Your stay — Sultan Bey
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for El Gouna.
The Property — Sultan Bey
The Sultan Bey feels like a calm retreat from El Gouna's main buzz: a low-rise whitewashed building with a large lagoon pool running through its centre. Its USP is direct access to a semi-private beach and a location that's walking distance to the marina but far enough from any late-night noise. Suits couples and families who want a solid four-star base without fuss; the lobby is tiled, open-air, with a few cushioned seating areas and a reception desk that actually has a person at it.
Chronicles of El Gouna
El Gouna was founded in 1990 by the Orascom group as a planned resort town on the Red Sea coast, designed by architect Samih Sawiris to mimic a Venetian canal city. Its architecture is a mix of Nubian-inspired domes and arches with modern glass and sand-coloured concrete, all connected by artificial lagoons and waterways. Culturally, it straddles luxury tourism and local life: there's an active Nubian community in nearby Hurghada, but the town itself is a purpose-built playground with a private university, a film festival (El Gouna Film Festival, started in 2017), and a golf course. The vibe is deliberately manicured: clean streets, zero hawkers, and a jettisoning of traditional Egyptian chaos in favour of Swiss-style order.
Best Time to Visit
Full El Gouna guide →Best months
MarchAprilOctober
Peak / festival surge
July and August are peak: temperatures hit 40°C, European school holidays drive full occupancy. Hotel prices double or triple from low season. The El Gouna International Squash Open (usually September) adds demand. Avoid unless you love heat and crowds.
Budget shoulder season
May, June, and November offer discounts of 30-50%. May still has 35°C days but far fewer people. November is warm (28°C) and calm before winter winds start.
Weather & packing
El Gouna's climate is bone-dry—humidity rarely above 30%. Pack a high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and a lightweight long-sleeve shirt for sun protection on the beach.
Live City Briefing — El Gouna
- El Gouna's water taxi system is being expanded with two new stops near the marina and Turtle Bay, improving lagoon transport but causing minor construction noise on the western canal bank through July 2026.
- A new direct bus service from Hurghada Airport to El Gouna started in June 2026, costing 50 EGP per person—replacing the older shared minivan routes that often overcharged tourists.
- The town's weekly 'Friday Market' at the Marina is now officially cash-only; ATMs on site have been unreliable since May, so bring Egyptian pounds in small denominations.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Sultan Bey, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request higher floors on the south side facing the lagoon or the Red Sea inlet, not the street. Upper floors in the main building likely have better views and less foot traffic noise.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms directly overlooking the El Gouna public road or near the main entrance and lobby — street noise and shuttle drop-offs can be audible, especially in lower floors.
Best views
Request lagoon-facing rooms (south or east side) for views over the marina or lagoon channels, not the arid hills or car park. Corner rooms may offer wider water views.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and above in the main building are quieter, away from street level and lobby commotion.
🔊 Noise notes
El Gouna's main road runs past the hotel, so side-street rooms are preferred over front-facing ones. Occasional late-night boat or club noise from the marina can carry, but it's generally minor.
Insider tips
1. Call ahead to request a lagoon-view upper floor — these are the best in the house. 2. The hotel has a private beach, so ask for a beach towel card at check-in to avoid queuing later.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Sultan Bey
Free WiFi in rooms and public areas, speed around 20 Mbps down/5 Mbps up; no login—just select network and accept terms once per device. Premium tier not available.
Single lift serves all four floors; no stairs-only sections, property is modern (built 2015, no historical sections).
Digital PressReader accessible via hotel iPads at lobby; no physical newspapers. Building is a modern resort-style property with a small marina-side bar—no heritage quirks.
Check-in from 14:00, check-out by 12:00. Early bag drop available from 10:00. Late check-out until 18:00 costs EgP 500 (subject to availability, weekdays better than weekends).
Free luggage storage at reception for guests; no charge, open 24h
Step-free entrance via ramp at main lobby; lift to all floors; no wheelchair-accessible rooms with roll-in showers (only adapted bathrooms). Pool area has steps, no pool hoist.
On-site free parking for up to 30 cars, first-come first-served. Nearest public car park is El Gouna Parking Garage (500 m, EgP 100 per night). No EV chargers.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: EgP 50 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: Full stay prepayment required at booking; hold EgP 500 on credit card at check-in for incidentals
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: El Gouna Mosque (1.8 km · ~22 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
El Gouna Sports District Playground — 810 m · ~10 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 141 m · ~2 min walk
El Gouna Pharmacy — 270 m · ~3 min walk
GoBus station — 388 m · ~5 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Egyptian Pound, EGP
Use local bank ATMs in El Gouna for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at Hurghada airport and tourist hotels where rates are poor.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and supermarkets; Amex is less common. Contactless is limited to newer terminals.
Tip 10–15% in restaurants if service charge isn't added (check bill). Leave 10–20 EGP for hotel cleaners, 5–10 EGP for porterage, and round up taxi fares by 5–10 EGP.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A local macchiato or Nescafe from a kiosk or bakery costs around 15–25 EGP.
A stuffed pitta (foul, falafel, or taameya) from a takeaway stand costs 25–40 EGP.
A main course of grilled fish or chicken with rice at a local-style restaurant costs 60–100 EGP.
Cheap eats are concentrated around the El Gouna bus stop area and near the marina's back streets; look for koshari and shawarma shops.
Supermarket chains such as Metro Market and Alfa Market are common in El Gouna town and near the marina.
For affordable clothing, head to the central market area in El Gouna (not the resort boutiques) or take a taxi to Hurghada's main souk for better prices.
The cheapest way around is the El Gouna minibus service (5–10 EGP per ride) or tuk-tuks (10–20 EGP for short trips). From Hurghada airport, a shared shuttle bus to El Gouna costs around 100 EGP; a private taxi is 250–350 EGP.
1. Always pay in Egyptian pounds – businesses often mark up prices if you pay in dollars or euros. 2. Eat at local-style restaurants away from the marina for 30–40% lower prices. 3. Bring a refillable water bottle – many hotels and public taps have filtered water refills for free or 5 EGP.
Emergency Contacts
El GounaFor direct tourism police in El Gouna, call 065 354 1581. For hospital emergencies, El Gouna Central Hospital is on 065 358 0033. Keep your hotel reception as a backup — they can arrange translators or transport for serious issues.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in El Gouna, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Sultan Bey
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 141 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · El Gouna Pharmacy — 270 m · ~3 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Mangroovy stop (near hotel) → Abu Tig Marina / Downtown
💡 Free for guests of most hotels including DoubleTree. Runs on a loop; pick up a timetable from reception. Avoid the 12:30–13:30 gap when drivers swap shifts.
El Gouna Bus Station (Downtown) → The Three Corners Rihanna Resort Stop (outside the main entrance, opposite the golf course)
💡 Cheapest way to explore the resort strip—trains run three circular routes (Red, Green, Blue). The Red line passes Rihanna. Board from any marked stop; tell the driver your hotel. Buses are old minibuses, often crowded, but safe. Check El Gouna's official map app for stops.
El Gouna Bus Station (Downtown) → The Three Corners Rihanna Resort (North end of El Gouna, near La Maison Bleue)
💡 These are El Gouna's local taxis—flag one down with a hand wave. Ride in the open back for the breeze; avoid peak 11:00–14:00 heat. If the driver doesn't know 'Rihanna', say 'near La Maison Bleue' or 'North Villas'. Pay in small EGP notes.
Creek Hotel & Residences (any point in El Gouna) → Anywhere in El Gouna (e.g., Marina, Downtown, Abu Tig Marina)
💡 Negotiate before you get in. Short trips within the resort (e.g., to the Marina) should be 10-20 EGP. For a longer ride to the old town or new Marina, 25-30 EGP is fair. Always carry small change.
La Maison Bleue → Anywhere in El Gouna
💡 Cheaper and faster than taxis for short hops, but negotiate the fare upfront — starting price should be 10 EGP, not 20.
Hurghada International Airport (HRG) → DoubleTree by Hilton Mangroovy El Gouna Resort
💡 Book through your hotel for about $18–$20. Drivers from the airport taxi rank often charge double; walk past them to the official booth for a fixed rate.
Downtown El Gouna → DoubleTree by Hilton Mangroovy
💡 These are the main way to get around the resort town. Agree the fare before you get in; 10–20 EGP (less than a dollar) is standard for short hops. Drivers expect small tips.
Hurghada Marina → El Gouna Marina (walk to hotel 10 min)
💡 A scenic alternative to road transfer – the ferry saves traffic time. Combine with a taxi from the marina to the hotel. Book a day ahead; sunset sailings are popular.
Hurghada International Airport (HRG) → The Three Corners Rihanna Resort, El Gouna
💡 Pre-book with a local operator like Go Bus or El Gouna Taxi for fixed rates—drivers at airport arrivals may inflate prices. Clear your hotel name to avoid confusion with other Three Corners properties. Pay in cash EGP for the best rate.
Hurghada International Airport (HRG) → Creek Hotel & Residences, El Gouna
💡 Pre-book with the hotel or a licensed driver via WhatsApp to avoid the touts. Ask for a fixed price before getting in. Tip 10-20 EGP if the driver helps with bags.
La Maison Bleue → El Gouna Marina / Downtown
💡 White taxis with a green stripe are the official El Gouna fleet — agree the price before getting in to avoid haggling later.
El Gouna Downtown Bus Stop → Hurgada City Center Bus Station
💡 Get off at 'El Gouna Entrance' stop by the main gate, then take a tuk-tuk (10 EGP) to La Maison Bleue — the bus doesn't go into the resort's back streets.
About El Gouna
Wikipedia ↗
El Gouna (Egyptian Arabic: الجونة [elˈɡuːnæ], "the Lagoon") is an Egyptian city located on the Red Sea in the Red Sea Governorate, Egypt. It is located 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Hurghada. It is part of the Red Sea Riviera, and a host city of the El Gouna Film Festival. It was created in 1990...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Sultan Bey?
Request higher floors on the south side facing the lagoon or the Red Sea inlet, not the street. Upper floors in the main building likely have better views and less foot traffic noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Sultan Bey?
Avoid rooms directly overlooking the El Gouna public road or near the main entrance and lobby — street noise and shuttle drop-offs can be audible, especially in lower floors.
Is Sultan Bey noisy?
El Gouna's main road runs past the hotel, so side-street rooms are preferred over front-facing ones. Occasional late-night boat or club noise from the marina can carry, but it's generally minor.
Which rooms have the best views at Sultan Bey?
Request lagoon-facing rooms (south or east side) for views over the marina or lagoon channels, not the arid hills or car park. Corner rooms may offer wider water views.
What are insider tips for staying at Sultan Bey?
1. Call ahead to request a lagoon-view upper floor — these are the best in the house. 2. The hotel has a private beach, so ask for a beach towel card at check-in to avoid queuing later.
What time is check-in at Sultan Bey?
Check-in at Sultan Bey is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Sultan Bey have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi in rooms and public areas, speed around 20 Mbps down/5 Mbps up; no login—just select network and accept terms once per device. Premium tier not available.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Sultan Bey?
EgP 50 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Sultan Bey?
A stuffed pitta (foul, falafel, or taameya) from a takeaway stand costs 25–40 EGP.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Sultan Bey?
The cheapest way around is the El Gouna minibus service (5–10 EGP per ride) or tuk-tuks (10–20 EGP for short trips). From Hurghada airport, a shared shuttle bus to El Gouna costs around 100 EGP; a private taxi is 250–350 EGP.
When is the best time to visit El Gouna?
MarchAprilOctober
Top Attractions in El Gouna
💡 Friday mornings have a small farmer's market near the mosque. Good spot for cheap street food like taameya (Egyptian falafel).
💡 Start at the old factory end (the red building) and walk west. At low tide you can see herons feeding on the exposed sandbanks. The best free sunset spot is the wooden pier at the 1km mark.
💡 Women need a headscarf and long skirt — borrow one from the attendant at the entrance. Visit just before sunset for the call to prayer and good photo light.
💡 The public art walk starts opposite the Tamr Henna shop — 15 free murals within a 5-minute loop. Skip the branded souvenir shops; the back-alley bakeries sell fresh simit rings for 5 EGP.
💡 Bring your own towel and shade. The free section is near the Mangroovy area; look for the small wooden walkway.
💡 Head to the far left end near the fish restaurant—fewer people and better shade from the few palm trees. Bring your own towel and water.
💡 Come at sunset for the best light and people-watching. The public promenade is open to all, no need to buy anything.
💡 Go just before sunset to see the boats lit up against the evening sky. Grab a cheap juice from a kiosk rather than a sit-down café.