Lodging

Hotels

The first thing you need to know if you are looking for a place to stay in Egypt is that there are very few mid-range hotels, i.e., what is usually considered a three-star hotel. Hotels in Egypt tend to have no middle ground: they are either good or bad. That’s not to say you can’t get a good hotel for an affordable price, of course not. And don’t be afraid that you won’t find an expensive and bad hotel either. Just something to keep in mind: it is best to aim for something with a lot of stars, because the 2 or 3 star hotels in Egypt are usually not all that good. Or not, at least, of the same category as 2 or 3 stars in western countries.

There are many factors that come into play when it comes to how much a hotel in Egypt costs. Of course, in high season it is usually more expensive, but in low season (March to September in the desert and November to January on the coast) not only is it usually cheaper, but as the number of tourists is reduced, hotel prices are negotiable.

And keep in mind that, from December 20 to January 5, when there are two Christmas holidays in Egypt, the price of hotels in the most important cities goes up by 10%.

From July 1 to September 15, at the height of summer, Egypt’s Mediterranean coast can see hotel prices rise by up to 50%.

The areas where you will find the largest number and variety of hotels in Egypt are in the capital, Cairo, and in Luxor, Aswan and the coast: Alexandria, Sharm El Sheikh and other Red Sea cities. And, as you might expect, you’ll find everything from the cheapest, bare-bones hotels to super deluxe hotels with full or half board.

As long as you follow our advice to aim for a medium to high category, in all cases hotels in Egypt usually include breakfast, the quality and variety of which will depend on the category of the hotel. And the vast majority have hot water and private bathrooms, although there may be older establishments (especially in the old quarters of Cairo or Alexandria) that still maintain rooms with shared bathrooms and no hot water (but if you travel in spring and summer, you won’t need it).

The average price range ranges from 300 euros to 100 euros per night for a double room in high season and from the most luxurious to the most economical of a more or less good hotel, and in low season from 180 euros to 50 euros per night.

Motorcycles

What is a motor vessel? This is the name given to the boats that navigate the Nile River for cruises. The motorboats are similar to ferries and it is estimated that in high season there can be more than 200 at the same time navigating the famous river.

It is the best option to enjoy the Nile River and the most important wonders that the ancient Egyptians built on its shores, especially the temples of Karnak and Temple of Hatsepsut, the Colossi of Memnon or the famous Valley of the Kings.

Generally, motorboat cruises last about 5 days from Luxor to Aswan and there are many price ranges, from the most luxurious to the most economical motorboats, although all have private cabins for two or four people, reception and an outside deck with a swimming pool.

The following is a range of prices of motorboats by category of vessel. In all cases, 4 nights with full board, guide for the temples, entrance fees to all visits and pick up at the airport, train station or hotel in Luxor and return transfer service are included.

• 5 star standard: 279€.
• 5 star luxury: 355€.
• 5 stars superior luxury: 450€.
• 5 star standard with Abu Simbel: 358€.
• 5 star luxury with Abu Simbel: 434€.
• 5 stars superior luxury with Abu Simbel: 529€.

Gratuities for the staff that will attend you throughout the cruise are not usually included (usually 25 € per person for the 5 days) and drinks are not included either, which are paid separately.