Best budget 5-star hotels in Sharm el-Sheikh — honest reviews

At Jaz Palmariva, 120 of 339 rooms were renovated in 2023. Guests booking a Superior Garden View room may be placed in Block A, which has older rooms with uncontrollable air conditioning, dated plumbing, and midges. The renovated rooms are in Block B (on the left). It's worth specifying the block at check-in to avoid having to request a room change.

Sentido hotel (Sharm el-Sheikh): rooms are dated but cosy — ground-floor rooms with a terrace and side beds for children are available. Food quality is good in the Sentido building, simpler in the adjacent Reef (rated 4-star). A shuttle runs between buildings. The rock-shaped water park was impressive in its day but now needs renovation. The beach transitions quickly to reef — sea urchins and rays come close to shore.

Long Beach Hotel impressed enough for a repeat visit — the family switched their booking from another hotel when the price dropped. Excellent value compared to other 5-star properties; a 20-day stay went very well.

Aladdin Hotel is a solid pick if you don't need easy city access. The reef is present but not spectacular — fine for casual snorkelers. Rooms are dated but the overall experience is good.

A budget first-line hotel in Nabq cost around 200,000 RUB (~$2,200) for 4 people for 7 nights. Realistically it's more of a 4-star: rooms are dated and haven't been renovated in years. The main draw is the beachfront location.

Food at budget 5-star hotels is basic buffet style: fish, meat, and chicken daily. You won't go hungry, but don't expect seafood. Watermelon and melon are always available — a nice touch. Alcohol quality is poor: wine is undrinkable, beer is average, whisky with cola is passable.

Upgrading to a family room on arrival cost $50. The room was in building 6, 2nd floor, with a view of the water park. Plumbing worked fine, Wi-Fi available but unstable during the day — works well after 11 PM.

In the Nabq area, red flags and receding water are common in the mornings — swimming is prohibited. Conditions usually improve in the afternoon. For consistently calm swimming, choose other bays in Sharm el-Sheikh.

Mosquitoes are present even in the evenings — bring repellent and a plug-in mosquito killer for the room. Sun is intense: SPF 50+ is essential, especially on windy days when you don't feel the heat. Pack after-sun lotion (Panthenol) too.

The first-line hotel in Nabq is conveniently located for evening walks into town. Nearby is the George Clooney shop, which sells mangoes and other fresh fruit.