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About Egypt

Pharaohs, pyramids, sand dunes, the River Nile, and the Red Sea. Egypt’s dramatic landscapes, ancient Islamic civilisation, and crystal blue waters make it a top tourist destination. Whether you’re a sun seeker, a romanticist, or a culture vulture there’s something for everyone. Many of the best places to stay in Egypt are luxury boutiques on the banks of the Nile. In addition there are lots of excellent Five Star resorts, some low key diving spots for sports enthusiasts, and some beautiful sailing boats along the Nile. Of course the Red Sea coastline, specifically Sharm El Sheikh, is renowned for cheap package holidays so it’s wise to avoid resorts here if you're looking for something less touristy.

The country can be divided into five main areas, each offering different charms and activities. Cairo for its big city buzz, the Nile Valley & Luxor for their ancient Pharaonic heritage, the Red Sea & Sinai for spectacular coastline, the Siwa Oasis & the Western Desert for dramatic landscape and biblical history, and Alexandria for its youth culture.

Egypt offers a diverse landscape so it would be wise to plan a week in each area rather than rush through them all at once. For sightseeing the best time of year to visit is in the cooler months between October and April. The summer months can get as hot as 38-45 degrees.

Tourism is the driving force behind Egypt’s economy, but since the Revolution in 2011 it has dropped its position in Top Destination rankings. While currently the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against travel to North Sinai, with the exception of Sharm El Sheikh, it's best to check the FCO website for travel updates before you book.

What Not To Miss

  • A trip to Egypt isn't complete without a trip to the Pyramids of Giza, the last surviving of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. These iconic structures are just as impressive nowadays as they were back when they were built, and they're not to be missed.
  • Abu Simbel is truly jaw dropping. Orginally King Ramses II's great temple, you'll be in awe of its megalithic proportions and stunning statues. A truly wondrous spot.
  • Visit St Catherine's Monastery, situated at the bottom of the biblically renowned Mount Sinai where Moses allegedly received the Ten Commandments. Full of religious iconography, art and manuscripts in its museum, this is a fascinating visit.
  • Abydos Temple features wonderful hieroglyphics and intricate paintings on the chunky stone walls and columns. Wonderfully-preserved, this is a fantastic visit.
  • The Egyptian Museum in Cairo houses a wide variety of antiquities, (with over 120,000 items), detailing the country's rich history. An absolute must visit!
  • Experienced divers will not want to miss the spectacular Blue Hole, which is just north of Dahab, or the Ras Mohammed National Park (around an hour from Sharm el Sheikh).

The Hotel Guru’s selection of the best places to stay in Egypt consist mainly of luxury boutiques, Five Star resorts on the coast, and a few suggestions for a desert escape. Boutiques are few and far between but they stand out from the mass of cheap package holiday destinations and are far more private than the best Five star resorts. Use our guide and start to plan your visit to this fascinating country.

For a Beach Break

  • Oonas Dive Club Hotel is a top family beach spot, with simple accommodation and a good traditional restaurant.
  • Intercontinental The Palace Port Ghalib Resort is a 5* resort with luxurious rooms and private beach access. What's more, there's a spa, range of restaurants and all the necessary mod cons for a superb trip.
  • The 5* Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria At San Stefano oozes boutique flair and provides an intimate atmosphere right by the coast. Their individually decorated rooms are charming and stylish, whilst there are both Italian and Lebanese restaurants as well as a spa.
  • The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh boasts its own private beach and coral reef - perfect for a spot of snorkelling. This romantic spot provides an array of international cuisine and a wellness spa, as well as boasting huge infinity pools.
  • The Royal Savoy is a 5* spot providing traditionally Egyptian and luxurious accommodation. With private villas available as well as an array of restaurants, it's a superb stay.
  • Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel has chic accommodation and its own golf course. You can charter private yachts and head off exploring around the coast, whilst there are also many other watersports to be enjoyed.
  • Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh is another 5* hotel, offering sumptuous creamy rooms and suites as well as a private white sand beach. Plus, there are six restaurants and a spa featuring natural treatments.

For Foodies

  • The Mena House Hotel is a romantic 5* located around the corner from the Pyramids. With elegantly traditional rooms featuring four poster beds, killim rugs and antiques, there are also multiple dining options and a top-of-the-range spa.
  • The Gabriel, located in the west of Cairo, offers contemporary accommodation featuring plenty of dark hues. What's more, their Salt restaurant serves up award-winning fusion Mediterranean and Asian cuisine.
  • Four Seasons First Residence Cairo is a grand 5* with a boutiquey feel. Their elegant rooms have been tastefully decorated and offer views over the Nile, whilst there are no less than three top restaurants. Spend your days in the spa, by the pool or playing tennis.
  • Four Seasons Cairo At Nile Plaza is a 5* boasting a fantastic riverside location. Offers luxurious rooms, as well as Italian, Chinese or traditional restaurants. With two huge pools, an excellent spa and beautiful views, it's a top-notch spot.

Romantic Retreats

  • Talisman Hotel is a little lovely boutique spot with rooms from just £50 a night! Their characterful rooms and charming and simple, whilst Cairo's top sights are just a short distance away.
  • Steigenburger Hotel Cecil is a historic hotel boasting a classical facade and stunning old world interiors which hark back to another era. Featuring plush fabrics and antiques, there are two excellent restaurants and balconies with sea views.
  • Kempinski Nile Hotel is a stunning riverside stay providing 5* luxury. Offering lovely contemporary classic rooms, you can unwind in their spa, enjoy superb meals from the Italian restaurant and enjoy drinks from the rooftop bar.
  • Sofitel Karnak Luxor is set in an historic building with a grandiose classical facade and tropical gardens. You'll adore their dreamily traditional accommodation, as well as the splendid French meals served up.
  • Al Moudira Hotel is a wonderfully romantic spot on the West Bank of Luxor, featuring four poster beds and antiques as well as a pool and a spa. Enjoy terrific meals from their restaurant and unwind in the leafy courtyard whilst listening to jazz.
  • Villa Belle Epoque is a boutique stay just a short distance from many of Cairo's sights. This country house is brimming with antiques and traditional charm, with a restaurant serving up wonderful regional cuisine.

Budget Breaks

  • Gawharet Al Ahram Hotel offers unfussy accommodation from just £15 a night! Just a short distance from the Giza pyramids, there's also a decent traditional restaurant and a rooftop pool.
  • Dahab Paradise is a charming beachfront stay with rooms from just £38. Their traditional rooms offers private balconies and there's a circular pool in which to enjoy a refreshing dip. Local cuisine served up.

Desert Destinations

  • Albabenshal offers simplistic rooms in a desert guest house from £25 per night. This mud brick building oozes rustic charm and there's also a rooftop terrace to enjoy.
  • Siwa Villa offers simple rooms in the midst of the Siwa Oasis. Unwind on the rooftop terrace with an open fireplace, and make use of the private chef on request.
  • Adrere Amellal is a luxury desert eco lodge providing sandstone rooms with traditional decoration. Escape from the sun's heat with a refreshing dip in the pool and enjoy al-fresco dining on authentic organic cuisine.

For An Holiday Apartment Or Villa

  • If you'd rather the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Whilst Egypt is never exactly chilly, the weather is at its most comfortable between October and April, with average temperatures in the early to mid 20s°C. That said, December and January is peak tourist season so expect to pay more for accommodation at this time and for there to be a fair few tourists around.
  • If you want to minimise expenses then accommodation's far cheaper in the shoulder-season months of June and September, though the sweltering temperatures make sightseeing during the day quite difficult.
  • June to September is however a great time to visit the Red Sea, as temperatures are cooler on the coast than in the country's interior, and the water is nice and warm.
  • Egypt is incredibly well served by airports. You can fly to, among others, Cairo International Airport, Borg El Arab Airport (which serves Alexandria), Luxor International Airport, Hurghada International Airport, Sharm El Sheikh International Airport and Marsa Alam International Airport.
  • British Airways offer direct flights from Heathrow to Cairo, EgpytAir to Cairo and Luxor, whilst Easyjet and Thomas Cook go to Hurghada from Gatwick. All other destinations require a changeover.
  • For car hire prices, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still Not Sure What To Book?

See all » 8 hôtels in Cairo

  • Gawharet Al Ahram Hotel Cairo (Giza) 100 rooms from €16

    Value chic
    Sights nearby  -  Close to the Pyramids in Giza, Cairo University, Giza Zoo, and First Mall Cairo.
    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
    Sailing  -  Can be booked nearby.
    Air conditioningRestaurantViews

    A cute hotel with simple rooms close to the Giza pyramids. Charming balconies and terraces, a good traditional restaurant and roof top pool. Excellent value, ideally suited to those on a budget. See More

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  • Talisman Hotel Cairo 24 rooms from €56

    Value chic
    Sailing  -  Cruise the Nile on a felucca.
    Sights nearby  -  Pyramids at Giza and Zosser.
    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
    Recommended by  -  I Escape, Fodors

    A lovely little boutique with bargain prices. Colourful simple rooms have lots of space and characterful decoration. Walking distance to excellent restaurants. Perfect for visiting Cairo on a shoe string without staying in a hostel. See More

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See all » 5 hôtels in Dahab

  • Dahab Paradise Dahab 35 rooms from €44

    Diving  -  Dahab is considered to be one of the Sinai's most treasured diving locations. Both the Canyon and Blue Hole are close by.
    Beach Life
    Value chic
    Sights nearby  -  Mount Sinai and St Catherine’s Monastery.
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViews
    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    A charming beach front hotel at a bargain price. Charming traditional rooms and triples have private balconies. Lovely circular swimming pool, direct access to the beach, and good traditional cuisine. Close to the desert, nightlife, and many water sports. Perfect for families, excellent value. See More

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  • Dive Urge Dahab 8 rooms from €36

    Active Holiday  -  With a dive centre onsite that can provide equipment and instructors, book this hotel for an action-packed diving holiday
    Beach Life  -  Set on a quiet stretch of private beach on the Sinai coast, this hotel makes the perfect, tranquil seaside getaway
    Families  -  This hotel is great for parents, with family suites that can accommodate children and child-friendly activities
    Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
    Air conditioningRestaurantDisabled accessViewsNo pets

    This warm, family-run guesthouse sits on the Sinai coast in divers' paradise Dahab. Inside, guestrooms have tiled floors and traditional Bedouin rugs. Set out to explore the reefs with an instructor from the hotel's dive centre. The relaxed atmosphere here is great for families and couples alike. See More

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See all » 3 hôtels in Sharm el Sheikh

  • Oonas Dive Club Hotel Sharm el Sheikh (South Sinai) 14 rooms from €45

    Value chic
    Families
    Active Holiday
    Diving  -  Good diving nearby.
    Air conditioningRestaurantViews

    The ideal spot for a family holiday with emphasis on the water. Hotel boats to charter every day for diving and snorkelling, plus buffet lunches on board. Simple, excellent value rooms with private balconies and a good traditional restaurant. See More

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  • Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh Sharm el Sheikh (South Sinai) 200 rooms from €202

    Foodies  -  Six stylish restaurants.
    Families  -  Kids club.
    Beach Life
    5* Luxury  -  Very high service standards.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking

    A beautiful Five Star hotel with a private white sand beach. Six stylish restaurants serve Italian, Mediterranean, and Arabic cuisine. A state of the art spa has all natural treatments. Sumptuous rooms and suites all in cream and light wood with private balconies. Perfect for couple and families. See More

