Hilton Alexandria Green Plaza, Alexandria

Advantages: Cosmopolitan and historical
Disadvantages: Not on many tours

...I have just spent two weeks in Alexandria. A fascinating city, full of history and about to go up in the world because they are rebuilding a library that was burnt doen for the 2nd or 3rd time 1400 years ago. Of course they won't get the books they had in it before, but they are trying to get links to electronic forms as well as get the set classical texts so that it can be a useful resource for scholars who are studying ancient and modern Egypt. Of course there's ancient and ancient Egypt. Alexandria is new as Egypt goes being only 2,400 years old, but it's a fascinating city. Every age is represented there and even relatively modern times ahve seens imteresting influxes of refugees or other immigrants such as Armenians and Turks in the 20th century. Yes, it's an interesting place and should be better known.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Friendly and very Egyptian
Disadvantages: Not many sites to see, out of the way of most tourists (but that's why I like it!)

...Despite its amazing history, there is almost nothing left of ancient Alexandria - if you go there hoping to see the sort of remains that can be found in places like Cairo, Luxor and Aswan, you will be sorely disappointed. It is also not exactly what you would call 'beautiful' despite the fact that Egyptians call it the 'Pearl of the Mediterranean' and visit in their millions during the summer. Nevertheless, any visitor to Egypt should not forget Alexandria, for it is a truly wonderful city and full of character. You will probably see more of the 'real' Egypt during a weekend in Alex than a month touring the more famous sites further south. I spent a year living there while I was a student and totally fell in love with the place, although I didn't really realise this until I had flown home! Typical! Alexandria is basically long and thin... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: absolute chnage of senery, different way of life
Disadvantages: the men are a bit pervy..but nuffin you cant handle

...i went to cairo not really knowing what to expect, i knew i'd see the pyramids and a few mummies but didnt know anything about the life there. If your planning a holiday with mates cairo is not much of a place to go, if your looking for night life and etc then sharm el sheik is your place in egypt. but if your planning a family holiday or just a peaceful reflecting time by yourself then egypt is a good place to go. i went to cairo for 7 days,but most do, 1 week in cairo and 1 week in luxor. i found 7 days in cairo was enough and within that time i travelled to alexandria and spent the day there. (Alexandria is a 5 hour drive away) --HOTEL-- in cairo i stayed in the Hilton Hotel which i know sounds very posh and expensive but you will be very suprised with the prices. i stayed there for a whole week with 11 other members of my family... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful