Where to stay
Hurghada has the right kind of accommodation for every budget. It is the major tourism hub on Egypt's Red Sea coast, offering everything from international five star hotels to cheap backpacker hostels. Dahar and Sigaala are where most budget options are located. Booking ahead is not usually necessary for hostels in Dahar, where rooms can usually be found on the spot. Hurghada's budget hostels are simple but comfortable; they are close to shops, cafes and bus stations and the staff are always friendly. All of the suggested accommodation options in Sigaala are short apartment rents, for which you should book ahead. The only hostel in Sigaala is the superb, recently-opened Marina Square Hostel.
Sleeping in Dahar
FOUR SEASONS HOSTEL - simple rooms, friendly, well-established backpacker-type hostel near bars & cafes in Dahar. WIFI in rooms. Singles EGP250, doubles EGP300. Tel: 0122-714-3917 / forseasonshurghada@hotmail.com
SEA VIEW HOTEL - clean rooms with a/c, en-suite bathroom & sea view balconies, in a quiet part of Dahar. Indoor pool & helpful staff. Singles EGP300, doubles EGP400/ night. Tel: 0128-166-2332 / www.seaviewhotel.com.eg
LUXOR HOTEL - simple, clean rooms, with a/c & bathrooms, friendly staff. Good location in Dahar, near banks, bars & cafes. WIFI available. Singles EGP500, doubles EGP600/ night. Tel: 0115-960-0098 / www.luxorhotel-eg.com
Sleeping in Sigaala
BAHGA PALACE 3 - comfortable apartments off a bustling road called Sharia Mudaaris. Kitchenette, en-suite, a/c, TV & roof terrace with superb mountain view. Cafes, bars nearby on Sharia Sheraton. EGP350-400/ night. Call to book: 0109-999-2006 (Hani)
BAHGA PALACE 5 - a sister property of the Bahga Palage 3, just a few minutes away. Slightly more modern. Kitchenette, en-suite, a/c, TV & roof terrace with superb mountain view & balconies overlooking the Red Sea. EGP350-400/ night. Call 0109-999-2006 (Hani)
REDCON SUITES - good apartment-style accommodation, with a hotel feel. A/c, en-suites, kitchenettes & WIFI in the heart of Hurghada, at the end of Sharia Sheraton. Doubles EGP700. Tel: +20106-882-7791 / www.redcon-panorama.hotel-hurghada.com
MARINA SQUARE HOSTEL - superb new backpacker hostel, excellent for hikers. Private & communal rooms, including one with private tents. Common area, kitchen, friendly vibe & WIFI. Dorm bed EGP200, single, EGP400, double EGP500. Tel +20101-614-9623