I have been on the road for years. Sometimes my backpack has accompanied me in a mountain hut, sometimes it has greeted me in the lobbies of luxury hotels in huge cities. But Sherm El Sheik… This has always been a special stop for me. The incredible blue of the Red Sea, the generous sunshine and, of course, the variety of accommodation that shapes your entire vacation experience, starting with where you stay. In this guide, I won’t be talking about general information such as how to get to Sherm El Sheik, what season to visit, etc. The focus is on “staying” and staying only. From the moment you step into the hotel to the moment you see the exit door, I will try to tell you everything you will experience from my eyes, from my experience.
Staying at Sherm El Sheik is not just renting a room; it is stepping into an atmosphere, a lifestyle. Sometimes you wake up in the shade of a palm tree, sometimes you find yourself looking at the horizon of the Red Sea from the huge pool of a luxury resort. This diversity makes Sherm El Sheik a unique place to stay, don’t you think? Whether you’re an early riser for diving, dream of lounging by the pool all day or want to be close to the nightly entertainment, Sherm El Sheik’s range of accommodation gives you a choice. And believe me, choosing the right place is the most important issue that directly affects the quality of your vacation.
Why is the accommodation experience different in Sherm El Sheik?
You can find places to stay in many beach cities, but Sherm El Sheik’s accommodation offers a bit more of a ‘package’ experience. Hotels here are not just places where you sleep, they are complexes – living centers where you will spend most of your vacation. The larger resorts in particular are full-fledged, with restaurants, bars, pools, private beach areas, entertainment programs and even small shops and gyms. This means that sometimes you may not even feel the need to leave your hotel (I’m not suggesting staying in the hotel for the whole vacation).
This in-hotel life is the defining feature of a Sherm El Sheik stay. From breakfast to nightly shows, everything is often organized within the confines of the hotel. Not only does this add a layer of comfort, but the choice of your hotel directly determines the pace and content of your vacation. For me, my stay here has always been somewhat “introverted”. When you step through the door of the hotel, you find yourself in a different world.
Decoding the Accommodation Map of Sherm El Sheik
The accommodation options in Sherm El Sheik are geographically spread out into specific areas and each area has its own distinct atmosphere. Where you stay depends on what kind of vacation you are looking for. Here are the main accommodation areas in Sherm El Sheik and what they have to offer in my eyes:
Naama Bay: The Heart of the Action
This is the best known and most vibrant area of Sherm El Sheik. Naama Bay is a great option if you like to get out of your hotel and mingle with the crowds, eat in the restaurants, browse the shops and be close to the nightlife. The hotels here are generally more established, beachfront and steps away from Naama Bay’s main street.
The accommodation options here are varied, ranging from luxury resorts to more boutique hotels. But staying in Naama Bay also means being in constant movement and sometimes noise. If you’re looking for tranquillity, it’s worth checking out the hotels further away from the center of Naama Bay.
My one experience in Naama Bay started when I was checking in at the lobby of my hotel, right on the main street. The activity outside, the sounds of music and people’s conversations filled the room. At that moment I realized that staying in Naama Bay was synonymous with feeling the energy of the city directly. When I stepped out onto the balcony of my room, the view included both the bustling street and the deep blue sea beyond. This reflected the dual character of Naama Bay: both the vibrant city life and the calm seaside.
Shark’s Bay and SOHO Square: Luxury and Tranquility
Located just north of Naama Bay, the hotels around Shark’s Bay and the popular SOHO Square generally offer a larger, more luxurious and quieter experience. The resorts here are spread over large grounds, with great private beaches and usually a much larger number of pools. They offer great options for diving or snorkeling enthusiasts, as the coral reefs in the area are very vibrant.
Being close to SOHO Square makes it easy to walk to restaurants, cafes or the famous ice rink in the evenings. However, the overall atmosphere is not as ‘lively yet chaotic’ as Naama Bay; it has a more organized, more chic vibe. Staying here usually requires a higher budget, but the quality of service and the beauty of the facilities usually make up for the difference.
Once in Shark’s Bay, I was mesmerized by the riot of colors under the water after taking a few strokes directly into the sea from our hotel’s beach. This was a unique accommodation privilege that this area offers: incredible natural beauty right next to luxury and comfort. To walk out the door of your hotel and in a few minutes find yourself inside one of the most beautiful aquariums in the world is a truly priceless experience.
Nabq Bay: Family Friendly and Spacious Spaces
Located north of Sherm El Sheik, Nabq Bay is a popular option, especially for families and those looking for more space. The resorts here are generally much larger and spread out over extensive grounds. Most resorts are ‘all-inclusive’ and offer family-friendly amenities such as children’s pools, water parks and activity areas.
