Its pick of attractions makes the Sinai Peninsula as alluring as anywhere in the Middle East. For one thing, it has 1,500 kilometers of coastline stretching out along the coral-rich waters of the Red Sea. For another, among its arid mountains are monasteries that trace their roots back to Biblical times, and even the gifting of the ten commandments to Moses. All in all, there are a huge number of reasons to want to know where to stay in the Sinai.
Sharm El Sheikh
The most developed of Sinai’s resort towns, Sharm El Sheikh made a name for itself because of its almost endless beaches. Well-known as a hotspot for divers and snorkelers, the shallows are home to more than 250 different coral reefs. It also has some of the best hotels in the Sinai, and a great range of tours too. These include our Mount Sinai sunrise tour and even a tour of the best of Cairo.
Sunrise Grand Select Montemare Resort
The five-star Sunrise Grand Select Montemare Resort makes the absolute most of its Sharm El Sheikh location. Outside, guests have a pick of four different pools and a private beach. Inside, a full-service spa adds to the feeling of modern luxury which continues into the bedrooms. These are both spacious and stylish, with many looking out onto the expansive grounds of well-manicured grasses and mature palms.
El Fanar Street Om El Sed Cliff
Steigenberger Alcazar
The always notable Steigenberger Alcazar seems to understand exactly what guests coming to the Sinai are looking for. Rooms give a nod to the Middle East while offering all the comforts of home. They also offer outdoor space in the form of a good-sized balcony or patio. If you can drag yourself away from this comfortable escape, two indoor pools, three spa tubs, and a sauna await. And that’s before you’ve stepped out into the warm Sinai air where there’s a heady mix of pool terraces and bars a short stroll from the nearest beach.
Nabq Bay
Rixos Premium Seagate
Although large, with almost 800 air-conditioned rooms, you never feel lost in the crowd at Rixos Premium Seagate. Home to seven outdoor pools and a guest-only beach, it’s also connected to nearby shopping by a complimentary shuttle. Stay at this all-inclusive pick and you can start the day with a hearty breakfast and end it at a multitude of restaurants and bars. Then get a great night’s sleep in rooms specifically designed for the purpose, before doing it all again the next day.
Nabq Bay
Royal Savoy
A stone’s throw from Sharm’s central Soho Square is Royal Savoy. One of the area’s smallest hotels, it lacks none of the punch of its larger cousins. Here 36 rooms have been finished in a range of styles that together help tell the story of the Sinai Peninsula. The handful of guests able to stay here at any one time can choose between an incredible eight outdoor pools. They provide a great place to cool off after playing a game of tennis. Night owls will also appreciate the onsite nightclub.
Soho Square, 169
Taba
At the top of the Gulf of Aqaba, Taba lies within easy reach of Eilat in Israel, Petra in Jordan, and the border with Saudi Arabia. Marking the northern end of the Red Sea Riviera, it developed out of a Bedouin town. Smaller than Sharm el-Sheik, it offers that typical Sinai experience of sun, sea, and sand all the same. As our spa and wellness guide to Egypt points out, Taba’s climate is also celebrated for its healing properties.
Hilton Taba Hotel & Nelson Village
You’ll find Hilton Taba Hotel & Nelson Village just over one kilometer from Princess Beach and an easy drive to some of Taba’s best dive sites to boot. It boasts an impressive location between the contrasting blues of the Gulf of Aqaba and the muted tones of the mountains beyond. The star of the show is probably the golden sands of its private beach, while others might prefer the draw of the 24-hour casino. Rooms are subtly decorated, allowing the Sinai to sparkle in all its glory.
South Sinai
Dahab
Although only a couple of decades old, Dahab gives a good run for its money when it comes to underwater experiences. The Blue Hole may hold the troubling distinction of the world’s most dangerous dive site, but there are plenty of other options whatever your scuba experience. Elsewhere, it’s also possible to scramble across the region on a quad bike, mountain bike, or even on camelback. If this takes your fancy, our 2-day camel tour and desert camping experience is a must.
Dahab Paradise
Booking well in advance is recommended for this choice hotel stay of fewer than 40 rooms. Dahab Paradise has been carefully designed to take nothing away from its surroundings, which include pinky mountains and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Aqaba. Tucked into the nearest peaks, the two-story structure puts a modern take on traditional Bedouin homes. Their simple design is nonetheless rich in hardwood carving, much of it antique, while just steps from this arm of the Red Sea.
Blue Hole Road
Red C Villas
Situated on the northern edge of Dahab and yet still within easy reach of this small town’s charming heart, Red C Villas comprises a series of individual structures. Sparkling in the sun, they stand around two adult pools and a dedicated children’s pool and provide views across to the Gulf of Aqaba. Each has its own balcony or garden, while inside guests will find a modern take on the region’s traditional architectural forms.
El Salam Road
Le Meridien Dahab Resort
The chic Le Meridien Dahab Resort offers guests modern rooms with balconies. Despite their up-to-the-minute look, they still manage to hold a sense of place, perhaps helped by the proximity of the waters. As you might expect, there are not only three outdoor pools but also a private beach. All are ideal for soaking up the Sinai sun. Other facilities include tennis and basketball courts, and a windsurfing center.
El Tahrir Street
Jaz Dahabeya
The rooms at Jaz Dahabeya also provide private outdoor space in the form of balconies or patios. But in addition, guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning of their stay. The décor here is crisp, and the setting idyllic. Half-hidden by shade-giving palms, the outdoor pool stretches out towards the Dahab lagoon. The light-colored waters are the perfect place to swim or windsurf, while those happy to lounge within the hotel’s confines can satisfy their appetite in one of two restaurants, or at the bars.
Lagoon Area, P.O.Box 83
Sunny Sinai Stays
The diversity of this vast peninsula can make it hard to know where to stay in the Sinai. However, wherever you decide upon from our recommendations, you can be sure of being close to the beach and within easy reach of any number of excellent tours in Sinai. Our full guide to the Sinai will give you a good understanding of what to expect, as well as our guide to the seasons in Egypt to learn more from what you can expect from the weather in the Sinai. And if you’re thinking of extending your trip, don’t miss our 7 day Egypt itinerary suggestions.
