Choosing a place to stay in El Gouna can be surprisingly overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-time visitor. You see, unlike many resort towns where hotels and attractions are almost all clustered along one beach or promenade, that’s not the case here. Hotels in El Gouna are scattered across town, making it difficult to think about your stay in terms of neighborhoods.
After traveling to El Gouna numerous times for both work and leisure, I’ve stayed in parts of town, tried and tested several hotels, and visited my friends at many more. So, in this guide, I’ll first walk you through the best areas I think you should look at first when booking accommodation, before sharing with you my favorite hotels in town.
If you’re planning a trip to Egypt’s Red Sea and want to explore a gem that isn’t as touristy as Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh, I highly recommend El Gouna. As an Egyptian, this is one of my favorite beach towns in the country for its endless activities, turquoise lagoons, vibrant nightlife, and top-notch restaurants. And as a solo female traveler, I can vouch that it’s one of the safest destinations in Egypt and the entire world.
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About El Gouna
Located only 25 kilometers away from Hurghada, El Gouna is a privately-owned town developed by Orascom Development Holding in the late 80s. In my opinion, it’s a gem you can’t miss if you’re planning a trip to Egypt’s Red Sea coast. Personally, I prefer it over tourist-heavy beach towns like its neighboring Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh.
As an Egyptian traveler, this is one of my favorite beach towns in the country thanks to its endless activities, turquoise lagoons, vibrant nightlife, and top-notch restaurants. And as a solo female traveler, I can vouch that it’s one of the safest destinations I’ve ever traveled to; totally not biased, I promise.
To start off by setting the right expectations, it’s worth mentioning that the town is considered a luxury destination, so hotels in El Gouna can be pricier end of travel. However, you’ll still find lots of options suitable for different budgets, ranging from apartment-style stays to luxury resorts.
If you’d like to learn more about El Gouna, the best things to do there, where to eat, and so on, make sure to check out my destination guide here.
Quick Recommendations (TLDR)
- Most budget-friendly hotels: Turtle’s Inn and Mosaique Hotel
- Most social stay: Cook’s Club
- The prettiest aesthetics: La Maison Bleue and Casa Cook
- The biggest splurge: La Maison Bleue
Where to Stay: Understanding Areas (Best Hotels in El Gouna Included)
Unlike other neighborhood guides like the Cairo or Paris ones, this one’s a bit challenging, as El Gouna isn’t divided into neighborhoods the way a bigger city is. Sure, there are neighborhoods like Nuba or Siba El Gouna, but these are residential areas where travelers don’t really stay. Many visitors refer to other areas in terms of marinas, beaches, or resort districts. So, I’ll be framing places to stay as “areas” rather than “neighborhoods”.
That said, hotels in El Gouna are scattered across town. So, in this section, I’ll be focusing on the top areas I think you should be looking at first as a first-time visitor. After years of traveling to El Gouna for both work and leisure, these areas offer the best balance of location, accessibility, dining options, and, of course, accommodation choices.
1. Downtown
As the name suggests, this is the heart and center of El Gouna. This is hands down the most convenient area to stay. I personally love staying there as there are supermarkets, restaurants, banks, and everyday essentials within walking distance. Not to mention that there are not one, but two tuk-tuk stops there, so getting to other areas isn’t a hassle at all. So, if you want to be close to everything without worrying about commuting, this is definitely the place for you.
- Vibe/Character: Central, lively, and walkable.
- Nearby attractions: The Clubhouse, El Gouna Go Karts, El Gouna Padel, G-Space, and El Gouna Library.
- Transportation: Tuk-tuks are always available.
- Best for: Solo travelers, first-time visitors, digital nomads, and anyone who wants to stay somewhere central.
- Best hotels in El Gouna: Cook’s Club El Gouna and Sultan Bey.
- Solo travel score: 10/10
2. Abu Tig Marina
If you’re looking for postcard-worthy views and a lively atmosphere, Abu Tig Marina is hard to beat. This is the hot spot and one of the most vibrant areas in El Gouna, especially at night. Restaurants, bars, and of course, yachts all lining the lavish marina.
P.S. To be honest, though, this area is too loud for me, so if you need a good night’s sleep like me, it might not be for you.
- Vibe/Character: Upscale, lively, and social.
- Nearby attractions: Abu Tig Marina Promenade, yacht harbor, restaurants, bars, shops, Moods Beach, and the New Marina.
