The very best luxury hotels in Egypt promise the right royal treatment

Already explored the wonders of Turkey and Malta? From the vibrancy of the Red Sea to the lure of the Nile, Egypt has a more diverse touristic appeal than simply the pyramids. And the best luxury hotels in Egypt are among its many treasures. From grand resorts to quaint eco-friendly desert lodges, these accommodations promise unparalleled indulgence, leaving you in a royal state of mind.

The best luxury hotels in Egypt

1. Steigenberger Alcazar | Sharm El-Sheikh

Hotel: Steigenberger Alcazar
Location: Nabq Bay, Sharm El-Sheikh, South Sinai Governorate 8754014, Egypt
Neighbourhood: Nabq Bay, a beachfront resort area north of central Sharm El-Sheikh
Rooms: 584 rooms, suites and villas, including family rooms, swim-up rooms and private-pool accommodation
Style: Grand resort architecture with Islamic-inspired arches, decorative carvings and landscaped gardens
Family-friendly: Two kids’ clubs, children’s pools, family rooms and a private beach
Wellness: Mividaspa, fitness facilities, yoga lessons and water-based activities
Pool: Three main swimming pools, two children’s pools and swim-up accommodation
Dining: Five speciality restaurants, including Hama Japanese, Limoni Italian, La Maison Mediterranean, Amoura Lebanese and Sanafir seafood
Best for: All-inclusive family holidays, beach escapes and Red Sea activities
Prices starting from: $318 per night, depending on room and season

Grand entrances, imposing arches, and elaborate carvings inspired by Islamic architecture form the fundamental character of the Steigenberger Alcazar. Located in Sinai Peninsula’s Nabq Bay, the retreat welcomes guests wanting a beachfront holiday by the Red Sea in the gorgeous Sharm El-Sheikh region of the country.

Among the facilities that make Steigenberger Alcazar a preferred family-friendly hotel in Egypt are its 35,000 sq m private beach, five restaurants, three bars, gardens, three public pools, and ample spaces for kids to run around freely. Not to be forgotten are the hotel’s boutique features, from complimentary ice cream and soft drinks to fruits on the beach and tea time, all of which are part of their all-inclusive deals.

The guestrooms follow suit in excessiveness, boasting plush interiors, gorgeous fabrics, and modern conveniences. The two-storey seafront luxury villa, with four bedrooms, bathrooms with Jacuzzis, a private pool, and multiple TVs, is ideal for a family get-together. However, our pick from the 610 abodes is any of the 99 swim-up rooms that place you steps away from the refreshing swimming pool.

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2. Adrere Amellal | Siwa

Hotel: Adrère Amellal
Location: Gaafar Mountain, Siwa Oasis, Matrouh Governorate, Egypt
Neighbourhood: Siwa Oasis, a remote desert settlement surrounded by salt lakes, dunes and palm groves
Rooms: 40 individually designed rooms, including Desert Rooms and Salt Suites
Style: Traditional Siwan architecture using salt, mud and palm materials, with handcrafted furnishings and candlelit interiors
Family-friendly: Suitable for families seeking a nature-focused stay, although the remote setting and limited modern conveniences may not suit young children
Wellness: A peaceful natural setting, with opportunities to explore the oasis and its hot springs; no conventional spa is advertised
Pool: Outdoor swimming pool
Dining: Egyptian cuisine prepared with organic garden produce and local ingredients
Best for: Eco-conscious travellers, couples and secluded desert retreats
Prices starting from: $640 per night, depending on room and season

Boutique to its very core, Andere Amellal is one of the most inspiring eco-friendly hotels in Egypt. Primitive in its composition, the lodge is an experiment in a back-to-the-basics lifestyle, albeit with a few modern-age comforts for a pleasurable stay.

A concept devised by Dr. Mounir Neamatalla, Adrere Amellal welcomes guests to experience a landscape-centric, artistic stay in one of 40 hand-built rooms. The surrounding environment of the Siwa oasis in the Western Desert forms an intrinsic part of this rustic sojourn. At times, one senses magical undertones in the air, possibly because Siwa is where the famed Oracle of Amon once lived. The surprise standout factor, though, is that Adrere Amellal has no electricity.

A sustainable fortress where dunes meet the oasis, hundreds of beeswax candles illuminate this stunning property come nightfall. The rooms consist of beds atop blocks of salt, olive wood furniture, carpeting, and small windows overlooking the lake.

For leisure, there’s a swimming pool and the opportunity to taste truly authentic Egyptian cuisine, prepared using organic produce and served in different locations around the complex.

Learn more about Adrere Amellal or Book through Expedia

3. The Chedi | El Gouna

Hotel: The Chedi El Gouna
Location: Hill Villas Road, El Gouna, Hurghada 2, Red Sea Governorate 84513, Egypt
Neighbourhood: El Gouna, a purpose-built coastal town with marinas, lagoons, restaurants and beaches
Rooms: 82 rooms and suites, including garden, sea-view and beachfront categories
Style: Minimalist contemporary design combining Asian influences with Egyptian details and natural colour palettes
Family-friendly: Toddler pool, beach activities and spacious suite options
Wellness: Asian-inspired spa, hammam, treatment rooms, yoga studio, sauna and fitness centre
Pool: Two large outdoor pools and a heated toddler pool during winter
Dining: The Restaurant, The Lounge, Nihon Japanese restaurant and The Beach House
Best for: Couples, beach holidays and design-conscious travellers
Prices starting from: $397 per night, depending on room and season

The Chedi is a luxury beachfront retreat located in the holiday town of El Gouna, bordering the Red Sea. Its 82 rooms and suites, designed by Roman interior designer Elisabetta Freda, display minimalistic elegance using furniture that doesn’t take away attention from the stunning views outside.

Floor-to-ceiling windows, USB charging points, a pillow menu, Smart HDTVs, rain showers, and natural colour palettes showcase the merger of contemporary aesthetics with Egyptian and Asian influence, also visible elsewhere in the hotel.

The Chedi, meaning “Buddhist stupa” in the Thai language, is a result of the continuing partnership between Swiss Orascom and Singapore-based GHM. The resort’s 820-ft private beach with water sports and sun loungers is among its many highlights, as are the two large outdoor pools.

Furthermore, while there are four on-site restaurants at The Chedi, we highly recommend booking a table at least once at Nihon. Not only does the restaurant serve delectable Japanese food, but its rooftop vantage point grants astounding panoramic views of the surroundings.

Don’t miss our full story on the best luxury hotels in El Gouna.

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4. The St. Regis | Cairo

Hotel: The St. Regis Cairo
Location: 1189 Nile Corniche, Downtown Cairo, Egypt
Neighbourhood: Downtown Cairo, on the Nile waterfront near central cultural attractions
Rooms: 233 rooms, 50 suites and 79 serviced apartments, with signature St. Regis butler service
Style: Grand contemporary interiors with crystal chandeliers, intricate woodwork and Egyptian design influences
Family-friendly: Amulet Children’s Club, children’s pool and spacious suites and apartments
Wellness: Iridium Spa, eight treatment suites, hydrotherapy facilities and a fitness centre
Pool: Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, plus a children’s pool
Dining: Seven restaurants and bars, including J&G Steakhouse, Tianma and Sirocco
Best for: Luxury city breaks, Nile views, fine dining and business stays
Prices starting from: $300 per night, depending on room and season

With an unmatched prime location on the Nile Corniche, unbelievable opulence everywhere you look, and the hotel’s signature butler service across all room categories, The St. Regis, Cairo is undoubtedly one of the best luxury hotels in Egypt. Developed by architect Michael Graves, the 39-storey riverfront property features 233 rooms, 50 suites, and 79 serviced apartments.

The hotel’s grand interiors celebrate the past through rich furnishings and royal textures; think shimmering crystal chandeliers, intricate wood carvings, colourful embroidery, and beautiful mother-of-pearl inlays. The Egyptian influence with a modern touch continues through the rooms with their floor-to-ceiling windows, wood panelling, and elegant furnishings, highlighted by soothing shades of desert browns on the walls.

Step outside, and St. Regis invites you to spend a little time by its heated pools or work up an appetite at the gym. Gastronomy at the hotel is serious business, as guests can dine at one of seven superb restaurants, catering to every occasion or epicurean craving. Our favourite? The cool and casual poolside Sirocco is apt for a lazy lunch. But for dinner, try the dark and atmospheric J&G Steakhouse or the bright and thematic Asian restaurant Tianma.

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5. The Makadi Spa Hotel | Hurghada

Hotel: The Makadi Spa Hotel
Location: Makadi Bay, Hurghada 1, Red Sea Governorate 1960540, Egypt
Neighbourhood: Makadi Bay, a beachfront resort destination south of Hurghada
Rooms: 282 suites, including Junior Suites, Royal Suites and suites with private plunge pools
Style: Moorish-inspired architecture with elegant Arabic details, soft colours and contemporary furnishings
Family-friendly: Adults-only property; guests must meet the hotel’s minimum age requirement
Wellness: Spa treatments, massage services, fitness centre and beachfront relaxation areas
Pool: Outdoor infinity pool overlooking the Red Sea, with seasonal heating and a pool bar
Dining: The World, The Cove, Shimmers, Mandarin, Mariscos, Parrilla, Casa Romana and other speciality restaurants
Best for: Couples, adults-only holidays and all-inclusive beachfront stays
Prices starting from: EGP 8,840 per night, depending on room and season

Once home to some of the most influential kings and queens of the known world, Egypt continues to radiate an old-world charm that makes it a popular destination for couples. Catering to this niche group of holiday-goers, The Makadi Spa Hotel is an extensive adults-only, 282-suite beachfront retreat delivering astounding Red Sea views.

Thanks to its grand size, the hotel, even when busy, has ample reserved and secluded spots for couples to enjoy a private moment. The Moorish architecture, with soft colour tones and intricate Arabic interiors throughout, provides the perfect backdrop for intimate moments.

Moreover, the hotel has several swimming pools, including an infinity pool, as well as a spa and wellness centre. The Makadi’s innumerable culinary offerings left us in complete awe. Gourmands can savour seafood at Mariscos, try Asian delicacies at Mandarin, taste local Egyptian food at Shimmers or relish world cuisines at The World and The Cove. Additionally, there’s an ice cream parlour and several bars all around the property.

The extravagance of The Makadi continues once you return to the room. Contemporary amenities like walk-in showers, terraces, his-and-her sinks, private pools, and separate living areas help you relax and rejuvenate after a day of exploring.

Read our full story on the best luxury hotels in Hurghada.

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6. Address Marassi Golf Resort | Alexandria

Hotel: Address Marassi Golf Resort
Location: Marassi, Sidi Abdel Rahman, North Coast, Matrouh Governorate, Egypt
Neighbourhood: Marassi, an upscale Mediterranean resort community on Egypt’s North Coast
Rooms: 48 rooms and suites, alongside 82 serviced apartments
Style: Low-rise Tuscan-inspired architecture with contemporary interiors and golf-course views
Family-friendly: Spacious residences, family-oriented facilities and access to resort recreation
Wellness: The Spa, seven treatment rooms, couples’ suite, sauna, steam room and fitness centre
Pool: Two outdoor swimming pools and an indoor heated pool
Dining: Nooraï, Blé, The Pool Lounge and Links
Best for: Golf holidays, Mediterranean escapes and spacious resort accommodation
Prices starting from: Not currently available; the resort is closed for scheduled maintenance

Inspired by the low-rise Tuscan style of architecture and oozing a tempting Mediterranean aura, Address Marassi is a 624-hectare golf retreat on the North Coast of Egypt. A luxury hotel owned by the Dubai-based EMAAR group, it offers 48 rooms and suites as well as 82 serviced apartments.

An impressive property, we adore how the thoughtfully planned lighting spotlights various spaces and art dotted around the resort, accentuating the sublime architecture even further. A project undertaken by Nulty, it brings a sense of stylish elegance to the scene while creating a relaxed and romantic ambience. Another jewel on the crown that Address Marassi wears is its 18-hole golf course, meticulously designed by Peter Harradine. The retreat’s two heated outdoor pools, five restaurants, and a spa with a separate indoor pool add to its appeal.

Rooms at the Address Marassi are a lesson in design aesthetics. Featuring private balconies, their muted colour tones juxtapose the bright blues and greens of the sky, sea, and grass outside. Creature comforts aplenty, if you decide to stay in, spoil yourself with amenities such as Nespresso machines, air conditioning, free WiFi, interactive TVs, and ensuite baths with rain showers and tubs.

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7. Sonesta Star Goddess | Nile Cruise

Hotel: Sonesta Star Goddess
Location: Nile River cruise vessel, embarking in Luxor or Aswan, Egypt; docking locations vary by itinerary
Neighbourhood: The Nile Valley, travelling between Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan
Rooms: 33 suites across Beethoven, Mozart and Chopin categories, each with a private terrace and panoramic French windows
Style: Contemporary river-cruise interiors with spacious suites and classic nautical details
Family-friendly: Spacious suites and guided excursions; check family arrangements and child policies before booking
Wellness: Spa and wellness centre with massage services, sauna, steam bath and gym
Pool: Outdoor swimming pool and sun deck with Jacuzzi
Dining: Main dining room, sun deck bar, barbecue lounge and in-suite dining
Best for: Luxury Nile cruises, guided sightseeing and exploring ancient Egyptian landmarks
Prices starting from: $1,500 per person for a three-night cruise, depending on suite and season

Enjoy a completely unique way of exploring Egypt by hopping on board the Sonesta Star Goddess for a cruise down the Nile. An all-suite river liner, Sonesta offers three-, four-, and seven-night cruises between Aswan and Luxor.

Guaranteeing a memorable and comfortable sail, the 33 suites fall under three categories named after three famous music composers: Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin. However, all rooms come with private balconies and modern features like wooden and carpeted flooring, a separate living area, LED TVs, internet access, climate control, and ensuite baths with spa units.

Outside your private room, Sonesta Star Goddess provides its passengers with plenty of public spaces. The lobby interiors are simple but feature a high ceiling and large windows for uninterrupted views of passing cities and countryside. The pool, open-air restaurant, and enclosed dining area are where everyone congregates daily to exchange stories while sailing on what is among the best luxury hotels in Egypt.

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8. Sofitel Legend Old Cataract | Aswan

Hotel: Old Cataract, Aswan (formerly Sofitel Legend Old Cataract)
Location: Abtal El Tahrir Street, Sheyakhah Oula, Aswan 1, Aswan Governorate 81511, Egypt
Neighbourhood: Aswan’s Nile waterfront, opposite Elephantine Island
Rooms: The historic Palace section has 35 rooms and suites; the wider property previously offered 138 rooms
Style: Historic Victorian palace with French elegance, Nubian influences and views across the Nile
Family-friendly: Family accommodation and cultural excursions were available before renovation; confirm facilities after reopening
Wellness: Spa and wellness facilities are subject to renovation and reopening plans
Pool: Outdoor infinity pool overlooking the Nile; current access is subject to renovation arrangements
Dining: Saraya, The Terrace, pool bar and in-room dining; current availability is subject to reopening
Best for: Historic luxury stays, Nile views and heritage-focused travel
Prices starting from: Not currently available during renovation

When it comes to iconic luxury hotels in Egypt, the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract must get a mention. A 19th-century Victorian palace, it sits strategically on the edge of the Nile, opposite Elephantine Island. Built in 1899 by Thomas Cook and expanded in 1961, the hotel underwent a massive refurbishment from 2008-2011. Now, it comprises 138 rooms divided into the Nile Wing and the Palace Wing, the latter being the site of the original hotel.

Located in the Nubian Desert, the Old Cataract lures guests with its romantic setting and neo-Moorish architecture. It is also no surprise that the hotel has long been a much-revered holiday destination for the rich and the famous ever since its inception. Among the abode’s most celebrated guests is Agatha Christie, who penned Death on the Nile while residing here. We highly recommend that you do not miss out on the hotel’s high tea and tour of Agatha Christie and Winston Churchill suites for an insightful walk down memory lane.

While the rooms at Sofitel Legend Old Cataract still exude the plushness of their former glory, you also enjoy all modern-day conveniences during your stay. In addition, the hotel boasts an infinity pool, an indoor adult-only swimming pool, five restaurants, and four bars. As for the culinary offerings, the Terrace presents visitors with mesmerising views, while 1902 is an unmissable opportunity to savour delicious French cuisine.

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9. Al Moudira | Luxor

Hotel: Al Moudira
Location: Al Moudira Hotel, Luxor West Bank, Hager El Dabayah 85836, Egypt
Neighbourhood: Hager El Dabayah, on Luxor’s West Bank near the Valley of the Kings and ancient Thebes
Rooms: 54 individually decorated guestrooms, with suites and private villas among the accommodation options
Style: Arabian-inspired boutique design with domed ceilings, frescoed salons, antique furnishings and flower-filled courtyards
Family-friendly: Spacious accommodation, gardens and outdoor activities; suitable for families seeking a quieter stay
Wellness: Spa, Turkish bath, solarium, yoga classes and fitness facilities
Pool: Outdoor swimming pool; selected villas have private pools
Dining: Restaurant serving international and Egyptian-inspired cuisine, plus the Eastern Bar and private dining experiences
Best for: Boutique luxury, couples, heritage exploration and peaceful garden retreats
Prices starting from: $256 per night, depending on room and season

Al Moudira, or “the boss,” gets its name from what the staff and workers building the property would call owner, photographer, and designer Zeina Aboukheir. Among the finest boutique hotels in Egypt, Al Moudira is Zeina’s labour of love, brought to fruition with the assistance of architect Olivier Sedaoui.

About a 40-minute drive from Luxor International Airport, you can also reach the residence via boat to make a slightly more dramatic entrance. Upon arrival, the first thing that catches the eye is the quintessential Arabian architecture featuring arches and domes with ornate arabesque design patterns. However, Egyptian influence is equally evident through ceramic fountains, the eight-hectare garden with aromatic florals, and a courtyard decorated using antique furniture like an ancient diwan and 18th-century Syrian frames.

The 54 guestrooms at Al Moudira are an amalgamation of bright colour patterns reflected in hand-painted frescoes and their furnishings. Furthermore, high ceilings, pillars, mood lighting, canopy beds, and lavish baths help create a royal atmosphere.

Promising an experiential stay, Al Moudira offers its guests an array of facilities to wind down, from a swimming pool, solarium and spa to a Turkish bath and the Eastern Bar. Gourmands, too, are in for a treat as breakfast, lunch, and dinner cover various international cuisines with an emphasis on fresh and tasty preparations served in unique settings.

