An up-to-date accommodation guide to all-inclusive hotels, dive resorts & budget stays with ocean views in the ‘The City of Peace’ Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt.
Nested on the sandy shores of the Red Sea, Sharm el Sheikh is one of Egypt’s premier holiday destinations for scuba diving, relaxing, or hiking in the South Sinai Desert.
On my visit to Sharm el Sheik, I witnessed how breathtaking this location is above and below water and would consider it a hidden gem compared to other bustling parts of Egypt.
My favorite place to stay is Camel Dive Club, not only did I enjoy the hotel rooms, pool, and rooftop bar but the diving courses they offer are top-notch! Haylea completed her advanced dive course here along with my friend Jake.
In this accommodation guide, I’ve thoroughly combed through the best all-inclusive luxury resorts, affordable dive resorts, and low-budget hotels to help anybody plan where to stay in Sharm el Sheikh.
My Top Sharm el Sheikh Picks
Being a resort town, deciding where to stay in Sharm el Sheikh will likely come down more to your accommodation preference than location. There are plenty of great dive resorts, all-inclusive luxury resorts, and beachside hotels dotted throughout Naama Bay, Sharm al-Maya, and Nabq Bay.
Below are my three top hotel and resort picks for various budgets and travel styles.
1. Camel Dive Club & Hotel Dive Resort
Camel Dive is well-regarded as the best dive shop in Sharm. Being a leader in diving since 1986, this resort has the best reputation for safety, quality, and experience. Their resort is also amazing, with an iconic rooftop terrace, amazing breakfast, and a relaxing outdoor pool.
2. Rixos All-Inclusive
This all-inclusive resort has everything you need. It boasts 7 pools, a sports club facility, 7 restaurants, and spa facilities. Located on a private beach overlooking the Red Sea. Guests at Rixos also have free access to Rixos's sister property Rixos Aqua Park.
3. Xperience St. George Budget
The perfect pick for those wanting to be closer to the old town/market. Meal packages are available with a free shuttle running twice a day to the 2 private beaches. It features a gym, 4 outdoor pools, and a spa facility. It has a 4-star rating at a budget price.
3 Best All-Inclusive Hotels & Resorts in Sharm el Sheikh
Hotel | Price | |
---|---|---|
Rixos Sharm El Sheikh | $$$$ | |
Stella Di Mare Beach Hotel & Spa | $$$ | |
Sunrise Arabian Beach Resort | $$$ |
Rixos Sharm El Sheikh
Located on Nabq Bay amongst palm trees this luxurious 5-star adult-only (18+) resort with everything from 7 swimming pools to nine bars that overlook the Red Sea and private beach.
Guests have a selection of comfortable rooms that can sleep up to 4 adults. Rooms come with general essentials and private bathrooms. There are 16 restaurants to enjoy on-site, a spa, and an Exclusive Sports Club for those looking to burn off some calories.
One of the unique features of staying here is the guest access to the sister hotel Rixos Premium Seagate. This sister hotel has tennis courts, outdoor swimming pools, and its very own aqua park with waterslides which is a great alternative choice to stay if you're traveling with children.
Stella Di Mare Beach Hotel & Spa
This luxurious 5-star resort is the true definition of luxury in Sharm el Sheikh with its picturesque ocean views and waterfall pool design.
One main reason that Stella Di Mare made this list was its access to the healthy coral reefs off the private beach that it provides! Sharm el Sheikh has some of the most vibrant coral reefs in the world and an underwater adventure shouldn't be missed on your visit.
The hotel features a fitness center with a sauna, massage, and steam room for those wanting less adventure. A range of room sizes is provided to suit those traveling as a couple or families.
You can enjoy a game of tennis at the on-site tennis court, or fill yourself with wonderful Italian and fresh Mediterranean cuisine in one of 3 gourmet restaurants on site.
Finally, Stella Di Mare Beach Hotel is recommended to travelers with children, as the hotel has babysitting and child-minding services.
Sunrise Arabian Beach Resort
The Sunrise Arabian Beach Resort boasts an excellent location in Sharm el Sheikh near the popular Shark Bay! The views overlook the Red Sea Reef throughout the entire property, and from the resort's private beach, you can enjoy many water sports (and of course snorkeling).
Sunrise Arabian has spacious rooms with private terraces or balconies decorated with an Arabian style. Furthermore, they have air conditioning, free wifi, flat-screen TVs, and a private bathroom.
This hotel has earned its spot on the list of best Sharm hotels because of the many entertaining amenities including a tennis court, hot tub, 3 outdoor pools, a fitness center, and evening entertainment for all such as karaoke, and a nightclub with a DJ!
Tip: I recommend staying in an all-inclusive resort for 5-7 days in Sharm el Sheikh if you're interested in taking tours, booking a day trip to Dahab, and spending some days relaxing by the pool.
