Alexandria - Steigenberger Cecil hotel & Bibliotheca Alexandrina on your own

[Monkeygirl2]

We have done Cairo so wanted to spend a day looking around Alexandria

 

Has anyone been to the famous Cecil hotel which was frequented by Montgomery, Churchill, Agatha Christie & Al Capone? 
On our last cruise our MDR colleagues got dropped off there on the ships freebie shuttle and enjoyed drinks there. They were taken into a room with photos and mementos of those famous peoples stay and said how interesting it was

 

Alexandria library - I want to take a look but my husband thinks it will be swamped with hundreds of people on the ships Best of Alexandria tour. Any feedback from anyone who has visited on if you can wander around on your own or have to take a tour. I’ve noted the entrance fee

 

also are the Catacombs worth a stop.

 

thanks