SunShine Mangrove

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about SunShine Mangrove? I’d honestly expected another cookie-cutter Red Sea hotel, but this place actually has some character tucked away in El Gouna’s mangrove section. The location is sort of genius, really – you’re away from the main tourist chaos but still close enough that you can walk to the lagoons when you want to. I mean, the address sounds weird (M3-3D-11 – what is that, a chess move?) but it’s basically right where the natural mangroves meet the developed part of El Gouna, which gives you this cool mix of actual nature and resort convenience.

The rooms are clean and comfortable without trying too hard to be fancy – which honestly works better than some of the overdesigned places I’ve stayed at along this coast. Air conditioning works well (crucial in Hurghada heat, trust me), and the beds are actually decent quality. What I really appreciated was how quiet it gets at night. The mangrove setting means you hear water lapping and maybe some birds instead of pool parties or street noise. Check-in was smooth, staff speaks good English, and they seem to actually know the area well – the guy at reception gave me solid advice about wind conditions for kitesurfing and which restaurants in town weren’t just tourist traps.

Here’s the thing about El Gouna that a lot of people don’t realize until they get there – it’s not your typical Egyptian beach town. It’s this planned resort community with canals and lagoons, sort of like a Middle Eastern Venice but with better weather and fewer crowds. SunShine Mangrove sits right in the sweet spot where you can appreciate the more natural side without missing out on El Gouna’s restaurants and nightlife. The hotel’s got a small pool that’s perfect for cooling off, and the breakfast spread is better than you’d expect for a 3-star place – they do this excellent ful medames that beats most hotel attempts at local food.

What really sold me was the staff’s genuine helpfulness without the pushy sales pitch vibe you get at bigger resorts. They’ll arrange trips to Hurghada proper if you want to hit the markets, or boat trips to the islands, but they’re not constantly trying to upsell you. The Wi-Fi actually works throughout the property (not always a given in this part of Egypt), and there’s decent parking if you’re renting a car to explore. I stayed during shoulder season in October, and it felt like having the place mostly to myself – though I imagine it gets busier during European winter months when everyone’s escaping the cold. Honestly, for the price point and location, it’s one of those finds that makes you feel like you discovered something before everyone else catches on.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $122. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 5

Reviews

• Natalia from Slovakia – 24 April 2025 (10/10)

  Thank you very much to our host for his care. He was very friendly. Communication was excellent. Easy check-in and check-out. We found everything we needed in the apartment. We really appreciated the drinkable water dispenser and coffee maker. Excellent location for kitesurfing.

• Sherry from Egypt – 1 April 2025 (10/10)

  The property was great, it was clean and well prepared. The host was very helpful during the stay as well

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities