Where to Stay in Hurghada. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation

Diverse Accommodation in Hurghada

Luxury Resorts

All-Inclusive Focus:
Packages common along Villages Road, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh.
Premium Facilities:
Pools, private beaches, spas, fitness centers, various dining options.
Examples:
Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel and Rixos Premium Magawish Suites & Villas.
Complete Holiday:
These resorts create a comprehensive holiday experience.

Diverse Choices

Mid-Range:
3-4 star hotels throughout Sakkala and near Hurghada Marina.
Budget Stays:
Hotels/guesthouses mostly in El Dahar (Old Town), offering basic rooms.
Hostels:
For those backpacking in El Dahar, with dormitory beds at affordable rates.
Value Balance:
These options balance comfort and affordability.

Unique Stays and Rentals

The prevalence of large, all-inclusive resorts with extensive facilities characterizes Hurghada's accommodation. This model focuses on convenience and a complete holiday within resort grounds.

Vacation Rentals

Benefits

Available through platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com.
Range from studio apartments to larger villas.
Preferred by families or groups seeking self-catering.
Offer an independent stay.

Considerations

Often located in residential compounds or tourism developments.
Less integrated with local life.
May need transport for amenities outside.

Community Tourism

Cultural Immersion

Less common in Hurghada itself.
More typical in traditional areas outside main tourist zones.
Found through specialized tour operators.
Opportunity for cultural exchange.

Availability

Not widely available within Hurghada's resort-centric environment.
Might need travel to other regions for true homestays.
Requires active search for such unique experiences.
Limited direct options in the city center.

Outdoor Stays

Adventure Opportunities

Direct camping options not common in Hurghada.
Organized desert safaris include overnight camping.
Part of tour packages in the Eastern Desert.
Unique outdoor adventure experience.

Limitations

No dedicated camping grounds within the city.
Dependent on specific tour packages.
Not a standalone accommodation type in Hurghada.
Limited comfort amenities during desert camps.

Summary of Accommodation Options

Convenience vs. Local Experience

Hurghada offers choices from isolated luxury resorts to more local guesthouses. Your choice shapes the trip's overall character.

Booking Platform Access

Use Booking.com, Agoda, IHG Hotels, Hostelworld, and Vrbo for diverse selections.

Neighborhood Guide

Hurghada comprises distinct neighborhoods, each offering a different atmosphere and appeal.

El Dahar Old Town/Downtown

Character: Oldest part of Hurghada, gives a real Egyptian experience with local markets, traditional coffee houses, and eateries.
Pros: Authentic local vibe, generally cheaper food and goods, proximity to main bus station, cultural immersion opportunities.
Cons: Can feel overwhelming, less polished, further from main beaches, noisy in some areas.
Safety: Generally safe, but remain mindful of belongings and be assertive with vendors.

Sakkala New Hurghada/City Center

Character: Modern commercial and entertainment hub with Hurghada Marina, restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops.
Pros: Lively atmosphere for eating and nightlife, modern amenities, diverse entertainment.
Cons: Can be noisy, more tourist-oriented with higher prices, less authentic local experience.
Safety: Very safe, especially around the Marina and main streets.

Proximity & Ambiance

Proximity to Attractions and Transportation Hubs

El Dahar: easy access to main bus station and traditional souk.
Sakkala: central for marina, nightlife, and restaurants.
Villages Road: transport needed to reach other Hurghada areas.
The Venice of the red sea: separate transport to Hurghada city.

Sound Levels and Environment

El Dahar and Sakkala: noisy with traffic, vendors, and music.
Villages Road and El Gouna: generally much quieter and more serene within resort compounds.

El Gouna & Villages Road Overview

El Gouna

Upscale resort town north of Hurghada. Known for lagoons, golf courses, high-end hotels. Very safe, clean, well-maintained.

Villages Road / South Hurghada

Dominated by large, all-inclusive luxury resorts with private beaches. Ideal for families and those seeking relaxation within resort grounds.

Difference

The Venice of the red sea offers an European/international feel; Villages Road provides self-contained resort holidays.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies secure better prices plus chosen accommodation.

Advance Booking: High Season

High Season October - April

Booking several months in advance is recommended, especially for popular resorts and during peak holidays (Christmas/New Year, Easter).

Prices are higher.
Availability becomes limited for last-minute bookings.
Early booking secures best options.
Expect increased demand.

Shoulder Season May, September

Booking a few weeks to a month in advance secures better rates and a wider room choice.

Less critical than high season.
Still advisable for peace of mind.
Good balance of weather and prices.
Availability is generally fair.

Advance Booking: Low Season

Low Season June - August

Good last-minute deals are often available due to lower demand during the hottest months.

Lower demand results in better deals.
Hottest months may mean fewer outdoor activities.
Fewer crowds.

General Booking Tips

Booking platforms Booking.com, Expedia, and Agoda are reliable.

Airbnb is an option for vacation rentals.
Local travel agencies can sometimes offer special walk-in deals (less common for large resorts).
Always check specific deposit and cancellation policies.
Many resorts are equipped with flexible cancellation.

Negotiation & Policies

Negotiation Customs:
For smaller boutique hotels/guesthouses in The Dahar, a slightly better walk-in rate might be possible, especially in low season. Major hotels have fixed rates.
Deposit & Cancellation:
Policies vary by property and booking platform. Always check specific terms before confirming. Major platforms often have flexible cancellation.
Price Fluctuations:
Prices are significantly higher during high season and public holidays, dropping in shoulder and low seasons. All-inclusive deals can offer consistent value.
House Sitting:
Consider TrustedHousesitters for unique stays.

Platform Advantages

International Platforms:
Booking.com, Expedia, and Agoda are trusted platforms for hotels and resorts. Airbnb is strong for vacation rentals.
Direct Booking Perks:
Booking directly with resorts sometimes includes perks not available elsewhere.
Seasonal Deals:
Look for special packages during off-peak times.
Guest Reviews:
Read guest reviews on platforms to gauge quality and suitability for your travel style.