Egypt Hotels and Hostels

Egypt is one of the most popular travel destinations in the Middle East. As such, it has many western and local hotel options and there's really something to meet everybody's travel budget and style. Particularly in the major travel destinations such as Cairo or Sharm el-Sheikh, you will find many western chains and resorts such as the Marriott, Hilton, or Sheraton. Alternatively, there are countless locally run hotels and guesthouses of varying quality and price. Do read some reviews or check out the room before committing to a price as the quality varies dramatically and the prices do not always match the level of service.
Egypt is a country of negotiation. It is important to remember that when booking a hotel. If you arrive without reservations, negotiate hard. This is the expectation, not the rarity, and if you don't negotiate you absolutely will pay too much.

Finding the Best Prices

The key to finding the best prices in Egypt, be it accommodation, tours, or anything else, is to negotiate hard. Everything in Egypt is negotiable. Don't shy away from it, but don't get frustrated with it either. It's important to understand this is the expectation, and it's a learned skill. Take it lightly and don't let your anger get the better of you. See it as a game and you'll have a much more enjoyable trip.
Aside from negotiating, there are a few other tricks for saving money on accommodation in Egypt. Stay at locally owned hotels and you'll pay a fraction of the cost you pay in western chains. The quality can be quite nice as well. There are hostels in most of the touristy areas, but if you're going off the beaten path then you may have more of a challenge. In this case look for local guesthouses which are likely to be the best deal.

Types of Accommodation

In Egypt you can find many different types of accommodation. Depending where you are, you may find a more concentrated gathering of resorts, budget guesthouses, campgrounds, or hostels. In cities along the coast like Sharm el-Sheikh you will find the most resorts. These facilities can be quite luxurious and are a wonderful place if you're looking for a scenic vacation with some good diving. The nearby neighbor, Dahab, has far more budget accommodations and hostels. The town also has a very different vibe. In popular cities like Cairo or Luxor you will find almost every type of accommodation. These cities cater to a variety of tourist types and because of this they have the necessary facilities.
Nile cruises are another type of accommodation and they come in a range of levels. Before booking a cruise, confirm that you understand what type of boat you will be on and everything that is included in the cruise.