Al Alamein Hotel

Swinging sixties in cosmopolitan Egypt was the “golden era” with an energetic and elegant style bouncing through the nation.

It heralded the start of iconic films which celebrated the new found freedom from state nationalisation and wowed audiences with romantic and social dramas including “The Night of Counting The Years” and “Saladin”.

Elegant black and white portraits of iconic stars such as Ahmed Marei and Nadia Lutfi now adorn the walls of the Al Alamein Hotel which was built on Egypt’s stunning North Coast in 1960.

66 years later and it’s still turning heads with its individual style attracting tourists keen to enjoy timeless hospitality in a gorgeous setting.

Think turquoise waters and white sandy beaches on a coast which stretches 30 kilometres, making it one of the most desirable holiday spots and a must for today’s celebrities.

Part of the Emaar Misr group’s Marassi resort, the Al Alamein is the proud “old lady” oozing elegance combined with tradition, yet ensuring modern life is the key for a relaxing time.

Security of guests is paramount at the gated hotel and then it’s fun all the way. Egyptians are known for their hospitality and staff at the Al Alamein are kind but discreet.

The welcoming lobby has been designed to show off the film golden era and blended in are traditional artefacts with a nod to the sea and Egyptian life.

There are 189 tip top rooms, all cleverly designed to create a crisp contemporary vibe with cool colours and minimal furniture, allowing time to just sit and enjoy the sounds and sights of the sea or admire the well-manicured gardens.

Spacious and with sink into comfy beds with only the finest Egyptian linen and a lovely big bathroom complete with power shower, Lorenzo Villoresi toiletries and snug robes and slippers, the rooms are a delight. Complimentary teas, coffees and soft refreshments are in the mini bar, along with snacks and there’s a Smart television and Wi-Fi available. Ground floor accommodation allows for direct beach access and the resort’s villas are ideal for families.

The pride shown by the staff in keeping the hotel spotless is a joy and there’s a daily rug reminder in the lift as a welcome, with the sunrises and sunsets a fabulous way to start and end an action packed time.

Outdoors is where it’s at, with the beach dominated by a 13 metre high steel sculpture called “Umbrellas”. Created by renowned Greek artist George Zongolopoulos, it’s a reinterpretation of the classic Egyptian song “Dokko Elshamasy” which urges to “fix the umbrellas on the beach”.

The sands have a huge pair of sunglasses on them too and guests are spoiled with individual sun loungers and umbrellas with complimentary towels and coolers full of water, all delivered with impeccable service.

Brightly coloured deckchairs provide a great view of the sea and there’s water sports, from parasailing to jet skiing on offer. The garden area of the hotel is dominated by a heated pool and spa, with access to a steam room and sauna and a menu full of treatments.

There’s table football and a padel court, with bikes to hire and a beauty salon and limousine service to make the trip extra special.

Breakfasts are sumptuous buffets full of Egyptian and European delights and dinner comes in five special options from delicious Mediterranean seafood at B’ haar including poached shrimps salad and smoked salmon pizza to seafood linguini to burrata salad, all served right on the beach.

Origins Restaurant is a fusion driven concept which combines international classics and soulful Oriental dishes including chicken biryani and hot mezza, with wonderful buffet dinners also available.

For snacks and beach on the go, Streats delivers gourmet burgers, sandwiches and fries and Bay Root Espress is the place for Lebanese bites and at Blé for French pastries.

Very much a family hotel, the Al Alamein is geared up for children of all ages, with the Qix Kids Club a safe place for the youngsters to enjoy fun with their pals and the ultra-brilliant Marassi Water World with 12 different slides, a kids complex, lazy river, pool bar and food outlet for all ages. It’s also got Egypt’s only FlowRider, along with The Hub, a fabulous youth entertainment space which has a bowling alley, go-karting, skateboarding, an arcade and a hang out space.

With non-stop relaxation and fun on the cards, it’s clear The Al Alamein is still very much shining brightly, post golden era!

The Details

Al Alamein Hotel, Marassi, Sidi Abd El Rahman, Kilo 129, Matrouh Road, Egypt.

Tel:  +202 2160 0182 /+2046 4681600

Website: www.alalameinhotel.com

Email: stayatmarrassi@emaar.ae / info@alalameinhotel.com

Driving from Cairo to Marassi, takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, covering about 250-300 km via the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road. Flights from Cairo to Alamein Airport take around 60 minutes and then it’s a 30 minute drive to the resort. Flights to Cairo from the UK are via London or European hubs and Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com) can help with long stay parking or hotels with parking facilities.

Type of Hotel: 5-Star Hotel

Number of Rooms: 189 rooms and suites including chalets.

Price Band: Nightly rates at Al Alamein Hotel start from $1,300 (£942*) for a double room.

Insider Tip: The town of El Alamein is known for a decisive 1942 World War II battle which is commemorated in the El Alamein War Museum with uniforms and tanks. Desert plants surround the war cemetery’s headstones. Just outside the town, the German war memorial is a fortress like structure with a central obelisk built over a mass grave and the Italian war memorial is a tower which is inscribed with the names of the dead.

Reviewer’s Rating: 10/10

Author Bio:

Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.

Photographs courtesy of Al Alamein Hotel

*Current exchange rate at the time of publishing.