Hilton Hurghada Plaza

Hilton Hurghada Plaza sits on a hillside off Gabal El Hareem Street at the northern end of Hurghada, in the El Dahar district. The old-town souk is only a few minutes away by car, and Hurghada International Airport is roughly a 15-minute drive. From the main building, terraces step down through gardens to a sheltered sandy cove with a calm lagoon, a private pier and a small marina.

Rooms range from standard guest rooms and sea-view Deluxe and Superior rooms to Premium rooms in the chalet building and connecting Deluxe Family Rooms. Many have balconies facing the bay. Rostrata is the main buffet restaurant. Lophelia serves seafood beside the marina, Turkuaz is a beachside Turkish grill, and Coquina Lobby Bar looks out over the sea.

The resort has two main pools, heated in winter, plus a children's pool and a swim-up bar. Planet Spa offers massage, sauna, steam bath and a hot tub. Other facilities include a gym, tennis, squash and an on-site PADI dive centre. Because there is no house reef, snorkelling and diving trips go by boat to Giftun Island. It suits couples and families who want a quieter base close to town.