Orientation
The Marsa Alam airport is some 65km (40 miles) north of the town of Marsa Alam itself, and it's connected to the little town by a fairly modern highway. All the hotels listed here are on that highway, either south of the airport in the direction of Marsa or north in the direction of Quseir. This highway is the only road around here -- it runs north-south a kilometer or so from the actual water -- and most of the hotels are between the water and the highway.
Getting There
By Plane -- This is definitely the best way to get to Marsa Alam. The airport is modern and relatively efficient, but a good distance -- from 5km to 80km (3 1/10-50 miles) or more -- from most of the hotels. If you're arriving on a direct flight from outside the country, you'll have to buy a visa at the airport. You'll be able to find a taxi at the airport if you need one, but all the hotels and resorts listed here will provide a transfer.
By Bus -- The best way to arrive by bus is to know exactly where you're going and get the bus driver to stop there for you. All the hotels and resorts listed have main gates and ample signage on the highway, and it's a rare bus driver in Egypt who won't stop to let someone off. The alternative is to arrive in the town of Marsa Alam itself. Unless you've made arrangements ahead of time, you'll then have to find yourself a ride to your next port of call. This may take some time.
Getting Around
The question of getting around is mooted by the lack of places to go around Marsa Alam. Arrange off-site diving through the dive center at your hotel. Cars for side trips to Quseir or Safaga can be arranged through the front desk of your hotel.
Tourist Information
This was once a cash-only zone, but no more. Most of the hotels listed below are happy to take credit cards, and many have ATMs in their lobbies. It's probably still wise to arrive with some cash for emergencies and tips, however. There's an ATM in the airport if you've arrived with empty pockets.
There is a branch of the bank across the road from the Kahramana Resort to the south of the airport. It's open Sunday to Thursday 8am to 5pm for money changing and has an ATM. There is another, closer CIB across from Medinat Coraya to the north. It's open 9:30am to 3:30pm and 4:30 to 7:30pm Saturday to Thursday and Friday 5 to 8pm. It also has an ATM, which has a daily limit of LE6,000 ($1,091/£556). Piraeus Bank, which was not yet open at the time of writing, is by the entrance to the Cataract Resort about 20km (12 1/2 miles) north of Marsa Alam.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
