Where to go in Egypt: 15 5-star all inclusive hotels by the sea

Egypt is chosen for one reason: a warm sea all year round. Direct flights from Germany operate almost every day, and the Red Sea resorts welcome guests in both January and April.

There is just one challenge. There are hundreds of suitable 5-star hotels here, and their descriptions are almost identical: "all inclusive," "first line," "large grounds." We have put together fifteen hotels in Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, and Marsa Alam that sit right by the sea or very close to it. The drive from the airport takes roughly half an hour to an hour (according to the map).

Below, each hotel comes with photos, an honest catch, and a tip on who it will suit. Prices depend on the season and the flight, so check current rates via the links.

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Our pick: fifteen 5-star all-inclusive hotels in Egypt

💡 In short:

• With kids and a water park: Hilton Hurghada Plaza, Rixos Premium Seagate, Pickalbatros Royal Moderna, Pickalbatros White Beach.
• For a quiet getaway without kids: Rixos Sharm El Sheikh and Sunrise Romance Resort Sahl Hasheesh.
• Diving and living reefs: Rixos Premium Seagate, Cleopatra Luxury Resort Makadi Bay, Sunrise Arabian Beach Resort.
• Data on Pickalbatros hotels: 09/2026, official website Pickalbatros. For other hotels, check the details on their pages via the links.

1. Hilton Hurghada Plaza hotel

© anagh · CC BY-SAPhoto: anagh, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Hilton Hurghada Plaza sits right in Hurghada, so the city with its shops and cafes is at your fingertips. The beach here is sandy, with a gentle entry and its own bar serving local beer and wine. All rooms have balconies facing the sea; you will not find any rooms overlooking the road.

The hotel was recently renovated: the rooms are spacious and bright, there are several pools, and next to the large one there is a shallow children's pool. Dining is spread across several restaurants and bars, including a seafood restaurant opening onto the pier and a grill bar by the pool. In the mornings, the grounds smell of fresh bread from the hotel's own bakery.

For sports, there is a full-size tennis court, beach volleyball, and a gym. The spa has two saunas, a steam room, and a whirlpool bath, with massage therapists available on request. Hurghada Airport is about half an hour away (according to the map), which is convenient for late arrivals.

• Who it's for: families with kids and couples who want the city nearby.
• Not for: those looking for a secluded resort away from built-up areas.
• Location: Hurghada, about half an hour from the airport (according to the map).

Rates at Hilton Hurghada Plaza on Trip.com

2. Rixos Premium Seagate

Rixos Premium Seagate occupies a huge property in Sharm El Sheikh, where guests are shuttled around in electric carts. A coral reef runs along the shore, and divers come here specifically for it. All-inclusive dining is served in a dozen restaurants featuring cuisines from different countries and in several bars.

A spa center with a Turkish bath and steam sauna, a beauty salon, and a modern gym cover the adult schedule. For kids, there is a play club and a water park with slides, while babysitting services come at an extra charge. Rooms range from spacious suites to standalone villas with a private area.

• Who it's for: families with kids and guests who enjoy a large resort with full infrastructure.
• Location: Sharm El Sheikh, first line by the coral reef.
• The catch: the grounds are very large: without an electric cart, walking to the far end takes a long time.

Rates at Rixos Premium Seagate on Trip.com

3. Rixos Sharm El Sheikh

Rixos Sharm El Sheikh is adults only: young children are not accommodated, and teenagers are accepted from age sixteen. The hotel combines a complex of three neighboring buildings set in greenery, so finding quiet here is easy. The reef starts right at the shore, so there is no need to travel for snorkeling.

Eight restaurants serve Japanese, Indian, Italian, and Brazilian cuisine. There are several pools, two of them heated, so swimming is comfortable even in winter. During the day, guests can enjoy darts, bocce, yoga, and Pilates; in the evening, live music plays and shows take place on the beach.

The rooms are spacious and well equipped. If you want a change of scenery, guests can swim in the lagoon at the neighboring Seagate building.

• Who it's for: couples and adults looking for a quiet getaway without a children's program.
• Not for: families with young children: the hotel only accepts teenagers from age sixteen.

Prices at Rixos Sharm El Sheikh on Trip.com

4. Pickalbatros royal moderna resort

Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Resort (formerly Royal Albatros Moderna) is located in Nabq Bay and currently welcomes couples and families. The grounds are well maintained, with a series of pools and its own water park. The rooms have been renovated and furnished with new furniture, so the hotel looks fresh.

You enter the sea from a long pontoon; there is almost no depth near the shore. From the pontoon you can see a reef with fish, and ice cream and milkshakes are unlimited here. Kids' activities run all day, with music by the pool and aqua aerobics classes.

Adults have access to a fitness center and a spa area. If you want more space, book the presidential suite with its own large private pool.

• Who it's for: families with children who want a water park right at the hotel.
• The catch: there is no sandy beach entry; you can only swim from the pontoon.

Prices at Pickalbatros Royal Moderna on Trip.com

5. Pickalbatros sea world resort

Pickalbatros Sea World Resort in Marsa Alam was built recently, so the complex looks like a neat little town. The grounds are well maintained, beautifully lit in the evening, and the pools vary in depth. There is not much greenery yet, which is understandable given the hotel's age.

It is convenient here with children. The slides are safe, and there are enough loungers for everyone even in high season. The food is varied, with the grill especially praised for its several types of meat and seafood. During the day, children and adults are entertained with music, dancing, and contests.

In the evening there are discos and live music. A spa area and several saunas are available for relaxation. According to the official Pickalbatros website, the resort is located on the beachfront in Marsa Alam.

• Who it's for: families with children and those who appreciate a new, modern hotel.
• The catch: little greenery; the grounds feel open and sunny.

Prices at Pickalbatros Sea World on Trip.com

6. Pickalbatros White Beach Resort

Pickalbatros White Beach Resort (formerly Albatros White Beach) is named after its main advantage: a wide white sand beach with plenty of loungers and umbrellas. The sea is shallow and the entry is gentle, so it's easy to relax here with little ones. There are six pools, including children's pools with slides.

The hotel takes a special approach to kids. An animation team is on hand, the restaurant has children's furniture, the grill serves meat, and ice cream is available all day. There are several restaurants and bars, so you'll find a spot for both breakfast and a late dinner.

All rooms face the sea, and the minibar is restocked regularly. The rooms are modern and well equipped, so you won't be running around looking for odds and ends with your suitcase. The hotel is located on the first line in Hurghada.

• Who it's for: families with young children and anyone who wants a gentle entry into the sea.
• Location: Hurghada, first-line beach.

Prices at Pickalbatros White Beach on Trip.com

7. Steigenberger Aqua Magic

Steigenberger Aqua Magic sits on the second line, but it's right next to the El Mamsha promenade, where people stroll and dine in the evening. The grounds are compact, and pools take up most of the space. Right by the main restaurant you'll find a children's water park shaped like a pirate ship, a heated aqua zone, and a nicely designed playground with swings.

A relaxation area is set up on the roof of one of the buildings. Loungers sit right in the water, with a view of the sea. The fitness center is open 24 hours, and there's golf, beach volleyball, ping-pong, and billiards.

The dive center offers snorkeling, windsurfing, water skiing, canoeing, and catamarans. For kids, that means no chance of boredom even on a windy day.

• Who it's for: families with children who want a promenade and water park close at hand.
• The catch: second line, not first: you walk through the grounds to reach the sea.

Prices at Steigenberger Aqua Magic on Trip.com

8. Cleopatra Luxury Resort Makadi Bay

Cleopatra Luxury Resort Makadi Bay is divided into two zones: a family zone with children and an adults-only zone with its own reception, restaurant, and buildings. Between them are seven clean pools, plenty of greenery, and well-kept paths. The hotel is managed to European standards, and it shows in the details: from the welcome at reception to the order on the beach.

The cuisine gets praise for the Waterfront restaurant. The selection there is smaller than in the main dining room, but the food is very good. Gala dinners are held twice a week, Tuesday is Arabian night, and Sunday features a black-and-white dinner. Before the Arabian evening, white galabeyas are placed in the rooms, and guests wear them to the restaurant. In the evening, the Sky bar serves mojitos, with a view of Makadi Bay at night.

The sea here is deep, and you swim from a pontoon. To the left of it, a living reef begins: you can encounter turtles, moray eels, octopuses, and squid. The hotel's particular pride, a family of eagle rays, stays near the pontoon and comes almost right up to people.

During the day, guests can enjoy water polo, hammock yoga, and aqua aerobics; a kids' club runs for children, and shows take place in the evenings. If you want decent service for reasonable money, this hotel is worth looking at first.

• Who it's for: families and couples who want decent service for reasonable money.
• The catch: the grounds are compact, and the sea is deep: entry is mostly from a pontoon.

Prices at Cleopatra Luxury Resort Makadi Bay on Trip.com

9. Jaz Aquaviva

Jaz Aquaviva is chosen for its water park. The property is home to Makadi Water World, one of the largest in Egypt: fifty slides range from extreme to kid-friendly. The room stock is new, the infrastructure is well thought out, and all-inclusive is in effect.

The sea entry is sandy, and a mask and fins for snorkeling are provided free of charge with a small deposit. The reef is not as impressive as those in Sharm El Sheikh, but rays, squid, and large tuna do appear. Sports include a tennis court, a golf course, a fitness center, and water activities.

