Elegant Stay

Hotel Description

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to Elegant Stay on El Gouna Road – I mean, it’s a 3-star place in Hurghada, right? But you know what really caught me off guard? The attention to detail here actually rivals some of the fancier resorts I’ve stayed at along the Red Sea coast. The staff genuinely seemed to care about getting things right, and after checking in (which took maybe three minutes, no joke), I started to understand why this place has such a ridiculously high rating.

The location is sort of perfect if you know Hurghada at all. You’re far enough from the main tourist chaos around Sekalla and the marina area to actually get some peace, but close enough that a quick taxi ride gets you anywhere you want to go. What I really appreciated was how quiet it gets at night – you can actually hear the waves if you listen, which is something you lose at a lot of the bigger beach resorts where there’s always some pool party happening. The Alahyaa neighborhood itself is pretty residential, so you get this authentic feel of what living in Hurghada might actually be like, with local cafes and shops within walking distance. I grabbed the best koshary I’ve had in ages just two blocks away from a tiny place that definitely doesn’t cater to tourists.

The rooms themselves – well, they’re not going to win any design awards, but everything works and it’s genuinely clean. The air conditioning actually cools the room (you’d be surprised how often that’s not the case), and the shower has proper water pressure. Small things, but they matter when you’re dealing with Red Sea heat and salt water all day. The breakfast spread was way better than I expected for a 3-star – fresh fruit, decent coffee, and they make a mean ful medames that reminded me why I love Egyptian mornings. What really impressed me though was how the staff remembered my name after the first day and started making my coffee exactly how I liked it without me asking. It’s that kind of personal touch that makes a place feel less like a hotel and more like… well, like staying with friends who happen to run a really nice guesthouse. The Wi-Fi actually works throughout the building (tested it extensively while working from the lobby), and there’s always someone at the front desk who can help with everything from calling a taxi to recommending dive shops. For the price point, especially considering you’re getting genuine hospitality in a city that can feel pretty touristy and impersonal, Elegant Stay really delivers on its name.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $25. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Samar from Egypt – 7 May 2024 (10/10)

• Kamal from Egypt – 7 May 2023 (10/10)

• Eike from Germany – 15 June 2023 (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities