Where to stay in Egypt

Top of the list for any first-time visitor to Cairo is Downtown, the heart of the action. Here you’ll find iconic sights like El Tahrir Square and the Egyptian Museum. The busy streets are lined with European-style buildings and home to plenty of accommodation for all budgets. The Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir is a stylish and perfectly located choice. Just south of Downtown, Garden City is an upscale neighbourhood on the banks of the Nile. It’s quieter here, with tree-lined streets and beautiful architecture, including many of the city’s 5-star hotels. You’re also within walking distance of all the must-sees. The Kempinski Nile Hotel is a luxurious option with all the amenities, including a rooftop pool with a view. Zamalek is situated on Gezira Island, just across the bridge from Downtown. It has more of a peaceful and residential feel, but there’s plenty going on with art galleries, boutiques and sought-after restaurants. The Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences is ideal for both couples and families, with a fitness centre, outdoor pool, spa and restaurant.

Sharm El Sheikh is an ever-popular choice for families wondering where to stay in Egypt. Everything you need here is on your doorstep, and the area is fully geared up for tourism with more restaurants, bars and shops that you can shake a stick at. More than anything, Sharm is famed for its diving and snorkelling, with its coral reefs home to a dazzling flurry of marine life. It’s also a great base for desert excursions – why not visit the iconic Mount Sinai? For hotels, the Reef Oasis Blue Bay Resort has the whole family covered with multiple pools, including an eye-catching infinity pool. Most impressively, the resort has its own diving centre. Food-loving families should make a beeline for the Sultan Gardens Resort, an all-inclusive hotel that serves up Italian, Indian, Cajun and more. The Pickalbatros boasts its very own water park on site, with a whopping 59 slides that will delight little ones and big kids alike.

A visit to the world-famous Giza pyramids is one of the must-see things to do in Egypt. They’re half an hour from Cairo, so you could base yourself in the capital and take a day trip. However, if the pyramids are the centrepiece of your holiday and you want the easiest possible access, the place to stay is Giza itself. There’s a fine selection of luxury hotels in the area, some within walking distance. As its name suggests, the Best View Pyramids Hotel is pretty much as close as you can get to these ancient wonders. The rooftop vista is simply stunning, and there are even hot tub suites where you can admire the pyramids while you soak. After a long day of exploring, you’ll be after some hard-earned relaxation, and the Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo has you covered. This stylish hotel has a gorgeous outdoor pool with a pyramid view, plus an on-site bar and restaurant. A short stroll from the pyramid complex, Le Méridien Pyramids is another upscale option with a fantastic spa offering a wide range of treatments, plus two heated pools.

Wondering about the best place to stay in Egypt for couples? Look no further than Hurghada. Once a sleepy fishing village, it’s now a bustling resort town with tons to do. The unbelievably clear Red Sea is perfect for snorkelling, diving, and water sports like kite surfing. For a taste of paradise, take a boat trip to Giftun Island, where the beauty of the beaches needs to be seen to be believed. Lastly, Hurghada is a great base for Egypt tours to the Valley of the Kings or the Great Pyramids. Located near the heart of old Hurghada, the adults-only Bel Air Azur Resort boasts a romantic restaurant, a spa and a wonderful pool. For the ultimate in luxury, the Oberoi Beach Resort Sahl Hasheesh is a 5-star haven with opulent design and a range of tempting experiences including diving. The adults-only Pickalbatros Blu Spa Resort is a great choice for an Egypt all-inclusive holiday, with four superb restaurants serving cuisine from Italy, Asia and more, plus four bars to boot.

Marsa Alam might not quite be a hidden gem, but it’s quieter and smaller than better-known coastal resorts like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. If your dream holiday involves lounging on tranquil beaches and enjoying world-class snorkelling and diving, it could be the place for you. There’s plenty to see within day-tripping distance, including the mangrove lagoon of El Qulaan and the impossibly beautiful Hankorab Beach, where you might even spot stingrays. For accommodation, there’s a whole host of options. The Brayka Bay Resort is fantastic for couples and families, with multiple pools plus a 1.3-kilometre stretch of beach. Activities include two tennis courts plus horse and camel riding. If you’re after all-inclusive, the Aurora Bay Resort offers stunning mountain views from its main restaurant, plus a selection of bars, including poolside. Speaking of food and drink, the Sataya Resort Marsa Alam serves up Italian, Middle Eastern, sushi and international cuisine and comes with a stunning pool plus private beach access.