Nabq Bay’s beach is shallow, making it ideal for young children, but you can use jetties to reach deeper water. The area is not as busy and crowded as Naama Bay or SOHO Square, offering quieter and often more affordable options. If you plan to spend a lot of time in your hotel, value on-site activities and, most importantly, want to be more efficient with your budget, check out the spacious resorts in Nabq Bay.
Hadaba and Old Market neighborhood: More Local, More Budget Friendly
The area around the Old Market, the old center of Sherm El Sheik, and the Hadaba district offer a more local atmosphere and generally more affordable accommodation options. Instead of large resorts, here you will find smaller hotels, hostels or apartments for rent. Staying in this area means being closer to the bustle of the Old Market, local restaurants and shops.
There are far fewer beachfront hotels in this area; usually hotels are located on a hillside and you may need to walk or drive to the sea (some hotels have a shuttle service to private beaches). If you are on a budget or want to be closer to local life, you may be interested in accommodation around Hadaba or the Old Market. The amenities offered by hotels in these areas are often not as varied and extensive as the larger resorts, but they offer a more intimate atmosphere.
Accommodation Types and Experiences
The types of accommodation you can find in Sherm El Sheik are usually centered around large resorts, but they also offer different experiences:
All-Inclusive Resorts: All-Inclusive Living
The most popular type of accommodation in Sherm El Sheik is undoubtedly the ‘all-inclusive’ resort. This concept means that food and beverage (usually buffet), some drinks and on-site activities are included in the price for the duration of your stay. It is especially ideal for those who are looking for a relaxed vacation, want to set their budget in advance or plan to spend a lot of time in the hotel.
All-inclusive resorts are usually large complexes and offer entertainment programs such as day-long animations, evening shows and theme nights. All resort facilities are at your disposal, from rooms and pools to restaurants and bars. However, it is very important to understand the details of the all-inclusive concept, such as which drinks are included, whether specialty restaurants charge an additional fee, etc. varies from hotel to hotel. In my experience, the all-inclusive resorts in Sherm El Sheik offer a really comfortable vacation with a variety of food and beverages and activity programs.
Half Board / Full Board: Meal Options
Some hotels offer half board (breakfast and dinner) or full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner). This allows for more flexibility, especially for those who plan to eat out for lunch or try different restaurants. Also, if you want to explore some hotels’ a la carte restaurants, or if you find the all-inclusive concept restrictive, this option may appeal to you more. For me, half board offers a good balance of using the convenience of the hotel and being able to try the restaurants outside in the evenings.
Bed & Breakfast / Room Only: For Independence Seekers
For more independent travelers or those who want to keep a tighter budget, room only or bed & breakfast options are also available, especially in smaller hotels or apartments in areas such as Hadaba or Old Market. The key difference is the freedom to plan your own meals, shop at local markets and move at your own pace. It’s also a great starting point for those looking to explore Sherm El Sheik’s vibrant restaurant scene.
Practical Tips for Staying in Sherm El Sheik
I have a few practical tips to get the most out of your stay at Sherm El Sheik:
- Check All Inclusive Details: When booking or when you first check in, clarify what the all-inclusive concept covers. Find out which bars, which drinks (local or imported?), a la carte restaurants (reservation required or extra charge?), mini-bar usage, etc. to avoid surprises. It is very important to get this information immediately upon arrival and decide accordingly!
- Ask about the Location of the Room: If you are a sensitive sleeper or want to be away from the action, ask about the location of your room when booking or checking in. Rooms near the main pool, near the lobby or near bars tend to be noisier. Exercise your right to request a quieter location.
- Pay Attention to Pool Hours: Hotel pools have specific opening and closing times. Keep these hours in mind when planning your day.
- Beach Towels and Sunbeds: Large resorts usually provide special towel cards for the pool and beach. Take care not to lose these cards. Finding a sun lounger can be an early morning hassle, especially during busy periods!
- On-site Transportation: In very large resorts, there are on-site vehicles (buggy-like) for transportation from your room to places such as the main reception or the beach. Do not hesitate to use this service, walking distances may tire you out.
These tips will help make your stay at Sherm El Sheik a smoother and more enjoyable experience. For myself, I have personally experienced over the years how paying attention to these details has increased the comfort of my vacation. In particular, the warm relationships I have built with the staff have helped me to feel at home even when I am at the hotel.
Conclusion Staying in Sherm El Sheik from My Perspective
For me, staying at Sherm El Sheik has always been an experience intertwined with the magic of the Red Sea. Whether you’re floating in the infinity pool of a luxury resort or watching the local life from the balcony of a small hotel in Hadaba, each stay will allow you to discover a different layer of Sherm El Sheik. Have a great vacation
