In the midst of planning our recent trip to Egypt, everything I read said Dahab is a place you don’t want to miss. While places like Cairo, Sharm el Sheikh, and Luxor often receive the largest droves of tourists, friends of mine told me that Dahab is the true gem of Egypt. I quickly realized through my research that there is a clear best place to stay in Dahab, and I knew I just had to stay there.
We saw that there was a Le Meridien property in Dahab, and there were practically no other 5-star resorts in the area. We had stayed at Le Meridien properties around the world before, and knew just what we could expect. This post is our honest and unbiased review of Le Meridien Dahab Resort after staying on the property for 5 days.
(This is a sponsored post, but everything we’ve written is from our own opinions and experiences. Le Meridien Dahab Resort did not participate in the writing of this post. There are affiliate links in this post that may earn a commission on purchases at no additional cost to you.)
Why We Chose to Stay at Le Meridien Dahab Resort and Spa
Through all of our travels, we’ve had the opportunity to stay at some of the world’s most luxurious hotel brands. From big names like J.W. Marriott and Rocco Forte to boutique gems like La Mamounia in Marrakech, we are very familiar with luxury hotels. In early 2023, we stayed at a Le Meridien property for the first time in New Delhi.
That hotel wowed us. It was our first impression of New Delhi, and it was very high-class. Everything was sparkling clean, security was tight, the staff was extremely friendly, and the food was top-notch.
When we left that hotel, we were big fans of Le Meridien hotels, and we looked forward to the opportunity to stay with them again.
Fast forward to planning our trip to Dahab. When surveying the map, I saw that there was a beautiful Le Meridien property on the beach. The pictures looked nice, I was familiar with the brand, and there weren’t any other options on the map that looked nearly as nice.
We loved that the resort had private beach access, several nice-looking restaurants, and a wide array of other amenities.
We loved that the resort had private beach access, several nice-looking restaurants, and a wide array of other amenities. Other nice resorts in the area, like Jaz Dahabeya, Safir Dahab Resort, and the Swiss Inn Resort Dahab, seemed much smaller and not quite as lavish. After checking all of our options, there was no doubt that there was a clear best place to stay in Dahab, and the right choice was Le Meridien.
Our First Impression of Le Meridien Dahab
On our ride from Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport to Le Meridien Dahab, we really hit it off with our driver. He was from the area, and he seemed to know everything there was to know about South Sinai. When we told him our destination was Le Meridien, he was confident we’d have an excellent stay.
As we arrived and soaked in the stunning sea views, we knew he was right.
We checked in smoothly at the front desk, in a lobby that has a full-service coffee bar and an excursions desk, and were driven by golf cart to our room. The team transported our luggage to our room without an issue, and they offered to give us a tour of our room. After that, we headed out to explore the property and see what we were in for during our stay at what was referred to as the best place to stay in Dahab.
The Resort Sprawls Along the Coast
The first thing we noticed about Le Meridien Dahab is simply how large of a resort it is. Our room was an Executive Suite with a Sea View, located all the way on the southern end of the property. The beach area, pools, restaurants, and other amenities are all located near the center. Off to the other side is the majority of the rest of the rooms.
Staying at this resort does entail a lot of walking and stairs. However, I’m sure the team would happily pick you up in your room with the golf cart if you need extra help getting around or can’t make it up the steps. There is also room service available if you don’t want to walk to the restaurants!
Amenities Within the Rooms at Le Meridien Dahab
We stayed in an Executive Suite with a Sea View. Our room was much larger than we ever imagined. For starters, the room had all of the basics you’d expect, like a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, air conditioning, a fridge, a safe, and free Wi-Fi.
We found the free wifi to be very reliable. Also, in Dahab you don’t want to stay somewhere that doesn’t offer air-conditioned rooms. The weather gets very hot, and air conditioning is a must at the area’s luxury hotels.
Our Room Offered Some Deluxe Touches
Beyond these basics, our room offered a seating area with its own bathroom, a master suite with a walk-in closet and private bathroom, a front patio with a sea view, a private courtyard with its own outdoor pool, and a large desk. The private bathroom in the master bedroom was massive, with a large tub, a double vanity, and a large stand-in shower.
One of our favorite parts was the floor-to-ceiling windows in both the living room and master bedroom that looked out to the Red Sea. There were also loungers on the porch, and we couldn’t get enough of the gorgeous panoramic Red Sea views dotted with palm trees and boats. We also loved the private pool and courtyard, which was exclusively for us and completely walled in for privacy.
While not all rooms at the resort offer luxe amenities like private pools and massive stand-in showers, the same standard of quality can be expected. Many of the smaller rooms offer sea views and smaller seating areas, and all of the guest rooms are equipped with very comfortable beds.
Other Amenities at the Resort
We were pleasantly surprised by the amount and quality of modern amenities offered at Le Meridien Dahab. While we read the property’s information online and flipped through the pictures, there seemed to be even more available when we were onsite. From live entertainment to several delicious dining options, we could have stayed several more nights without running out of things to do.
Several Delicious Dining Options
During our stay at Le Méridien Dahab Resort & Spa, the food was the biggest highlight. Every meal we ate truly wowed us, ranging from Egyptian, to American, to Brazilian food.
The resort has three restaurants, a poolside bar, and a full-service coffee shop in the lobby. We made sure to grab a bite at each venue to test out all the resort had to offer!
Every meal we ate truly wowed us, ranging from Egyptian, to American, to Brazilian food.
The main restaurant, Sea Breeze, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets. Each meal at Sea Breeze offers a blend of Middle Eastern, Asian, and Western cuisines, and the quality is top-notch – especially the fresh seafood. In addition to the hot food, there is a posh dessert bar filled with Egyptian specialties, fresh fruit, and global favorites, like chocolate cake.
There is also a Brazilian restaurant on the premises, which also happens to be the only Brazilian restaurant in all of Dahab. Just like a traditional Brazilian churrascaria, this restaurant serves freshly cut meat right from the skewer. The concept is very similar to Fogo de Chao, and it is very tasty.
The third restaurant on the property is a beach bar that serves up smaller bites right on the beach. While you could order a full meal here, we found it to be the perfect place for a light snack while relaxing by the water along the beautiful shoreline of the Red Sea!
All-Inclusive Package at Le Meridien Dahab
We had the Soft All-Inclusive Package during our stay at Le Meridien Dahab. This package included non-alcoholic beverages, all meals at the Sea Breeze Restaurant, and certain types of food at the pool bar and beach bar. The Soft All-Inclusive Package does not include room service.
If you stay at Le Meridien Dahab, I highly recommend paying for an all-inclusive package. The all-inclusive rates are only slightly higher than traditional rates, and they are worth every penny. While this technically isn’t a “free breakfast”, the small price is very worth it to access the resort’s delicious food several times per day.
Our package also included unlimited coffee drinks at the cafe in the lobby, which we were sure to take advantage of. The town of Dahab is only a short drive away, but we found the quality of food at the resort to be superior to what is found in the town, anyway.
The town of Dahab is only a short drive away, but we found the quality of food at the resort to be superior to what is found in the town, anyway.
Alcoholic drinks, as well as food at the Brazilian restaurant, are available to guests for an extra charge. Despite being one of the best hotels on the whole Sinai peninsula, prices for things like beer and a-la-carte food at the resort are a great value.
Five Outdoor Pools
One of the biggest attractions that Le Meridien has to offer is its five outdoor swimming pools. Specifically, the resort has a large, heated freshwater swimming pool, three saltwater pools, and a kiddie pool. The biggest outdoor swimming pool is the freshwater one, and it is the only heated pool in all of Dahab.
The pools are all located in the center of the resort. During our stay, they were always being used by guests, but never overfull. The elegant landscaped pool area is one of the resort’s focal points, and we went for a swim every day of our stay.
There is also a pool bar located right next to the main outdoor pool. The bar offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as hookah and ice cream. These pools are a great place to relax after a day of scuba diving and other water sports in the Gulf of Aqaba!
Sauna and Steam Rooms and Hot Tub
Dahab is already pretty steamy for most of the year. But the weather alone doesn’t offer many of the health benefits of facilities like steam rooms, saunas, and hot tubs! The resort has sauna and steam room facilities separated by sex, as well as a large hot tub right by the main pool. These facilities are free for guests to use.
Private Beach with Chairs and Umbrellas
Le Meridien has its own area of private beach, shielded from the public. There are many loungers and umbrellas lined up near the water, as well as a kiosk handing out towels. All of these amenities are fully free to use for guests.
While no Dahab beach has great sand, the water is crystal clear. During our visit, the water was warm, calm, and as clear as the Caribbean.
Every Dahab beach has pretty rocky sand. This is to be expected, being located in the middle of a rocky desert peninsula! In most places, you can’t even walk right from the sand into the water due to a shelf of rocks and coral.
The beach at Le Meridien has a private jetty that juts out into the water, past this shelf of rocks. Thanks to this, guests can climb down a small ladder from the jetty into the nice, fine sand of the Red Sea. The height of the water in the resort’s swimming area varies with the tide, but it was normally around chest height.
Fitness Center and Spa (With Sea Views)
While we loved relaxing by the pool and on the beach, we are very active travelers. We couldn’t resist visiting the fitness center and spa! We each took advantage of the health club in different ways.
Angel treated herself to a massage at the spa, and she was wowed by the large windows that offered panoramic Red Sea views! She said the quality of the massage was very good, and the price was a great value. I found myself spending more time in the fitness center, where the equipment was sufficient and clean, and the hours were reasonable.
