A Unique Experience

john, San Francisco, CA, 2006-08-25

Alexandria's Biblioteca is a 15-minute walk up the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Though not a long walk, it can be a challenge in late summer with the heat and nutty traffic. Well worth it, though.

The Metropole was built in 1902 and is still in original condition... for the most part. It is a luxury hotel in its own context. The building is well maintained, but requires constant fiddling. The elevator, for instance, is a stunning piece of early mechanical architecture, but had to be messed with a couple of times in the 24 hours I was there. Not dangerous, just inconvenient. The rooms are clean, but there are many coats of paint on every surface, an reminder of its age. The rooms are Victorian in scale: very high ceilings, though a bit narrow. There is a TV, but an old one with bad sound. Things like this go on. But, those "amenities" are not why you would stay. The location is excellent being across the street from the sea and near many major sites, and overall, the building is very charming. The staff was perfect. I was assigned a customer service person, who was extremely attentive, very efficient and warm. She helped make the entire stay memorable. Everyone from the wait staff in the dining room to the front desk were very accomodating. I recommend staying at the Metropole for a real taste of Alexandria.