Fodor's Expert Review Badawiya Hotel

Owned by the same trio behind the popular Badawiya Hotel in Farafra, this property is grander and more luxurious, yet still with down-to-earth room rates. The traditional desert architecture employs domes and vaulted ceilings to create cool, castlelike interior spaces. Chalets encircle the summit of a small knoll; choose a west-facing one for the best view of the sunset and desert escarpment. The rooms are spacious and clean, with stone tile floors and an assortment of traditional fabrics. The terrace is a big draw, with a decent size swimming pool (a rarity in these parts), parasols, and stunning views of the desert and escarpment. Staff is ut generally friendly, but not overbearing.