Egypt hotels · El Gouna
El Gouna Hotels
Where to stay in El Gouna – a canal-linked lagoon town on a string of islands 22 kilometers north of Hurghada, with boutique hotels on private beaches, kite and windsurf lagoons, and a food scene well above the Red Sea average.
- Type
- Canal lagoon town
- Star range
- 3-star to 5-star
- Nights
- 4–7 typical
- To Hurghada
- 22 km south
- To Luxor
- 5 hours by road
- Airport
- Hurghada (HRG)
The decision
Where to stay in El Gouna
El Gouna was built from nothing in 1989 on a series of islands linked by canals, 22 kilometers north of Hurghada. The architecture is low-rise and sand-colored, most of the town is car-free, and the international community that lives here permanently supports a genuine restaurant and nightlife scene – unusual for a Red Sea address.
Abu Tig Marina
Those who want restaurants, a promenade and a social scene on foot
The social hub – a yacht basin lined with restaurants and bars, the most walkable evening in El Gouna. Hotels here are in the thick of it; quieter rooms face the lagoon side.
The lagoon islands
Boutique stays and guests who want the canal character
Small hotels and villa compounds on the interconnected lagoon islands – reached by boat shuttle or bicycle, quiet by day, with the marina a short ride away in the evening.
The open beach strip
Direct Red Sea access and a more traditional resort feel
Hotels with direct access to the open Red Sea rather than the lagoons, further from the town center. Better for swimmers and snorkelers; a short drive to the marina for dinner.
Downtown and the old residential areas
Longer stays and self-catered visits
The original town quarter with the market, the hospital and the university. Aparthotels and villa rentals here are the best value in El Gouna, and most of the permanent expat community lives nearby.
What the stars mean here
Star ratings in El Gouna
El Gouna skews boutique and villa over classic all-inclusive. Here is what each level means in practice.
A handful of smaller guesthouses and aparthotels around the old town and the lagoon edges – basic but well-located, with the marina restaurants close by. El Gouna's best-value option for independent travelers.
The lagoon-island hotels and mid-range marina properties – pools, a beach club and character. The sweet spot for couples and guests who want the El Gouna atmosphere over a standard resort.
The open-beach resort hotels and the premium marina properties – larger pools, a wider restaurant selection and the rooms worth asking us which ones face the lagoon at sunset.
From the collection
Hotels we book in El Gouna
A sample of the El Gouna hotels and villas we book, from the marina boutiques to the open-beach resorts. Tell us your dates and whether you want to be in the thick of the marina or on a quieter lagoon island, and we'll match it.
Three Corners Rihana Resort El Gouna
Three Corners Rihana Resort El Gouna puts you in El Gouna Resort, with Abu Tig Marina a short walk away. Choose it over a more downtown-focused stay if you want to explore the marina on foot and stay in El Gouna. The resort is mid-priced among El Gouna hotels. Room choices include family-size options, and some room types have a balcony or pool view. The largest rooms sleep up to four.
Three Corners Ocean View El Gouna
Choose Three Corners Ocean View El Gouna for an adults-only stay a short walk from Abu Tig Marina. It is a mid-priced 4-star choice in El Gouna, with room types that include sea, ocean, garden, lagoon, and marina views. Pick a Junior Suite with Marina View if you want a suite with a marina view. The hotel suits couples and other adults who want to stay near the marina, rather than families traveling with children.
Steigenberger Golf Resort El Gouna
Steigenberger Golf Resort El Gouna is a mid-priced 5-star pick in El Gouna’s Golf Area for travelers who want a suite or a room with a balcony or terrace. It has three suite types, including Junior Suite King and Junior Suite Twin. Room features across the types include bathtubs and living rooms. The largest rooms sleep up to four, making this a possible fit for a small group that wants to stay together.
Sheraton Miramar Resort El Gouna
Sheraton Miramar Resort El Gouna pairs a beachfront setting with a short walk to Abu Tig Marina. That mix makes it a strong pick for travelers who want beach access and marina outings from one base. Some room types have a private pool and terrace, while others have sea or lagoon views. The resort has four suite types, and its largest rooms sleep up to six. It is a five-star choice for travelers who want a resort stay in El Gouna.
Mövenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna
Movenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna is a good-value pick in El Gouna for its spa and sea-view rooms. It gives travelers a five-star stay at a lower price than many local options. Room choices include suites and family-size rooms, with the largest sleeping four. Some rooms have a balcony or terrace, and sea views are available. Choose this resort if you want a spa stay in El Gouna and room options for couples or families.
La Maison Bleue El Gouna Hotel
La Maison Bleue El Gouna puts you on Kite Center Road for a five-star stay with beach-front suites. Choose it for a suite-led hotel in El Gouna, with balconies, bathtubs and sea views among its room features. Suite choices include the Tower Suite and Beach Front Suite. Abu Tig Marina is nearby, while Hurghada downtown is farther away. This is a good pick for travelers who want a sea-facing stay in El Gouna rather than a base in downtown Hurghada.
Fanadir Hotel El Gouna
Choose Fanadir Hotel El Gouna for a good-value stay by Abu Tig Marina, just a short walk from its waterfront setting. Its North Basin address puts you close to the marina while keeping you in El Gouna rather than downtown Hurghada. The hotel has two room types, including a Junior Suite. Room features include balconies or terraces and pool views. For travelers comparing 4-star stays in El Gouna, Fanadir is one of the more affordable choices.
