For our stay in the Mediterranean port of Alexandria we have chosen the venerable Sofitel Cecil Hotel, overlooking the eastern harbour. Built in 1929, and renovated 3 years ago, the Cecil has 86 rooms. Period features include the traditional wrought-iron lift, but the rooms themselves have modern facilities. The hotel has 3 restaurants: the lobby level Le Jardin, where buffet breakfast is served, as well as lunch and dinner, the more formal Plat d’Or Grill Room, and the rooftop Italian restaurant. Monty’s Bar is located on the first floor. (www.sofitel.com/sofitel)