Dreaming of a luxurious escape in Marsa Alam? Look no further! This comprehensive review of Steigenberger Coraya Beach, perfect for those seeking the best Marsa Alam hotels, offers everything you need to make an informed decision. Inside, you’ll find real-world insights on rooms, dining, amenities, and excursions. Plus, get practical tips and answers to common questions to help you determine if this adults-only resort is right for your Egyptian adventure.
Introduction to Steigenberger Coraya Beach Resort
Tucked away along the beautiful Red Sea coastline lies Steigenberger Coraya Beach, an exclusive adults-only beach resort that promises a memorable vacation in Egypt. With its original Nubian style and 800 meters long sandy beach, the resort is located in beautiful Marsa Alam, a perfect destination for avid travellers seeking a memorable beach and snorkelling experience. In this blog post, we will provide an in-depth review of Steigenberger Coraya Beach (part of the Jaz Group of hotels) based on our recent stay, including details on the accommodation, dining, facilities and overall guest experience. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach getaway or an active holiday filled with excursions and exploring the underwater world of Marsa Alam, read on to learn why this resort should be on your travel wish list!
Price Range: $$ – $$$
TIP: If you are someone who enjoys finding great deals, we highly recommend exploring Agoda. We have found some of the most competitive prices on this platform. Additionally, HotelsCombined has become our preferred hotel search engine. Surprisingly, we have noticed that both of these websites frequently offer better deals compared to Jaz’s own app or website, despite their claims of having the best rates. Therefore, before you finalize your next trip, we suggest taking the time to browse through these sites.
Location and Accessibility
Located on the fascinating shores of Coraya Bay, the resort is just 4 km away from Marsa Alam Airport and 207 km from Hurghada. The resort’s proximity to the Abu Dabbab Beach (30 minutes by car) and Port Ghalib International Marina (12 minutes by car) makes it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding attractions. Steigenberger Coraya Beach enjoys a good beachfront location in Marsa Alam, known for its incredible diving and snorkelling sites.
Check-in was quick and efficient and we were given cold towels and a welcome drink – which tasted awful if we have to be honest. We were told that the hotel was only 50% full and that the main crowd is mainly German and Swiss.
How to Get In
HEADS UP: The resort is about a 10-minute drive from Marsa Alam International Airport, so it is easy to reach after your flight.
TIP: It is almost impossible to hire an Uber in Marsa Alam despite the fact the app showing some limited availability. A private transfer by the hotel will be around US$ 35 one way. If you are able to organise a transfer with a local taxi, you will be looking at around US$ 15 (500 LE).
HEADS UP: It will take you around 2.5 hours by car from Hurghada to reach the hotel. Hurghada has better connections (from within and outside Egypt).
TIP: We travelled from Hurghada to Marsa Alam by car. The hotel we stayed at quoted US$ 110 per person for a private transfer (US$ 220 for both of us). We opted for Uber with a much more reasonable price tag of US$ 65 (2,000 LE) for 2 passengers. Please note that the Uber app will initially quote 700 – 1,000 LE (US$23 – US$ 33) for the journey but the Uber drivers will call you to say that it is 2,000 LE (US$ 65). We have been in touch with Uber for an explanation but we never received a reply. We can only assume that Uber has not updated its prices on their app, which is quite frankly frustrating and disappointing.
TIP: Wheelchairs are available at reception for disabled customers.
Accommodation and Room Features
Steigenberger Coraya Beach houses 364 rooms built in groups of bungalows, offering sea, pool and garden views. Inside, rooms are decorated in a simple, elegant style with warm earth tones and dark wood furnishings. Amenities include a minibar stocked with soft drinks and water, tea and coffee making facilities, a personal safe and satellite TV.
For a mix of convenience and adaptability, we opted for a Superior Sea View room with a half-board plan. This allowed us to enjoy leisurely breakfasts with the flexibility to choose where we ate for other meals, costing us US$180 per night.
Our sea view superior room was small but cozy, with a lovely balcony facing the sea. The room was clean and well-maintained, though some furniture seemed dated. The bed and pillows were comfortable. Our only complaints were that the bathroom design allowed water to spill onto the floor, and the AC system struggled to cool the room below 30°C (Room #1421). However, the staff quickly moved us to another sea view room (#1006) that was much more comfortable in terms of temperature but for some, might still have been uncomfortable at 23-24°C.
Room Features
Aircon: Average. In room #1421, the front door was not properly sealed and therefore allowed (very) hot air to enter inside the room. The temperature inside the room barely fell below 30 degrees despite putting the aircon on full blast for two hours! It was much better in room 1006. We believe that the hotel needs to look into their aircons given the hot weather, especially in the middle of summer, and that it is not left up to the customers to complain before they take any action.
TV: Flat screen TV, channels are mostly geared towards the German and Swiss clientele.
Safe: Old and small, our 15.6” laptop could not fit in.
Bed & Pillows: Bed was comfortable, if not a bit on the firm side. There was also a pillow menu, which we thought was a nice touch.
Mini bar & Tea/Coffee: There are one 1.5 litre bottle and two 0.6 litre bottles for free if you are on half board, and the usual free tea and coffee. Full board guests have access to all items for free (other soft drinks).
You can order additional bottles of water from reception at no extra charge even on half board.
Bathroom: Lighting was adequate. The design of the shower area has not been thought through properly. Water will spill out, making the bathroom messy every time you have a shower. This is a similar trend within the Jaz Group of hotels (see our review about Jaz Makadi Star & Spa). Amenity kits were of good quality and include a vanity set, ladies set, shaving kit, shower cap, dental and body lotion.
Housekeeping: Housekeeping came to say hi and said he was available between 10am and 6pm (and to call reception outside hours if needed). This was also a nice touch.
TIP: If you would like a quiet room, we would suggest to go for the garden view or sea view rooms. If you do not mind a bit of noise, feel free to choose the pool view rooms.
Dining and Culinary Experience
Steigenberger Coraya Beach offers a variety of dining options to satisfy different tastes and appetites. The main restaurant, Al Maha, serves buffet-style breakfast (06.30-10.30), lunch (12.30-14.30) and dinner (19.00-21.30). Guests on the half board plan can use the same restaurant for breakfast and dinner.
The food selection included soups, salads, octopus, beef steaks, stewed veal, beef liver, potato croquettes, pumpkin gratin, artichoke stuffed with mince beef, beef meat balls, beef stroganoff, chicken in tomato sauce, salmon, grilled prawns, fillet fish tandoori, pastas, sauteed vegetables, chips and a selection of bread and cakes. Local Egyptian dishes like foul mudammas (fava beans), beef kofta (meatballs) and molokhia (jute leaf soup) were also featured.
Unfortunately, we found the food at dinner to be underwhelming during our stay. It was salty, lacked variety (too many beef dishes) and was disappointing in terms of how it tasted. The dining hall itself was also uncomfortably hot. This was also very disappointing especially as the hotel insists for formal wear during dinner. Formal wear and a really hot dining hall is not a match made in heaven unfortunately! With drinks excluded from the half board plan, the overall dinner experience felt like a letdown compared to other 5-star hotels.
Breakfast offered more variety with made-to-order omelettes, sausages, a selection of bread and cheese, a crepe and waffle station, smoked fish, and Egyptian specialties like falafel and fried eggplant. Lunch can be enjoyed at the beachfront Bedouin tent restaurant for an additional fee.
While the food quality was very disappointing, the servers were friendly, polite and attentive throughout our stay.
TIP: Please note that formal wear is compulsory for dinner. If you do not have any, you can speak to reception and they will do their best to provide you with some. Formal wear is applicable to both men and women.
TIP: We suggest that you choose full board (they call it the Pharaoh option) as there is nothing around the hotel. If you are on half board and would like lunch, there is an additional fee of around US$55 per person – which we found steep and unjustified for the quality of food served. Customers on half board are also only allowed free water at breakfast and dinner – anything else is chargeable. We did find this rather strange and off-putting.
TIP: You may wish to use the other on-site dining facilities such as Al Fayruz (Mediterranean cuisine), Margarita Pool Bar, Palmito Beach Bar, Night & Day Bar, Alwalimah Tent (beachfront) or the Dine Around Scheme (Basilico – Italian, Zaytoun – Oriental cuisine and Rocca – Far Eastern cuisine).
Facilities and Amenities
Guests at Steigenberger Coraya Beach can use several recreational facilities and amenities to fill their days. Cool off in the expansive lagoon-style pool, play beach volleyball or work up a sweat in the air-conditioned gym.
There are no organised kids’ clubs or activities due to the adult-only policy. Instead, the resort offers dance lessons, Arabic classes and live evening entertainment for grown-up guests. The attentive staff is always willing to assist with activity recommendations and bookings. Other convenient amenities include room service, shuttle service to Port Ghalib, and an on-site dive centre.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in guest rooms and public areas. However, we found the speeds to be quite slow and only suitable for basic web browsing and low-resolution video streaming. For better connectivity, we recommend getting a local SIM card with a data plan.
