2 Best Hotels in Sharm el-Sheikh and Red Sea Coast, Egypt

El Gouna's oldest resort—it opened in 1995—has its longest beachfront, plus such a range of amenities that it might be tempting not to leave the resort and explore the rest of the town. It's a large hotel, but accommodations are set in well-spaced clusters around four swimming pools (plus three kids' pools). The spacious rooms have a contemporary feel, with stone, mustard, and terracotta decor accented by cotton Bedouin rugs. All the on-site restaurants are no-smoking, which is not especially common in Egypt. Accessible rooms are available for travelers with disabilities, as are extensive family rooms and facilities for groups with young children.

Usually booked up by the diving and kitesurfing crowd, Turtles Inn offers unpretentious accommodation in the heart of El Gouna marina. The hotel acts as a meeting place as the day finishes, with the roof bar being a popular place for a few beers. Rooms are modern and brightly but simply decorated, though not all have balconies. The on-site restaurant is very good, and the hotel is also walking distance from many other good restaurants. To check into the hotel, head to the neighboring Captain's Inn.