- Transportation: Tuk-tuks are always available.
- Best for: Foodies, young travelers, and nightlife enthusiasts.
- Best hotels in El Gouna: Turtle’s Inn, Captain’s Inn, Ali Pasha, and Three Corners Ocean View.
- Solo travel score: 9/10
3. Beachfront (Mangroovy Area)
If your ideal vacation revolves around beach days, you might want to consider staying in a beachfront hotel, specifically in the Mangroovy Area, as it’s close to many attractions, as well as access to sandy beaches and beach clubs.
What’s tricky about finding accommodation there is that there aren’t many hotel options, especially ones within a lower budget. You’ll have to find a studio or apartment through Mangroovy Residence or Lemon Spaces serviced apartments, or if you’re a luxury traveler, you can stay at one of the nearby upscale hotels.
- Vibe/Character: Luxurious, beach-focused, and laid-back.
- Nearby attractions: Mangroovy Beach, The Smokery Beach, KBC El Gouna Kiteschule, and Fanadir Marina.
- Transportation: You can request a tuk-tuk through your hotel, or a ride-hailing app like Uber or Careem.
- Best for: Beach lovers and luxury travelers.
- Best hotels in El Gouna: DoubleTree by Hilton Mangroovy and Casa Cook El Gouna.
- Solo travel score: 7/10
4. Mansions Area
As a frequent-goer, this is one of the residential areas I like to stay in as it’s easy to find affordable apartment-style accommodations there. It might seem a bit secluded at first, but it’s actually a short drive to the center. I wouldn’t recommend it if you don’t have a car, though. However, if you’re renting a car or if you don’t mind waiting for an Uber tuk-tuk to arrive, the affordability of the accommodations there is definitely worth it. You can find plenty of apartments and studios in G-Cribs, Scarab, or any of the nearby residential compounds on Booking.com to compare.
- Vibe/Character: Quiet, residential, and budget-friendly.
- Nearby attractions: El Gouna Festival Plaza, El Gouna Padel, and El Gouna Go Karts.
- Transportation: Best with a car. Even though tuk-tuks’ availability makes getting around super easy, having a car in El Gouna would be a huge blessing, especially if you’re planning on traveling to Hurghada, Soma Bay, or Sahl Hasheesh. Compare car rentals on Expedia, as it offers plenty of options in the area.
- Best for: Budget travelers, digital nomads, travelers who prioritize value over location.
- Best stays in El Gouna: G-Cribs and Scarab.
- Solo travel score: 8/10
| Area | Walkability | Café Scene | Nightlife | Convenience |
| Downtown | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Abu Tig Marina | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Beachfront (Mangroovy Area) | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| G-Cribs & Scarab Area | ★☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
Best Hotels in El Gouna for Solo Travelers
Although the areas mentioned above are where I’d recommend first-time visitors begin their search, like I previously highlighted, hotels in El Gouna are scattered throughout the town. Some of my favorite hotels in El Gouna didn’t even make it in the previous section. That’s why the following roundup will be more hotel-centered rather than area-focused.
Given that El Gouna is an upscale destination, it wouldn’t make sense to categorize accommodations according to their budget. Instead, I’ll be categorizing them based on the level of luxury.
Kindly note that I’ve either stayed at, visited, had friends stay there, or extensively researched the following hotels. There are far more hotels in El Gouna; the following are just my personal favorites and those I think are worth staying at as a solo traveler.
3-Star Hotels in El Gouna
- Turtle’s Inn – The most budget-friendly hotel in El Gouna, in the heart of the Abu Tig Marina.
- Captain’s Inn – One of the best-value hotels in the marina, perfect for those who want to stay in the heart of the action.
4-Star Hotels in El Gouna
- Ali Pasha – A charming boutique hotel overlooking the Abu Tig Marina, with excellent walkability and dining options.
- Sultan Bey – Great for travelers who appreciate lagoon views and direct beach access at Zeitouna Beach via shuttle boat.
- Cook’s Club – An adults-only hotel, perfect for younger solo travelers who enjoy a social setting, boho-chic interiors, and poolside parties.
- Three Corners Ocean View – An adults-only seaside resort, offering proximity to the marina while maintaining a quieter atmosphere.
P.S. Don’t stay at the other Three Corners hotel, named Rihana – I’ve personally had a terrible experience with their staff while visiting a friend.
