Selena bay

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to Selena Bay on that dusty stretch between Ras Ghareb and Hurghada, I wasn’t expecting much from a 3-star place. But you know what? Sometimes the best surprises come from keeping your expectations realistic. This hotel actually gets it right in ways that matter more than fancy marble lobbies or overpriced minibars.

The location is pretty clever, actually. You’re far enough from Hurghada’s tourist chaos to breathe properly, but close enough that a quick taxi ride gets you to the main action when you want it. What I really appreciated was how quiet it gets at night – no disco music thumping until 3 AM like some of the beachfront places. The staff here seem to understand that people come to the Red Sea to unwind, not to party every single night. I mean, the front desk guy (Ahmed, I think?) knew exactly which local dive shops to recommend without trying to push some overpriced hotel excursion on me. That kind of insider knowledge is worth its weight in gold when you’re trying to see the real Egypt, not just the tourist version.

The rooms are clean and functional – nothing Instagram-worthy, but honestly, who spends vacation time in their room anyway? The air conditioning works (crucial in this heat), the water pressure is decent, and the beds are comfortable enough that I wasn’t waking up with a sore back. What impressed me most was how well-maintained everything felt. You can tell when a place cares about the basics versus just trying to look flashy. The pool area gets busy around mid-morning, but if you’re an early riser like me, you’ll have it mostly to yourself with your coffee. And here’s a practical tip – parking is actually hassle-free, which isn’t always guaranteed along this coast. The breakfast spread won’t blow your mind, but it’s fresh and filling, with enough local touches to remind you where you are. I found myself looking forward to those little cheese pastries they make fresh each morning.

What really sold me on this place, though, is that it feels like it’s run by people who understand hospitality, not just tourism. There’s a difference, you know? When I had trouble with my diving gear, they didn’t just shrug – they actually helped me figure out where to get it fixed in town. When the weather turned rough one afternoon, the staff suggested some inland sights I never would have found on my own. It’s that kind of genuine helpfulness that makes a 3-star hotel feel more valuable than some 5-star places I’ve stayed at. If you’re looking for a base camp to explore this part of the Red Sea without breaking the bank or dealing with overcrowded resort nonsense, Selena Bay does the job really well.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $45. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed and 2 sofa beds for Max persons: 2

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities