Listen, I get it. Not everyone wants to dump €200 a night on the Rixos. Sometimes you just want sun, a cold Stella beer, and a bed that doesn't kill your back... for, like, fifty euros. maybe less?

But—and this is a big "but"—Hurghada has a dark side when it comes to "cheap". There are places here that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Places where the AC sounds like a tractor and the buffet looks like a science experiment.

So, this isn't just a list of "cheap hotels". This is a list of livable, decent, and actually enjoyable budget spots that I've personally vetted. I've been inside these rooms. I've eaten the falafel. I survived to tell the tale.

The €30 Rule: What You Actually Get

Let's manage expectations, yeah? If you are paying €30-40 a night for All-Inclusive (yes, that exists), you are not getting polished marble and imported steak. You are getting:

💡 Salem Says: The secret is to book a Renovated Room. Often for just €10 more per night, you get a room that feels brand new while everyone else is in the time capsule rooms. Ask specifically at check-in!

The Budget Database 📉

I've filtered out the "scary" ones. These are the ones where I'd actually send my own cousin.

✈️ Smart Booking Tip: Don't just check Booking.com. Use Aviasales to scan for Bundle Deals (Flight + Hotel) which can sometimes be cheaper than the flight alone.

🔍 Find Your Deal

Showing all budget options

Hotels vs. Rental Apartments: The British "Go-To"

For many British and European visitors, the "All-Inclusive" factory isn't the vibe. You want freedom, you want to cook your own breakfast, and you want to avoid the "Russian disco" noise.

Feature Budget Hotel (€40/night) furnished Apartment (€20/night)
Food Buffet (Hit or Miss) Self-Catering (Metro/Gomla Markets)
Guests Mixed International (Can be loud) Residents / Expats (Quiet)
WiFi Lobby Only (Usually terrible) Private WE/Orange Router (Fast)
Privacy Low (Staff knocking, pool music) High (It's your home)

🇬🇧 The "British Resort" Phenomenon

Places like The British Resort, Tiba View, and Regency Towers are not typical hotels. They are compounds where 80% of the neighbors are likely from Manchester, London, or Dusseldorf. They are safe bubbles with pools, but you buy your own toilet paper.

🍺 Nightlife & Football: The "Local" Away From Home

British tourists need two things: A cold pint and the Premier League. Budget hotels often have "Soft Animation" (boring), so here is where you actually want to go:

⚽
Caribbean Bar (Mamsha)

The unofficial British Embassy. Every Premier League game shown. Decent burger, cold Stella, and expats everywhere.

🥜
Peanuts Bar (Dahar)

For the "Old School" vibe. Live bands, cheap drinks, and a mix of divers and locals. Iconic.

🎤
Karaoke at The Lodge

Located at the Marina. A bit pricier (€5 a pint) but great atmosphere and clean toilets.

💰 Making Memories (Without Bankruptcy)

Your hotel rep will try to sell you a "VIP Safari" for £60. Do not buy it. Here is the real cost of fun in Hurghada if you book smart (local or online):

Adventure "Hotel Rep" Price Real Market Price
Orange Bay (Island Trip) £45 - £60 £20 - £25 (Incl. Lunch)
Quad Bike Safari (3 Hours) £40 £15 - £18
Intro Diving (Boat) £70 £35 - £45 (2 Dives)
Cairo Day Trip (Bus) £90 £50 - £60

💡 Pro Tip: Use apps like GetYourGuide or book with local offices in Sheraton Road. Never book in the hotel lobby if you want the budget price.

🇬🇧 The British Survival Guide

  • 📱 The Internet Hack (DrimSim): Hotel WiFi is often useless. You don't want to queue for 2 hours at Hurghada airport for a Vodafone SIM.
    Smart Move: Order a DrimSim International SIM before you fly. It works instantly in Egypt, meaning you can Uber from the airport immediately.
  • ☕ The Tea Situation: Bring your own tea bags (Yorkshire/PG Tips). Egyptian Lipton is weak. Milk is safe—buy Lamar or Juhayna full cream milk from any supermarket (Gomla/Metro).
  • 🔌 Plugs: Egypt uses the 2-pin European plug (Type C/F). You need an adapter.
  • 🏥 Medical Safety (Crucial): Public hospitals here are... an adventure you don't want. Private hospitals are excellent but expensive (€500+ for a simple drip).
    Must Have: Reliable travel insurance like Ekta Insurance. They cover COVID and diving accidents.
    (Read our full Hurghada Insurance Guide here to understand why).
  • 💊 Pharmacy (Chemist): Forget Boots. In Hurghada, El Ezaby Pharmacy (famous for its blue cross logo) is your safe haven.
    • Fixed Prices: They give printed receipts. No "tourist tax" added to your bill.
    • The Stomach Cure: If the "Pharaoh's Revenge" hits you, standard western meds won't cut it. Ask specifically for Antinal (yellow capsules, costs ~50 EGP). It cleans the system fast.
    • Know the Price: ALL medicine in Egypt has the price printed by law on the box flap. Don't pay more than what is stuck on the box.

European Traveler FAQ

Is it safe to rent a private apartment in Hurghada?
Yes, if you stick to "Compounds" with security (like Tiba, British Resort, Redcon). Avoid random standalone buildings in dark side streets ("Belhadia") if it's your first time. Always ask: "Is there a doorman (Bawab)?"
Can I buy alcohol for my apartment?
Yes. Unlike hotels where you pay €5 for a beer, you can go to "Drinkies" or "Cheers" (official liquor stores) and buy a bottle of local wine for €6 or beer for €1.50. You can keep it in your fridge. Freedom!
What about "Orfi" contracts?
If you are checking into an apartment as a couple (mixed nationalities), police require a marriage certificate OR an "Orfi" contract. However, if you are both foreign passport holders (e.g., two British people), nobody cares. This is mostly for Egyptian-Foreigner couples.
How much is a taxi?
Locals pay 20-50 EGP for short trips. Tourists often get asked for 200+.
Avoid the stress: If you are arriving with luggage, pre-book a KiwiTaxi Transfer. It costs the same as a haggled taxi but the driver waits for you with a sign. Zero stress.
Can I drink the tap water?
Absolutely not. Never. Even in 5-star hotels. Brush your teeth with bottled water. It costs 5 EGP (€0.10). Don't risk your holiday for ten cents.
What WiFi should I expect?
In budget hotels: Expect nothing. In apartments: Ask the host for a "Screenshot of a speed test" before you book. If they have a private router (WE or Orange), you can get 30Mbps easily.

Pro Tip: Don't rely on hotel WiFi. Order a DrimSim Card here before you fly. It works seamlessly in Egypt (Vodafone/Orange networks) and saves you the hassle of queuing at Hurghada airport kiosks.