Renting a chalet on the North Coast: the summer 2027 checklist

Every summer the North Coast fills up: families from Cairo and Alexandria, groups of friends, long weekends and whole weeks by the Mediterranean. And every summer the same problems come up: a family stuck at the compound gate because nobody registered them, a "beach view" that turns out to be a view of the car park, or a pool that guests can't use without a card from the owner.

Most of these are avoided with a few questions before you book. Here's the checklist.

1. Book early, especially for July and August

The best chalets for July and August weekends go months ahead. If your dates are fixed, start looking in the spring. If they aren't, look for a host with a flexible or moderate cancellation policy, so you can book early without much risk. Our guide to cancellation policies explains what you get back and when.

June and September are calmer and cheaper, and the water is still warm. If you can travel then, you'll have more choice.

2. Pick the right part of the coast

The North Coast is long, and its compounds are very different:

• Closer to Alexandria: older compounds, usually better value, a short drive to the city.
• Around Marina and El Alamein: the busiest stretch, with big compounds, beach clubs, restaurants and New Alamein city. Lively, and crowded at peak times.
• Further west, towards Ras El Hekma: newer, quieter compounds, often with the clearest water, and further to drive.

Decide what kind of holiday you want before you fall in love with a photo.

3. Ask about the compound gate

This is the number one surprise. Most compounds only let in guests who have been registered by the owner. Ask the host:

• How do you register us at the gate, and what do you need from us (names, ID, car plate)?
• Is there a limit on the number of guests or cars?
• Can friends visit us during the day? Many compounds charge for, or limit, day visitors.

4. Check what's really included

"Pool" and "beach" can mean very different things. Ask:

• Beach access: Is the beach part of the compound? How far is it on foot? Are there umbrellas and chairs, and do they cost extra?
• Pools: Can guests use them? Do you need wristbands or cards, and are there any fees?
• Compound fees: Are any entry or service fees paid separately to the compound?
• Parking: Is there a space for your car, and how many cars are allowed?
• Electricity: Is it included? Some owners charge separately for heavy air-conditioning use; agree on it before you book.

Good hosts put this in their listing and house rules. If they haven't, ask before you book, not at the gate.

5. Check the chalet itself

• Air conditioning in every bedroom. August nights on the coast can be hot and humid.
• Beds and bedrooms: the real number of beds for your group, not the "sleeps 8 with sofa beds" version.
• Kitchen: enough plates, glasses and pots for your group, a fridge big enough for a week's shopping, a kettle.
• Water heater and water pressure, especially on upper floors.
• Ground floor, first floor or roof? Ground-floor chalets often have a garden; roof chalets have the views and the stairs.
• Is the view in the photos the view you get? Ask for a photo from the terrace if it isn't clear.

6. Understand the price before you pay

On Guestify, hosts set their price per night in Egyptian pounds, and many set higher prices for summer weekends and Eid. Before you book you see the full total, including any cleaning fee. Guestify charges guests no service fee, so that total is what you pay.

Compare totals, not just the nightly price: a cheaper chalet with a high cleaning fee can cost more for a short weekend.

7. Pack for the coast

• Beach towels (many chalets provide bath towels only)
• Sunscreen, hats, and a beach umbrella if the beach doesn't provide one
• Mosquito repellent for the evenings
• A cool box for beach days
• Your IDs for the gate
• Chargers and an extension lead: chalets rarely have enough sockets in the right places

8. Before you leave

Message your host a day or two before arrival: confirm the gate registration, your arrival time, and how you'll get the keys. A two-line message now saves an hour at the gate later.

Quick checklist

• Dates booked early, with a cancellation policy you're comfortable with
• The right part of the coast for your kind of holiday
• Gate registration arranged, visitor rules understood
• Beach, pools, compound fees, parking and electricity clarified
• Enough beds, air conditioning in every bedroom, a working kitchen
• The full total checked, not just the nightly price
• Beach towels, sunscreen, IDs packed
• Arrival confirmed with the host

Have a great summer by the sea.