldn't be wandering around looking at things. Is it *perfect*? No, of courseEasy Hotel Hunt
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