3 Best Sharm El Sheikh Luxury Hotels
Hotel | Price | |
---|---|---|
Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh | $$$$$ | |
Royal Savoy Sharm El Sheikh | $$$$ | |
Steigenberger Alcazar | $$$$ |
Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh
This name should probably ring a bell, and not without good reason! The Four Seasons Resort in Sharm el Sheikh is a naturally stunning choice between the reef and the desert. Located on a 1 km stretch of private beachfront, the hotel has 4 tennis courts, 5 swimming pools, hot tubs, a fitness center, a steam room, a games room, a kids club, and the list goes on.
The oversized rooms have panoramic views, TVs, a private kitchen and living areas, and sometimes a private pool. Pets are also allowed (on request), and they will surely enjoy the incredible gardens on-site with green grass and palm trees: a truly luxurious oasis.
Furthermore, the Four Seasons has 7 dining experiences, the famous Padi dive center on-site, cooking classes, and themed nights.
The resort simply has too many amenities for me to list here, which makes it without a doubt one of the best luxury hotels in Sharm el Sheikh.
Royal Savoy Sharm El Sheikh
Still don't know where to stay in Sharm el Sheikh? Don't worry, because the Royal Savoy might be something for you. Situated just 5 km from the international airport, this hotel offers luxurious villas or suites with panoramic Red Sea views.
Royal Savoy has everything you need on-site for a relaxing stay without the worries of needing to leave. Activities like snorkeling, diving, bowling, tennis, water sports, squash, and a steam room are available at an additional charge.
The rooms naturally all have free wifi, air conditioning, and so forth. I must mention though that this is an adults-only hotel!
Most of the hotels and resorts on the list offer magnificent ocean views however in my opinion I would say it is hard to beat the views offered here along with their world-class service.
Steigenberger Alcazar
The Steigenberger Alcazar is located on the beautiful Nabq Bay, just 13 km away from the Sharm el Sheikh International Airport. This 5-star resort has 3 outdoor pools (which are heated during winter times), a fitness center, hot tubs, a spa, and a wellness center.
Steigenberger has an amazing 610 rooms, that all feature air conditioning. What I found amazing about this resort, is that personal grocery deliveries can be organized and delivered to your room.
I found a great snorkeling spot at the end of the Pier with many colorful corals and an abundance of fish. Just be sure to head here on high tide as it can get shallow during low tide and you don't want to break any of the coral.
Location: Pier
Finally, Steigenberger also has live music, themed dinner nights, evening entertainment, and a broadcast of live sports events.
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2 Best Dive Resorts in Sharm el Sheikh
Hotel | Price | |
---|---|---|
Camel Dive Club & Hotel | $$ | |
Sunshine Divers Club - Il Porto | $$ |
Camel Dive Club & Hotel
Situated just a short walk from Naama Bay beach, the Camel Dive Club & Hotel is one of the premier hotels in Sharm el Sheikh for diving.
I stayed here and Haylea completed her Advance Dive Course through Camel Dive Club. The staff is extremely accommodating and this was more evident when Haylea was stung by a lionfish and the staff organized transport to the hospital. Camel Dive is home to the famous camel rooftop bar, perfect for sunset views over the mountains and water.
The sleek modern accommodations offer air conditioning just perfect for the Egyptian heat. Some even have private balconies. The large bathrooms also have great pressure showers. Outside of the rooms, the Camel Dive Club has some awesome outdoor swimming pools and free wifi in the public areas of the hotel.
This hotel is especially recommended for divers or those looking to complete a dive course. Dive excursions and snorkeling trips are organized daily to the incredible Ras Mohammed National Park. The Padi dive center is on site.
Sunshine Divers Club - Il Porto
Sunshine Divers Club is located in a great location with views over the Red Sea. The area is known to be quiet and relaxing, and there is a private sandy beach for the hotel guests. If you are looking for a quiet holiday, filled with luxury, this might be your best bet.
Guest rooms are large with room service and a private bathroom. The private beach area is very close to some coral reefs with fish at your doorstep. Because of this reason, the Sunshine Divers Club is perfect for fans of diving and snorkeling. Dive courses can be done from the hotel, and the beach can be enjoyed between classes/study.
To complete your relaxing holiday, massages can also be arranged!
2 Best Mid-Range Accommodations in Sharm El Sheikh
Hotel | Price | |
---|---|---|
Charmillion Club Resort | $$$ | |
Savoy Sharm el Sheikh | $$$ |
Charmillion Club Resort
If the luxury places above are a bit out of your price range, I have also found some wonderful hotels in Sharm el Sheikh that are a bit more affordable. The Charmillion Club is an all-inclusive resort that is located just a 2-minute walk from the beach.
The resort boasts a large outdoor pool, playground, and highly-rated restaurants. It has hot tubs and a wellness facility, perfect for those wanting to relax while the kids play in the kids club.
Rooms are large and cater to singles, couples, and families. They have TVs, free wifi, air conditioning, and a private balcony. The hotel is also great for those sporty individuals as there is a fitness center, tennis court, and diving activities can be arranged.
Savoy Sharm El Sheikh
This pick makes the list due to its on-site activities and access to snorkeling at the nearby Shark Bay.
It offers 5 large outdoor pools, a hot tub, a beach bar, a fitness center, a kids club, a games room, and several water sports and tennis courts. In short, something to keep everybody happy!
