El Gouna hotels have turned this Red Sea town into one of Egypt’s most refined coastal destinations. Purpose‑built as a self-contained resort community, El Gouna blends lagoon living, yacht-lined marinas, and a laid-back Mediterranean vibe with Egypt’s year-round sunshine. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a family-friendly stay, or a kitesurfing base with style, El Gouna offers a range of waterfront luxury hotels to match.
Below are 10 of the best El Gouna hotels for a true waterfront escape, plus practical tips to help you choose the right area, property, and room type for your trip.
Why El Gouna Is Different from Other Red Sea Resorts
Before diving into specific El Gouna hotels, it helps to understand what sets this resort apart from nearby Hurghada and other Red Sea towns.
- Master-planned community: Built by Orascom Development, El Gouna is designed as a fully integrated town, with marinas, residential areas, golf courses, and hotels connected by lagoons and waterways.
- Lagoon lifestyle: Instead of a single beachfront strip, you get a labyrinth of lagoons, islands, bridges, and walkways, giving many hotels waterfront access even away from the main sea.
- Walkable, human scale: El Gouna feels like a European seaside town dropped in the Red Sea—compact, manicured, and easy to explore on foot, by tuk-tuk, or boat.
- Safety and cleanliness: With controlled access, 24/7 security, and strict building rules, it’s one of the cleanest and most orderly destinations on Egypt’s coast (source: Egypt Tourism Authority).
This backdrop makes choosing among El Gouna hotels less about “beachfront or not” and more about which lagoon, marina, or neighborhood best suits your style.
1. La Maison Bleue El Gouna – Boutique Palace for Romantics
If you’re looking for the most atmospheric of all El Gouna hotels, La Maison Bleue is likely at the top.
- Style: 10-suite adults-only mansion, styled like a 19th‑century Mediterranean palace.
- Location: North of Abu Tig Marina, directly on the Red Sea with its own private beach.
- Best for: Honeymoons, anniversaries, couples who value privacy and design.
Highlights
- Individually decorated suites with antiques, high ceilings, and sea-facing terraces.
- A tranquil pool area and private beach with far fewer guests than larger resorts.
- Bespoke, personal service—this feels more like a private residence than a hotel.
Choose this if you want an intimate, cinematic setting rather than a full-service resort with lots of facilities.
2. Casa Cook El Gouna – Bohemian-Chic on the Lagoon
Part of the trendy Casa Cook brand, Casa Cook El Gouna brings boho-luxury living to the Red Sea.
- Style: Adults-friendly lifestyle hotel with earthy tones, natural materials, and minimalist design.
- Location: On a quiet lagoon, a short ride from Downtown and Abu Tig Marina.
- Best for: Couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers with a stylish, social vibe.
Highlights
- Swim-up rooms and suites with direct pool or lagoon access.
- Restaurant and bar with DJ sets and sunset vibes.
- Wellness focus: yoga, spa, and laid-back communal spaces to relax.
It’s one of the El Gouna hotels that feels more like a design-conscious beach club than a traditional resort.
3. Sheraton Miramar Resort El Gouna – Island-Lagoon Classic
Designed by world-renowned architect Michael Graves, Sheraton Miramar spreads across a chain of nine islands.
- Style: Five-star resort with Nubian-inspired domes and arches.
- Location: Between the Red Sea and inland lagoons, close to Abu Tig Marina.
- Best for: Families, couples, and groups wanting a classic resort feel.
Highlights
- Rooms and suites arranged across islands, many with direct lagoon access.
- Long sandy beachfront with protected swimming areas.
- Multiple pools, kids’ facilities, and varied dining, from buffets to à la carte.
This is a strong all-rounder among El Gouna hotels: good for mixed groups and longer stays where facilities matter.
4. Steigenberger Golf Resort El Gouna – Fairway Meets Lagoon
For golf lovers, Steigenberger Golf Resort El Gouna is a natural choice.
- Style: Low-rise Mediterranean-style resort integrated with an 18-hole championship golf course.
- Location: Set around lagoons overlooking El Gouna Golf Club.
- Best for: Golfers, mature couples, and relaxed family stays.
Highlights
- Direct access to the lush fairways of El Gouna Golf Club.
- Spacious rooms and suites, many with lagoon or golf course views.
- Lagoon-side pool areas and boat shuttles to nearby beaches.
While not directly on the open sea, its lagoon location is serene—and you can combine morning golf with afternoon swims.
5. The Chedi El Gouna – Refined Minimalist Luxury
Previously known as Ancient Sands and rebranded under The Chedi, The Chedi El Gouna offers understated, high-end comfort.
- Style: Contemporary, minimalist design with Middle Eastern accents.
- Location: Elevated position overlooking lagoons, the golf course, and the Red Sea.
- Best for: Couples and style-minded travelers who prefer calm over crowds.
Highlights
- Infinity pools with sweeping views over El Gouna’s lagoons and coastline.
- Elegant rooms and suites, some with kitchenettes or full apartment layouts.
- Fine-dining options with a focus on Mediterranean and international cuisine.
Among the luxury El Gouna hotels, this is ideal if you want a “sanctuary” feel, yet still be a short ride from the marinas.
6. Ancient Sands Golf Resort & Residences – Villa-Style Freedom
Adjacent to The Chedi and often mentioned alongside it, Ancient Sands (residences side) appeals to those wanting space.
- Style: Apartment and villa-style accommodations with resort amenities.
- Location: Elevated area with panoramic views, near the golf course.
- Best for: Families, long stays, and travelers wanting self-catering options.
Highlights
- One- to three-bedroom apartments and villas with kitchens and living rooms.
- Multiple pools and relaxed dining spots on-site.
- Easy access to golf, beaches, and downtown via shuttle or taxi.
If you’re traveling with kids or friends and want a home-like layout without losing resort perks, this is a strong choice within the El Gouna hotels portfolio.
7. Fanadir Hotel El Gouna – Adults-Friendly Marina Retreat
Fanadir Hotel is a boutique-style property set right by the New Marina.
- Style: Modern, clean-lined design with a small, intimate feel.
- Location: Overlooking Abu Tig Marina’s northern basin.
- Best for: Adults, couples, and marina lovers who want nightlife and dining at their doorstep.
Highlights
- Rooms and suites, many with direct views of yachts and marina life.
- Short walk to bars, restaurants, and dive centers.
- Relaxed pool area ideal for quiet sunbathing between excursions.
If you plan to spend evenings exploring the marina’s restaurants and bars, this is one of the most convenient El Gouna hotels.
8. Three Corners Ocean View Hotel – All-Inclusive with a View
For all-inclusive convenience in a high-energy setting, consider Three Corners Ocean View.
- Style: Adults-oriented resort with bold, colorful décor and lively atmosphere.
- Location: On a peninsula at Abu Tig Marina, with both sea and lagoon views.
- Best for: Adults and older couples who enjoy social, all-inclusive stays.
Highlights
- All-inclusive board with multiple bars and dining venues.
- Split-level pools and direct access to the sea via swimming platforms.
- Regular entertainment and activities.
It’s one of the most popular El Gouna hotels for repeat guests who value predictability, good value, and a marina-adjacent location.
9. Dawar El Omda Hotel – Nubian Charm in Downtown
Dawar El Omda brings a dose of authentic Egyptian character into El Gouna’s polished environment.
- Style: Boutique hotel styled like an Upper Egyptian (Nubian) house, with domes and courtyards.
- Location: Overlooking a central lagoon, just steps from Downtown’s shops and cafés.
- Best for: Couples and solo travelers looking for charm and walkability.
Highlights
- Lagoon-front pool with a small man-made beach area.
- Easy access to Downtown’s restaurants, shisha cafés, and nightlife.
- Cosier and more intimate than many larger El Gouna hotels.
Great if you care as much about wandering around cafés and shops as you do about beach time.
10. Mövenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna – Family-Friendly Beachfront Giant
One of the largest El Gouna hotels, Mövenpick Resort & Spa offers a true full-service beachfront experience.
- Style: Sprawling five-star resort with a classic family-resort feel.
- Location: Long stretch of sandy beach, close to popular kitesurfing spots.
- Best for: Families, kitesurfers, and guests who want everything on-site.
Highlights
- Multiple pools, kids’ clubs, playgrounds, and family-oriented activities.
- Long beach with shallow entry points, good for children.
- On-site kitesurfing centers and water sports options.
If your priority is a single resort where kids, teens, and adults all have things to do, this should be on your shortlist.
How to Choose Between the Best El Gouna Hotels
With so many excellent hotels in such a compact town, the “best” option really depends on your travel style. Use these factors to narrow it down:
1. Location: Marina, Downtown, Lagoon, or Beachfront?
- Abu Tig Marina: Best for nightlife, restaurants, and people-watching (Fanadir, Three Corners Ocean View).
- Downtown: Lively, local feel with easy access to shops and cafés (Dawar El Omda).
- Lagoon / Golf: Quieter, more scenic and spacious (Steigenberger Golf, The Chedi, Ancient Sands).
- Open Sea Beachfront: Classic beach and water sports (Mövenpick, Sheraton Miramar, La Maison Bleue).
2. Atmosphere: Quiet Luxury vs Social Energy
- Quiet & upscale: La Maison Bleue, The Chedi, Casa Cook.
- Family & activity-heavy: Mövenpick, Sheraton Miramar, Steigenberger Golf.
- Social, adults-oriented: Three Corners Ocean View, Fanadir, Casa Cook.
3. Board Basis and Budget
- All-inclusive: Three Corners Ocean View, some packages at Mövenpick.
- Bed & breakfast or half board: Common at most design-focused El Gouna hotels, giving you flexibility to eat around town.
- Luxury boutique: La Maison Bleue and The Chedi are typically at the high end of the price spectrum.
4. Activities and Special Interests
- Kitesurfing: Mövenpick and nearby specialized kite hotels/centers.
- Golf: Steigenberger Golf, The Chedi, Ancient Sands.
- Diving & snorkeling: Marina-based hotels with dive centers close by (Fanadir, Three Corners Ocean View).
What to Expect from El Gouna Hotels: Facilities & Services
Although each property has its own flair, most upscale El Gouna hotels share some common features:
- Multiple swimming pools (often including adults-only and kids’ pools).
- Private or semi-private beaches, whether lagoon or open sea.
- On-site water sports: kitesurfing, paddleboarding, diving excursions, boat trips.
- Spa and wellness centers with massages, hammams, and beauty treatments.
- Transportation links: tuk-tuks, hotel shuttles, and boat taxis connecting different parts of town.
- International and Egyptian cuisine, with strong seafood options due to the Red Sea location.
To see the standard of luxury and service common in Egypt’s top coastal properties, you can also take a look at some of the country’s best beach hotels in this video:
Quick Tips for Booking El Gouna Hotels
When comparing offers and reading reviews, keep these points in mind:
- Check lagoon vs sea views: Many room categories specify “lagoon,” “golf,” or “sea” views—prices vary accordingly.
- Look at beach access details: Some hotels are directly on the open sea; others use beach shuttles or lagoon beaches.
- Consider seasonality:
- Peak months: October–April (pleasant temperatures, higher prices).
- Hotter but quieter: June–September (strong sun, less crowded deals).
- Transfers from Hurghada Airport: El Gouna is about 30–40 minutes by car; many hotels can arrange private transfers.
- Package vs DIY: You can book El Gouna hotels as part of a package from many European tour operators, or independently with flight + hotel.
FAQ: El Gouna Hotels and Stays
1. Are El Gouna hotels good for families with children?
Yes. Many El Gouna hotels, particularly Mövenpick Resort & Spa, Sheraton Miramar, and Steigenberger Golf, are very family-friendly. They offer kids’ clubs, children’s pools, playgrounds, and family rooms, and the shallow lagoons can be safer for younger swimmers than open sea waves.
2. Which El Gouna hotel is best for couples seeking a romantic escape?
For romance and privacy, La Maison Bleue is hard to beat, with only a handful of suites and an ultra-intimate atmosphere. Casa Cook El Gouna and The Chedi also rank high for couples thanks to stylish design, spa facilities, and quieter, upscale surroundings.
3. What’s the best area to stay in El Gouna for first-time visitors?
If you want to be in the heart of the action, choose El Gouna hotels near Abu Tig Marina or Downtown (such as Three Corners Ocean View, Fanadir, or Dawar El Omda). If you prefer a calmer, more resort-style stay with easy beach or golf access, consider Mövenpick, Sheraton Miramar, Steigenberger Golf, or The Chedi.
Plan Your El Gouna Escape
Among Egypt’s coastal destinations, El Gouna stands out for its curated mix of lagoons, marinas, and thoughtfully designed resorts. Whether you picture yourself sipping coffee at a marina café, gliding across turquoise lagoons on a kiteboard, or unwinding in a boutique palace by the sea, there are El Gouna hotels perfectly tailored to your idea of a waterfront escape.
Use the options above as a starting shortlist, then match each property’s location, atmosphere, and facilities to how you actually like to travel. Once you’ve chosen, book early—especially for peak months—to secure the room type and view you want.
When you’re ready, start comparing rates and availability for your preferred El Gouna hotels, lock in your dates, and turn that Red Sea daydream into your next luxury getaway.