Where to Stay in Hurghada, Egypt

Hurghada stretches 35km along the Red Sea coast, and the choice of where to stay has a significant effect on how the holiday works. The northern Old Town, the central Marina and El Mamsha strip, and the southern resort zones of Sahl Hasheesh and Makadi Bay are each a different experience.

Old Town (Ad-Dahar)

Ad-Dahar is the original Hurghada town, predating the resort development. It has local restaurants, markets, and a functioning neighbourhood character. Budget guesthouses and cheap hotels operate here at EGP 300–500 per night. The beach is not within walking distance. Most tourist infrastructure — boat trip operators, dive centres, beach clubs — has shifted south. Old Town makes sense if you are on a very tight budget or specifically want a local neighbourhood environment.

Marina and El Mamsha Area

The central strip between the Marina and El Mamsha is the practical base for most independent travellers. Boat trips to Giftun Islands depart from the Marina. The El Mamsha waterfront strip gives restaurant and cafe options within walking distance. Mid-range hotels — 3–4 star, $40–80 per night for room only — operate throughout this area. This is the most convenient location for combining diving, boat excursions, and evening meals.

Sahl Hasheesh

Sahl Hasheesh is a purpose-planned resort zone 15km south of central Hurghada. The environment is quieter and the beach quality is marginally better. Higher-end all-inclusive hotels operate here, including international chain properties. If a beach-focused stay in a calmer setting is the priority, Sahl Hasheesh is worth the extra distance from the central strip. Uber and Careem connect it to Marina Hurghada easily.

All-Inclusive Resorts

The dominant accommodation model for European visitors is the large all-inclusive resort hotel. Jaz, Club Med, Rixos, and Steigenberger all have Hurghada properties. These hotels operate with private beach sections, multiple pools, buffet dining, and included drinks. Quality across the category varies considerably — the price range between a budget all-inclusive and a higher-end one is large, and the difference in food and beach quality reflects that. For a family holiday where simplicity matters, a well-reviewed all-inclusive removes the need to navigate local restaurants or negotiate taxis.

Independent Accommodation

For those not interested in the all-inclusive model, mid-range room-only or bed-and-breakfast hotels near the Marina give flexibility. Hurghada’s restaurant options on El Mamsha are sufficient for evening meals, and the Marina area is where all boat trips originate. At $40–80 per night for a decent mid-range room, independent accommodation costs less per night than all-inclusive packages, with the tradeoff of managing food costs separately.

Booking Timing

November through March is peak season — European winter sun holidays drive high occupancy and elevated prices. Book four to six weeks ahead for peak period travel. Summer (June–August) is quieter, cheaper, and hot (air temperature 36–38°C, sea temperature 26–28°C). Egyptian domestic tourists are present but the European crowd is smaller in summer.

For practical information on activities and what to do from your base, see our Hurghada city guide.