Dawar El Omda Hotel, El Gouna
Dawar El Omda Hotel El Gouna is an adults-only pick in El Kafr for travelers who want an adult-focused stay in El Gouna. It is one of the city’s few 3-star hotel choices, with two suite types among its rooms. Room choices include a Honeymoon Suite, Junior Suite, Standard Room, and Lagoon Room View. Some room types have balconies. The hotel is a better fit for couples and adult travelers than for families seeking a family-size room or villa.
Cook's Club El Gouna Adults-Only Hotel
Cook's Club El Gouna is a good-value adults-only choice in downtown El Gouna, with lagoon-view rooms for a relaxed Red Sea stay. It is one of the few 3-star hotels in a destination with a range of hotels. Some room types have lagoon views, and Premium Lagoon View Terrace rooms add a terrace. Choose it if you want an adults-focused base in El Gouna rather than a stay in Hurghada.
Casa Cook El Gouna Adults-Only Hotel
Casa Cook El Gouna is a good pick for adults seeking a five-star stay with sea-view rooms and terraces. Its adults-only focus sets it apart from family resorts in El Gouna. Room choices include suites and a two-bedroom villa with a sea view. Abu Tig Marina is nearby, while Hurghada downtown is farther away. This is one of El Gouna’s more expensive hotels, so it suits travelers who value an adults-oriented stay and sea views over a lower price.
Ancient Sands Golf Resort, El Gouna
Choose Ancient Sands Golf Resort for its El Gouna setting and family-sized apartments and villas, with space for up to eight guests. That makes it a strong pick for a group sharing a base in El Gouna. Some room types have a kitchen and living room, while others have a balcony or terrace. Options include two-bedroom villas with golf and lagoon views, plus three-bedroom apartments. Abu Tig Marina is nearby, and Hurghada downtown is farther away.
From your door
What you can do from a El Gouna hotel
El Gouna runs on the water – lagoon flat-water sports in the morning, the open reef by afternoon, and a proper dinner on the marina.
Kite and windsurf on the lagoons
The flat-water lagoons at El Gouna are among the best kite and windsurf spots in Egypt – consistent north wind, warm water and courses available at the lagoon kiteschool for all levels.
The reef by boat
A short trip out to the offshore sites from the marina – the coral wall, colourful reef fish and the occasional napoleon wrasse, back for a late lunch on the water.
Hurghada town and the bazaar
The Old Market and the sea-front promenade, 22 kilometers south – an easy morning out and back, and the largest selection of restaurants and nightlife on the Red Sea coast.
Luxor by road
The Nile temples about five hours inland – Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and the Luxor Museum. A full-day drive through the Eastern Desert that earns its distance.
Before you book
Booking a El Gouna hotel, practically
A few things worth knowing before you pick an El Gouna hotel.
How many nights
Four to seven is standard, though El Gouna's permanent community means it supports longer visits better than most Red Sea resorts – there are enough restaurants and activities to fill a fortnight.
Getting in from the airport
Hurghada Airport (HRG) is about 30 kilometers south of El Gouna, roughly 30–40 minutes by private transfer. Short, straightforward and the standard arrival for any El Gouna booking.
Board and food
Most El Gouna hotels run room-only or bed-and-breakfast – the marina restaurants are good enough that eating out is the better option. All-inclusive is available at a few properties if you want it, but the town works best when you have dinner choices.
Getting around inside El Gouna
The town runs internal boats across the lagoons, golf carts for hire and bicycles – most El Gouna hotels include a bike. A car is not needed inside the town, though you'll want one for day trips.
Common questions
El Gouna hotels, answered
01What is El Gouna like and is it good for families?+
El Gouna is a purpose-built canal town on a series of lagoon islands north of Hurghada. It's car-free in most areas, unusually walkable for Egypt, and has enough restaurants, watersports and activities to keep most families occupied for a week. The calm lagoon water is better for young children than the open sea; the kite and windsurf lagoons are excellent for teenagers.
02Is El Gouna better than Hurghada?+
Hurghada is a larger, busier resort city with more choice at the budget end and a longer coastline of hotels. El Gouna is quieter, more upscale, and has a genuine town character – restaurants and a marina that function independently of the hotels. For a relaxed stay with good food and watersports, El Gouna. For more variety and a lower entry price, Hurghada.
03Is kitesurfing or windsurfing good in El Gouna?+
Yes – El Gouna's lagoons are among the most consistent kite spots in Egypt, with a reliable north wind most of the year. The lagoon is flat water and protected, which is good for beginners and for freestyle. Most El Gouna hotels can connect you to the kiteschool; we can include lessons in the booking.
04Can I do a day trip to Luxor from El Gouna?+
Yes – the Eastern Desert road from El Gouna to Luxor takes about five hours. It's a long day, an early start, but covers Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and the Luxor Museum in one trip. We arrange the car, the Egyptologist guide and all the entry fees.
05Do your El Gouna hotels include meals and airport pickup?+
Most El Gouna hotels run bed-and-breakfast or room-only, with dinner at the marina restaurants a better option than an all-inclusive board here. Airport transfers from HRG are a standard add; the drive is 30–40 minutes.
Reservations
Find your room in El Gouna
Tell us your dates, whether you want to be on the marina or on a quieter lagoon island, and what you want from the water – kite, reef or both – and we'll send hand-picked El Gouna hotels. Cairo · Luxor · Aswan · Hurghada · Marsa Alam · Sharm El Sheikh, on the ground since 1988.