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10. Al Tarfa Desert Sanctuary Lodge & Spa | Dakhla

Hotel: Al Tarfa Desert Sanctuary Lodge & Spa
Location: Al Mansura, Dakhla Oasis, New Valley Governorate, Egypt
Neighbourhood: Dakhla Oasis, a remote Western Desert settlement surrounded by dunes, date orchards and historic sites
Rooms: 20 individually designed rooms and suites, including Superior Rooms, Oasis Suites and Sahara Suites
Style: Rustic Saharan design with mud-brick and stone architecture, handcrafted furnishings and private terraces
Family-friendly: Family-oriented accommodation and activities, including camel rides, horseback riding and desert excursions
Wellness: Lodge spa and relaxation facilities in a secluded desert setting
Pool: Outdoor swimming pool set among the dunes
Dining: Organic, locally sourced Egyptian cuisine and Dar Al-Mona lounge bar
Best for: Desert adventures, eco-conscious stays and family escapes
Prices starting from: EGP 4,890 per night, depending on room and season

Close to Dakhla Oasis but in its own 200,000 sq-m secluded private reserve, Al Tarfa is an eco-friendly resort in Egypt, famous for unmatched extravagance amidst the rural charms of the Western Desert. An intimate sojourn, we love how the hotel’s mud-brick and stone exteriors merge seamlessly with the landscape, creating an ecologically and economically sound sanctuary that honours its surroundings.

Simultaneously, Al Tarfa is ideal for families wishing to explore cultural and environmental immersion without giving up on the comforts of the modern world. Whether it is an exhilarating camel safari, horseback rides, 4X4 desert adventures, or a wander around the surrounding date orchards, there’s much to fascinate guests of all ages.

Owned and operated by Camps & Lodges of Egypt, Al Tarfa consists of 20 individually designed abodes. Epitomising rustic-chic, the rooms showcase a strong Saharan influence in their interiors and come with air conditioning, bespoke furniture, carpets, and private terraces.

Al Tarfa’s allure continues outside, wherein both the Dar Al-Mona lounge bar, built using natural elements, and the resort’s pool on a dune offer spectacular vistas. Dining at Al Tarfa is no less remarkable, as chefs use only organic and locally bought ingredients to serve a curated menu of different Egyptian recipes daily.

Learn more about Al Tarfa Desert Sanctuary Lodge & Spa

11. The Oberoi Beach Resort | Sahl Hasheesh

Hotel: The Oberoi Beach Resort, Sahl Hasheesh
Location: 117, Sahl Hasheesh, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
Neighbourhood: Sahl Hasheesh, an upscale coastal resort area south of Hurghada
Rooms: All-suite accommodation, including Deluxe Suites, Grand Suites with private pools and Royal Suites
Style: Arabian-inspired architecture with domed ceilings, natural materials and Egyptian decorative details
Family-friendly: Children’s pool area, family-friendly suites and private beach access
Wellness: Oberoi Spa, fitness facilities, massage treatments and water-based activities
Pool: Outdoor swimming pool with separate children’s and adults’ sections, plus whirlpools
Dining: Main restaurant serving international cuisine and Zaffran Indian restaurant
Best for: Couples, luxury beach holidays, diving and private-suite stays
Prices starting from: $351 per night, depending on room and season

Spread over 19,249 sq m, The Oberoi Beach Resort is a sprawling property bordering the Red Sea. An immersive accommodation where Arabian architecture and culturally significant design, highlighted by domed ceilings, pillars, and the use of natural elements, set the mood for a dreamy interlude. Among the best luxury hotels in Egypt, The Oberoi also acts as the perfect gateway to experiencing the colourful aquatic life that calls the bay of Sahl Hasheesh home.

Rooms at this all-suite retreat coddle you with generosity, be it the sunken marble tubs in the ensuite bathrooms, the private pool of the Grand Suites, or the expansive indoor and outdoor personal space accompanying the Royal Suites. From arches and beautifully framed windows to incorporating traditional ornaments such as wall hangings and papyrus lamps, Egyptian design aesthetics give the room a distinctive personality grounded in local ethos.

Adding to the charm of The Oberoi Beach Resort are its many shared facilities. The swimming pool, with two whirlpools, separate sections for kids and adults, and bright yellow parasols, is a lively spot to mingle with other guests.

At the same time, the hotel’s main dining area with courtyard and terrace seating, as well as Indian restaurant Zaffran, ensures that even ardent epicureans leave having experienced a memorable culinary affair.

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