5-Star Hotels in El Gouna
- Steigenberger Golf Resort – A luxury resort, on the more affordable end, overlooking the lagoons and golf course.
- Movenpick Resort and Spa – One of the biggest beachfront resorts in El Gouna, with multiple pools and facilities.
Luxury Getaways in El Gouna
- Casa Cook – An adults-only boutique hotel known for its pretty minimalist aesthetics and tranquility.
- The Chedi – One of El Gouna’s newest luxury resorts.
- La Maison Bleue – One of the prettiest boutique hotels in the entire country. The luxury mansion is an ideal romantic getaway, but might be worth a night for travelers who are keen on getting Instagrammable shots.
Accommodation Tips for Solo Female Travelers
- Read the most recent reviews, preferably those within the last 6 months.
- Prioritize properties with 24-hour reception.
- Arrange airport transfers if you’re arriving late at night.
- Share accommodation details with someone back home.
- Save your accommodation details on Google Maps and write them down on a piece of paper in case something happens to your phone.
- Prioritize comfort and convenience over price.
P.S. El Gouna is generally one of the safest destinations in Egypt, and as a solo female traveler myself, I can definitely confirm that.
Tips for Deciding Where to Stay in El Gouna
- Factor in proximity to amenities and available modes of transportation
Everyone would love to stay somewhere close to as many amenities and attractions as possible, but how central do you need your accommodation to be? Consider whether you prefer restaurants and amenities within walking distance or a short tuk-tuk ride. Also think about whether you prefer to stay somewhere where there’s an abundance of tuk-tuks, or waiting for one is not an issue for you. Do you even need a tuk-tuk, or will you be having a car or bicycle? These are all important questions to ask yourself before booking a hotel in El Gouna.
- Ask yourself whether you prioritize budget or convenience
Since solo travel is automatically more expensive, most of us try to stick to a certain budget by default. But since El Gouna is an upscale destination, it’s not budget-friendly anyway. In this case, some travelers would choose to save up as much as they can, which essentially means saving up on accommodation. On the other hand, other travelers will not care about the higher cost of accommodation since the whole trip is a splurge anyway.
- Consider the duration of your stay
The length of your trip will automatically impact your budget. If you’re staying for a few days, you might prefer the convenience of a hotel; however, if you’re staying for a month, you might prefer the comfort and affordability of renting a studio.
- Think about your preferred pace and environment
El Gouna can be very lively and super relaxed at the same time. Whether you prefer both or one thing during the day doesn’t necessarily mean you would at bedtime. For instance, you might enjoy staying up late for drinks and live music at the Abu Tig Marina, but if you’re staying at the hotel upstairs, you might not get the good night’s sleep you need. So, if this is a priority for you, I highly recommend staying away from hotels in busy areas like the marina.
Final Thoughts
One of the things I love the most about El Gouna is that it’s easy to get around, even if you don’t have a car. Tuk-tuks are widely available, affordable, and most areas are only a short ride away from one another. So, don’t feel any pressure to pick the ‘perfect location’; the majority of the hotels in El Gouna are top-notch anyway.
What I would stress, though, is that if you find a hotel you love, try to book it sooner rather than later. El Gouna is one of the most popular beach destinations for Egyptians, with year-round events and favorable weather. That means: the best rooms sell out fast.
Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!
Travel (solo or not) isn’t always rainbows and butterflies – things might go down south sometimes. You might fall ill or lose your luggage, and that’s when you’ll thank me for having your back covered with travel insurance.
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Booking a trip soon? Here are some useful travel resources:
- Book your flight with Skyscanner, Kiwi, CheapOair, or WayAway.
- Book your hostel with Hostelworld.
- Book your hotel with Booking.com.
- Get your travel insurance with SafetyWing.
- Hire a car with Skyscanner, Discover Cars, Rentalcars, or AutoEurope.
- Book your tours with Get Your Guide, Viator, Tiqets, or Klook.
- Download an eSIM from Airalo or Jetpac.
- Check out my trip planning tools for more travel resources.
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You might also like:
- El Gouna, Red Sea: How to Take in Egypt’s Hottest Beach Town
- Where to Stay in Cairo: The Ultimate Neighborhood Guide (Hotels Included)
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Nadine is an Egyptian curly-head who decided to quit the norm because it just doesn’t suit her. She ditched her 9-5 as a magazine editor to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time digital nomad and to inspire aspiring travelers to embark on their own solo adventures.
