If you’ve heard of Egypt’s North Coast before (known as Sahel el Shemali in Arabic or just Sahel for short), then it’s safe to say you’ve heard about its insanely beautiful beaches, some of the very best in the Mediterranean region (if not the world). But because tourism hasn’t fully taken off there yet, you might not be sure which are the best hotels or places to stay to truly partake in some spectacular sun and sea.
So we’ve put together for you a list of some tried and true North Coast favorites; these 5 star hotels will deliver the best of what hotel hospitality on the Egyptian Mediterranean has to offer. But we also have a few local tips/caveats.
Local tip #1: These hotels are all 5 star and in high demand during the summer season - so they’re pretty expensive. It’s best to book far in advance if you’re planning on going in the summer months, and keep an eye out for any deals/discounts they might be offering so as to snag the best price.
Local tip #2: Try to book weekdays and not weekends. First of all, with some of these hotels the nightly price on a weekend is more than double the nightly price of a weekday. Secondly, summer weekends usually are fully booked in these hotels, so aside from the price, try to book in advance before summer starts to make sure you can nab the room of your choice.
Also peppered along the North Coast are various three star and four star hotels; those will be cheaper obviously, but they can also be hit and miss, so we wanted to just focus on the very best North Coast hotels. So with no further ado, here they are in no particular order:
Rixos Premium Alamein
Location: New Alamein City
This soaring hotel is reminiscent architecturally of the Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore, and its height makes it different from all the other hotels on this list. Guests are able to get incredible sea views from above in their rooms from a variety of angles. All-inclusive packages are available.
New Alamein City is still a work in progress, with the goal of it being a year-round touristic city by 2030. While there’s currently not much around the hotel, the hotel itself has a handful of restaurants, bars, pools and other amenities.
For more information and reviews: Rixos Premium Alamein
Rixos Alamein
Location: Ghazala Bay
Another Rixos on the North Coast, but this one is the original in Ghazala Bay, about a 40 minute drive from the Rixos Premium Alamein in New Alamein City.
Rixos Alamein, besides its spectacular beach, has five swimming pools and a spa. They also have six restaurants and several bars, and an all-inclusive option, so it’s a great place to stay if you want luxury and not to leave your hotel.
For more information and reviews: Rixos Alamein
Address Marassi Beach Resort OR Address Marassi Golf Resort
Location: Marassi
This entry is a two-for-one depending on your preferences. The Address hotel chain has several different sister hotels in Marassi, and two of the best are the Address Marassi Beach Resort and the Address Marassi Golf Resort. The main difference between the two is that the Beach Resort is right on the beach, while the Golf Resort is on an 18 hole signature golf course, with beach access at the nearby Al Alamein Hotel (transportation between the hotel and the beach is via golf cart).
So if you’re a golfer, then it’s an easy choice. But if you’re more into sea views and direct beachfront, then Address Marassi Beach Resort is a better fit.
For more information and reviews: Address Marassi Beach Resort and Address Marassi Golf Resort
Jaz Almaza Beach Hotel
Location: Almaza Bay
The Jaz hotel group actually operates 5 different hotels in Almaza Bay, with four of them called Jaz so-and-so – so it can be a bit confusing. The four Jaz hotels (Jaz Almaza Beach, Jaz Oriental, Jaz Crystal and Jaz Tamerina) are all 5 star, while their fifth sister hotel Almazino is 4 star.
There’s not a huge difference between all the Jaz hotels, but we selected Jaz Almaza Beach simply because it’s the biggest and with the most amenities.
For more information and reviews: Jaz Almaza Beach Resort
Al Alamein Hotel
Location: Marassi
This hotel is one of the highest ranked by guests, with rave reviews on all platforms. Al Alamein Hotel also regularly features in travel influencer content, with their memorable beach sculptures set against a stunning stretch of sea.
Al Alamein is in Marassi, and it’s a good option if you don’t want to just stick to your hotel. The Marassi compound is extensive and it’s easy to get to the Marassi Marina with its restaurants and bars, the Marassi mall and even the waterpark.
For more information and reviews: Al Alamein Hotel
Casa Cook North Coast
Location: Hacienda White
If you’re looking for an adults only hotel, away from kids shrieking and splashing in the pool and sea, then Casa Cook is for you. It’s a beautifully designed boutique hotel, with focus on natural materials and elegant simplicity.
Casa Cook doesn’t have all the amenities or bells and whistles that the bigger hotels on this list have, but because it’s in Hacienda White, it’s in walking distance of two of the North Coast’s most popular beach bars and party destinations: The Lemon Tree & Co and Kiki’s Beach.
For more information and reviews: Casa Cook North Coast
Caesar Bay Resort
Location: right before the Caesar compound
If you’re looking for a kid-friendly resort for you and your family, and don’t care about not leaving your hotel, then Caesar Bay Resort is a good option. They offer big family rooms that can take up to four people, whether all adults or adults and kids.
They also have a kids club where professionals lead kids in a series of activities throughout the day, so if you’re looking to keep your kids occupied while you relax.
For more information and reviews: Caesar Bay Resort