Hôtel De L'Europe
Formerly The Price of Wales Hotel

This hotel was one of the principal hotels in Steamer Point, along with the Crescent Hotel, Grand Royal Hotel and Rock Hotel. The landmark property underwent several name-changes throughout it's long and colourful history. We know that when visited in 1858 by Sir William Russell it was known as the Prince of Wales Hotel. It would appear it was closed later in 1858, possibly for refurbishing, to re-open later as the Hotel De L'Europe. 

There is every likelihood it had a different name prior to being the Prince of Wales Hotel.  In 1877 from the story of Mrs Brassey's visit we know it was still called the Hotel De L'Europe.  Later it was to be changed to The Marina Hotel. From a report by Captain F.M. Hunter in 1877 we know that this hotel and the Hotel De L'Univers at the far end (eastern end) of The Crescent were both operated by Frenchmen.

In 1905 Benghiat (of postcard fame) wrote to the Residency to complain that some soldiers had entered the Hotel De L'Europe (which he appears to have owned or at least leased) with passengers off ships and were being bought (alcoholic) drinks. His licence did not allow him to serve soldiers.

Saline bint Sa’id, later known as Madame Ruete, the daughter of Sultan Sa’id bin Sultan, Ruler of Oman and Zanzibar spent 5 days at The Hotel De L'Europe in July 1885 enroute to Zanzibar.

Those who collect Aden postcards will notice the Turkish Shop which was run by I. Benghiat. Probably around 1915, and certainly when the hotel had changed name to Marina Hotel, the shop had become that of M. Yahooda's  Universal Bazaar and to the left of the building was The Star Pharmacy.

This photo might be late 1920s or early 1930s

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