Hilton Hurghada Plaza

Hilton Hurghada Plaza is on Gabal El Hareem Street in El Dahar, the older heart of Hurghada. The hotel states that the airport is 13 kilometres away, the New Marina 3 kilometres and the City Center 2 kilometres, so it is the best-placed of our picks for exploring on your own. It has two outdoor pools and a kids' pool with slides, a spa, a beach, several restaurants and a bar with sea views.

Location and getting around: El Dahar is where Hurghada's local life happens, with markets, cafes and the El Mina Mosque nearby. From the hotel, taxis reach the marina and city centre quickly, and tour operators pick up here for Giftun and Orange Bay, diving, semi-submarine trips, the desert safari and the Luxor day trip. The hotel notes there is no airport shuttle, so arrange a taxi or private transfer in advance.

Rooms and who it suits: the hotel offers guest rooms with connecting options and Hilton hotel residences. It is a good fit for families who want a beach resort with a kids' pool and slides, for couples who want a lively base, and for visitors who like to combine beach days with town walks. The dining choices include Rostrata, an all-day restaurant, an Asian restaurant with an open kitchen, the Poseidon Coffee Shop and a bar with sea views, with poolside drinks and live DJ nights on some evenings.

Good to know: check-in is at 3 pm and check-out at noon, free wifi is available in the rooms and lobby, and there is free secured self-parking with about fifty spaces. Pets are not allowed, and smoking is limited to designated areas. Children's meal charges are separate from the room rate, with younger children eating free. As the hotel is in a busy district, ask for a quieter room away from the DJ nights if you want early sleep.