Hotel in Hurghada, Egypt
El Salam Hotel Hurghada
This budget hotel offers simple clean rooms near Hurghada's marina and old town. Family-run with personal service, it provides good value close to restaurants and diving centers. Air-conditioned rooms include private bathrooms.
El Salam Hotel Hurghada is a budget hotel located in El Dahar, the historic old quarter of Hurghada city on Egypt's Red Sea Riviera. El Dahar is the original settlement that predates Hurghada's development as an international resort destination and retains a character distinct from the purpose-built resort strips of Sakkala and New Marina to the south. The neighbourhood contains local markets, independent restaurants, small dive shops, and the old souq, providing budget travellers with a more authentic urban experience alongside the area's beach and diving resources.
The hotel is a family-operated property that has served the El Dahar budget traveller market for a number of years. Rooms are simply furnished with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and satellite television. The accommodation is clean and functional rather than design-forward, targeting independent travellers and divers who prioritise proximity to El Dahar's services and local character over resort facilities. A limited number of rooms face the street; quieter units look onto an interior courtyard area.
The in-house restaurant serves a straightforward menu of Egyptian and international dishes, with grilled fish, rice-based plates, and vegetarian options regularly available. Breakfast is offered as an optional add-on or bundled into room rates depending on booking arrangements. Staff have good knowledge of local diving operators and can assist guests with introductions to reputable dive centres in El Dahar and at the adjacent marina, a practical advantage for divers arriving without pre-arranged dive packages.
Practical services include free WiFi, staffed reception throughout the day, and assistance booking local excursions to reef dive sites, the Hurghada Marina, and Giftun Island National Park — the protected offshore island reserve known for some of Hurghada's best snorkelling and diving conditions. The hotel is within walking distance of the El Dahar bus station, which provides regional connections north toward Safaga and Qusair and south toward Marsa Alam.
The property is well suited for budget divers, independent backpackers, and travellers who prefer to use Hurghada as a functional base rather than a resort experience. Its position in El Dahar reduces the dependency on taxis and resort shuttles for accessing local services, markets, and independent restaurants common in the old quarter.
Amenities
- air conditioning
- central location
- restaurant
- tour arrangements
- free WiFi
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +20 65 354 6660
Location
El Dahar, Hurghada
27.2589, 33.8156 — View on map
Highlights
- Located in El Dahar, Hurghada's authentic old quarter, steps from local markets and dive shops
- Family-operated hotel with personal service and local knowledge of Hurghada's dive scene
- Staff assistance with booking dive centres and excursions to Giftun Island National Park
- Walking distance to El Dahar bus station for regional Red Sea coast connections
- Budget-friendly pricing with private en-suite rooms and in-house restaurant
Tips
- El Dahar's local dive shops often offer better daily dive rates than large resort dive centres — ask hotel staff to recommend operators they know personally.
- The El Dahar souq is liveliest in the late afternoon and early evening; it is a good place to buy snacks, fresh juice, and basic beach supplies at local prices.
- Giftun Island National Park day trips should be booked the evening before, as morning departures fill up quickly in the October–April peak season.
- Taxis from El Dahar to New Marina and the resort strip to the south cost around EGP 30–50; negotiate the fare before departure.
- The hotel restaurant serves fresh Red Sea fish at market prices — ordering the daily catch grilled with rice is usually the best-value dinner option.
FAQ
How close is El Salam Hotel to the beach?
El Dahar does not have a direct resort beach in front of the hotel — the nearest public beach access points are a short taxi or walk away. Diving and snorkelling are primarily accessed through organised trips from local dive centres rather than from a hotel beach.
Can the hotel arrange diving trips from El Dahar?
Yes, the hotel staff have connections with several local dive operators in El Dahar and can facilitate introductions and bookings. Trips typically depart from the El Dahar fishing harbour or the marina area nearby.
Is El Salam Hotel suitable for solo travellers?
Yes, the hotel's budget pricing, central El Dahar location, and single-room availability make it practical for solo travellers. The area around El Dahar is active with cafés and independent restaurants, providing a sociable setting for travellers comfortable in local Egyptian neighbourhoods.
How far is the hotel from Hurghada International Airport?
Hurghada International Airport is approximately 5–8 km from El Dahar, a journey of around 15–20 minutes by taxi. Airport taxi fares to the El Dahar area are typically EGP 80–120.
Accessibility
The hotel is a multi-floor property in a traditional El Dahar building; lift availability should be confirmed directly with the hotel. Ground-floor rooms may be available for guests with mobility limitations. The surrounding El Dahar streets involve some uneven pavement, and the old quarter is not designed for wheelchair access.
When to visit
October through April is the most comfortable season for Hurghada, with warm days ideal for diving and exploring El Dahar on foot. Summer months are hot but the hotel's air-conditioned rooms make it a functional base for dedicated divers who prefer off-peak pricing.