Best hotels to consider if you are visiting Egypt for the first time. Assuming your first visit to Egypt is mainly focused on the must-see sites; the Pyramids of Giza and the Temples in Luxor. Check our recommended Itinerary for Your First Visit to Egypt. I would recommend this list for both my friends and my customers to stay at. Hotels are picked based n two main factors:Â
(1.) Locations within the city they are in.Â
(2.) How much the hotel represents the style of its city and the behavior of locals?Â
The list is not based on star ratings.
St. Regis Cairo, Egypt
Ranked number 1 and considered as the pinnacle of five-star luxury. The soaring St. Regis Cairo serves you a heaping helping of exquisite splendor. The hotel, which opened in 2019, is a pristine structure on the banks of the Nile. Surprisingly, you can find a wide variety of eateries here, from steakhouses to Chinese food. Two pools are available, and each room has plush carpeting and king-sized beds with city or river views (indoor and outdoor). The personnel here really lives up to the hotel’s five-star billing by anticipating and fulfilling guests’ every need. You can reach Downtown Cairo and its many sights in only two metro stations, or take a scenic 30-minute stroll along the Nile from your hotel.
The Al Tarfa Desert Sanctuary Lodge & Spa, Dakhla
This is one of the most unique lodges in Egypt and is ideal for country living. Visit the Al Tarfa Desert Sanctuary in the charming town of Dakhla, located on the outskirts of the White Desert, to spend a night in an oasis. There are a total of 20 rooms at this eco-lodge, yet you’ll be treated like family. Whether you’re looking for a camel ride in the desert, a 4×4 tour of the oasis, or a romantic meal under the date palms, nothing is out of reach. There is nothing fancy about the rooms—they’re all furnished with wood and decorated with local textiles—but the hotel’s library, lounge bar, and pool more than makeup for it. Vegetables grown on the lodge’s farm are used in the lodge’s delicious meals. Check Al Tarfa lodge website for more information.
Steigenberger Tahrir Hotel, Cairo
Located in Tahrir Square, the heart of the city center of downtown Cairo. Tahrir (means liberation) square is where the 25th of Jan 2011 revolution took place. The hotel is within walking distance of many attractions, including the Nile, the Egyptian Museum, and a metro station. Many restaurants and busy streets around. Culture centers are not too far away either. The hotel is new – something hard to find in a city that is old – hence the rooms are nice and the facilities are fresh and it’s the best value for money in the center of the city.  Check the hotel website and online reviews before booking Steigenberger Hotel Tahri.
President Zamalek, Cairo
Hotel President Zamalek is a small charming hotel on the Island of Zamalek. Again Zamalek is across the Nile from Tahrir Square, it’s an island. Yet is not affected by city growth. Half of Zamalek is green areas, and everything is a walking distance. It’s a high-class residential area and since there is no growth it maintains the calm daily life of Cairo from the 80s. Buildings are all 50 to 80 years old, restaurants cater to international and local cuisine from medium to high-end prices. You can easily have a decent meal in Zamalek starting USD$5 up to USD$25. It’s easy to get a Nile View since it is an island from many restaurants and cafes and by just walking in the street. President Zamalek is a boutique hotel, newly renovated, and occupies the last 3 stories in a high building. The reception is on the ground floor of the building and they have their own elevator. Check the hotel website and online reviews before booking President Zamalek Hotel.
Sheraton El Montazah, Alexandria
Not a lot of first visitors to Egypt attend Alexandria. Yet if your itinerary is more than 8 days, I would definitely recommend a day trip to Alexandria. Also if your itinerary is more than 9 days and you are not considering beach resorts on the Red Sea consider Alexandria for an overnight. The city is the second busy and crowded like Cairo, yet more charming. It contains most of the Greek and Roman monuments of Egypt. If you plan an overnight, I cannot think of a better accommodation facility than Sheraton Montazah. Its location overviewing the Mediterranean Sea and Montazah Gardens and its and value for money makes it a winning venue for Alexandria. The front room views are phenomenal. Sheraton Montaza Alexandria
Old Winter Palace, Luxor
Old Winter Palace with no question. The facility is a mesmerizing Castle that was our Late King’s winter gateway palace. Right overlooking the Nile, prices are decent, service level is at a high end and all other hotels can’t compete. Maybe Luxor is not very lucky with charming or high standard hotels, but also the Old Winter Palace is a venue worth visiting at least if not to stay at. On another note, Luxor as a city is not very attractive for most tourists outside the archeological sites. Maybe because it’s too touristic or because it’s too commercial. No one person nor one study knows the real reason, but spending time outside archeological sites in Luxor is not very entertaining on a vacation. That being said, you wish to stay in a fun and fancy hotel facility to spend your time after visits. Let alone, the prices are decent. Check their online prices and reviews: Old Winter Palace Hotel.
Al Moudira – Luxor
One of the best hotels in Egypt and perfect for regal settings. Even if the Valley of the Queens is just outside your door, you may find it difficult to leave the Al Moudira since you’ll spend so much time looking at all the amazing sights there. Arabesque details can be found throughout the hotel, including the domes, tiles, latticework, and arches, making this a veritable treasure trove of architectural and interior pleasures. The hotel’s rooms and suites are all spacious and individually designed, the pool is a great location to cool down in the middle of the day, and the restaurant serves delicious Egyptian and Mediterranean cuisine. Have yourself a nightcap in the lounge bar, which is a veritable treasure box.
Anakato & Hadouta Masreya in Nubia/Aswan
Here comes my favorite city in Egypt. I cannot really define why I like Aswan the most, but all people I send to Aswan, get a positive vibe by spending some time in this charming city. Aswan marks the end of Nasser Lake and the start of the narrow river in Egypt, the city is full of small and large islands some of which carry a few of the oldest villages since Ancient Egypt, almost intact in their culture and traditions. On the east side of the River Nile stand the modern city of Aswan, and on the Westside is Nubia represented in a few villages. For a first visit to Egypt, you probably will not stay more than 2 nights in Aswan, in that case, I would recommend one of the following two guesthouses. Both are located on Gharb Sehel Island, which is reachable both by land, around 45 mins drive from Aswan center or by boat.
Anakato
Anatako is the first Nubian-style Guesthouse that was built to host tourists and visitors. It’s on the shores of the Nile, a beautiful and charming little cozy place.. The colors and designs are too strong and do not represent the local’s style fully, yet it did not lose charm while being built like so. Check their website: Anakato
Hadoota Masreya
Haduta Masreya is one of the biggest guesthouses, so if you are a small group and wish to all stay in the same place, also if you are more interested in ordering food at random times, while other guesthouses might find it hard to deliver Haduta Masreya with its highest capacity are more accommodating to late meal orders. Check their website Haduta Masreya.
Dawar El Omda, Gouna [Red Sea]
El Gouna is our favorite Red Sea Resort. Yes, it is new and totally built from scratch, yet the style is welcoming and reflects architecture in Egypt somehow. Also written as E Gouna and Gouna. Our favorite two hotels are Dawar El Omda Hotel in the Down Town area and Turtle’s Inn Hotel at Abu Tig Marina.
Sonesta St. George, Nile Cruise
As much as I do not recommend Nile Cruises anymore to complete your visit between Aswan & Luxor in southern Egypt. I am writing a blog in the coming few weeks to compare Nile Cruises vs Land Tour between Aswan & Luxor. Yet, if you decide to go forward with a Nile Cruise experience, check Sonesta St. George. The boat management team has proved that quality and customer care are their number one goal. Definitely been our pick since 2018. Check their website Sonesta St. George.
The Best Hotels in Egypt and Resorts
The history and culture of Egypt are intriguing, and the country itself is stunning. You may stay in everything from a five-star hotel on the coast to a budget hostel with a view of the pyramids or an eco-lodge in the middle of an oasis. There is no shortage of the best hotels in Egypt and tour companies and travel firms in Cairo, whether you want to see the pyramids, cruise the Nile, or arrange your accommodation at the best hotels in Cairo or lodges in Fayoum and Siwa Oasis.Â
Top Tips: How to choose your hotel in Egypt?
The enjoyment of your vacation depends in large part on the hotel you choose, so it’s crucial to keep a few things in mind when you search.
- The location is the most important factor. Finding a hotel that is close to the things you want to do and see is essential.
- Think about how close you want to be to the water, to sights, to eating, and to public transit.
- Decide how much you want to spend on a hotel and look for a room that falls within that price range. You should calculate the total cost of your stay including all mandatory charges and optional extras.
- You should also think about what services and facilities, such as a swimming pool, a gym, a free breakfast, and free Internet access, are most essential to you.
- Check to be that the hotel you book provides all the conveniences you’ll need. You may learn more about what it’s like to stay at a hotel by reading reviews written by prior guests. Listen for compliments on the place’s tidiness, the helpfulness of the employees, and the quality of the beds.
- Next, check that the hotel has sufficient safety and security features in place. Be sure there are safeguards in place, such as surveillance cameras, locked doors, and guards. You may improve your stay and choose the perfect hotel by considering these aspects.
In this list of best hotels in Egypt, we reviewed the finest hotels that can be arranged by travel agencies in Egypt, showcasing the most well-regarded accommodations for vacation packages.