Robust Kids Center and Playground
In all our travels, we’ve never stayed at such a kid-friendly resort. Most resorts we stay at are “family-friendly”, but few offer the array of amenities for kids that Le Meridien Dahab does.
Off the bat, the staff’s friendliness thrilled us. Toddlers tend to be loud and make messes, and no one at the resort seemed to take issue with this. We were even given a fun passport-themed sticker book for our son at check-in!
Beyond that, every restaurant was equipped with high chairs. The resort has an outdoor playground area with swing sets and slides, a kiddie pool, and a very nice children’s center filled with toys, chalkboards, and books. The larger pools all have lifeguards on duty who happily provide pool noodles to parents with little ones as well.
Comprehensive Excursions Desk
While the resort is lovely, Dahab is known as a major adventure destination. There are various activities in the area that you won’t want to miss. From hiking Mount Sinai to scuba diving in the Blue Hole, Dahab is filled with adventures.
Whether you’re looking for water-based activities, hiking, or more intimate cultural excursions, the resort has you covered. There is a desk in the lobby staffed with people who can organize any kind of tour for you, including private transportation straight from the hotel. This amenity alone helps to set Le Meridien apart as the best place to stay in Dahab.
The average price from this excursions desk is usually comparable to the average price you’ll find elsewhere. Plus there’s the added convenience that you don’t need to book things in advance on your own.
Air Conditioned Game Room
If swimming and dining aren’t enough for you, you can spend some time playing in the resort’s game room! This room, located right next to the children’s center, has a pool table, a ping pong table, and a foosball table.
I played a couple of rounds of billiards with one of the resort’s employees, and he was even nice enough to almost let me win despite our massive skill gap. The game room is free to access, and there is air conditioning inside.
Various Entertainment Options
The resort has an entertainment team that strives to provide guests with a fun time. From live entertainment at night to stretching and yoga sessions on the beach, the entertainment team is always planning something. When you check in, be sure to ask about what entertainment is scheduled during your stay.
Angel joined in on one of the beachside stretching sessions and really enjoyed it. There was also a live dance show on one of the nights of our stay.
Paid Airport Shuttle Service and Free Private Parking
The resort offers a paid airport shuttle service. This connects guests directly from Sharm el Sheikh International Airport to the Dahab hotel. This is the nearest airport to Dahab.
The drive is a bit over an hour. Finding a taxi to take you back and forth can sometimes be a challenge. If you require this service, be sure to contact the resort in advance to coordinate details.
Le Meridien Dahab also offers its guests free parking on the premises. There is 24/7 security at the resort, which ensures that your car is safe throughout your stay. The resort’s prime location is just a 10-15 minute drive to downtown Dahab.
On-Site Gift Shop
The resort has its own gift shop located between the lobby and the main dining area. This shop sells clothing, trinkets, and jewelry that you may want to bring home from your trip. We didn’t purchase anything from the gift shop, but we did see other guests perusing its wares.
Our Final Thoughts on Le Meridien Dahab Resort
We had a terrific stay at Le Meridien Dahab, and each day seemed to get better than the previous. As we explored the resort more, we realized just how much there was to do. When we return to Dahab, which we fully intend to do, we have no interest in staying anywhere else.
Honestly, we wish we had more time here. The food was so tasty, the staff was very friendly, and Dahab as a whole is awesome. We can’t wait to return to this slice of Dahab paradise.
The resort’s leisure activities are diverse and many, ranging from the game room to the pools and on-site dive shop. This resort is one of the best places we’ve stayed in a while, and the prices are unbelievable. After checking out the resorts and hotels in the area, it’s indisputable that Le Meridien is the best place to stay in Dahab.
Le Meridien Dahab’s Prices Offer Great Value
Hotel rooms in Dahab are cheap compared to some other places in Egypt and very cheap compared to most places outside of Egypt. I could not believe the quality of the resort’s rooms and amenities given the very affordable price point. I’d pay over twice the price to stay at this resort in the future, and I think the current room prices are an absolute steal.
I’d pay over twice the price to stay at this resort in the future, and I think the current room prices are an absolute steal.
On top of that, Marriott Bonvoy owns the Le Meridien brand. This means that stays here are eligible to earn and redeem points from the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program. As Marriott gold members, we received additional extra perks during our stay, including a late checkout.
Again, we received compensation for our photography and promotion services while staying at Le Méridien Dahab Resort & Spa, but this post only contains my honest thoughts about the resort. We had pretty high expectations before our stay, and the resort truly exceeded them.
Hands down, Le Meridien is the best place to stay in Dahab. In the future, we will be staying at this resort again. There is no doubt about that! We would love to hear what you think of your stay as well!
