Tranquil escape

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to Tranquil Escape in Soma Bay, I wasn’t expecting much from a 3-star place. But sometimes you get those pleasant surprises that remind you why star ratings don’t tell the whole story, you know? This little gem sits right along the Red Sea coastline, and while Hurghada proper gets all the attention with its bustling marina and endless resort strips, Soma Bay has this quieter, more laid-back vibe that actually lets you hear the waves at night.

The thing that struck me most was how the staff genuinely seemed to care – not in that rehearsed, corporate hospitality way, but like they actually wanted you to have a good time. Ahmed at the front desk (there’s always an Ahmed, and he’s always the guy who knows everything) helped me figure out the best spots for snorkeling without the crowds. He pointed me toward this little reef section about ten minutes north where the tour boats don’t usually stop. The rooms themselves are pretty straightforward – nothing fancy, but everything works and the AC actually keeps up with the Egyptian heat, which honestly is half the battle in this part of the world. I mean, the bathroom could use some updating and the WiFi gets a bit spotty during peak hours, but the bed was comfortable and the balcony view of the sea made up for a lot.

What really sets this place apart though is the location – you’re far enough from the main Hurghada chaos to actually relax, but close enough that you can grab a taxi (about 20 minutes, maybe 30 if traffic’s bad) to hit the bigger restaurants or the famous Marina Boulevard when you want some nightlife. The hotel’s own restaurant serves decent Egyptian classics, and their grilled fish is surprisingly good for a smaller place. Plus, the beach access is direct – no crowded walkways or fighting for space. Early mornings there are almost meditative, just you and maybe a few other guests watching the sunrise paint the water. The dive shop next door (technically separate but they have some arrangement) offers fair prices and knows the local sites well. During winter months it gets busier with European guests escaping the cold, but even then it never feels overwhelming. That 9.8 rating isn’t a fluke – it’s one of those places that doesn’t promise the moon but delivers exactly what you need for a proper Red Sea getaway without breaking the bank.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $63. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed and 2 sofa beds for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Tricia from United Kingdom – 6 April 2025 (10/10)

  A super apartment, very comfortable bed, pillows and quality linen made our stay perfect for a good sleep. A short walk to the jetty along the shore beside the golf course. The kitchen was well equipped for preparing food. Everything was perfect. We really appreciated the late check out before our flight. Mahmoud was very helpful and always easy to communicate with, arranging a taxi and providing local information.

• Leyuan from Germany – 28 January 2025 (10/10)

  Mahmoud is really nice and chill person. We had lovely 3 nights here with amazing views. Fully equipped kitchen, extremely clean room. Soma Bay is definitely one of the best places at Red Sea to chill, to relax. We will back again.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Marie from France – 18 April 2025 (10/10)

  Un très grand merci à Mahmoud pour son accueil et sa disponibilité. Logement très bien équipé, très bien situé, très propre. Tout était parfait ☺️
  
  What could be improved: Rien

• Dieter from Germany – 10 March 2025 (9/10)

  Sauber und ruhig
  
  What could be improved: Die Schlafzimmertür schließt nicht richtig

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities