A Small Request from Salem
I've spent years exploring every corner of Hurghada to bring you this free guide. To keep this website running and updated, some links here are affiliate links.
What does this mean? If you book through my links, I earn a small commission to support my work — at absolutely no extra cost to you. Actually — I often find you better deals than you'd get going direct!
If you find my advice helpful, booking through these links is a wonderful way to say "Thank You" and help me continue serving you. Enjoy your trip! 🌴
Finding the Right Place to Stay
There are like... 200+ hotels in Hurghada? More? I've honestly lost count. It's a LOT. And the reviews online? Half are fake, half are people complaining about things that aren't the hotel's fault.
So here's what I've learned after 15+ years of visiting, hosting family, and helping friends plan trips: the "best" hotel depends entirely on what you're actually looking for. A honeymooning couple wants something very different from a family with three kids who just need them to be TIRED by bedtime.
This guide breaks it down by what you actually need. Not marketing speak. Just honest recommendations.
Pick Your Type
🏝️ All-Inclusive Resorts
The "I don't want to think about anything" option. Food, drinks, beach, pool — all sorted. You just show up and exist. Beautiful.
- Unlimited food & drinks (often 5+ restaurants)
- Daily activities you can ignore or join
- Beach loungers and pool bars
- Perfect for families and "we need a rest" trips
💰 Budget Hotels
Spend your money on EXPERIENCES, not a room you only sleep in. €30-50/night gets you surprisingly decent digs.
- Clean, comfortable rooms
- Great for solo travelers and backpackers
- Central locations in El Dahar
- More money for tours and diving
👨👩👧👦 Family Resorts
Kids' clubs, water slides, and places that understand that "family dinner" sometimes means takeout to the room. No judgement here.
- Kids' clubs (your few hours of peace)
- Water parks and splash zones
- Family rooms / connecting rooms
- Entertainment for all ages
🤿 Diving & Snorkeling Resorts
House reefs you can access 24/7, on-site dive centers, and staff who get that your gear is basically a family member.
- PADI dive centers on-site
- Excellent house reefs (walk in and go)
- Daily boat trips to Giftun & beyond
- Gear storage that actually works
✨ Luxury & Boutique
The "treat yourself" tier. World-class spas, private beach sections, and staff who remember your name. Sometimes you just need fancy.
- Actual spa experiences (not just a massage room)
- Fine dining options
- Private beach sections
- Adults-only areas for peace and quiet
💑 Romantic & Adults-Only
No kids running past your lounger. No screaming at the pool. Just you, your person, and a sunset that doesn't require sharing.
- Adults-only pools and beach sections
- Romantic dinner setups
- Couples spa packages
- Sunset cruise options
Ready to Book?
Compare prices across platforms. Same hotel can be 30-40% cheaper depending on where you book. I've seen it happen.
Where in Hurghada?
🏖️ Sahl Hasheesh Bay
The fancy bit. 18km south, quieter, upscale everything. Pristine beaches without the crowds. Honeymooners, luxury seekers, people who want PEACE — this is your zone. Just know you'll need to taxi if you want nightlife.
🚤 El Gouna
"The Venice of Egypt". 25km north of Hurghada. A fully private, gated town built on lagoons. Very chic, very clean, very European. Tons of restaurants, bars, and kite surfing. Higher price tag, but impeccable quality.
🏨 Resort Zone (Main Strip)
Where most tourists stay. All the big all-inclusive resorts, closest to everything (airport, marina, restaurants, nightlife). First-timers usually land here and it's honestly fine.
🏛️ El Dahar (Downtown)
The REAL Egypt. Budget hotels, local restaurants, authentic vibes. You'll hear the call to prayer, see people actually living their lives. Less "resort" more "adventure." Budget travelers and repeat visitors love it here.
🌊 Makadi Bay
30km south, excellent diving, beautiful secluded beaches. Very quiet though — not much nightlife. Perfect if you're here for underwater stuff and don't need entertainment beyond that.
🏄 Soma Bay
45km south. An exclusive peninsula known for one thing: world-class water sports. Premier kite surfing, championship golf, and luxury resorts like Kempinski. Very quiet, very premium. If you want sports + silence, this is it.
⛵ Hurghada Marina
Boutique hotels near the waterfront. Walk to restaurants, cafés, boat trips. Great for couples and short stays. The marina itself is lovely for evening strolls.
🙋♂️ Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Stay
Which is better Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh?
It depends on you. **Sharm El Sheikh** has slightly better coral reefs right off the beach and a more condensed nightlife zone. **Hurghada** feels more like a real city (not just a resort bubble), has sandy beaches (Sharm is rocky), is closer to Luxor for day trips, and is generally cheaper. I chose Hurghada 15 years ago and stayed.
What is the difference between Sahl Hasheesh and Soma Bay?
Both are luxury enclaves south of Hurghada. **Sahl Hasheesh** is closer (20 mins), has a 12km promenade for walking/cycling, and feels a bit more "connected". **Soma Bay** is further (45 mins), more isolated, has better kite surfing, and feels incredibly exclusive. If you want pure isolation and water sports: Soma Bay. If you want luxury but still want to see civilization: Sahl Hasheesh.
Are 5 star hotels in Hurghada really 5 stars?
Sometimes, but not always by European standards. A "Standard" 5-star here might feel like a 4-star in Spain. A "Luxury" 5-star (like Steigenberger, Rixos, Kempinski) is true world-class luxury. Read the recent reviews carefully or check my specific luxury guide to know which ones are the real deal.
Are there heated pools in Hurghada hotels?
Yes, but only in winter (Nov-March) and not every pool. Usually, a resort will heat *one* of its main pools. If this is a dealbreaker for you in January, double-check the hotel listing specifically for "Heated Pool".
When should I book?
Peak season (Dec-Feb, July-Aug): 2-3 months ahead. Shoulder seasons: 6-8 weeks is fine. Last-minute deals exist but you get what's left. If you're picky, book early.
Is it actually good value?
Genuinely yes. A 5-star all-inclusive that would cost you €250/night in Spain is like €100-150 here. The exchange rate shift made Egypt insanely affordable for Europeans. Your money goes FAR.
What about the visa?
EU/UK citizens buy on arrival at the airport. $25 USD cash, 30 days. Takes 10 minutes. See my visa guide for full details.
Safety?
Tourist areas are very safe. Hotels have 24/7 security. Egypt takes tourist safety seriously (tourism = economy). See my safety tips for more.