What do you think? Would you want to stay here? Are you planning a trip to Dahab, or have you stayed at this property? Be sure to let us know in the comments!
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![On this Solemnity of the Annunciation we would like to share a little more about our sweet daughter’s name sake.
My name is Angel Gabriel. The short story is my mom had a scare during her pregnancy and thought I would only be alive for a few hours after birth. She was terrified but then an unexplained wave of peace overcame her. She trusted in God’s will, even if it meant she would only be able to hold me for a mere hour until God would take me.
It reminded her of the Annunciation where the angel Gabriel came to deliver the exciting, yet overwhelming news of Christ’s arrival to Mary. As terrifying as a pregnancy sounded, Mary gave her yes. Her ‘fiat’. She submitted to the will of God, and, in that moment, the incarnation of our savior occurred. This event is the second most important event in history behind the death & resurrection of Christ.
Angel Gabriel’s words at the annunciation are the first verse to the Hail Mary prayer [Latin: “Ave Maria”].(Luke 1:26-28) When we recite this prayer we are reciting the story of the incarnation of Christ.
I’ve had this name inspiration since I was 16 years old. I always wanted to name my daughter in honor of our lady. I thought it would be so poetic that I, Angel Gabriel, deliver a daughter named Ave Maria into the world the same way that the real angel Gabriel delivered the annunciation into the world.
Ten years later I’m finally holding her.
So, while Ave Maria and I don’t share the same names, we do share the same biblical story of the Annunciation. We’re Feast Day buddies for life. 🥲🥲
May both the Incarnation and Jesus’ sweet mother Mary be honored every time our daughter’s name is spoken. ❤️ Buon Onomastico, Ave Maria 💕](https://www.thepresentperspective.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
Aries
Hi Greg. We just finished our trip to Cairo and the Sinai Peninsula, following your suggested itinerary we heard from the Amateur Traveler podcast. We love your talks on Mount Sinai and the overall travel suggestion. We followed your recommendation by booking a three-night stay at Le Meridian Dahab Resort. It turned out to be one of the worst “resorts” we ever stayed at. Not only did this place have so many deferred maintenance issues, none of the staff was particularly friendly. We were never greeted by any of them after our check-in or at any of the restaurants. The Brazilian restaurant was already closed down by the way and replaced with a generic place servicing overpriced international food.
Most of all, their “all-inclusive” package is totally worthless, as there are so many exceptions and conditions attached to it. For instance, you have local wines or beers at the a la carte restaurants, but not the the main restaurant. Their “free snack” is only available for only one hour per day. There were hardly any staff present around the pool to order any included drinks at the little bar by the pool. It took us ten minutes to find a staff member to tell us he did not who was supposed to staff that post. The food at the main restaurant was absolutely depressing. Not only did they struggle to fill all the buffet serving stations, but everything they served was of awful quality. We ended up going to central Dahab for meals after the first day.
Facility-wise, all the saltwater pools were too freezing to use. We did not see a single guest in them during our three-night stay. The steam room was out of the order and only two of the twelve jets in their hot tub were in working order. Everything at this place seemed half broken. The chairs at Sea Breeze Restaurant all had terrible stains from bird droppings.
Speaking with local taxi drivers, they all mention that Le Meridian here has a chronically low occupancy rate due to its isolated locations. When I had the front desk call a taxi for us, it arrived more than forty minutes later than agreed. When we later got numbers from local taxi drivers, they all tried to charge outrageous prices to bring us to town (200 EL). I understand you were a special guest invited by the hotel. But I am disheartened that you wrote such a glowing review of Le Meridian Dahab Resort. For the prices they charge, this resort is decent, but I really hope you don’t think this is “one of the best hotels on the whole Sinai Peninsula.
Greg
Hi Aries,
I’m really sorry you had that experience. My experience was nothing like that, and it had nothing to do with the hotel inviting us. In fact, the staff present at the hotel weren’t even the ones who coordinated our complimentary stay and had no idea that we were there to promote the property.
The post I wrote was my honest opinion. I’m very sad to hear you had such a different experience! When we hailed a taxi in the town, the driver asked us for 150 Egyptian pounds. That is about $5, which I found to be very reasonable! I also found the food to be exceptional, particularly for breakfast, and the buffet was always full.
The one area I do agree with you is that the facilities are a bit dated, but I didn’t find things to be out of order. During my stay, everything worked fine, including the hot tubs. I saw several people in the pools, but that could also be because I visited in August and you visited in winter. I guess maybe the pools aren’t heated?
I’m really sorry you had this experience. My review was an honest one, and was unbiased. I was not paid to write a glowing review – I was paid to write an honest one. Nobody at the resort had the right to proofread the review before it was published. I hope you have better experiences in the future, because this really sounds like a shame.