Lounging in the capital of memory: Four Seasons Alexandria

Alexandria, “the capital of memory” as described by British writer Darrell Lawrence, has experienced a renaissance since the 1990s, marked by the introduction of new developments such as the San Stefano Grand Plaza and the resurgence of old ones such as Bibliotheca Alexandria, helping the city to reestablish itself as a preeminent cultural destination for the 21st century. This was supported by the renovations made by the Egyptian government to the international airport of Alexandria.

Of Alexandria’s many places of interest: the Corniche; Bibliotheca Alexandria; Qait Bay Fort & Citadel; Pompey ‘s Pillar; Catacombs of Kom al-Shoqafa; the Greco-Roman Museum; the National Museum; the Roman Amphitheatre; Abu Abbas al-Mursi Mosque; Montazah Palace Gardens; the Museum of Fine Arts and Royal Jewellery; and the underwater cities of “Cleopatra and her palace” and “Heracleon.” Built on the site of the historic San Stefano Hotel, Alexandria Four Seasons Hotel forms an integral part of the city’s new Grand Plaza complex in the renowned San Stefano district, as Ashraf al-Manawaty, director of sales and marketing for the hotel, outlined in his presentation on April 15 at the Damascus Four Season Hotel.

The hotel’s interiors were designed by renowned French designer Pierre Rochon, and are decorated to a classic design that mirrors the Mediterranean spirit. The hotel has the largest standard rooms in the city, with a furnished balcony for each room, and views of the Mediterranean or the city and Grand Plaza. The contemporary pool terrace rooms have a large terrace with direct access to the pool deck, screened from the public area by a partition. The corner terrace suite has an additional terrace overlooking the sea as well as a separate living room and guest powder room.

More suite options include the sea view one-bedroom, four seasons executive, deluxe two bedroom and presidential. The three-bedroom royal suite, which overlooks both the Mediterranean and the Corniche, offers a level of comfort and elegance unmatched in the city.

As for dining, the hotel has nine distinctive restaurants and lounges, serving an impressive selection of local and international specialties against a backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. Cuisine ranges from Lebanese and Italian fine dining to contemporary Mediterranean favorites- café snacks, cocktails and gourmet ice cream.

Among these restaurants are the Byblos, a Lebanese restaurant, Stefano’s Italian restaurant, Kala, the Mediterranean restaurant, and Fresca, an Italian “street” café. Most restaurants have indoor and outdoor seating, Fresca allowing 124 diners outside, and opens onto the Corniche, offering 24 hour services with breakfast and all day and all night dining.

In his illustrated presentation with video of the hotel’s various areas, Manawaty highlighted business and functions services provided at the hotel’s San Stefano Ballroom, which is the largest in the city and can accommodate up to 900 people. Further small meeting or pre-function rooms, named after Alexandria ‘s other main districts such Zizinya, Laurent, Rouchdy, Stanley and Saba Pasha, can each accommodate between 70 and 100 persons. Furthermore the fully equipped business center, together with the hotel’s multilingual concierge service, provide comprehensive business services and support to hotel guests and conference delegates.

Part of the special services provided at the hotel is the spa and wellness center. Opened just this summer, the center offers a comprehensive range of all natural body care, facial care, massages and spa treatments to meet the personal needs of the guest. The spa is served by its own café, which offers fresh juices and healthy, balanced lunches and light dinners. Alongside the spa is the 24-hour fitness center, which includes a squash court and two gyms, one for women only.

The Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano was opened in Summer 2007. As stated by Alexandria at San Stefano general manager Stephan Killinger, the Four Seasons is dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through the continuous innovation and highest standards of hospitality. Founded in 1960, Four seasons has followed a targeted course of expansion, opening hotels in major city centers and resort destination around the world, currently with 74 hotels in 31 countries and more than 25 properties under development.