Best places to stay in Hurghada

When deciding where to stay in Hurghada, the choice comes down to the city itself versus the neighbouring resort towns. Hurghada proper has a wide range of accommodation from budget to luxury, largely clustered around the El Mamsha promenade and the coastal Sheraton Road. A stay here puts you at the heart of the hustle and bustle. The popular resort towns nearby are El Gouna (to the north) and Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay and Soma Bay (all to the south). Here, you’ll find large hotels offering all the amenities, such as all-inclusive dining and on-site water parks. It’s more tranquil here than in Hurghada itself, but the trade-off is sometimes not quite as much going on outside your hotel.

A stay in the city centre will put you within easy reach of sights like its picturesque marina, plus all the many shops and eateries. Situated near the heart of the old town, the Hilton Hurghada Plaza has the best of all worlds with direct beachfront access. A little further south are the tourist villages, which are fully geared up for travellers with a whole host of international restaurants as well as activities like water sports centres. At Serry Beach Resort, you can flit between the beach and the pool all day long.

Families looking for the best area to stay in Hurghada are sure to enjoy the nearby resort towns, where everything is designed around comfort and ease for holidaymakers. Makadi Bay has a beautiful sandy beach with calm, shallow water, and Iberotel Makadi Beach ticks all the boxes with a special kids’ pool. Handily located a 20-minute drive from the airport, Long Beach Resort is another great option with tons of amenities for all the family: six pools, 12 bars and four restaurants, including informal dining and kids’ menus.

Less than 10 minutes from the airport, Pickalbatros White Beach Resort is perfect for a luxurious and hassle-free family holiday. The spacious and stylish rooms offer sea, pool or garden views, while there’s Italian, Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine on offer, plus a casual food court. Designed around tranquil lagoons, the resort of El Gouna is a high-end haven. Families will love the Mövenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna, where all rooms have a balcony or terrace with wonderful views. Treat your kids to Chocolate Hour, a daily event with complimentary goodies.

The JAZ Makadina is a surefire hit for families with a sandy private beach, kids’ club, children’s pool and playground. The icing on the cake, though, is Makadi Water World, with over 50 water slides to thrill all ages. Guests get unlimited access, with a free shuttle bus back and forth. Another epic water park can be found at the Pickalbatros Jungle Aqua Park – Neverland Hurghada. It boasts a staggering 81 slides, and the low-rise accommodation is scattered throughout the grounds, so you’ll never be far from the water.

With its own beach and water sports facilities, the Club Paradisio El Gouna Red Sea is ideal for an active holiday, but relaxation is guaranteed too thanks to the delightful spa. The all-inclusive offering includes an international buffet with live cooking shows, a shorefront seafood bistro, and pool and beach bars. With traditional Nubian stylings, the Arabella Azur Resort is a characterful choice for an Egypt all-inclusive holiday. All the amenities you’d expect are on hand, from a private beach to tennis courts and a sauna. Enjoy international cuisine at the panoramic grill restaurant or a beer at the German-style pub.

The Sunrise Holidays Resort takes things to the next level with its own private lagoon, a dreamy spot where you can float in crystal-clear waters. Everything you could want is on site with six bars and six restaurants, but you’re also just a 10-minute walk from Hurghada city centre. A tranquil paradise for couples, the Premier Le Reve Hotel & Spa has relaxation on tap with four pools, a spa, and understated nightly entertainment. There’s a buffet restaurant with stunning sea views, plus four à la carte eateries serving Italian, Chinese, Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine.

The 3-star Zak Inn is located a stone’s throw from the beach and all the things to do in Hurghada city centre. It has rooms for extremely reasonable prices (~£30/night, even in high season), all with a balcony overlooking the outdoor pool. With a peaceful atmosphere, it’s the ideal option for a low-key stay. The JAZ Neo Ivory offers exceptional value for money, with air-conditioned suites for as little as £14 a night. It’s conveniently located close to both the airport and the beach and has an on-site bar and restaurant serving international cuisine.