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See all » 3 hôtels in Luxor

  • Pavillon Winter Hotel Luxor 102 rooms from €80

    Local exploring  -  Located on the River Nile and in the heart of Luxor, many of Ancient Egypt's historic and cultural sites are on your doorstep
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the the tomb of Tutankhamen, Valley of the Kings, the ancient city of Thebes and the Colossi of Memnon
    Sailing  -  Can be booked nearby.
    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    Great-value luxury hotel which shares the incredible riverside location and facilities of historic sister-hotel Sofitel Winter Palace in Luxor. A contemporary block of spacious garden-facing rooms is situated in large palm-fringed gardens, with ample outdoor dining options and heated swimming pool. See More

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  • Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel Luxor 92 rooms from €189

    Local exploring  -  Perfect combination of central city and riverside location with space, grandeur and access to cultural sites
    Outstanding location  -  Located on the banks of the River Nile next to 3500 year-old Karnak Temple
    Colonial  -  Built in 1886, the architecture is classic British Colonial style
    City Style  -  One-of-a-kind iconic property in Luxor
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    A grand-dame luxury hotel located on the banks of the River Nile. Steeped in history, this former royal retreat is where Agatha Christie wrote 'Death on the Nile'. Its opulent rooms, lush gardens, numerous restaurants and a heated outdoor pool make this the ultimate base from which to explore Luxor. See More

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See all » 3 hôtels in Siwa

  • Albabenshal Siwa (Fortress Of Shali) 13 rooms from €28

    Value chic
    Birdwatching  -  Good birding near the hotel.
    Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.
    Great walks  -  Good for walkers.
    Restaurant
    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    Basic simplicity in this desert guest house. An eco friendly mud brick building with bare-walled rooms and a cool roof terrace restaurant. Fantastically cheap rates, bikes to hire, and lots to do in the desert. A hotel for families, sporting enthusiasts, and those on a budget. See More

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  • Siwa Villa Siwa from €144

    Families
    Groups
    Active Holiday
    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    A charming mud brick villa ideal for families or groups of friends. Simple chic rooms, fantastic roof top terrace with an open fire place, chef on request. Plenty to do in the desert. Excellent value. See More

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See all » 2 hôtels in Hurghada

  • The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh Hurghada (Red Sea Governorate)

    5* Luxury  -  Very high service standards.
    Honeymoons
    Romantic Break
    Diving  -  The private beach has its own coral reef to explore from the hotel's diving academy.
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViews

    A Five Star hotel with its own private beach and coral reef to dive from. All suites in cream with all the mod cons and balconies. Italian, Indian, and Oriental cuisines, a wellness spa, and huge infinity pools that stretch onto white sand. Very romantic, yet family friendly too. See More

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  • Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel Hurghada (Red Sea Governorate) 388 rooms

    Active Holiday
    Luxury
    Families
    Diving  -  Diving school.
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViews

    Large beach resort with its golf course, private yachts to charter, diving school, and Red Sea spa. Suites have private balconies and elegant decoration. Many restaurants, bars, and an enormous lagoon-style swimming pool leading to the beach. Not intimate, but excellent for watersports and families. See More

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See all » 2 hôtels in Alexandria

  • Steigenberger Hotel Cecil Alexandria 86 rooms from €82

    City Style
    Sights nearby  -  St. Mark's Coptic Cathedral, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria Stadium, Qaitbay Fortress and Pompey's Pillar.
    Sailing  -  Can be booked nearby.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenViewsParking

    An historic hotel with a classical facade and grand interiors. Old world romance and charm throughout. Rooms and suites have floor to ceiling windows, rich fabrics, antique furniture, and balconies with sea views. Two excellent restaurants. A romantic spot to explore Alexandria from. See More

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  • Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria At San Stefano Alexandria 118 rooms from €260

    Foodies  -  Italian and Lebanese restaurants.
    5* Luxury  -  Very high service standards.
    City Style
    Sights nearby  -  Roman Amphitheatre.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolViewsParking

    A luxury Five Star hotel with boutique flair and an intimate atmosphere. Gorgeous suites, all individually decorated, mix tradition and modern comfort to stylish effect. Excellent Italian and Lebanese restaurants, top of the range cardio gym and spa, infinity pool with sea views. A stand out hotel. See More

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