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Where to Stay in Egypt: Best Areas & Hotels

Where to Stay in Egypt: Best Areas & Hotels

Olly Gaspar

By Olly Gaspar, full-time traveler for 6 years. I visit every place I write about & share real tips, photos, & advice from my trips.

An up-to-date accommodation guide for where to stay in Egypt. Revealing the best areas offering Grand Pyramid views to dive resorts along sandy beaches with rich marine life.

Egypt, the land of ancient wonders, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. From the majestic pyramids of Giza to the pristine coral reefs of the Red Sea, Egypt offers travelers an abundance of memorable experiences.

However, with so many awesome places to visit, planning where to stay during your ultimate Egypt tour can be daunting. That’s why, after traveling extensively throughout the country, I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to the best places to stay for all types of travelers.

I’ve also included the best hotels, resorts, and hostels in each region of Egypt to help you pick the perfect place to stay for your trip.

Infographic showing different areas based on where to stay in egypt.
Map showing the best areas to stay in Egypt

6 Best Areas & Cities to Stay In Egypt

Whether it's your first time traveling to Egypt or looking for more places to explore, these are the best places to stay for your trip.

  • Cairo - Egypt's capital and home of some of the top landmarks in the country. Here you'll find many great hotels & resorts overlooking the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, or Nile River.
  • Aswan - Stay in the ancient city of Aswan, this is home to many ancient wonders and a unique opportunity to visit a Nubian Village.
  • Luxor - Plan your accommodation on the West Bank of the Nile River near the incredible Valley of the Kings or East Bank to explore the Luxor Temple.
  • Hurghada - An amazing Red Sea beach town offering incredible luxury hotels and scuba diving resorts.
  • Dahab - Visit one of Egypt's best-kept secrets. The laidback backpacker town of Dahab is great for travelers chasing authentic and raw adventures like climbing Mount Sinai.
  • Sharm el-Sheikh - The best place to stay in Egypt for a scuba diving holiday. This region is situated in Sinai on the Red Sea, where you'll find some of the best dive sites in the world.

Cairo: Best for Ancient Egyptian Landmarks

If you're heading to Egypt solely to see the ancient landmarks, then Cairo is the best place to stay. Home to the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and many museums, Cairo cannot be missed.

If you're looking for more options check out my first-timers guide on where to stay in Cairo for a breakdown of the best neighborhoods with Nile or Pyramid views.

HotelPrice
Outdoor swimming pool at the four seasons hotel cairo at nile plazaFour Seasons Cairo$$$$
Views from crowne pyramids view innCrowne Pyramids View Inn$$
Holy sheet hostel private roomHoly Sheet Hostel$$

1. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo

If you're a luxury traveler, the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo is one of the best hotels in Egypt for you to stay.

Located in the heart of Cairo, this property is one of the best hotels for several reasons. From breathtaking views of the River Nile to its spacious rooms and hot tub, it's easy to see why this hotel got its 5-star rating.

Each room at this luxurious hotel features air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a bathtub. Depending on the room you book, you may have a private terrace overlooking the Nile River.

Some of the amenities at this hotel include an indoor and outdoor pool, a gym, a spa, and a salon.

Every morning, guests can enjoy a fresh and tasty buffet breakfast before heading out on a tour of the city or heading to the spa for a wellness massage.

2. Crowne Pyramids View Inn

If you're traveling to see the pyramids, then Crowne Pyramids View Inn is one of the best places to stay in Egypt for its reasonable price and breathtaking views.

This family-run hotel is located in one of the best areas for jaw-dropping Giza Pyramid views especially that of the Great Pyramid at sunset and sunrise as the light hits the side of the monstrous structure.

Furthermore, it offers comfortable rooms and delicious home-cooked Egyptian meals, and a fresh breakfast is served each morning overlooking the unbeatable landscape.

If you're looking to save money and still have picturesque views of the Egyptian Pyramids, this is an excellent choice.

3. Holy Sheet Hostel

Want to see the pyramids on a budget? Holy Sheet Hostel is the best hostel for you in Downtown Cairo.

Holy Sheet Hostel features free Wi-Fi, a shared lounge, and a range of clean, comfortable rooms that offer both dorm and private selections. Each morning, guests can enjoy breakfast which consists of eggs, bread, and fruits.

Some of the best places to see near the hostel include Tahrir Square, the Egyptian Museum, Khan Al Khalili, Cairo Tower, and Al-Azhar Mosque.

As I mentioned in my Cairo blog the hostel is just 120 m walking distance from the best Beef Shawarma you will ever taste at Kazaz!

Girl at the great shinx of giza
Cairo is a must-visit city in egypt for its ancient sites

Aswan - Best Hotels on the Nile River

Located on the banks of the Nile River, Aswan is one of the best places to stay in Egypt. Boasting towering sandstone cliffs and modern markets, the hotels in Aswan have something for everyone.

HotelPrice
Sofitel legend old cataract outdoor view with pool and the nile riverSofitel Legend Old Cataract$$$$
Tolip aswan hotel outdoor swimming pool areaTolip Aswan Hotel$$
The mango guest house bedroomThe Mango Guest House$

4. Sofitel Legend Old Cataract

If you want to stay at a luxury 5-star hotel in Aswan, look no further than Sofitel Legend Old Cataract.

Located in the Nubian Desert on the banks of the Nile, guests can expect elegant rooms and suites while staying here. Each room boasts air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and depending on your room, beautiful views of the Nile River or garden.

Guests can spend their days relaxing by the indoor or outdoor swimming pool, soaking in the hot tub, or keeping up their fitness regime in the fitness center.

Featuring four restaurants and four bars, guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with gorgeous views over the river.

Not only are the luxurious decor and amenities enough reason to stay at this hotel, but there is also another one if you love literature. This hotel is known for being the place where Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile.

The nearest airport is Aswan International Airport, which is 14km from the hotel.

5. Tolip Hotel Aswan

Want to have uninterrupted views of the River Nile without breaking the bank? Tolip Hotel Aswan is the perfect place for a great location for an even greater price.

It is a great base for those wanting to explore the best things to do in Aswan. I took a sunset boat trip from here whilst staying at the hotel and it turned out to be one of the highlights whilst staying in Aswan.

This hotel features an outdoor swimming pool which has bar services for those looking to order a drink whilst soaking under the sun, a fully-equipped gym to work off those extra calories from breakfast, and a cinema for the nights you feel like staying in.

The elegantly designed rooms have a minibar, an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi with a private balcony that overlooks the Nile River.

Every morning, guests can enjoy an à la carte or buffet breakfast.

6. The Mango Guest House

A newly added option on this list of places to stay is the Mango Guest House. This low-budget choice is on the list due to its unique location and great value for money.

Located on Elephantine Island in the middle of the Nile River, it offers guests an opportunity to unwind away from the bustle of the nearby Aswan city.

Many people have enjoyed their stay here which is evident when reading through their 1,400 superb reviews. I think it has much to do with the delicious breakfast and the attentive staff who are always happy to help.

Water taxis can be arranged for transport to and from Aswan mainland. If you're looking for more things to do in Aswan I suggest taking a tour of the nearby Temple of Philae on Agilkia Island. I found this one of the most magnificent temples to explore in Egypt.

One thing to remember is this is by no means a luxury stay however you'll get the best value for money.

Bonus: Stay in the Nubian Villages of Aswan

Staying in comfortable modern hotels on the banks of the River Nile is great. However, for an authentic cultural experience, consider staying in one of the colorful Nubian Villages on the west bank.

Outdoor pool and building at kato dool wellness resort

1. Kato Dool Resort

A colorful hotel right on the Nile that you'll likely have seen photos of on Instagram already!

Bedroom at nubian farm aswan

2. Nubian Farm

A traditional homestay where you can live in true local style at a family farm.

Sailing on the nile river in front of luxor hotels, egypt
Felucca sailing down the nile river at sunset along the banks of luxor

Luxor - Hotels on the East & West Banks of the Nile

Located on the banks of the Nile River, Luxor offers a glimpse back in time to one of the world's most incredible cultures.

From the Valley of the Kings to the Luxor Temple, there is so much to see in this beautiful part of Egypt, and finding a Luxor hotel is the first step in planning your visit to the ancient Egyptian capital, Thebes.

HotelPrice
Steigenberger nile palace luxor on the nile river Steigenberger Nile Palace$$$
Al moudira hotel outdoor view with seating and garden, aswanAl Moudira Hotel$$$$
Sweet hostel luxor dorm room with three single bedsSweet Hostel$

7. Steigenberger Nile Palace

Topping the list as a great stay in Luxor for convenience and offering spectacular views of the feluccas sailing along the Nile River at sunset is the Steigenberger Nile Palace.

This 5-star luxury resort is beautifully decorated and is located on the East Bank of Luxor. I enjoyed relaxing in the sun loungers and hot tub on my stay which had excellent views of the Nile.

The rooms are comfortable and the large windows bring lots of natural light. They have everything from private bathrooms to balconies and a TV.

Furthermore, the restaurants on site cater to Lebanese and international cuisine. I opted for the Thai during my stay and it didn't disappoint.

A 1 km walk to the Luxor Temple can be enjoyed at night as it is open from 6 am to 10 pm, I found that the temperature after sunset is much cooler and the lights bring the hieroglyphs to life.

8. Al Moudira Hotel

If it has been your dream to stay in a hotel with exceptional Egyptian decor and design, then you must stay at Al Moudira Hotel, one of the best hotels in Egypt.

This hotel is the only palace situated on the west bank of the Nile and is rated highly for its beautiful oasis landscapes.

An outdoor pool, a spacious terrace, and the Great Room Restaurant can be enjoyed on-site making it the perfect place to kick back and relax. It's easy to see why this is one of the best four-star hotels in the region.

Each room has been carefully designed, so no two rooms are the same which is extremely unique and hard to come by when looking at the general selection of hotels.

Some must-see places near the hotel include the Valley of the Kings and Queens and Hatshepsut Temple.

9. Sweet Hostel Luxor

Another excellent choice for those looking to be close to the main attractions of Luxor for a budget price is the Sweet Hostel Luxor.

The hostel has an air-conditioned dorm and private rooms. An exceptional free breakfast is served each morning. It is within walking distance of many main attractions like the Luxor Museum, Colossi of Memnon, and Luxor Temple which is super convenient.

The hostel rooftop is noted as one of the best areas to chill out after a long day of exploring.

It is only a 400 m walk from Luxor train station.

Exploring karnak temple in luxor, egypt
Exploring the ancient sites of former thebes (luxor)

Hurghada - Best for a Beach Vacation

Spanning nearly 40 km along the Red Sea Coast, Hurghada is definitely where you want to be for a beach vacation. Famed for its scuba diving and snorkeling spots, you'll be blown away by the turquoise waters and abundant marine life! This region is popular for its great luxury hotels, which offer great value!

HotelPrice
Pickalbatros citadel resort sahl hasheesh at nightPickalbatros Citadel$$$$
Kaisol romance resort sahl hasheesh - adults only balcony with hot tubKaiSol Romance$$$
Titanic palace pools and beachTitanic Palace$$$

10. Pickalbatros Citadel

For the ultimate world-class service and breathtaking location, Pickalbatros Citadel is one of the best places to stay in Hurghada.

This all-inclusive resort is located right on the Red Sea and each suite has breathtaking views over the private beachfront. Large family rooms are available along with deluxe and honeymoon suites.

Boasting 1.6 km of private sandy beach, restaurants, hot tubs, swimming pools, and one of the best fitness centers in Hurghada there's no asking why it's got over 6,000+ positive reviews across booking websites from previous guests.

11. KaiSol Romance

Are you looking for a child-free resort offering its own private beach and luxury spa experiences? KaiSol Romance is your best option.

This is a perfect option for those parents looking to unwind and relax without being interrupted by children. Its private suites offer large baths and private balcony hot tubs with views over the outdoor swimming pool.

An Italian and Chinese restaurant can be found on-site making it convenient for those looking to stay in the resort to take that child-free relaxation to another level.

12. Titanic Palace

Located along the coast of the Red Sea Titanic Palace is one of the best places to stay for families.

Featuring its very own waterpark it will have the kids content while the adults can relax in the sun lounges. Snorkeling around this area is also world-known and provides even more adventure experiences.

Each room at the hotel opens onto the outdoor swimming pool. Furthermore, there is an on-site bar and hairdresser, and did I mention this is an all-inclusive resort?

If you're looking to maximize your holiday and keep the whole family happy then this is the place to book.

Dahab - A Laidback Red Sea Beach Town

Dahab, what used to be a sleepy fishing village is now a laidback beach town known for being a free diver's paradise. With a range of accommodations and plenty of things to do like the Blue Hole and Lagoona Beach spending a few days in Dahab is worth your time.

HotelPrice
Swiss inn dahab resortSwiss Inn Dahab Resort$$$
Jaz dahabeya swimming pool and barJaz Dahabeya$$
My hostel in dahabMy Hostel in Dahab$
Waterfront restaurants in dahab, egypt
Dahab is a relaxed seaside town famous for windsurfing and scuba diving

13. Swiss Inn Dahab Resort

Featuring a private beach on the Red Sea Coast, the Swiss Inn Dahab Resort is a great place to stay for a beach vacation.

Boasting outdoor swimming pools, a diving center, a fitness center, and four restaurants. A luxurious spa is situated on site for those looking to book the Mrs in for a day of pampering while you head to explore underwater in this world-renowned diving destination.

The bright rooms and suites at the resort feature modern amenities, such as a private balcony and a spacious seating area. Rooms have either sea or garden views and I recommend asking for sea views on arrival.

The resort provides a shuttle service to Dahab's town center and airport transfers to Sharm El Sheik International Airport.

14. Jaz Dahabeya

Jaz Dahabeya is a 4-star resort offering gorgeous rooms at the best prices with stunning Mount Sinai and Red Sea views.

Set in a picturesque garden with palm trees, this resort features a lagoon-style pool, massage treatments, elegant rooms, and a well-equipped gym. The craziest part is you wouldn't even know that you were surrounded by desert while lying by the pool.

The resort also has a range of water-based activities available, including windsurfing, diving, and snorkeling. The marine life in Dahab is some of the best in the world and I urge anyone who visits to check it out for themselves.

After a day of adrenaline-filled activities, guests can dine at the Le Palmier Restaurant or Sea Pearl Restaurant.

Tip: The nearby Blue Hole is great for free diving! However, it's best to try this with someone qualified. Alternatively, beginners can also snorkel around the hole.

15. My Hostel in Dahab

Looking to stay at a cheap hotel that specializes in dive tours? My Hostel in Dahab is your best option.

Located 1.2 km from Dahab Beach, My Hostel in Dahab features accommodation with dorm and private rooms. I stayed in the dorm room on my visit and found the rooms to be great value for money with comfortable beds and lockers for storage.

The best part about this hostel? They offer awesome dive tours in the Red Sea, known for its coral reefs and abundant marine life. It is also a great base for those wanting to explore the area and check out the best things to do in Dahab.

Each morning, guests can enjoy a continental or à la carte breakfast. At sunset, the hostel organises theme nights and music sessions which is a great way to meet other travelers.

Sharm el-Sheikh - Perfect For Scuba Diving

If you're planning a holiday solely based around scuba diving, Sharm el-Sheikh is one of the best places to visit in Egypt, offering amazing luxury hotels & dive shops. Ras Muhammed National Park, a major diving location is located nearby, you're guaranteed to see an abundant amount of coral and marine life.

HotelPrice
Pool at rixos sharm el sheikh accommodation recommendationRixos$$$
Pool at camel dive club & hotel in sharm el sheikhCamel Dive Club & Hotel$$
Xperience st. George sharm el sheikh hotel in egyptXperience St.George$

16. Rixos Sharm El Sheikh

Want to add a little luxury to your diving holiday? Rixos all-inclusive adult-only resort can do just that!

The resort boasts everything one would need for an unforgettable holiday! From 7 different swimming pools, spa facilities, gym and a private beach. You could spend a whole week here and find something new to do each day!

A unique feature about staying here is the free access to the sister hotel Rixos Premium Seagate which has its very own waterpark for those looking to activate their inner child.

This made it on my updated hotel list due to its excellent reviews, inclusive facilities, and value for money!

17. Camel Dive Club & Hotel

If you're a fan of boutique hotels and looking for the perfect dive school, then Camel Dive Club & Hotel is the best choice for you.

Located in the heart of Sharm El Sheikh, this hotel features an on-site SSI Instructor Development diving center, an outdoor pool, and an incredible rooftop bar to watch the sunset from each night.

Each air-conditioned room has a satellite TV, a safety deposit box, and a private bathroom. Other rooms have a terrace or balcony overlooking the pool and surrounding town.

Guests can spend their days relaxing by the pool or experiencing the fantastic diving and snorkeling at the local dive site of Temple or Ras Muhammad National Park.

This was by far one of the best hotels I stayed in during my time in Sharm el Sheikh due to its attentive staff, delicious food, and cleanliness.

18. Xperience St. George

Newly added to this list of the best hotels in Sharm el Sheikh for its low cost and great value for money is the Xperience St. George.

All rooms at the resort are air-conditioned and have a private bathroom. Another reason why it's a great choice is it offers both family and double rooms, perfect for those traveling in groups.

Guests might like to spend their day under the beach shades at one of the two beaches available from the property before returning to enjoy a delicious meal from the on-site buffet restaurant.

Scuba diving in sharm el sheikh
Sharm el sheikh offers some of the world's best diving

My Hotel Selection Process

  • Accommodation Criteria: I select hotels & resorts in Egypt based on current prices, location & proximity to main attractions like the Great Pyramid and Nile River, as well as current reviews, ratings, and recommendations.
  • My Experience: I stayed in all areas mentioned above on my trip to Egypt. I've stayed in multiple hotels & hostels & personally reviewed and fine-combed through hundreds of listings, comparing them based on my criteria to select hotels offering the best value.
  • Top Reviews: The accommodations I've selected boast exceptional ratings on booking sites such as Hotels.com, Expedia, & Booking.com. I regularly revisit the listings and refresh my selections to guarantee that every hotel consistently upholds a high-quality standard.
  • Local Insights: My hotel selections are based on online listings and word of mouth with recommendations from other travelers & my tour guide who I spent time with in Egypt.

Read more about how I review & select hotels & accommodations.

5+
Years Traveling
250+
Hotels Stayed
50+
Countries
Olly gaspar

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.

Sailing in aswan, egypt

FAQ About Accommodation in Egypt

How many days in Egypt is enough?

To experience the best of what the country has to offer, two weeks is a good amount of time to stay in Egypt.

Why are hotels in Egypt so cheap?

The prices of hotels in Egypt are lower compared to other parts of the world, especially Europe because the cost of labor is a lot lower.

What month is the best to visit Egypt?

The best time to visit Egypt is between October and April when temperatures are cooler, but still pleasant across the country.

Girl at abu simbel temple in egypt

More Egypt Travel & Accommodation Guides

I hope you've enjoyed this comprehensive guide to where to stay in Egypt.

Check out my other guides below for more travel inspiration based on my experiences in this amazing country.

Exploring karnak temple in luxor, egypt

Plan Your Egypt Accommodation

Still in the planning stages of your trip? Perhaps you're booking on the fly. The below accommodation guides will help you plan where to stay in Egypt.

The best places to stay in egypt 2023
Thanks for Reading

I'm Olly Gaspar, adventure traveler from Australia. I’ve spent the last six years traveling the world full-time, sharing my first-hand experiences & photography in over 700 travel guides on We Seek Travel. I visit every destination I write about to bring you unique travel itineraries, epic hiking routes, fun tour ideas, travel & photography gear ideas, & interesting places to stay.

I only make genuine, worthwhile recommendations based on my experience, expertise, & research. If you buy through my links, I may get a commission, supporting this website at no extra cost to you. Read my Publishing Ethics Statement.