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Where to Stay in Marsa Alam

Where to Stay in Marsa Alam

Marsa Alam Red Sea Coast, Egypt Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Resort & Lodge Styles

  • Luxury Resorts (5-star):

    Extensive facilities, multiple pools, private beaches, spa services, diverse dining, all-inclusive packages.

  • Mid-range Hotels/Resorts (3-4 star):

    Comfortable stays with good amenities, pools, beach access, more affordable.

  • Eco-Lodges/Camps:

    Rustic, environmentally conscious options near natural reserves or remote beaches, simpler facilities, focus on nature and diving.

  • Diving Camps:

    Basic accommodation like tents or simple bungalows, focused on comprehensive dive packages, often tied to dive centers.

Other Lodging Options

  • Guesthouses/Apartments:

    Limited in Marsa Alam town. Private rentals, for example, on Vrbo, offer self-catering.

  • Bedouin-style Camps:

    Very basic, sometimes tented accommodations, part of organized desert tours, for a glimpse into traditional desert living.

  • Camping & Outdoor:

    Permitted in designated areas or as part of organized desert safaris with specific permits. Independent wild camping is not customary.

  • Homestays:

    Not a common feature. Such options appear in specific, organized cultural tours to Bedouin communities, not independent accommodation.

Neighborhood Guide

Marsa Alam's coastline has distinct areas, each with a specific atmosphere and access to activities.

Port Ghalib

Advantages
  • Close to Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF).
  • Wide range of international restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.
  • A good base for dive boats.
  • Lively in the evenings around the marina.
Considerations
  • Can feel less authentic than traditional Egyptian towns.
  • Prices tend to be higher here.
  • Music from cafes and bars can be present.

Abu Dabbab Bay

Advantages
  • Excellent house reef for snorkeling and diving.
  • Resorts here are often family-friendly.
  • Abundant marine life viewing.
  • Generally peaceful ambiance.
Considerations
  • Limited dining or entertainment options outside resorts.

Marsa Alam Town

Advantages
  • More authentic local experience.
  • Potentially lower prices for local food and goods.
Considerations
  • Limited tourist infrastructure.
  • Not directly on the beach.
  • Can be dusty.
  • Further from RMF and many popular dive sites.

Area Insights

Safety:

All areas are generally safe for tourists. Resort complexes have their own security measures. Standard precautions are applicable when venturing into Marsa Alam town.

Proximity to Attractions:

Port Ghalib is close to the airport and northern dive sites. Abu Dabbab is ideal for house reef activities. Marsa Alam Town is less convenient for attractions. Southern Marsa Alam is best for untouched dive sites, requiring longer travel.

Booking Strategies

Strategic booking helps secure the best accommodation for your Marsa Alam trip, for both peak season travel and quieter times.

Advance Booking

  • High Season (Oct-Apr): Book well in advance, three to six months prior. Important for popular dive resorts or specific room types.
  • Shoulder Season (May, Sep): Book one to three months in advance for preferred options and potentially better rates.
  • Low Season (Jun-Aug): More flexibility. Last-minute bookings are often possible, though a few weeks ahead is wise for wider choices.
  • Trusted Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, and Hostelworld are reliable for mainstream resorts.

Booking Policies

  • Seasonal Pricing: Prices are higher during peak winter months and major holidays like Christmas and Easter. They drop considerably in the hot summer months.
  • Deposit & Cancellation: Policies vary by property and platform. Review details before confirming. Resorts often require a deposit (20-50%) for direct bookings, especially dive packages.
  • Negotiation: Not common for established resorts. Fixed prices. Basic guesthouses in Marsa Alam town during low season may allow negotiation.
  • Package Deals: Airline package deals that bundle flights and accommodation often present the most cost-effective way to book a trip to Marsa Alam for travelers from Europe.

Advice

Planning:
  • Thorough research of properties and reviews prior to booking is always a good practice.
  • Consider booking options with flexible cancellation policies, specifically if your travel plans might change.
  • Always read recent guest reviews for insights into actual experiences regarding cleanliness, service, and amenities.
  • Look for recurring themes and check photos from guests to set proper expectations.
Flexibility:
  • Consider traveling during the shoulder or low season for more options and potential savings.
  • Some properties offer exclusive deals or benefits for direct bookings, which may not be available on third-party sites.
  • Note staff responsiveness in reviews to gauge service quality.
  • Opt for free cancellation options when available for added peace of mind.

Additional Booking Information

Payment:

Most resorts accept major credit cards. Local guesthouses may prefer cash.

Wi-Fi:

Wi-Fi quality varies. Luxury resorts generally offer reliable internet, while budget options may have limited or no connectivity.

Check-in/out:

Standard check-in times are typically in the afternoon, with check-out in the late morning. Inquire about early check-in or late check-out options.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some examples to guide your selection.

Resort Types

Luxury Resorts

All-inclusive, multiple pools, spa, private beach, diverse dining.

  • Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort
  • Steigenberger Coraya Beach Resort
Mid-Range Resorts

Good amenities, beach access, pools, family-friendly.

  • Malikia Resort Abu Dabbab
  • Brayka Bay Resort
  • Jaz Lamaya Resort

Specialized Stays

Eco-Lodges/Diving Camps

Focus on nature/diving, rustic charm, sustainable practices.

  • Wadi Lahmy Azur Resort (South)
  • Lahami Bay Beach Resort & Gardens (South)
Apartment/Villa

Self-catering, marina views (Port Ghalib).

  • Marina Lodge at Port Ghalib
  • The Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza Beach Resort (offers some suites)

Traveler Focus

  • Family-Friendly Options:

    Many resorts cater to families with kids' clubs, dedicated pools, and organized activities. Look for resorts in Abu Dabbab Bay with shallow, protected beaches, suitable for children.

  • Solo Traveler Focus:

    Dive resorts are excellent, as diving naturally creates social opportunities. Many have shared rooms or communal areas to meet others.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations:

    Some resorts offer long-stay packages, especially during the off-season. Apartments in Port Ghalib also work for extended stays.

  • Cultural Significance:

    Marsa Alam is mainly a modern resort and diving destination. Accommodations focus on leisure. Eco-lodges that employ local staff or staying closer to Marsa Alam town offer local culture.

Accommodation Qualities

  • Wi-Fi Connectivity:

    Wi-Fi quality varies. Luxury resorts generally offer reliable internet, while budget options may have limited or no connectivity.

  • Payment Options:

    Most resorts accept major credit cards. Local guesthouses may prefer cash payments.

  • Check-in/out:

    Standard check-in times are typically in the afternoon, with check-out in the late morning. Inquire about early check-in or late check-out options.

  • Guest Services:

    Resorts offer a range of services from concierge to laundry. Quality varies by property class.

Planning Considerations

Flexibility in Booking

Consider booking options with flexible cancellation policies, especially if your travel plans might change. This allows adjustments without penalties.

  • Check refund terms carefully.
  • Review change fees before confirming.
  • Opt for free cancellation when available.
Reviewing Guest Feedback

Always read recent guest reviews for insights into actual experiences regarding cleanliness, service, and amenities. This helps set proper expectations for your stay.

  • Look for recurring themes in comments.
  • Check photos shared by previous guests.
  • Note staff responsiveness and service quality.

Accommodation Overview

Resort Focus

Marsa Alam's accommodation landscape is characterized by a prevalence of resort complexes tailored for leisure and diving activities.

Location Choices

Visitors choose accommodation based on proximity to the airport, specific dive sites, or a desire for a local town experience.

Seasonal Changes

Accommodation availability and pricing see significant fluctuations between the peak winter season and the warmer summer months.