International Hot Spring Hotel

Peter, the proprietor, is the hotel’s one redeeming quality. He makes a point of speaking with every guest and making them feel welcome. The place itself is run down and dated. Calling it rustic doesn’t change the fact that it needs investment and feels stuck in the 70s. Dinner is a fixed plated meal, and if you have dietary limitations, they’ll tell you, “sorry this is all we have”.

The two-day trip through the Black and White Desert was the main reason we came, and it turned out to be one of the most beautiful and awesome things I’ve ever done. The desert’s shapes and colors, along with the sunsets and sunrises, really touched me. I can understand why Peter fell in love with it. I did too. After a four-hour drive from Cairo, mr Peter welcomed us at the hotel. He fell in love with the white desert 28 years ago and started a hotel with hotspring. It’s at the edge of the oasis, with several kinds of lovely, clean, comfortable rooms. Peter organizes desert trips with Beduin guides who have worked with him for two generations. We met Tamar on arrival, moved our luggage from the taxi van to the 4x4, and set off. We began in the volcanic Black Desert, with its striking hilltops, then had a nice lunch at a Beduin cafe called el Hize. After passing the crystal mountains, we reached our first campsite in the White Desert. Tamar put up camp and made dinner while we watched an unforgettable sunset. After the tasty meal, we sat around the campfire at this enchanting spot. Two desert foxes came by and ate leftover chicken bones from our hands when offered. The night was a little chilly, but camel blankets kept us warm. We got up early for another amazing sunrise. After breakfast and coffee, Tamar packed up while we walked through the desert and found beautifully shaped magnetite rocks. The landscape changed every hour, with great views throughout. Tamar cooked lunch at an ancient Roman spring, and I still wonder where that water comes from, inshallah. Our second camp was among the “mushroom stones” in the White Desert, shaped by wind as the hammer and sand as the chizzels. There was another amazing sunset, followed by chicken bbq, a campfire, sunrise, and breakfast. Then we headed back to the oasis through the “old” white dessert, where tours used to travel before 4x4 cars. Back at the hotel, we walked over the hills and looked out across 1000's of palm trees, then went into the hotspring. It was really hot, but nice. After dinner, Peter invited us to his very nice bar, where we had a drink and talked about Egypt and the desert. Thanks to Peter for his hospitality and for making this possible for everybody.

The tour was fantastic, and the food was great. Peter and his team were kind, knowledgeable, and welcoming. Tourism has taken a huge hit over the past ten years, but they reminded us that an honest, authentic travel experience is still possible. Our stay felt simple, relaxed, and easygoing.

Peter and Miharu made our group feel welcome, always ready to help and attentive to the details. The spacious, comfortable accommodations met all our needs, and their warm hospitality made the stay especially enjoyable. A fantastic group experience, and I’d recommend it for both the rooms and the service.