Scarab El Gouna

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Scarab El Gouna? It’s actually right at the entrance to El Gouna – which sounds like it might be noisy or awkward, but honestly, it’s the perfect spot. You get that immediate “I’m somewhere special” feeling the moment you arrive, without having to navigate through the entire resort town to find your hotel.

The thing about El Gouna is that it’s this planned resort community about 25 kilometers north of Hurghada, and most people don’t realize how spread out it is until they get there. Having Scarab right at the entrance means you’re literally two minutes from everything – the marina, the golf course, those gorgeous lagoons – but you’re not dealing with the crowds that pile up deeper in the resort area. I mean, during peak season (October through April), some of the hotels further in can feel like you’re fighting for pool chairs, but Scarab has this more relaxed vibe. The staff actually remembers your name after a day or two, which… well, that doesn’t happen at the massive chain places.

What really got me was the attention to detail – and I’m not talking about fancy marble lobbies or whatever. It’s the small stuff that shows someone actually thought about what travelers need. The air conditioning works properly (you’d be surprised how often that’s an issue in this part of Egypt), the water pressure is solid, and the beds are actually comfortable. The pool area has these great shaded spots that are perfect for the afternoon heat – around 2-3 PM when the sun gets brutal, you’ll appreciate having options beyond just hiding in your room. The restaurant serves decent Egyptian food alongside the international stuff, and their koshari is actually pretty authentic, which is rare for hotel restaurants.

Honestly, the location gives you the best of both worlds. You can walk to the main El Gouna attractions when you want that resort energy, but you can also easily grab a taxi or hotel shuttle to explore Hurghada proper – the old town there has some fantastic local restaurants and shops that most tourists miss. The Red Sea diving and snorkeling spots are easily accessible from here too, and the hotel can arrange trips without the markup you’d pay at some of the more touristy places. Check-in was smooth, parking is free and actually available (not always a given), and the whole place just feels well-managed. It’s got that sweet spot of being polished enough for a proper vacation but not so corporate that it feels sterile.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $49. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Ethar from Egypt – 19 November 2024 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities