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The best hotels in Egypt From historic Nile-side palaces
to opulent Red Sea retreats

Egypt Beautiful Egypt: from the Nile to the Read Sea

Journey back in time to the land of pharaohs and pyramids. Egypt, a cradle of civilization, unveils its ancient wonders amidst sun-drenched deserts and the life-giving Nile. Explore majestic temples that whisper stories of gods and kings. Unravel the mysteries of the pyramids, standing tall against the sands of time. Immerse yourself in a vibrant culture, where rich history meets warm hospitality. With a diverse collection of luxury lodges scattered across Egypt, identifying the best ones can be quite overwhelming. We took it upon ourselves to traverse the enchanting landscapes of Egypt, carefully hand-selecting the top 10 boutique hotels and resorts to ensure an experience that is truly unforgettable.

Thomas Stadler By Thomas Stadler
Updated September 2022

Enjoy Egypt!

The best of Egypt

All our listings were hand-picked and experienced firsthand, so we can genuinely recommend them.

St Regis Cairo

Cairo

The St Regis Cairo St Regis Cairo

Step into the St Regis Cairo, a haven of luxury and meticulous design that stands proudly by the Nile's banks. Having opened its doors in 2019, the space carries a fresh and modern energy, seamlessly blending sophistication with the vibrant pulse of the city.

Guest rooms and suites are a testament to thoughtful design, offering supreme comfort through generous bed spaces and the soft embrace of plush carpets underfoot. The décor fosters a tranquil environment where you can unwind, with the rooms framing either the dynamic cityscape or the timeless flow of the Nile, offering a visual treat from the privacy of your abode.

Whether you choose to take a refreshing dip in the indoor pool or bask under the sun by the outdoor pool, relaxation finds you at every corner. Yet, it's the devoted team that truly brings the spirit of St Regis to life, with a commitment to service that goes beyond mere hospitality, attending to each detail with a personal touch that speaks of home.

Casa Cook

El Gouna

Casa Cook El Gouna Casa Cook El Gouna

Discover a different side of Egypt at Casa Cook in El Gouna, where contemporary meets tranquility. The property showcases minimalist design, drawing on a soothing palette of earthy tones and utilizing natural materials to foster a calm and grounded ambiance.

Each dwelling is a personal haven, featuring a private terrace where you can soak in views of the vibrant garden or the expansive sea, connecting you with the enriching elements of nature. Here, you're encouraged to find your flow, whether that be through rejuvenating yoga sessions, holistic spa treatments, or simply immersing yourself in the soothing waters of the pristine pool.

An adults-only space, Casa Cook offers a mature and relaxed setting where you can find a quiet moment to yourself on the private beach, or seek deeper connections with fellow travelers. Come and redefine your Egyptian experience in a place that values harmony and contemporary elegance in equal measure.

Al Moudira

Luxor

Al Moudira Al Moudira

Step into a world steeped in Arabesque grandeur at Al Moudira in Luxor, near the mystical Valley of the Queens. This boutique hotel is a feast for the senses, with each nook and corner reflecting an ageless elegance. Hand-painted murals tell tales from yesteryears, while antique furnishings add to the authentic charm that permeates the property.

Domes, tiles, and latticework paint a picture of architectural poetry, providing a delightful background to your stay. Archways guide you into uniquely crafted rooms and suites, each offering a generous space where relaxation comes naturally.

The locale invites you to find solace in the shade during the warmer hours, whether by the inviting pool area or within the embrace of the courtyards. And when it comes to dining, the culinary journey continues with an offering of Egyptian and Mediterranean delights, prepared to pamper your palate.

Steigenberger Ras Soma

Soma Bay

Steigenberger Ras Soma Steigenberger Ras Soma

Discover a fresh haven of relaxation and adventure at the Steigenberger Resort Ras Soma. Established in mid-2021, it stands as a recent addition to the vibrant community of Soma Bay, offering a space where individuals and families alike can find a delightful mix of leisure and excitement.

Located right by the sea, it gifts its guests with a personal stretch of shore, a place where the waves greet you each morning and the sun casts golden hues as it sets each evening. This private nook of the beach becomes a playground for both relaxation and thrill-seekers — a place to kitesurf with the wind, to explore underwater worlds through snorkeling and diving, or to simply bask in the sun's warming embrace.

Yet, the allure extends beyond the sands, as gastronomic adventures await to tantalize your taste buds with culinary treats crafted with care and finesse. The resort also invites you to embark on a journey of wellness, providing offerings designed to harmonize the mind, body, and spirit, nurturing a deeper connection to self and the natural surroundings.

Sofitel Winter Palace

Luxor

Sofitel Winter Palace in Luxor Sofitel Winter Palace

Nestled by the River Nile, the Hôtel Sofitel Winter Palace in Luxor provides a tranquil retreat with expansive views that narrate tales of the timeless river from the comfortable vantage of roomy balconies. It’s an ideal spot for those who have a fondness for spaces that hold stories and offer a gentle embrace of luxury.

While any of the rooms offer a rich experience, the Nile facing Luxury Rooms stand a notch above, offering vistas that are simply unparalleled, inviting guests to sink into a realm of relaxation and contemplation as they witness the gentle flow of the historic river.

Here, afternoons unfold at a leisurely pace, with the room service menu serving as a companion, offering sustenance as you withdraw from the warm embrace of the afternoon sun into the cool and calming embrace of your suite. It’s more than a stay; it’s an experience that marries comfort with a hint of adventure, as you dictate the rhythm of your day, finding joy in the small pleasures that the Sofitel Winter Palace extends.

Al Tarfa Desert Sanctuary

Dakhla

Al Tarfa Desert Sanctuary in Dakhla Al Tarfa Desert Sanctuary

Nestled in the picturesque enclave of Dakhla, on the fringe of the mesmerizing White Desert, the Al Tarfa Desert Sanctuary beckons travelers seeking a tranquil retreat. This intimate eco-lodge, boasting a modest count of 20 rooms, ensures a familial atmosphere where the amicable staff greets you with the warmth typically reserved for old friends.

Every need and fancy is catered to with heartfelt service, making your whims of camel rides through the sweeping sands, exhilarating 4x4 oasis tours, or secluded dinners amidst a grove of date palms, a reality. The rooms, adorned with wooden furnishings and embellished with local textiles, embody simplicity and comfort, creating a serene backdrop to your desert oasis experience. Despite the inviting rooms, you'll find yourself drawn to the shared spaces—the cozy library that invites idle reading, the lounge-bar proposing relaxed evenings, and the refreshing pool for a respite from the desert heat.

Sofitel Legend Old Cataract

Aswan

Sofitel Legend Old Cataract in Aswan Sofitel Legend Old Cataract

The Sofitel Legend Old Cataract in Aswan stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of the 20th century’s most notable figures, having hosted the likes of Tsar Nicholas II, Winston Churchill, and Henry Kissinger. It even embraced the creative spirit of the iconic writer Agatha Christie, offering a setting for parts of her famed novel "Death on the Nile".

Today, the luxury hotel greets guests with a fresh face, having undergone a full renovation that reimagines its historic grandeur with modern elegance. While the additions of lavish pools and a state-of-the-art spa would be new to Christie, the hotel retains its classic essence, offering an atmosphere that is both timeless and sophisticated. Here, service meets discretion and the front desk stands ever ready to attend to guests' needs, echoing a tradition of hospitality that is as grand as the legends who have walked its halls.

Four Seasons Resort

Sharm El Sheikh

Four Seasons Resort Egypt Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh

Situated where the desert meets the Red Sea, the Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh gracefully unfolds down a hillside, presenting a picturesque setting steeped in natural beauty and graced with sunshine throughout the year. This locale marries the spirit of Arabian tales with the freshness of the modern era, offering an elegant embrace for every guest.

The resort, a haven of prestige in Sharm El Sheikh, presents a tapestry of experiences waiting to be discovered. With its array of palm trees offering shade and greenery, the grounds invite guests to wander and relax, while the vast vistas of the sea offer a tranquil backdrop to your stay.

Culinary adventures await at a variety of restaurants serving an array of dishes to tantalize your taste buds, as the location maintains a fine balance between exclusivity and family-friendly warmth, promising joyful moments for every member of the family.

Sudan Steam Ship

Nile river

Sudan Steam Ship on the Nile Sudan Steam Ship

Immerse yourself in the 1920’s ‘Golden Age’ of travel aboard the Steam Ship Sudan. This authentic steamer – which welcomed novelist Agatha Christie onboard and inspired one of her most iconic murder mysteries, Death on the Nile – offers a unique experience of the Nile and its archaeological wonders. A stay aboard the Steam Ship Sudan is an opportunity to discover the Nile in a comfortable and extremely welcoming atmosphere, while also enjoying its traditional elegance and Belle Époque charm. All rooms have kept their original decor of woodwork and colourful fabrics and offer exceptional views of the Nile Valley’s landscapes.

Adrère Amellal

Siwa Oasis

Adrère Amellal Adrère Amellal

Situated a short journey from the oasis town of Siwa, Adrère Amellal seems to emerge naturally from the desert surroundings, harmoniously blending with the landscape from which it rises. The construction embraces the textures and tones of the desert, with walls forged from sandy rock and roofs of sturdy wooden beams intertwined with palm fronds.

The decor adopts a stance of understated elegance, directing the attention to the building's organic, handcrafted structure and furnishings sourced from local artisans, showcasing craftsmanship grounded in tradition and familiarity with the locale. This approach fosters a deep connection between the dwelling and the surrounding environment, promoting a unique, tangible sense of place.

As the sun sets, the venue transforms into an enchanting haven, bathed in the soft glow of lanterns and candlelight, inviting a sense of romance and mystery to the night air. Here, under the starlit sky, you feel the very essence of nature weaving through the hand-built architecture.

Beyond the tranquil atmosphere of the property, the welcoming team stands ready to help you explore the desert’s hidden gems, guiding you on journeys into the sweeping landscapes that surround this truly unique retreat.

We hope that our curated collection of luxury accommodations in Egypt has inspired your travel plans. If you wish to do a booking, make use of the direct links provided for each hotel.

More about Egypt

Unveiling the timeless allure of Egypt, where ancient wonders, mighty Nile River, and captivating desert landscapes unveil an unforgettable adventure.

Continue reading for travel advice and insights on Egypt.

Best time to go

For warm weather and beach activities, the best time to visit is between October and April. The temperature is mild and comfortable, and the Red Sea coast offers ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling and diving.

For those interested in visiting historical sites, the best time to visit is between October and April too, as the temperatures are not too which makes sightseeing more enjoyable.

If you are interested in seeing the Nile and its surroundings, the best time to visit would be between September and May, when the water level usually is high. For those who want to avoid the crowds, it's best to visit during the summer months (May-September) as the temperature is quite hot and it's considered as low season.

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Pyramids of Ghiza

Red Sea coastline in Sharm El Sheikh, Sinai

Egypt Travel Q&A

Setting off on an adventure to a new country is an exciting experience that also comes with a set of questions. In the following section, we've addressed the most common travel topics related to Egypt, from getting there and transportation to understanding local customs and ensuring health and safety during your trip.

How do I get to Egypt?

The primary international gateway to Egypt is the Cairo International Airport (CAI), but there are also smaller airports in Alexandria (Borg El Arab Airport), Luxor, Aswan and by the coast in Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh and Marsa Alam. Most charter flights from Europe operate to the latter ones, so usually ist more affordable flying to one of them from Europe.

Do I need a visa for Egypt?

For many nationalities, Egypt has a visa-on-arrival system at major airports for tourists, and this visa typically allows for a stay of up to 30 days. This means you can obtain a visa when you arrive at the airport in Egypt, without having to apply for one in advance. However, some nationalities are required to obtain a visa before traveling to Egypt, so check with the Egyptian consulate or embassy in your country to see if you need to apply for a visa.

If you're traveling as part of a group tour, the tour operator often arranges a collective visa for the group. To avoid any surprises, always check the most recent visa requirements for your specific nationality and the purpose of your visit well in advance of your travel date.

Talking money: About currency and paying in Egypt

The currency used in Egypt is the Egyptian pound, abbreviated as EGP. You can usually use credit cards in Egypt, but it is advisable to carry some cash with you as well, especially while visiting local markets, small shops, or remote areas where card facilities might not be available. International chains, large hotels, and upscale restaurants generally accept credit cards without any issues. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, while American Express might be accepted to a lesser extent. ATMs are readily available in cities and tourist areas, where you can withdraw Egyptian pounds.

When is Ramadan and can I travel to Egypt during this time?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which Muslims worldwide fast from dawn to sunset. The exact dates change every year as they're based on the lunar calendar, meaning that Ramadan shifts by about 10-12 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar.

  • 2024: 11 March 2024 - 9 April 2024
  • 2025: 1 March 2025 - 29 March 2025
  • 2026: 18 February 2026 19 March 2026

Traveling to Egypt during Ramadan presents a unique experience. The pace of life in Egypt undergoes a transformation. Days tend to be quieter, particularly in the hours leading up to sunset when people prepare for Iftar, the meal to break their fast. In contrast, nights are vibrant and bustling as people go out after their evening prayers and meals.

If you're thinking of a trip during ramadan, note that many businesses, including shops and tourist sites, might have shorter working hours, others are closed during they day but reopen after sunset and stay open later. Restaurants in tourist areas will generally remain open during daylight hours for non-fasting visitors.

As a sign of respect, we recommend visitors not to eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight. While that's not compulsory for non-Muslims, it's a gesture that's much appreciated by the local community.

All information provided above is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. For the latest updates and details, please consult relevant authorities or official sources.