Best Hurghada Hotels for an Unforgettable Holiday
Hurghada, Egypt's premier Red Sea destination, has evolved from a humble fishing village into one of the most sought-after beach resort cities in the Middle East. With 40 kilometers of pristine coastline, world-class diving sites, and accommodations ranging from budget-friendly to ultra-luxury, Hurghada offers the perfect escape for every type of traveler.
Why Choose Hurghada for Your Next Vacation?
The miles of pleasant golden beaches and glass-clear waters with coral reefs and marine life make scuba diving naturally quite popular here. Beyond the underwater adventures, visitors can explore the vibrant downtown area, enjoy quad biking through the desert, or take day trips to Cairo and Luxor to experience Egypt's ancient wonders.
Top Luxury Hotels in Hurghada
Premier Le Reve Hotel & Spa
This adults-only resort features fresh and salt-water pools, including a glass-domed sky pool, making it an ideal choice for couples seeking a sophisticated getaway. The resort's palace-like decoration and opulent amenities justify its premium positioning in Sahl Hasheesh.
Best For: Couples, honeymoons, luxury seekers
Starting Price: From $266 per night
Highlights: Sky pool, multiple dining options, private beach
The Oberoi Beach Resort, Sahl Hasheesh
Located directly upon the shore of the Red Sea, this spectacular forty-eight acre all-suite hotel offers an exceptional luxury experience. The resort combines contemporary elegance with traditional Egyptian hospitality.
Best For: Luxury travelers, special occasions
Starting Price: From $180 per night
Highlights: All-suite accommodation, private terraces, beachfront location
Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel
This expansive beachfront resort offers three different hotel options including the sophisticated Pure Lifestyle for adults only and Aqua Magic ideal for families. With a golf course, luxury spa, and over 130 activities, boredom is impossible.
Best For: Families, golf enthusiasts, diverse groups
Starting Price: From $82 per night
Highlights: Golf course, water park, multiple dining venues
Best Value Hotels in Hurghada
Swiss Inn Resort
This five-star resort stands out for its exceptional value-for-money proposition. The beautifully decorated property features a stunning private beach and all-inclusive packages that make luxury accessible.
Best For: Budget-conscious travelers seeking luxury
Starting Price: From $132 per night
Rating: 8.3 Very Good
Hilton Hurghada Plaza
One of the cheapest five-star resorts in Hurghada with a private sandy beach and multiple bars and restaurants, perfect for travelers who want quality without breaking the bank.
Best For: Mid-range budget, business travelers
Starting Price: From $102 per night
Rating: 8.6 Fabulous
Best Family-Friendly Resorts
Jaz Aquaviva
Easily one of the best luxury hotels in Hurghada for families thanks to its range of amenities, most notably the Makadi WaterWorld Aqua Park. The resort offers 487 rooms with various configurations, including swim-up pool access.
Best For: Families with children
Key Features: Water park, kids' club, multiple pools, tennis court
JAZ Makadi Star & Spa
A consistently highly-rated family resort offering comprehensive facilities and entertainment for all ages. The resort balances adult relaxation areas with exciting children's amenities.
Best For: Multi-generational families
Highlights: Animation team, kids' club, water sports
Best Adults-Only Hotels
SUNRISE Holidays Resort (Adults Only)
Features a private beach with lagoon and island, offering a dive center, health club, and outdoor pool overlooking the Red Sea. The peaceful, adult-focused atmosphere ensures a tranquil escape.
Best For: Couples, solo travelers seeking peace
Special Features: Dive center, wellness facilities, lagoon access
Grand Palace (Couples Only 18+)
A five-star beachfront property exclusively for adults, featuring an outdoor pool, garden, and private beach area. The intimate setting creates a romantic atmosphere ideal for couples.
Best Hotels by Interest
For Diving Enthusiasts
Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay - The sprawling resort surrounded by the Red Sea on three sides contains a professional dive center, making it perfect for serious divers.
Key Features:
- Professional PADI dive center
- House reef access
- Multiple dive sites nearby
- Equipment rental and courses
For Golfers
Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel - Features an 18-hole championship golf course with Red Sea views, combining beach relaxation with world-class golfing.
For Wellness Seekers
Desert Rose Resort - Boasts one of the largest spas globally, spanning over 7,500 square meters, dedicated to relaxation and wellness treatments.
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Hurghada
Dahar (El Dahar)
Dahar captures the essence of local life in Hurghada with stunning beaches, charming cafes, and a laid-back atmosphere. This area offers the most authentic Egyptian experience with bustling markets and local restaurants.
Best For: First-time visitors, culture enthusiasts, budget travelers
Village Road
The epicenter of diving activities in Hurghada, lined with dive shops, hotels, and restaurants. Easy access to both adventure and relaxation makes this area ideal for active travelers.
