Should you tip or pay extra for a room upgrade at hotels in Egypt, and how much?

From messages by 4 participants in 1 source · Last activity: 24 days ago

TL;DR

Travelers report unofficial payments at check-in for a better or recently renovated room: typically US$20, though US$30–50 is sometimes offered or expected. It is not mandatory; you can decline and check whether the assigned room matches your booking.

What the community said

The pressure to pay extra is linked to newly renovated rooms: guests seek the freshest rooms, which can create informal bargaining at reception.

25 days ago Recently renovated rooms

A practical approach is not to pay automatically; in rare cases, the reported maximum extra payment for a preferred room was US$20.

25 days ago Up to US$20

For this hotel, US$20 was described as the usual amount for a better room at check-in, but guests offering US$30–50 may have raised staff expectations.

26 days ago US$20–50

One report mentions paying US$20–30 before check-in for room 230, yet finding mold in the bathroom. An extra payment does not guarantee room condition, so inspect the room before accepting it.

32 days ago Room 230, US$20–30