Hotel Wi-Fi/Internet services were as follows:
In-room: Download speed was a paltry 1 Mbps, upload speed less than 1 Mbps, good for videos with up to 240p resolution on your mobile phone. Disappointing indeed.
In-lobby: Download speed was 3 Mbps, upload speed was less than 1.5 Mbps, good for videos with up to 720p resolution on your mobile phone.
In-main restaurant: Download speed was 3-4 Mbps, upload speed was less than 1 Mbps, good for videos with up to 720p resolution on your mobile phone.
TIP: We used our own device (TP link Portable Wi-Fi Router) with a local sim data sim card (Etisalat) with the following results:
In-room: Download speed was 40-45 Mbps, upload speed was up to 30 Mbps, good for QHD videos with up to 1440p resolution on your mobile phone.
In-lobby & In-restaurant: Download speed was 65-70 Mbps, upload speed was 14 Mbps, good for QHD videos with up to 1440p resolution.
Other Amenities/Facilities worth noting:
Pool and Beach: The hotel has its own private beach along the Red Sea riviera. However, it is rocky in most places.
Room Service: Available at a charge between 10 am and midnight.
Shops: There are a few souvenir and clothes and jewellery outlets next to the lobby/reception area in case you need anything. They also sell cigarettes, sun lotion and other basic necessities.
ATM (cash withdrawal): There are Bank Misr and CIB ATMs just outside the entrance of the hotel (see our cost comparisons here and the best ATMs to use in Egypt).
Conference room: Available at a charge.
Tennis, squash and jogging track: Available free of charge.
Billiards & Table Tennis: Free of charge for all guests.
Arabic & Dance Lessons and Table Tennis: Free of charge for all guests.
Shuttle Service: There is a shuttle service to Port Ghalib against a charge.
Sun Beds: Reservation exceeding 90 minutes is not allowed.
Service and Staff
The friendly and professional staff contributes enormously to the enjoyable atmosphere at Steigenberger Coraya Beach. From the efficient check-in process to the servers at breakfast and dinner, employees are welcoming, polite and happy to cater to guests’ needs.
In particular, the front desk staff such as Hassan went above and beyond to resolve any issues. When our first room was uncomfortably hot, Hassan swiftly arranged for us to move to another room with a properly functioning AC. The sincere commitment to guest satisfaction shone through with small touches like a follow-up courtesy call from guest relations and housekeeping introducing themselves.
Guest Experience and Feedback
The main appeal of this resort is its staff and the main drawback is its dining experience.
Overall, we enjoyed our time at Steigenberger Coraya Beach especially given the nice beachfront setting, extensive amenities and relaxing vibe on top of the consistently gracious and attentive service.
However, the hotel management needs to act on the mediocre food quality, especially at dinner. The offerings were too repetitive and lacked variety during our stay. The formal dinner dress code is another sore point, with some guests preferring to dine casually in such hot weather in a badly ventilated dining hall. The resort’s policy of charging for soft drinks even at dinner for half-board guests is also another point of contention. Additionally, Wi-Fi connection was very poor which made any sort internet browsing impossible (we had our own Wi-Fi router which allowed us to remain connected to the ‘outside world’!).
THE VERDICT: A GOOD CHOICE FOR MARSA ALAM
We would recommend this hotel with some caveats. However, having been to other hotels in Marsa Alam and along the Red Sea Coast, Steigenberger Coraya Beach does compare favourably. The adults-only atmosphere also attracts travellers looking to avoid noisy, crowded family hotels.
Cleanliness
Location
Staff
Food
Comfort
Amenities*
Atmosphere
Wifi/Internet
Accessibility
Value for Money
OVERALL
* (pools, fitness centres, spas, restaurants, bars, business centres)
Exploring the Surrounding Area – local attractions & excursions
Steigenberger Coraya Beach provides a paid shuttle service to the nearby marina at Port Ghalib, perfect for dining, shopping or an evening stroll. Do not miss the picturesque Abu Dabbab Bay about, one of the best snorkelling spots in Marsa Alam, 35 km south of the resort, home to vibrant coral reefs and a resident pod of dolphins.
Many guests join snorkelling or diving excursions to explore the incredible Red Sea marine life around Marsa Alam. The hotel’s on-site dive centre, offers a full range of courses and trips for all levels. Marsa Mubarak, one of Marsa Alam’s popular beaches, is only 15 minutes away by car (~15 Km) – dugongs and see turtles can be found in this area.
About 120 km southwest, Wadi el Gemal National Park beckons adventurers with its vast desert landscapes mixed with mangrove forests, lakes and beaches.
If you have time, make the 300 km journey West to Luxor (far from Marsa Alam) to discover ancient Egyptian temples and tombs. This area provides a fascinating glimpse into the country’s Pharaonic history.
For a taste of local culture, head to Marsa Alam city centre to browse the souks and try typical street food like shawarma, koshary and fool medames. Practice your haggling skills when shopping for souvenirs.
Nearby restaurant picks range from casual beachfront seafood joints (as part of their Dine Around scheme) to upscale dining at Port Ghalib’s floating restaurants. For delicious grilled meats and an authentic Egyptian atmosphere, Sofra comes highly recommended.
We hope this comprehensive guide provides all the details you need to plan an unforgettable Egyptian getaway. Marsa Alam is a fascinating travel destination. With its postcard-worthy setting, first-class amenities and warm hospitality, Steigenberger Coraya Beach should be on every beach lover’s bucket list.
Did you find this review helpful? Spread the word! If you enjoyed this in-depth look at Steigenberger Coraya Beach, please share it with fellow travellers who might be planning their own Marsa Alam escape. Let us know what else you would like to see on the blog to help you discover the best of Egypt!
You may also want to read our blogs about other hotels and resorts in Egypt:
Solymar Soma Beach | Soma Bay | Hurghada
Jaz Makadi Star & Spa | Makadi Bay | Hurghada
Jaz Makadina Resort | Makadi Bay | Hurghada
Steigenberger Cecil Hotel | Alexandria
Holiday Inn Citystars | Nasr City | Cairo
Staybridge Suites Citystars | Nasr City | Cairo
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FAQs
Q: What is one of the best Marsa Alam hotel to stay in?
A: It is difficult to say with any certainty which hotel is the best in Marsa Alam. A good choice can be the Steigenberger Coraya Beach Resort, part of the Jaz group of hotels.
Q: Are there any insider tips for staying at the Steigenberger Coraya Beach Resort?
A: Yes, some insider tips for staying at the Steigenberger Coraya Beach Resort include exploring the beautiful house reefs for snorkelling, going on an excursion to Wadi El Gemal, and taking a day trip to the Bay of Marsa Mubarak for excellent snorkelling spots. There are more useful tips about the property itself in our blog above.
Q: Can I go snorkelling in Marsa Alam?
A: Yes, Marsa Alam is one of the best spots for snorkelling. The region offers beautiful house reefs and plenty of snorkelling spots to explore.
Q: What is a house reef?
A: A house reef is a coral reef that is easily accessible from the shore and can be explored by snorkellers and divers. It is usually located near a resort or hotel in a marine environment.
Q: Can I see sea turtles while snorkelling in Marsa Alam?
A: Yes, it is possible to see sea turtles while snorkelling in Marsa Alam. The area is known for its diverse marine life, including sea turtles.
Q: Is Marsa Alam a popular destination for divers and snorkellers?
A: Yes, Marsa Alam is a popular destination for both divers and snorkellers. The region offers a diverse underwater world with colourful coral reefs and a variety of marine species.
Q: What are some other attractions in Marsa Alam besides snorkelling?
A: Besides snorkelling, some other attractions in Marsa Alam include visiting the beautiful Red Sea beaches , going on desert safaris and exploring the Wadi El Gemal National Park.
Q: Are there any recommended hotels and resorts in Marsa Alam?
A: Yes, besides the Steigenberger Coraya Beach Resort, some recommended hotels and resorts in Marsa Alam include the Steigenberger Resort Alaya and Iberotel Costa Mares – which are all in the top 5 hotels on Tripadvisor (traveller ranked).
Q: Is Marsa Alam a good beach destination in Egypt?
A: Yes, Marsa Alam is considered a good beach destination in Egypt. It offers beautiful beaches with clear turquoise waters and is known for its snorkelling and diving opportunities. It is just very remote and even domestic flights with Egyptair are not that frequent. So better plan ahead and make sure to choose the right hotel!
Q: When is the best time to visit Marsa Alam?
A: The best time to travel to Marsa Alam is from mid-April to mid-July and from late August to mid-November, as these periods offer the most suitable conditions for hot-weather activities. However, if you are looking for the ideal climate conditions and want to avoid peak holiday periods, we would recommend June-July instead.