Best For: Divers, adventure seekers
Sakkala
Combines beach access with vibrant nightlife and excellent dining options. The lively atmosphere attracts younger travelers and those seeking entertainment.
Best For: Nightlife lovers, social travelers
Makadi Bay
A quieter resort area south of Hurghada proper, perfect for those seeking a more secluded beach experience with easy access to the famous Makadi Water World aqua park.
Best For: Families, relaxation seekers
When to Visit Hurghada
Peak Season (October - April)
The ideal time to visit with temperatures ranging between 17-35°C. The weather is perfect for beach activities and sightseeing without excessive heat.
Advantages:
- Comfortable temperatures
- Ideal diving conditions
- Pleasant evenings
Summer Season (May - September)
While temperatures can reach 45°C, coastal resorts remain comfortable with sea breezes. Summer offers the best deals on accommodations.
Advantages:
- Lower hotel rates
- Fewer crowds
- Great for beach and water activities
What to Do in Hurghada
Water Activities
- Scuba Diving & Snorkeling: Explore world-renowned coral reefs
- Glass-Bottom Boat Tours: Perfect for non-divers
- Kitesurfing & Windsurfing: Ideal wind conditions year-round
- Island Hopping: Visit Giftun Islands and Mahmya Island
Desert Adventures
- Quad Biking: Explore the Eastern Desert
- Camel Riding: Traditional desert experience
- Bedouin Village Visits: Experience local culture and tea
Cultural Experiences
- Hurghada Marina: Shopping, dining, and entertainment
- Hurghada Grand Aquarium: Family-friendly attraction
- Sand City: Open-air museum with impressive sand sculptures
- Senzo Mall: Modern shopping with international brands
Day Trips
- Cairo: See the Great Pyramids and Egyptian Museum (5 hours)
- Luxor: Explore the Valley of the Kings (4 hours)
- Abu Simbel: Visit the magnificent temples (can be arranged)
Practical Tips for Booking Hurghada Hotels
All-Inclusive vs. Half-Board
Most Hurghada hotels offer all-inclusive packages, which provide excellent value given the resort-style layout of the city. These typically include:
- All meals and snacks
- Local alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Selected activities and entertainment
- Beach access and water sports
What to Look For
- Beach Quality: Some beaches are shallow (good for kids, less ideal for swimming)
- Reef Access: Important for snorkelers and divers
- Transfer Distance: Check proximity to Hurghada Airport (HRG)
- Renovation Status: Newer rooms offer better amenities
- Resort Activities: Ensure they match your interests
Money-Saving Strategies
- Book during summer for significant discounts
- Look for early booking promotions (typically 60-90 days advance)
- Consider 4-star hotels which often offer similar amenities to 5-star properties
- Check for free child policies (many resorts offer free stays for children)
Dress Code and Cultural Considerations
Egypt is a Muslim country with modest dress expectations, especially outside resort areas. Pack:
- Light, breathable clothing for the heat
- Cover-ups for shoulders and knees when visiting mosques or downtown areas
- Beachwear for resort use only
- Comfortable walking shoes for excursions
Getting to Your Hotel
From Hurghada International Airport
Most hotels offer shuttle services (some complimentary, others for a fee). Alternative options include:
- Private Transfer: Pre-booked through hotel or tour operator
- Taxi: Available at airport, negotiate price beforehand
- Rental Car: International agencies available at airport
Transfer times typically range from 15-45 minutes depending on your hotel location.
Final Recommendations
Best Overall: Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel - Offers the most comprehensive facilities for diverse groups
Best Luxury: Premier Le Reve Hotel & Spa - Unmatched elegance and adult-focused tranquility
Best Value: Swiss Inn Resort or Hilton Hurghada Plaza - Five-star quality at reasonable prices
Best for Families: Jaz Aquaviva - Water park access and family-friendly amenities
Best for Couples: Grand Palace or SUNRISE Holidays Resort - Adults-only romance
Best for Divers: Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay - Professional dive center and reef access
Conclusion
Hurghada's hotel scene offers something for every traveler, from budget-conscious families to luxury-seeking couples. The combination of stunning Red Sea beaches, world-class diving, Egyptian hospitality, and diverse accommodation options makes it an unbeatable destination for your next vacation.
Whether you choose a sprawling family resort with water parks, an intimate adults-only boutique hotel, or a luxury spa retreat, Hurghada promises an unforgettable experience where ancient culture meets modern comfort along one of the world's most beautiful coastlines.
Start planning your Red Sea escape today and discover why Hurghada remains one of Egypt's most beloved destinations for travelers from around the globe.