Where to Stay in Egypt

Find your perfect accommodation in the Land of the Pharaohs - from luxury Nile-view hotels to authentic guesthouses

Egypt Accommodation Guide

Finding the Right Location

Egypt offers diverse accommodation options across its major destinations. Choose based on your priorities: Cairo near Pyramids for iconic views, Downtown Cairo for museums and bazaars, Luxor East Bank for temples, Luxor West Bank for Valley of Kings proximity, Aswan for Nile tranquility, or Red Sea all-inclusive beach resorts. Each location offers unique advantages for experiencing Egypt's treasures.

Budget Considerations

  • Luxury Historic Hotels: $200-800+ USD per night
  • 5-Star International Chains: $80-250 USD per night
  • 4-Star Mid-Range: $40-100 USD per night
  • 3-Star Budget Hotels: $20-50 USD per night
  • Budget Guesthouses/Hostels: $10-30 USD per night (dorms $5-15)
  • Nile Cruise Ships: $100-400 USD per night per person (all-inclusive)

Seasonal Pricing

Peak Season (Oct-Apr): Highest prices, book 1-2 months ahead
Shoulder (May, Sep): Moderate prices, good availability
Summer (Jun-Aug): 50-70% discounts! But extreme heat (35-45°C)
Ramadan: Lower prices, some hotel services restricted
Christmas/New Year: Premium pricing, very busy
Note: Egypt offers exceptional value - luxury hotels surprisingly affordable!

Spectacular view of the Pyramids of Giza from a hotel suite

View of the Pyramids of Giza from a hotel suite

🗺️ Best Areas to Stay in Egypt

Cairo - Giza / Pyramids Area ⭐

Best for: Pyramid views, main attraction access, first-time visitors
Pros: Wake up to Pyramid views, close to GEM, easy temple access, resort atmosphere
Cons: Far from Downtown (30-40 min), fewer dining options nearby
Hotels: Mena House (luxury historic), Marriott Mena House, Pyramids View Inn
Price Range: $40-500 USD/night
Perfect For: Pyramid-focused trips, resort stays

Cairo - Downtown / Tahrir ⭐

Best for: Central location, museums, budget travelers, authentic Cairo
Pros: Egyptian Museum next door, Metro access, local vibe, many budget options
Cons: Traffic, noise, pollution, less modern facilities
Hotels: Tahrir Plaza Suites, Windsor Hotel (historic), budget guesthouses
Price Range: $15-120 USD/night
Metro: Sadat Station (Egyptian Museum)

Cairo - Zamalek Island ⭐

Best for: Upscale travelers, quieter Cairo, Nile views, expat area
Pros: Green island, trendy restaurants, Nile views, safer feel, walkable
Cons: More expensive, limited budget options, no Metro
Hotels: Four Seasons Nile Plaza, Hilton Zamalek, boutique hotels
Price Range: $60-400 USD/night
Access: Uber/taxi to attractions

Cairo - Heliopolis

Best for: Near airport, business travelers, modern Cairo
Pros: Close to airport (10-15 min), upscale area, malls, Metro access
Cons: Far from Pyramids and old Cairo (30-40 min)
Hotels: Le Méridien Heliopolis, Novotel Cairo Airport, Baron Hotel (historic)
Price Range: $40-180 USD/night
Best for: Arrival/departure stays, transit

Luxor - East Bank ⭐

Best for: Temple access, restaurants, Nile views, tourist infrastructure
Pros: Near Karnak/Luxor temples, dining options, Corniche walks
Cons: Need ferry/taxi for West Bank (Valley of Kings)
Hotels: Sofitel Winter Palace (historic luxury), Hilton Luxor, Steigenberger
Price Range: $25-300 USD/night
Note: Most hotels on East Bank

Luxor - West Bank

Best for: Valley of Kings access, peaceful, budget travelers, hot air balloon rides
Pros: Close to tombs, quieter, authentic village life, cheaper
Cons: Limited dining, need ferry for East Bank, basic facilities
Hotels: Budget guesthouses, Al-Moudira (boutique luxury)
Price Range: $10-200 USD/night
Access: Ferry to East Bank (EGP 5, 10 minutes)

Aswan - Nile Corniche ⭐

Best for: Nile views, relaxed atmosphere, felucca rides, Nubian culture
Pros: Beautiful Nile setting, less hectic than Cairo, pleasant walks
Cons: Limited nightlife, smaller city
Hotels: Old Cataract (historic luxury), Movenpick Aswan, Basma Hotel
Price Range: $30-400 USD/night
Note: Most peaceful major Egyptian city

Alexandria - Corniche

Best for: Mediterranean vibe, seafood, cooler summers, beach access
Pros: Sea views, breeze, milder climate, less touristy feel
Cons: Far from Pyramids (3 hours), traffic
Hotels: Four Seasons San Stefano, Steigenberger Cecil (historic), Hilton
Price Range: $35-250 USD/night
Best Season: May-October (beach season)

Red Sea - Hurghada 🏖️

Best for: Beach vacations, diving, all-inclusive resorts
Pros: All-inclusive deals, diving, year-round swimming, relaxation
Cons: Far from ancient sites, resort bubble
Hotels: Steigenberger, Hilton, Marriott, Baron Palace Sahl Hasheesh
Price Range: $30-200 USD/night (all-inclusive from $50)
Best for: Post-temple tour relaxation, diving trips

Red Sea - Sharm El-Sheikh 🏖️

Best for: Diving, Sinai Peninsula, luxury resorts, Europeans
Pros: World-class diving, Ras Mohammed, Naama Bay nightlife
Cons: Very isolated from rest of Egypt, expensive to reach mainland
Hotels: Four Seasons, Marriott, Rixos, Savoy
Price Range: $40-350 USD/night
Note: Separate trip from cultural Egypt touring

🏨 Accommodation Types in Egypt

🌟 Historic Luxury Hotels

  • Mena House, Giza: Pyramid-view palace hotel since 1886 ($150-500 USD)
    • Historic property, stunning pyramid views from rooms/pool
    • Once hosted Churchill, Roosevelt during WWII
    • Beautiful gardens, multiple restaurants, spa
  • Sofitel Winter Palace, Luxor: Victorian-era palace on Nile since 1886 ($120-350 USD)
    • Where Howard Carter announced Tutankhamun discovery
    • Colonial grandeur, tropical gardens, Nile views
    • Agatha Christie stayed here writing "Death on the Nile"
  • Old Cataract, Aswan: Legendary hotel on Nile clifftop since 1899 ($180-600 USD)
    • Setting for Agatha Christie's "Death on the Nile"
    • Victorian elegance, panoramic Nile views
    • Hosted Winston Churchill, Princess Diana
  • Steigenberger Cecil, Alexandria: Historic Mediterranean hotel since 1929 ($80-200 USD)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star International Chains

  • Four Seasons Cairo: Nile views, First Residence, San Stefano Alexandria ($150-400 USD)
  • Marriott: Cairo Zamalek, Mena House, Hurghada, Sharm ($80-300 USD)
  • Hilton: Cairo Zamalek, Luxor, Hurghada ($60-200 USD)
  • Kempinski Nile: Garden City Cairo, Nile views ($120-350 USD)
  • Steigenberger: Multiple Egypt locations, reliable ($70-250 USD)
  • Features: Pools, restaurants, concierge, tour booking, reliable standards

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4-Star & Mid-Range

  • Steigenberger Hotels: Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada ($50-120 USD)
  • Sonesta: Multiple locations, good value ($40-100 USD)
  • Iberotel: Red Sea properties ($50-130 USD)
  • Pyramisa: Cairo, Luxor chain ($35-90 USD)
  • Best Western: Cairo, Aswan locations ($35-80 USD)

⭐⭐⭐ Budget Hotels & Economy

  • Local 3-Star Hotels: Clean, basic, good value ($20-50 USD)
  • Cairo Khan Hotel: Near Khan el-Khalili ($25-60 USD)
  • Happy Land Hotel (Luxor): West Bank budget ($15-35 USD)
  • Cleopatra Hotel (Aswan): Budget Nile views ($20-45 USD)
  • Note: Standards vary - read recent reviews carefully

🛏️ Hostels & Backpacker Options

  • Wake Up! Cairo Hostel: Downtown, social (dorms $8-15, private $25-40)
  • Australian Hostel (Cairo): Popular backpacker spot ($10-30)
  • Bob Marley House (Dahab): Beach hostel ($8-25)
  • Nefertiti Hotel (Luxor): Budget with rooftop ($10-30)
  • Note: Egypt has good hostel scene - social, cheap, backpacker-friendly

🏠 Alternative Accommodation

  • Nile Cruise Ships: Moving hotel visiting temples ($100-400 USD/night all-inclusive)
  • Dahabiya Boats: Smaller traditional sailboats, luxury ($200-600 USD/night)
  • Airbnb: Available in Cairo, Alexandria (verify legitimacy, read reviews)
  • Desert Camps: White Desert, Siwa camping experiences ($50-150 USD includes meals)
  • Nubian Guesthouses: Aswan, colorful traditional homes ($20-60 USD)

🛏️ What to Expect in Egyptian Hotels

Ramses Hilton Cairo

The iconic Ramses Hilton, a landmark hotel in Cairo

Room Standards

Egyptian hotels vary significantly in quality - international chains maintain global standards, while local hotels range from excellent to very basic:

  • 5-Star International: Western standards, reliable, modern (25-50 sqm rooms)
  • 5-Star Local: Can be 4-star equivalent - check recent reviews (20-40 sqm)
  • 4-Star: Comfortable but basic, clean, functional (18-30 sqm)
  • 3-Star/Budget: Very basic, inconsistent maintenance, small rooms (12-20 sqm)
  • Hostels: Dorms 6-12 beds, shared bathrooms, social areas
  • Note: Star ratings not always accurate - read TripAdvisor reviews!

Standard Amenities (Mid-Range+)

  • Air Conditioning: Essential and usually good (Egypt is hot!)
  • Hot Water: Reliable in 3-star+ hotels
  • WiFi: Free in lobbies, variable speed in rooms
  • Breakfast: Usually included, Egyptian + continental buffet
  • Pools: Most 4-5 star hotels have pools (rooftop common)
  • Bottled Water: Provided daily (tap water not drinkable)
  • TV: Satellite TV with international channels

Important Considerations

  • Tap Water: Not safe to drink - hotels provide bottled water
  • Power Outlets: European Type C/F (round 2-pin) - bring adapter
  • Noise: Can be issue in Cairo (mosques, traffic) - request quiet room
  • Maintenance: Older hotels may have worn facilities - check recent photos
  • Service: Friendly but can be slow - patience appreciated
  • Cleanliness: Varies - international chains most consistent
  • Views: Pyramid views, Nile views command premium (worth it!)

What's Usually Included

  • Breakfast: 90% of hotels include buffet breakfast
  • Airport Transfer: Often available for fee or free (ask when booking)
  • Tour Desk: Can arrange tours, taxis, transfers
  • Safe: In-room or at reception for valuables
  • Towels/Toiletries: Provided (quality varies by hotel class)

🏆 Top Recommended Hotels by City

Best in Cairo

  • Luxury: Four Seasons Nile Plaza ($180-400), Kempinski Nile ($120-350)
  • Historic: Marriott Mena House - Pyramid views ($150-500)
  • Mid-Range: Steigenberger Pyramids ($60-150), Hilton Zamalek ($70-180)
  • Budget: Tahrir Plaza Suites ($40-80), Guardian Guest House ($25-50)
  • Backpackers: Wake Up! Cairo Hostel (dorms $10, private $30)

Best in Luxor

  • Luxury Historic: Sofitel Winter Palace ($120-300) - ICONIC!
  • Luxury Modern: Hilton Luxor ($80-200), Steigenberger ($70-180)
  • Mid-Range: Sonesta St. George ($50-120), Pyramisa Isis ($40-100)
  • Budget East: New Memnon Hotel ($20-45), Susanna Hotel ($25-50)
  • Budget West: Happy Land Hotel ($15-35), Al-Gezira Hotel ($20-40)

Best in Aswan

  • Historic Luxury: Old Cataract ($180-600) - Agatha Christie favorite!
  • Luxury: Movenpick Resort ($100-280), Basma Hotel ($60-150)
  • Mid-Range: Pyramisa Isis Island ($50-120), Tolip Aswan ($45-100)
  • Budget: Cleopatra Hotel ($20-45), Nubian houses ($15-40)
  • Unique: Stay in colorful Nubian village guesthouse

Best in Alexandria

  • Luxury: Four Seasons San Stefano ($150-350), Hilton Green Plaza ($100-220)
  • Historic: Steigenberger Cecil ($80-200) - colonial elegance
  • Mid-Range: Tolip Alexandria ($50-120), Paradise Inn ($45-100)
  • Budget: Union Hotel ($25-55), Sea Star Beau Rivage ($30-65)

Best Red Sea Resorts

  • Hurghada Luxury: Baron Palace Sahl Hasheesh ($80-250), Steigenberger ($70-200)
  • Sharm Luxury: Four Seasons ($200-500), Rixos ($100-300)
  • All-Inclusive: Hilton, Marriott, Jaz ($50-180 all-inclusive)
  • Budget Beach: Dahab budget hotels/hostels ($10-40)
  • Note: All-inclusive packages excellent value

Nile Cruise Ships

  • Ultra-Luxury: Oberoi Philae, Sanctuary Sun Boat ($300-600 USD/night)
  • Luxury: Sonesta, Movenpick, Steigenberger ($150-300 USD/night)
  • Standard: MS Mayfair, MS Royal Lily ($100-180 USD/night)
  • Budget: Local cruise operators ($70-120 USD/night)
  • Includes: Accommodation, all meals, guided tours, entertainment
  • Note: Excellent value - combines hotel + transport + sightseeing!

💡 Booking Tips for Egypt Hotels

Where to Book

  • Booking.com: Widest selection in Egypt, good cancellation policies
  • Agoda: Often cheapest prices, Asia-based
  • Hotels.com: Rewards program, collect free nights
  • Expedia: Package deals (flight + hotel)
  • Direct Hotel Websites: Sometimes best rates, loyalty benefits
  • Tour Operators: Include hotels in packages (Memphis Tours, etc.)
  • Avoid: Unknown local booking sites - stick to major platforms

When to Book

  • Peak Season (Nov-Feb): Book 1-3 months ahead (high demand)
  • Shoulder Season: 2-4 weeks ahead sufficient
  • Summer: Can book last-minute (huge availability, discounts)
  • Nile Cruises: Book 4-8 weeks ahead (limited ships)
  • Historic Hotels: Book early (Mena House, Winter Palace popular)
  • Christmas/New Year: Book 3-6 months ahead (premium pricing)

💰 Money-Saving Tips

  • Summer Deals: 50-70% off in June-August (but very hot!)
  • Book Direct: Hotels sometimes match + extras (upgrade, breakfast)
  • Stay Longer: Negotiate rates for 4+ nights
  • Ramadan: Good hotel deals (but daytime restaurant closures)
  • Compare Prices: Check 3-4 booking sites
  • Read Reviews: TripAdvisor recent reviews essential in Egypt
  • Budget Areas: Downtown Cairo, Luxor West Bank huge savings

⚠️ Important Considerations

  • Read Recent Reviews: Hotels can deteriorate - check 2024 reviews on TripAdvisor
  • Star Ratings Misleading: Egyptian 5-star may be 3-4 star Western standard
  • Photos Can Deceive: Look at guest photos, not just hotel photos
  • Location Matters: Pyramid view = premium but worth it!
  • Noise: Mosques call to prayer 5 times daily (first at 4-5 AM) - bring earplugs
  • Breakfast Quality: Varies hugely - read reviews about food
  • Hot Water: Can be unreliable in budget hotels
  • Power Outlets: European plugs (Type C/F) - bring adapter

✅ What to Check Before Booking

  • Recent reviews (within 6 months) on multiple platforms
  • Cancellation policy (flexible in case plans change)
  • What's included (breakfast, airport transfer, taxes)
  • Distance to attractions (Google Maps walking/driving time)
  • Metro/transport access (saves taxi costs)
  • Room view (Nile view, Pyramid view worth paying extra)
  • Air conditioning (essential in summer!)
  • Guest photos showing actual room conditions

🎯 Hotel Selection Strategy

  • Cairo 2+ Nights: Near Pyramids (day 1-2), then Downtown/Zamalek
  • Luxor: East Bank more convenient (restaurants, facilities)
  • Aswan: Corniche hotels for Nile views and peace
  • Short Stays: International chains for reliability
  • Budget Travel: Hostels have great social scene, travel tips
  • Luxury Treat: Historic hotels worth splurge (Mena House, Winter Palace, Old Cataract)

⛵ Nile Cruise Ships as Accommodation

Why Choose Nile Cruise

Nile cruises combine accommodation, transportation, meals, and temple tours in one package. They're excellent value, offering all-inclusive experiences while sailing between Luxor and Aswan. You unpack once and wake up at different temples each day!

Cruise Classes

  • Ultra-Luxury (Oberoi, Sanctuary): $300-600 USD/night
    • 20-40 passengers (intimate)
    • Butler service, gourmet dining, spa
    • Large suites with balconies
    • Premium Egyptologist guides
  • Luxury (5-Star): $150-300 USD/night
    • 60-100 passengers
    • Sonesta, Movenpick, Steigenberger brands
    • Spacious cabins, pool, sun deck
    • Quality buffet meals, nightly entertainment
  • Standard (4-Star): $100-180 USD/night
    • 100-150 passengers
    • Comfortable cabins, basic pool
    • Good buffet meals, guided tours
    • Best value for money
  • Budget (3-Star): $70-120 USD/night
    • 150+ passengers (crowded)
    • Basic cabins, simple meals
    • Tours included but larger groups
    • Check recent reviews carefully

Cruise Duration Options

  • 3 Nights / 4 Days: Luxor → Aswan (or reverse)
  • 4 Nights / 5 Days: Most popular, relaxed pace
  • 7 Nights / 8 Days: Round trip Luxor-Aswan-Luxor
  • Note: All cruises visit same main temples regardless of duration

Dahabiya Boats - Luxury Alternative

What is Dahabiya: Traditional wooden sailing boat, 8-12 passengers only

  • Intimate, personalized service
  • Sail-powered (eco-friendly, peaceful)
  • Stops at smaller sites large ships can't access
  • Gourmet meals, sundeck, premium cabins
  • More flexible itinerary
  • Price: $200-600 USD per night
  • Best for: Couples, small groups, luxury travelers

Nile Cruise Booking Tips

  • Book 4-8 weeks ahead (limited ships, high demand)
  • October-April best weather (hot in summer)
  • Check ship age and renovation date
  • Upper deck cabins preferable (less noise, better views)
  • All-inclusive saves money (meals, tours, tips included)
  • Read TripAdvisor reviews from recent cruises

📋 Practical Hotel Information

Check-in / Check-out

  • Check-in: Usually 2:00 PM (can be flexible)
  • Check-out: Usually 12:00 noon
  • Early Check-in: Often possible if rooms ready (ask nicely)
  • Late Check-out: Negotiate or pay half-day rate
  • Luggage Storage: Most hotels store bags after checkout
  • ID Required: Passport for registration (Egyptian law)

Payment & Costs

  • Currency: Pay in EGP or USD (some prefer USD)
  • Credit Cards: Accepted at 3-star+ hotels
  • Cash: Required at budget hotels/hostels
  • Deposit: Sometimes required (refundable)
  • Taxes: Often included in online booking price
  • Tipping: Porters EGP 10-20, housekeeping EGP 20-30/day

Hotel Services

  • Tour Booking: Most hotels arrange tours (compare prices)
  • Airport Transfer: Available for fee (EGP 200-500 Cairo)
  • Laundry: Expensive in hotels - use local laundries
  • Restaurant: Hotel dining usually overpriced - eat out
  • Concierge: Can call Uber, arrange taxis, give advice
  • Security: Hotels have metal detectors at entrance (normal)

Safety & Security

  • Hotel Security: All tourist hotels have security checks
  • Safe Deposit: Use hotel safe for passport, valuables
  • Room Security: Generally safe, still lock valuables
  • Tourist Police: Often stationed near tourist hotels
  • Women Solo: International hotels safest, staff respectful
  • Scams: Rare at hotels, but verify tour prices with multiple sources

🌟 Unique Accommodation Experiences

🗿 Hotels with Pyramid Views

  • Marriott Mena House: Palace hotel, direct pyramid views from pool
  • Pyramids View Inn: Rooftop terrace overlooking all 3 pyramids
  • Le Meridien Pyramids: Affordable pyramid views
  • Great Pyramid Inn: Budget option with views
  • Worth it? YES! Waking up to pyramid views unforgettable
  • Tip: Request pyramid-facing room when booking

🏛️ Historic Colonial Hotels

  • Sofitel Winter Palace (Luxor): 1886 Victorian palace
  • Old Cataract (Aswan): 1899 clifftop legend
  • Mena House (Cairo): 1886 palace turned hotel
  • Steigenberger Cecil (Alexandria): 1929 colonial charm
  • Experience: Step back to golden age of Egyptian travel
  • Worth it? Splurge-worthy for history buffs!

🏘️ Nubian Guesthouses (Aswan)

  • Location: Nubian villages across from Aswan
  • Experience: Colorful traditional houses, authentic culture
  • Features: Painted walls, rooftop terraces, home-cooked meals
  • Price: $15-50 USD per night
  • Includes: Often include meals, cultural experiences
  • Best for: Cultural immersion, budget travelers

🏜️ Desert Camping

  • White Desert Camps: Luxury camping under chalk formations
  • Siwa Ecolodges: Sustainable desert accommodations
  • Bedouin Camps: Traditional desert camping experience
  • Includes: Tents/bedding, meals, guides, campfire
  • Price: $50-200 USD per night (all-inclusive)
  • Season: October-April only (winter nights cold, summer too hot)

🏖️ All-Inclusive Red Sea Resorts

  • Benefits: All meals, drinks, activities included
  • Best for: Families, divers, beach vacation, hassle-free
  • Resorts: Hilton, Marriott, Jaz, Steigenberger chains
  • Price: $50-200 USD per person per night (all-inclusive)
  • Activities: Diving, snorkeling, water sports, pools, entertainment
  • Note: Excellent value compared to paying separately

🏨 Boutique & Design Hotels

  • Cairo: Villa Belle Epoque, Kempinski Nile
  • Luxor: Al-Moudira (West Bank luxury boutique)
  • Style: Unique décor, personalized service, smaller scale
  • Price: $80-350 USD per night
  • Best for: Travelers wanting character over chain hotels

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