The spa offers massage and cosmetic treatments with natural products. For children, there are kids' menus in the restaurants, a club, a playground, and a separate pool, so parents can comfortably leave them for an hour or so.

• Who it's for: families with children and young groups who want a water park.
• The catch: the underwater world is weaker than on the reefs of Sharm El Sheikh.

Prices at Jaz Aquaviva on Trip.com

10. Jaz Casa Del Mar Beach

© Matjaž Mirt from Krško, Slovenia · CC BYPhoto: Matjaž Mirt from Krško, Slovenia, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Jaz Casa Del Mar Beach is designed in a Greek style and sits in a cozy lagoon, so the sea here is clean and calm. The hotel is an easy walk from the town: in the evening you can stroll the streets and buy souvenirs. The restaurants maintain a high standard, with presentation and quality closer to upscale establishments.

In addition to the main dining room, there are a la carte restaurants serving Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, plus a grill. The restaurants have a dress code, so keep that in mind when packing. On the hotel's own sandy beach, about three hundred meters long, boat rides and diving are offered.

The animation team runs daytime and evening programs, including fire shows and individual acts. The kids' club accepts children aged four to twelve, and in winter the children's pools are heated, so swimming is possible even in the cooler season.

• Who it's for: couples and families who want to combine beach and town.
• The catch: the restaurants have a dress code, so shorts and tank tops won't work.

Prices at Jaz Casa Del Mar Beach on Trip.com

11. Jaz Makadina

Jaz Makadina occupies a stretch of secluded beach and consists of several buildings. The hotel caters to guests from the European Union, and the staff speaks English and German. The sea is clear, with a sandy and gradual entry, so it's comfortable here with children.

Guests can visit the Makadi Water World water park free of charge. On the beach, waiters bring around water and cocktails, and a little way off there's a pier with a reef for snorkeling. If you get to the beach before six in the morning, you have a chance to see large turtles, which come close to the shore.

The a la carte restaurants Aqua and Beach serve noticeably more interesting food than the main dining room, with seafood available every day. The grounds are green and well maintained, and the kids' club gets praise for its varied programs: Egyptian day, pirate day, and sports day.

• Who it's for: families with children and guests who value a quiet beach.
• The catch: to catch the turtles, you need to be on the beach before six in the morning.

Prices at Jaz Makadina on Trip.com

12. Sunrise romance resort Sahl Hasheesh

Sunrise Romance Resort Sahl Hasheesh is designed for couples and families with children aged sixteen and up, so you won't find loud parties here. The new building is only two years old, the interiors look fresh, and the rooms are furnished in a modern style. It feels more like Spain than Egypt.

The beach is considered the best in Hurghada: clean, well maintained, with a gentle slope into the water. Along the roughly ten-kilometer promenade you can walk or ride a golf cart. The menu features crab, squid, shrimp, and fish every day, and for meat there's beef, turkey, and chicken. Breakfast includes blue cheese and plenty of fruit: mango, pineapple, kiwi, and grapes.

There are a la carte restaurants serving Italian, Asian, Lebanese, and Indian cuisine, plus a separate seafood restaurant by reservation. The spa gets praise for its hammam and massage. In the evening there's live music, with a different performer every day.

• Who it's for: couples and families with teenagers who want a quiet vacation.
• Not for: families with small children: there's no kids' program here.

Prices at Sunrise Romance Resort Sahl Hasheesh on Trip.com

13. Sunrise arabian beach resort

© Hatem Moushir · CC BY-SAPhoto: Hatem Moushir, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Sunrise Arabian Beach Resort sits next to the Musical Fountain and a coral reef, so divers choose it too. The rooms are large and bright, decorated in an Arabic style. Shuttles constantly run around the huge green grounds, so you can ride to the far pool instead of walking.

There are several pools, two slides that both kids and adults use, and one pool is heated in the cold season. The all-inclusive dining lives up to its name: meat, salads, seafood, pastries, and fruit without limits. Six a la carte restaurants are also available, and the beach bars serve light snacks and fresh fruit.

The entertainment is active: from music contests to sports games.

• Who it's for: divers and families who want a large hotel with its own promenade.
• Not for: those who want a compact hotel: the grounds are very large.

Prices at Sunrise Arabian Beach Resort on Trip.com

14. Sunrise diamond beach resort

© George Yohng · CC BYPhoto: George Yohng, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Sunrise Diamond Beach Resort Grand Select gives you access to several pools, bars, and its own water park. Guests can use room service, a concierge, and a rooftop terrace. The main restaurant serves lamb, pork, chicken, and seafood, and a separate station makes pasta.

Shawarma lovers head to Fairuz, and for barbecue people go to Grill House Il Mercato, El Masrien Grill Restaurant, or Beach BBQ Restaurant. You enter the water from a pontoon, and the sea is clean. A beach and pool are reserved for adults only, and this is strictly enforced.

There is a minimarket on site, which is handy when you run out of small things like sunscreen or water. The entertainment team runs aerobics, water aerobics, darts, bocce, volleyball, and water polo, so you are unlikely to have much free time.

• Who it's for: families with kids and couples who want both a water park and a quiet zone.

Prices at Sunrise Diamond Beach Resort on Trip.com

15. Sunrise Montemare Resort

Sunrise Montemare Resort Grand Select sits on a slope: from the sea to the main building there is a six-story elevation difference. Each level has its own pools, and stops with phones are placed around the perimeter. You pick up the receiver, and a golf cart arrives in one or two minutes, so the climb stops being a problem.

The beach is divided into zones on different levels, including an adults-only area. The hotel has its own dive center, and you can dive right from the pier into the Red Sea without taking a boat. The sandy beach has plenty of fish that swim right up to people, and some loungers are placed directly in the water so you can lie at the very edge.

The food here deserves special mention. The restaurants and bars serve seafood, meat, and fish, and guests praise the cheesecake and the Egyptian pie from Balyal. At the entrance there is a display fridge with raw shrimp, squid, and fish that they cook to your order. At dinner they bring out a fountain with white and milk chocolate.

Management is praised for attention to detail, so many guests return here more than once.

• Who it's for: couples and families who want a hillside hotel with a view and an adults-only zone.
• The catch: the elevation difference: walking from the beach to the building is uphill, but the golf cart saves you.

Prices at Sunrise Montemare Resort on Trip.com

Egypt hotels on the map

Above are fifteen hotels on the Red Sea coast. They are most densely concentrated in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, while the rest are scattered across Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, and Marsa Alam. Below is a map: see which resort is more convenient for your route and how long it takes to travel between points.

The distances between resorts are long, so it is better to plan your flight and transfer in advance. From Hurghada Airport to the hotels in Makadi Bay takes about half an hour, and from Sharm El Sheikh Airport to Nabq Bay is about the same (according to the map). If you are flying for the first time, choose a hotel based on your flight, not the other way around.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Which hotel from the list is best for traveling with small children?

At Pickalbatros White Beach Resort the sea is shallow and the entry is gentle, so little ones are comfortable there. At Hilton Hurghada Plaza there is a shallow kids' pool next to the large pool, and at Steigenberger Aqua Magic there is a kids' water park with a pirate ship. All of them have clubs and entertainment, so the kids stay busy and you get some free time.

Which hotels suit couples without children?

Rixos Sharm El Sheikh and Sunrise Romance Resort Sahl Hasheesh either do not accommodate children or only accept guests aged sixteen and up. They are quieter, with less noise at the pools and more greenery. If you want a calm evening, look at these two options: live music instead of kids' discos and separate adults-only zones.

What should I choose: first line or second line?

First line means direct access to the beach, and almost all the hotels on the list are positioned that way. There is one exception: Steigenberger Aqua Magic is on the second line, but it is a two-minute walk from the El Mamsha promenade. If walks and nearby restaurants matter more to you, the second line is not a problem. If the sea is the priority, take the first line.

What is included in all-inclusive at these hotels?

Usually it includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main restaurant, locally produced drinks, snacks, and ice cream between meals. Some hotels add a la carte restaurants and sports: tennis, water aerobics, a dive center. Check the exact list of services when booking a specific hotel, because it varies from hotel to hotel.

Which resort should I choose: Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, or Marsa Alam?

Hurghada is more convenient in terms of the drive from the airport, and it has more hotels with sandy entry. Sharm El Sheikh wins for its coral reefs, but you often have to swim from a pontoon. Marsa Alam is quieter and farther away; people go there for diving and peace. For a first trip, Hurghada is a good choice.

In short: what to book

If you are traveling with little ones, take Pickalbatros White Beach Resort or Hilton Hurghada Plaza: the sea is shallow and the entry is gentle. For teenagers and a water park, Jaz Aquaviva and Pickalbatros Royal Moderna are good options. Couples without kids should look at Rixos Sharm El Sheikh and Sunrise Romance Resort Sahl Hasheesh. Divers care most about the reef, and it is closest at Rixos Premium Seagate and Cleopatra Luxury Resort Makadi Bay.

Prices depend on the season and the flight, so compare rates before buying: summer is more expensive, and the shoulder season is a better deal.

See prices for 5-star all-inclusive Egypt hotels on Trip.com