Are the cafes at Hurghada Marina expensive, and is there a hidden tax added to the bill?

As a benchmark for coffee prices: in late July 2026 a participant wrote that coffee at Starbucks costs about $4–5 on average. Payment there could be deferred — the guest signs the receipt and settles the bill at reception on checkout.

According to one traveler (July 2026), Marlin cafe offers a kind of drinks pass: you pay for 8–10 drinks up front, get a paper voucher, and then have them whenever you like. If one smoothie costs $3, with this prepayment it works out at about $2. Ask on site whether the deal is still offered.

In July 2026, during an argument about overpriced excursions, one participant pointed out that you also overpay at the Marina cafes: in their estimate, prices there are about four times higher than at ordinary places. On top of that, a tax is added to the bill, and you only find out about it after you have eaten. This is one person's estimate, not a survey of every Marina cafe, so check the menu and ask about the final amount with tax before ordering.

The same day another participant pushed back against people who recommend eating at the Marina cafes: in their words, once you look at the prices and add the tax, it comes out very expensive. The comment was framed as criticism of such recommendations, so budget-minded travelers may prefer to treat the Marina as a place for a walk rather than for regular meals.