Royal Villa on the beach

Hotel Description

So I’ll be straight with you about Royal Villa on the beach – it’s one of those places that surprised me in the best way possible. You know how sometimes you book a 3-star place and brace yourself for mediocre everything? Well, this isn’t that. Located right in Jamaran Sahlhasheesh (honestly, most people just call it Sahl Hasheesh), it’s got this prime spot about 20 minutes south of Hurghada proper, which actually works in your favor because you’re away from the cruise ship crowds but still close enough to hit the town when you want some nightlife.

The first thing that hits you when you walk in is how much effort they’ve put into making this feel upscale without the upscale prices. I mean, the lobby’s got this marble thing going on that you’d expect from a pricier resort, and the staff – they actually remember your name after day one, which is rarer than you’d think. The rooms are solid, nothing fancy but clean and spacious with decent AC (crucial in Egypt, trust me). What really sold me though was stepping out onto that beach. The Red Sea here is just… it’s ridiculously clear, and the coral reef is literally right there – you don’t need to take some expensive boat trip to see fish. I’d wake up early just to have coffee on the beach before the wind picked up around 10 AM, watching the kitesurfers from the fancier resorts down the coast doing their thing.

Here’s what I wish someone had told me before I went: the restaurant gets busy around 7 PM, so either go early or late if you don’t want to wait. The WiFi is actually pretty reliable in the lobby and restaurant areas, less so in the rooms, but honestly, you’re in Egypt – maybe embrace the digital detox? The dive center next door (not part of the hotel but they have some arrangement) offers decent prices for PADI courses, and the dive master Ahmed knows every good spot from here to Safaga. Oh, and if you’re planning to explore Hurghada’s old town or hit up those pharaonic sites, the hotel can arrange decent transport – just negotiate the price first because they’ll start high. The pool area gets some afternoon shade thanks to the palm trees they’ve actually managed to keep alive (harder than it sounds in this climate), and there’s usually a good mix of European tourists and Egyptian families, which gives it a more authentic vibe than some of the all-inclusive bubbles up north. Look, it’s not going to blow your mind with luxury, but for the price point and that location right on one of the prettier stretches of coastline in the area, Royal Villa delivers exactly what it promises – and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $200. Villa with 3 × 2 single beds and 3 × 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Tariq from United Kingdom – 21 December 2024 (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities