Where to stay in Hurghada: 15 five-star hotels with water parks and reefs

Hurghada stretches along the Red Sea for roughly 40 km (according to Sunrise Resorts, 09/2026). Almost the entire first line is taken up by 5-star hotels with an all-inclusive system. Choosing among them is not easy: the names are similar, while the difference in beach, reefs, and water parks is huge.

For this review we selected 15 hotels where guests return most often. Fourteen of them are on the first line, while at Jaz Aquaviva the beach is 2.5 km from the buildings. For each one you will see who it suits, where it is located, and what the beach and sea entry are like.

Thirteen hotels on the list suit families with children, while two more are adults-only. The most interesting snorkeling reefs await you in Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh. Prices depend on the season and dates, so check them using the links below.

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How to choose a first-line hotel

💡 In short:

• 15 hotels are located in five resort areas: Hurghada, El Gouna, Soma Bay, Makadi, and Sahl Hasheesh.
• All-inclusive is included in the price everywhere, but a water park, a house reef, and an adults-only format are not available at every hotel.
• Data on buildings and beaches: 09/2026, verified against official websites.

Hurghada is divided into five resort areas, and your vacation depends on the area. In Hurghada itself, hotels stand close together: you can walk to the promenade, cafes, and shops. El Gouna resembles a separate little town with lagoons and bridges. Soma Bay, Makadi, and Sahl Hasheesh spread out 20-40 km from the center (on the map), where there is almost no urban development.

First line means there is no road or other people's beaches between the buildings and the sea. The water entry is sandy and gently sloping almost everywhere, so swimming with small children is convenient. At hotels in Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh, reefs start right at the shore: bring a mask, fish are visible just a few meters away from you.

For a trip, it is better to choose spring or autumn. In summer the air is scorching, and in winter the evenings are cool. Pool heating in the cold season smooths out the difference, so you can swim year-round.

1. Desert Rose Resort 5*

© lenok136 · CC BYPhoto: lenok136, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Desert Rose stands in a lagoon with a sandy beach and occupies a very large area. The complex is located on the first line: there is no road between the buildings and the sea. Guests are accommodated in six buildings, from standard rooms to deluxe rooms.

The hotel is known for its Olympic-size pool and its own water park with slides. A hammam, sauna, and spa center operate nearby, and on the beach you will be offered diving with an instructor. Sporty guests can dive to the coral reefs with an instructor, and the animation team keeps both adults and children busy all day.

Dining here is organized on a broad scale. Several restaurants prepare Italian, Lebanese, and European cuisine, with seafood served separately. The bars offer a wide selection of drinks, and at the Sunset Bar children are given ice cream at certain times. For children, the menu includes separate healthy dishes.

The grounds also feature tennis courts, a small shopping center, an amphitheater, and many playgrounds. Boats offer fishing and sea trips, so you will not be bored.

• Who it's for: families with children and couples who want a wide range of entertainment.
• Location: Hurghada, first line, lagoon with a sandy beach.
• Not for: those looking for a compact hotel and short distances.
• Price: Desert Rose Resort prices on Trip.com

2. Steigenberger Aldau Beach Hotel 5*

The hotel stands 5 km from the center of Hurghada (on the map) on the first line. The room stock is housed in one five-story building with six elevators and in three separate villas. The private beach is sandy and long, and the large water park on the grounds operates with heated water in winter.

Besides the sea, you can swim in the main pool with a lazy river and in a saltwater pool. A separate children's pool with entertainment is provided, so you will feel more at ease by the water.

Dining is offered by four restaurants: Oriental, Mediterranean, and Italian cuisine, a buffet, and an a la carte menu. There is a separate children's menu.

In the large spa complex you will be offered facial treatments, body wraps, and massage. There is a gym, a floodlit golf course, and bicycle rental. Children's leisure is covered by a mini club with board games and game consoles, and the children's buffet has sweets, pastries, and ice cream all day.

• Who it's for: families with children and couples who value a heated water park.
• Location: 5 km from the center of Hurghada (on the map), first line.
• The catch: the resort center is 5 km away, you cannot walk there.
• Price: Steigenberger Aldau Beach rates on Trip.com

3. Steigenberger Aqua Magic 5*

One of the most popular resorts on the Hurghada coast. The grounds feature five large shaped pools and flowering gardens, and the private beach is sandy. Guests are accommodated in a five-story building and two bungalows.

The all-inclusive package opens up extensive dining options. Nine restaurants with open terraces operate on site, with children's and vegetarian menus available. In the evenings, one of the restaurants hosts a culinary show, so your dinner turns into a performance.

The spa and gym add variety to your stay. There is a golf course, and you can play football. Several playgrounds with rides and entertainment are set up for younger guests. Those looking for new experiences can book a safari, an ATV ride, an evening in a Bedouin village, a Nile cruise, or a trip to Cairo.

• Who it's for: families with children who want lots of pools and excursions.
• Location: Hurghada, beachfront, sandy beach.
• Not for: those who prefer quiet hotels without animation and shows.
• Price: Steigenberger Aqua Magic prices on Trip.com

4. Movenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna 5*

© Sergey A. Demidov · CC BYPhoto: Sergey A. Demidov, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The hotel occupies a large beachfront property in El Gouna. A cozy private beach, spacious rooms in buildings of varying heights, and green gardens set a relaxed pace. For children, there are play areas, a mini club, kids' animation, and cribs available on request in the rooms.

The restaurants focus on different cuisines: Thai, Mediterranean, and Italian. The buffet is served in the main restaurant, and during the day you can grab a bite at the pizzeria, cafes, and bars on the grounds and on the beach.

The gym and spa center with a sauna and massage add variety to your stay. Active travelers can go canoeing, windsurfing, diving, or play beach volleyball. There are tennis courts, a golf course, and bicycle rentals. In the evening, the restaurant features live music and entertainment programs.

• Who it's for: families with children and couples who value the laid-back town of El Gouna.
• Location: El Gouna, beachfront, lagoons and gardens.
• The catch: it's far from central Hurghada, so you'll need to travel for city life.
• Price: Movenpick El Gouna prices on Trip.com

5. Sunrise romance resort Sahl Hasheesh 5*

The resort is designed for a quiet luxury-style vacation. The rooms are located in a snow-white four-story building with columns and domes on the roof. Rooms, suites, and apartments are decorated with carpets and beautiful furniture, and some suites have direct access to a private pool.

The windows overlook the sea and a golden sandy beach, considered one of the best in Sahl Hasheesh. A promenade lined with ten thousand palm trees leads to the beach, and at the end you'll find a long pier with snow-white yachts.

There are six restaurants on site serving cuisines from different countries. The bars offer a wide selection of drinks, premium wines, and cocktails. You can relax on the pool terrace or head out for a round of golf. Sports enthusiasts have access to a gym, and the spa center has everything you need to leave the hustle and bustle behind. Several terraces are equipped with Jacuzzis. In the evening, guests can enjoy a disco or an entertainment program.

• Who it's for: couples and adult guests looking for a quiet resort.
• Location: Sahl Hasheesh, beachfront, long sandy beach.
• Not for: families with children: the hotel does not accommodate guests under 16.
• Price: Sunrise Romance Sahl Hasheesh prices on Trip.com

6. Steigenberger Pure Lifestyle 5*

The hotel is located in the Al Mamsha El Seyahi area and is adults-only. Three elegant five-story buildings with elevators house stylish rooms. Some rooms have private access to a pool, while others feature a Jacuzzi. The private sandy beach is equipped with complimentary loungers and towels. The property has six pools, a water park with slides, and a Jacuzzi pool.

Guests have access to a 24-hour gym, an aqua center, and golf. The Algotherm thalasso & spa offers bath rituals, massage, and a relaxation area with a hammam, sauna, tropical shower pool, and Jacuzzi.

The dining options are extensive: among the nine restaurants there is a beach restaurant, a seafood restaurant, Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine restaurants, and a sushi bar. Bars on site and on the beach offer a wide selection of drinks, and one of them hosts late-night discos. Sports and entertainment activities run throughout the day.

• Who it's for: couples and groups of friends who want a vacation without children.
• Location: Hurghada, Al Mamsha El Seyahi area, beachfront.
• Not for: families with children: the hotel is adults-only.
• Price: Steigenberger Pure Lifestyle prices on Trip.com

7. Kempinski hotel Soma Bay 5*

© Simplex2 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Simplex2, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Kempinski is located in Soma Bay on a golden sand beach. Upon arrival, you're greeted by a five-story building styled like a Moorish castle. The windows and balconies offer views of the mountains, the bay, and the sandy coastline.

The landscaping mirrors natural water features. Numerous pools and ponds, fountains, and waterfalls are illuminated in the evening, making nighttime walks around the property memorable. The restaurants focus on Italian, international, and local cuisine, and the kids' menu is styled like fast food. There are two bars on site.

Guests can enjoy a large spa center, and the 18-hole golf course is located at the neighboring La Residence Des Cascades hotel. Children's activities are handled by the animation team, with playgrounds and two kids' pools available, and cribs and high chairs provided on request. You can try windsurfing, diving, tennis, and squash, and the staff can arrange horseback and camel rides.

• Who it's for: couples and families looking for a secluded resort with golf.
• Location: Soma Bay, beachfront, sandy beach.
• The catch: golf and some of the facilities are at the neighboring hotel, not on the property (according to Kempinski).
• Price: Kempinski Soma Bay prices on Trip.com

8. Sunrise Crystal Bay resort grand select 5*

The hotel occupies a stretch of coastline in a lagoon 20 km from Hurghada (according to the map). The Senzo shopping center is a five-minute drive away. The room buildings are surrounded by a garden with a water park, and nearby there are three large pools, an outdoor Jacuzzi, and two kids' pools. Sunbathing areas with loungers and shade canopies are set up by the pools.

Buffet-style dining is provided by a buffet restaurant. At other venues you can try world cuisine and seafood. All restaurants have open terraces with views.

Entertainment options include sports games, a tennis court, billiards, and darts. By the sea you can go snorkeling, windsurfing, and diving. In the evening, programs take place at the disco bar. Guests have access to a gym and a spa. Children are kept busy at the mini club, which offers painting workshops.

• Who it's for: families with children and couples who value a garden and a water park.
• Location: 20 km from Hurghada (according to the map), lagoon, beachfront.
• The catch: Hurghada's center is 20 km away, so you'll need a taxi for city life.
• Price: Sunrise Crystal Bay prices on Trip.com

9. Sunrise Royal Makadi resort 5*

The hotel sits in Makadi Bay with a long sandy beach. Guests can choose from rooms in two-story snow-white buildings to standalone villas in the garden. Rooms for children feature a bunk bed, and cribs are provided for toddlers.

Guests have access to four pools, one of which is heated in winter. The on-site water park with slides lets you have fun without leaving the property. Dining is provided by four restaurants with different cuisines, a kids' menu, and vegetarian options. Beer lovers will appreciate the selection at the pub, kids get free ice cream at the bar, and the whole family can enjoy time at the oriental café with pastries, sweets, and coffee.

For an active vacation, there are tennis courts, a gym, and scuba diving lessons. The bay has beautiful dive sites. The spa center offers plenty of relaxation: after the sauna you can unwind in the Jacuzzi or get a massage. Children are entertained by the animation team, and babysitting is available for an extra fee. There's a mini club with board games, game consoles, and cartoons.

• Who it's for: families with children who want a water park and diving close to the hotel.
• Location: Makadi, bay, beachfront, sandy beach.
• Not for: those who want a quiet hotel without kids' animation.
• Price: Sunrise Royal Makadi prices on Trip.com

10. Labranda Royal Makadi 5*

The hotel is located in the center of Makadi Bay on the shore of a scenic lagoon. All the facilities and the sandy beach are well suited for a family vacation. The rooms are decorated in an oriental style and have furnished balconies. A water park with four pools, one of which is heated in the winter months, is set among the gardens. The hotel's own aqua park with slides makes for a fun time by the water.

Dining options include four restaurants, one of them serving Italian cuisine, as well as bars, a pub, and a snack bar. Sweets are served in an oriental cafe. Those who prefer a quieter pace can spend time in the sauna or hammam at the spa complex. Guests who like to stay active will enjoy football and the tennis court.

Entertainment runs all day and late into the night: aqua aerobics classes, water polo and beach volleyball tournaments, and evening shows and discos. For toddlers and children up to 12 years old, there is a mini club where they can play board games, watch movies and cartoons, and learn something new at workshops.

• Who it's for: families with children who enjoy lively entertainment.
• Location: Makadi Bay, beachfront, lagoon.
• Not for: those looking for a quiet vacation without loud shows.
• Price: Labranda Royal Makadi prices on Trip.com

11. Tropitel Sahl Hasheesh 5*

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

The hotel is located in the Sahl Hasheesh area on a sandy beach with a gentle slope into the water and corals. The beach is long, and the water entry is convenient for swimming with children. The elegant five-story building and two separate blocks house more than five hundred rooms with modern interiors. Panoramic windows and furnished balconies let you enjoy sunrises and sunsets.

The infrastructure suits family vacations and romantic getaways. Guests have access to a large grounds with a water park, heated pools, and children's water zones. By the pool, you can relax on loungers in the shade of canopies and order snacks and drinks at the bar.

Dining is provided by four restaurants. Those who don't want to leave their room can order room service. Bars are open on the grounds and on the beach. Adults can spend time on one of two tennis courts, while children have fun at the playground or in the mini club with cartoons and a game console. Guests also have access to a spa center with a sauna and jacuzzi, as well as a gym.

• Who it's for: families with children and couples who want a beach with a gentle slope into the water.
• Location: Sahl Hasheesh, first line, sandy beach with corals.
• Not for: those who want to walk into town: there are only hotels nearby.
• Price: Tropitel Sahl Hasheesh prices on Trip.com

12. Continental Hotel Hurghada 5*

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

The hotel is a ten-minute drive from the resort center (according to the map). It has its own beach with a pier, a sand spit, and a mini island with palm trees. The accommodation suits both family vacations and youth getaways. The room inventory includes superior rooms, suites, and villas with several bedrooms for a large group. The villas open onto terraces and private pools, and the rooms have balconies with views of the grounds and the sea.

Fresh food is available all day in three restaurants. The poolside restaurant with an open terrace prepares seafood dishes. The main restaurant, Palms Brasserie, offers three meals a day in a buffet format. Another beach restaurant serves international cuisine, snacks, and cocktails.

For active time, there is a water sports center, tennis courts, and squash courts. You can relax in the spa center or on a lounger by the large outdoor pool, where a shallow area is set aside for children to swim.

• Who it's for: families with children and groups who want seaside villas.
• Location: 10 minutes from the center of Hurghada (according to the map), first line.
• Not for: those who want a hotel right in the city center.
• Price: Continental Hotel Hurghada prices on Trip.com

13. Albatros Citadel Resort 5*

© Rabax63 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Rabax63, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The hotel is located near the Sahl Hasheesh area. It has its own beach about one and a half kilometers long with a yacht marina and coral bays (according to Pickalbatros, 09/2026). Guests are accommodated mainly in the main four-story building and a complex of two- and three-story blocks. The rooms are spacious and bright, with modern interiors and all the necessary furniture.

A large panoramic pool operates on the grounds, and there is also a children's pool. After a swim, you can spend the rest of the day on the beach with coral bays, where you can go snorkeling and observe marine life. The beach is fully equipped, covered with golden sand, and has a gentle slope into the water.

Dining is organized in an all-inclusive format. In addition to dishes from around the world, the restaurant always has children's food: porridge, yogurt, cereal, pastries, and ice cream. A dietary menu is offered separately. During the day, you can spend time in a coffee shop and enjoy aromatic coffee. Entertainment options include billiards, tennis, diving, and snorkeling, with daytime and evening animation. For children, there are educational and board games in the mini club, workshops, and active games.

• Who it's for: families with children who value a long beach and snorkeling.
• Location: Sahl Hasheesh, first line, sandy beach with corals.
• Not for: those who want short walks to town.
• Price: Albatros Citadel Resort prices on Trip.com

14. Sunrise garden beach resort 5*

The hotel is located twenty kilometers from the resort center (according to the map) and has a large private grounds with a beach, water park, relaxation areas, bars, restaurants, and parking. The terracotta-colored two-story residential buildings with white balconies contrast against the water of artificial lagoons and greenery.

The main restaurant operates in a buffet format. The dishes always include children's options, as well as a dietary menu. Snacks and a range of drinks are served at the poolside bars. You can swim in two heated outdoor pools and one indoor pool. A separate pool with a slide is set aside for children.

A fulfilling vacation is ensured by various activities. Tennis courts, mini golf, billiards, and yoga classes are available, and you can try archery or relax in the jacuzzi. Guests also have access to a spa and a gym.

• Who it's for: families with children who enjoy sports and mini golf.
• Location: 20 km from the center of Hurghada (according to the map), first line.
• The catch: the city center is 20 km away, so you'll take a taxi for entertainment.
• Price: Sunrise Garden Beach prices on Trip.com

15. Jaz Aquaviva 5*

The hotel stands on the beach in the Makadi Bay area and occupies a large private grounds. The complex is known for its big water park with slides of varying heights. The three- to four-story residential buildings are arranged around the perimeter of two large pools with sunbathing areas. There are enough loungers here, placed under canopies at the water's edge. One of the pools is on the roof.

The main restaurant invites you for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can grab a snack at the pastry cafe or at the rooftop bar-restaurant serving Italian cuisine. Several bars on the grounds and on the beach always have drinks and snacks. A large food court operates next to the hotel.

The beach is two and a half kilometers from the buildings (according to the map), with a shuttle bus running there every fifteen minutes. The surface is sandy, coral reefs are nearby, and there are loungers and umbrellas. During the day, you can visit the spa center and gym, play mini golf or tennis, or take part in aqua aerobics. In the evening, a show program and live music await everyone on the restaurant terrace.

• Who it's for: active couples and families who care about having a water park.
• Location: Makadi Bay; the buildings are 2.5 km from the beach, with a shuttle running.
• The catch: the beach is 2.5 km from the buildings, too far to walk, so you'll have to wait for the shuttle.
• Price: Jaz Aquaviva prices on Trip.com

Hurghada 5-star beachfront hotels on the map

All 15 hotels are marked on the map below. This makes it easier to see how far each hotel is from the airport and the center of Hurghada. Click a point to see the hotel name.

Hurghada Airport is located close to the city, so hotels in Hurghada itself are closer to it than the resorts of Makadi, Soma Bay, and Sahl Hasheesh. You can compare prices for all the hotels at once below.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Which Hurghada hotels are adults only?

In our list, two hotels operate without children: Sunrise Romance Resort Sahl Hasheesh (does not accommodate guests under 16) and Steigenberger Pure Lifestyle. They are calmer, quieter around the pools, and have different entertainment. If you are traveling with a child, choose from the other thirteen hotels.

Where are the best reefs for snorkeling in Hurghada?

Coral starts right at the shore in Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh. In Makadi Bay, Sunrise Royal Makadi, Labranda Royal Makadi, and Jaz Aquaviva are located there. In Sahl Hasheesh, reefs are found at Tropitel Sahl Hasheesh and Albatros Citadel. Bring your own mask and snorkel: rental on the beach is often paid.

When is the best time to visit Hurghada?

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable. In summer the air is scorching, and in winter evenings are cool, although the sea remains suitable for swimming. Pool heating in the cold season is available at Steigenberger Aldau Beach, Sunrise Royal Makadi, Labranda Royal Makadi, and Sunrise Garden Beach.

What is included in all-inclusive at Hurghada hotels?

Usually it includes three buffet meals a day, snacks and drinks at the bars, an entertainment program, and some water activities. A la carte restaurants, spa, and excursions often remain paid. The exact list depends on the hotel, so check it via the Trip.com links.

Which hotel to choose for a family with children?

Desert Rose, Steigenberger Aqua Magic, Sunrise Royal Makadi, Labranda Royal Makadi, and Albatros Citadel are good for families. Desert Rose, Sunrise Royal Makadi, and Labranda Royal Makadi have their own water park with slides. For toddlers, hotels with a gentle entry into the sea are convenient, such as Tropitel Sahl Hasheesh and Albatros Citadel.

How long does it take to reach the sea from first-line hotels?

At most hotels on the list, the buildings and the beach are on the same property, with no road between them. The only exception is Jaz Aquaviva, where the beach is 2.5 km away and a shuttle runs every fifteen minutes. At the others, you can walk to the sea.

In short: what to book

If you are a family with children: choose Desert Rose Resort or Steigenberger Aqua Magic, which have the most pools and entertainment.

If you want a vacation without children: choose Sunrise Romance Resort Sahl Hasheesh or Steigenberger Pure Lifestyle.

If you want shore snorkeling: look at Sunrise Royal Makadi, Tropitel Sahl Hasheesh, and Albatros Citadel.

If golf and quiet matter: Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay is a good fit.

The easiest way to compare prices and availability across all hotels at once is before booking.