Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria At San Stefano

The Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria At San Stefano stands as a prominent luxury destination in Egypt's second-largest city, earning a Michelin Key One-Key distinction for a "very special stay." The hotel is celebrated for its opulent facilities, exceptional service, and prime beachfront location, offering guests a serene escape within a vibrant metropolis.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, with the hotel consistently receiving "Superb" ratings (averaging 9.3 out of 10 from over 1,200 reviews). Guests frequently describe their stays as "incredible," "exceptional," and "luxurious". The sentiment highlights a blend of lavish comfort, remarkable hospitality, and a relaxing atmosphere, making it a highly recommended choice for both vacationers and those visiting family in Alexandria.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of the hotel:

• Service & Staff: The staff is frequently lauded as "amazing," "helpful," "professional," "polite," and "well-trained," often going above and beyond to ensure guest satisfaction.
• Location & Views: Its beachfront setting with panoramic Mediterranean Sea views is a major draw, with many rooms and suites offering stunning vistas. The private beach is a significant highlight, accessible via an underground tunnel.
• Amenities: The hotel boasts three swimming pools, including a fourth-floor terrace infinity pool overlooking the Corniche, an indoor heated pool, and a beach seawater infinity pool with a swim-up bar. A lavish, extensive spa with 14 treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, whirlpool, and squash courts is also a key feature. Direct access to the attached Grand Plaza shopping mall is a convenient amenity.
• Design & Luxury: The hotel's design is described as ornate, feeling like a fine European hotel with portraits, statues, marble, and elegant furnishings. It exudes a classical yet refreshed aesthetic, with a bright color palette evoking a summery feel.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites are consistently described as "luxurious," "spacious," "comfortable," and "beautifully maintained". Standard room sizes begin around 560 sq ft (52 sq m) for city views and 517 sq ft (48 sq m) for sea views, with all rooms featuring balconies. Guest rooms often include light blue accents, chandeliers, and ornate ceiling medallions, with some overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Bathrooms are notably large, typically featuring a bathtub, single sink, toilet, and bidet, often finished in grand Roman-style marble with rain showers and deep-soaking tubs. Newer seafront suites and villas, added in 2019, offer contemporary decor, private pools, gardens, and expansive indoor/outdoor living areas.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Four Seasons Alexandria receives high praise, particularly the breakfast, which many guests consider "the best hotel breakfast" they've ever had, offering premium quality and a wide variety of options. The hotel features seven distinct restaurants and lounges, serving a diverse selection of local seafood and international specialties, including Lebanese, Italian, and contemporary Mediterranean cuisines. Options range from fine-dining to casual café snacks and gelati, with some restaurants offering live entertainment and Mediterranean Sea views. Noteworthy mentions include an Iftar dinner with a huge spread of international cuisines during Ramadan.

5. Service & Staff

Exceptional service is a hallmark of the Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria. Guests frequently commend the staff for being "amazing," "helpful," "professional," "polite," and "extremely kind". Personalized touches are noted, with staff members remembered by name for their accommodating and professional attitudes in areas such as the front desk, spa services, breakfast restaurant, coffee shop, and housekeeping. The hospitality is described as "top-notch" and making guests feel "special" and "like royalty".

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an "excellent" and "superb" beachfront location on the Mediterranean shoreline along the Corniche. It is integrated into the San Stefano Grand Plaza complex, providing direct access to a shopping mall, essentially functioning as a "city unto itself". Key attractions are relatively accessible; the Royal Jewelry Museum is about a 10-minute walk (650 meters), while the Library of Alexandria is around 9 km away, and the Citadel of Qaitbay is part of recommended city tours. A private beach is connected via an underground tunnel, offering convenient and safe access across the busy motorway.

7. Value & Pricing

As a Five-Star, Michelin Key One-Key property, the Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria is positioned at the higher end of the luxury market. While some guests acknowledge it is "10 times more expensive than other competitors", many find it to be "great value for their holistic approach to their amazing approach to hospitality services". Typical nightly rates for a base room can be around $430, with average prices varying between $377 for weekend nights and $465 for weeknights. Offers for Egyptians and residents, as well as packages including breakfast and spa discounts, are available.

8. Common Complaints

While overall reviews are glowing, a few minor recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:

• Pricing: The food is occasionally described as "extremely overpriced".
• Inconsistent Service/Facility Access: One review mentioned an instance of being charged higher prices than advertised on a menu due to an "error," and disappointment over an unannounced closure of the indoor pool, impacting the ability for couples to use facilities together. Another guest noted "so-so" hotel service when requesting things by phone, contrasting with the excellent staff mentioned elsewhere.
• Dated Decor (Minor): A dated feel in some parts of the hotel, particularly in older rooms compared to newer beach suites and villas, was mentioned by one reviewer, although generally, rooms are well-regarded.
• Breakfast Distance: One complaint highlighted that breakfast was "very very far from the room".

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