The stylish rooms include a private balcony with panoramic views over the garden, pool, or ocean. I recommend spending time down at the beach at sunset as the sky turns red as it's an incredible sight to witness.
Finally, this large hotel also has a variety of 6 restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Related:
20 Things to do in Nearby Dahab
3 Best Hotels in Sharm el Sheikh on a Budget
Xperience St. George Sharm El Sheikh
Finally, some of the best budget hotels in Sharm el Sheikh. Starting with an amazing 4-star resort, Xperience St. George Sharm El Sheikh which feels like a luxury getaway.
This hotel has many amenities, such as an outdoor pool, steam room, hot tub, fitness center, and on-site buffet restaurant. There is access to 2 different beaches: one sandy and one coral. Both are great for snorkeling and swimming if you want to spot some tropical fish.
The rooms are spacious and decorated nicely. Some of them even feature private balconies. Finally, there is free private parking. I think Xperience St. George is one of the best value-for-money budget hotels in Sharm el Sheikh.
Sharm Inn Amarein
Sharm Inn Amarein is a great low-cost hotel near the old market and Al Sahaba Mosque which is a spectacular sight to see at night. Don't worry about being further from the beach as they arrange a shuttle service to Naama Bay beach throughout the day!
Sharm Inn Amarein has spacious rooms with air conditioning and satellite TV. They also have an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, and fitness center on-site to keep guests busy.
The main restaurant has some amazing buffet-style dishes and delicious food. Sharm Inn Amarein is one of the best hotels in Sharm el Sheikh for saving money.
Naama Inn Hotel
I end this list with the Naama Inn Hotel, the perfect low-cost accommodation in the heart of Naama Bay. Located just 400 m from Naama Bay Beach and 2.5 km from Garden Bay Beach, this hotel has an astounding location for its price. Its location is the perfect base for exploring the best things to do in Sharm el Sheikh.
The beautiful rooms all overlook Naama Bay or the pool and feature a private bathroom, free wifi, TV, and air conditioning. Naturally, it also has an outdoor swimming pool.
It's the perfect place for budget travelers, and certainly deserves its place on this list!
Related:
Guide to Climbing Mount Sinai (Egypt)
My Hotel Selection Process
- Accommodation Criteria: I look at the location, current traveler reviews, facilities, city reputation, and vibe.
- My Experience: During my visit to Sharm el Sheik I stayed at many of the hotels & resorts mentioned above. I've reviewed, and compared hundreds of hotels online and in person to give you the most accurate & honest accommodation roundup.
- Top Reviews: I look for and compare recent reviews from real travelers across hotel booking sites including Hotels.com, Booking.com, & Agoda. All hotels maintain a good score but more importantly, the recent trend suggests high quality.
- Local Insights: I've worked closely with tour partners and hotel chains in Egypt & Sharm el Sheikh on tourism marketing & photography jobs. I've gathered local insights and recommendations to make the most informed suggestions above.
Read more about how I review & select hotels & accommodations.
I'm Olly, a full-time traveler for the past 5 years. Each accommodation option in this guide is handpicked by me. Read my travel review ethics statement.
FAQ About Staying in Sharm el Sheikh
What are the best areas to stay in Sharm el Sheikh?
Naama Bay, Sharm al-Maya, and Nabq Bay are great areas as they offer accommodation options for various preferences and budgets. The areas are within close proximity to diving opportunities and the Old Market.
How long should I stay in Sharm el Sheikh?
I recommend a stay of 5-7 days to enjoy the beaches, dive into the coral reefs, take a day trip to nearby Dahab, or undertake some tours like hiking Mount Sinai.
What makes Sharm el Sheikh unique compared to other Egyptian cities?
Sharm el Sheikh is unique for its Red Sea location which boasts some of the best diving and snorkeling experiences in the world. Beaches are lined with luxurious resorts and peaceful hotels, opposite to Cairo which has historic and cultural attractions like the newly built Grand Museum & the Grand Pyramids.
When is the best time to visit Sharm el Sheikh?
The best times to visit Sharm el Sheikh are during (September to November) and (March to May). These seasons offer warm, comfortable weather that is ideal for snorkeling, diving, and beach activities, without the heat being extreme.
More Egypt & Red Sea Travel Guides
I hope that this comprehensive accommodation guide has helped you plan where to stay in Sharm el Sheikh.
Don't miss my other Sharm el Sheikh & Egypt travel guides below! If you're looking for more Red Sea resort regions, don't miss this guide to hotels in Hurghada!
- Landmarks in Egypt - the most comprehensive guide to Egypt's top natural & historical landmarks
- Things to do in Dahab - get off the beaten path on the Sinai Peninsula with this travel guide
- Things to do in Sharm el Sheikh - discover what to do at Egypt's scuba diving and resort town capital of Egypt’s Red Sea region.
- Aswan Travel Guide - find the unmissable sites & top attractions in Aswan
Mark
Thursday 29th of June 2023
Which is better steinberger or the four seasons?