Ancient Sands El Gouna – Pool & Lagoon Access

Hotel Description

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to Ancient Sands in El Gouna – I mean, it’s a 3-star place and you know how those can go either way. But walking into the lobby, there’s this immediate sense that someone actually cares about this place. The staff remembered my name by day two (which never happens), and the whole vibe feels more like a well-kept secret than a tourist trap.

What really sets this place apart is the lagoon access – and I’m talking about the actual Red Sea lagoons that El Gouna is famous for, not some artificial pool situation. You can literally walk from your room and be paddling around in that incredible turquoise water within minutes. The pool area is solid too, though honestly, once you discover how perfect the lagoon is for morning swims, you might forget the pool exists. The water’s always calm on the lagoon side since it’s protected, which makes it perfect if you’re traveling with kids or just want to float around without fighting waves. I spent most afternoons there with a book, and the only sounds are gentle lapping water and the occasional call to prayer drifting over from the main town.

Location-wise, you’re right in the heart of El Gouna but away from the main tourist crowds – it’s that sweet spot where you can walk to the marina and restaurants without dealing with the chaos of downtown Hurghada. The hotel runs a shuttle to the beach club if you want that full Red Sea experience with snorkeling (and trust me, you do), but I actually preferred the quieter lagoon most days. Parking’s easy if you rent a car, which I’d recommend since El Gouna is perfect for exploring – those colorful Nubian-style buildings and the golf course are worth seeing. Check-in was smooth, no drama, and they were flexible about our late arrival from the Cairo flight. The rooms aren’t fancy, but they’re clean and comfortable with decent AC (crucial in summer), and honestly, you’re going to spend most of your time by the water anyway. What impressed me most was how the whole place just works – no pretensions, no overselling, just a genuinely nice spot where you can relax and enjoy one of Egypt’s most beautiful coastal areas without breaking the bank.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $136. One-Bedroom Superior Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Sagdah from Germany – 10 April 2025 (10/10)

  “Sam, the host, is super. He is very friendly and hospitable. The place was cozy, comfy and clean. It had all the facilities, He managed to bring us everything we wanted for free. thank you for a great stay.

• Abo from Egypt – 26 May 2025 (10/10)

  إقامة رائعة جدا مستوي المكان عالي المستضيف شخص محترمة جدا كانت تجربة ممتازة

• Kingmorsy from Egypt – 26 April 2025 (10/10)

  كانت تجربة جميلة والمكان مريح جدا ونظيفة

• Elsayed from Egypt – 24 April 2025 (10/10)

  قمة الجمال والهدوء بجد الواحد كان محتاج راحة البال

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities