The best hotels in Hurghada: eight places to stay on the Red Sea

A palatial resort in town

Steigenberger ALDAU Beach Hotel stands on the beach south of the centre, built in a style reminiscent of an oriental palace, with large pools, a spa and gardens running down to the sea.

First-timers can book it with confidence, with a good beach, a short airport transfer and the town nearby if you want to go out. It works best for couples and families who want a classic beach hotel. It is a big hotel, and the reef off its beach is not the best, so snorkelling is often by boat. The spa is large, and Hurghada marina is a short taxi ride away.

A water park and all-inclusive

Jaz Aquamarine Resort stands on the beach south of town, with a large water park of slides, many pools and all-inclusive dining. Rooms are simple and spacious.

It gets our vote as the family pick, keeping children swimming and sliding all day with little for adults to organise. It also suits big groups. It is large and lively, and the food is good buffet rather than anything special. Anyone after peace should look elsewhere, though the short airport transfer is a bonus with tired children.

Suites with private courtyards

The Oberoi Beach Resort in Sahl Hasheesh is made up of low suites in white stone, many with their own courtyard and private pool, spread through gardens down to the sea. A jetty leads out to the reef in front.

It takes our romantic pick, quiet, private and with some of the best service on the Red Sea. It is made for couples who want luxury without a huge resort. It is not for families who want a water park and activities. Rates are high, but the suites are large, and the Sahl Hasheesh promenade is lovely for an evening walk.

A palace by the sea

Baron Palace Sahl Hasheesh is built as a vast palace, with marble, chandeliers, domes and an enormous pool area leading to the beach. Rooms are large and lavish.

It is ideal for travellers who like grandeur and want all-inclusive with plenty of space. It works for families and couples. The style is ornate and not to everyone's taste, but the pools and beach are good, and the reef offshore is fine for snorkelling.

Calm design by the lagoon

The Chedi El Gouna sits beside a lagoon in El Gouna, with a bright, pared-back interior, a pool and its own beach. The style is modern and minimalist, with lots of white and timber.

It earns our design pick and a good base for couples who want peace and style, with El Gouna's restaurants a short hop away. It also suits kitesurfers, as the lagoon wind is steady and the water shallow. It is not all-inclusive, which makes it easier to try the town's restaurants, reached by boat or tuk-tuk in minutes.

Colourful architecture on its own islands

Sheraton Miramar Resort El Gouna spreads across several small islands in the lagoon, with colourful architecture of domes and arches. It has beaches, pools and boat links around El Gouna.

It is right for families and couples who want a resort with space and variety, close to town. The architecture is distinctive and makes the place instantly recognisable. Some rooms are more worn than others, so check the room type.

Luxury on the peninsula

Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay stands on the beach at Soma Bay, with large pools, a spa and sea-view rooms. A jetty leads to the reef, and there is a golf course nearby.

It is a strong pick for couples and families who want luxury, space and calm, far from town, and it works well for long stays. There is nothing to do outside the hotel, so all-inclusive or half board is wise. In return, evenings are silent and the desert sky is full of stars.

For divers and kitesurfers

The Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge stands by the sea in Soma Bay, with simple, modern rooms, its own dive centre and kite school. The mood is relaxed and sporty.

It is our value pick and the place for anyone who travels to dive, snorkel or kite. It appeals to couples and active friends. It is not a luxury hotel and has no kids' club, but the food is good and the atmosphere friendly, with courses for beginners in both diving and kiting.