Do you need to tip the hotel reception for a room upgrade in Hurghada?

If the room is really unsatisfactory, you can approach the guest relations staff (usually women at a separate desk) and ask them to change it.

Instead of reception, try the room's cleaning staff/housekeeper — offering them $2 or 100 EGP might help resolve room issues.

Reception staff may claim no good rooms are available, but once a dollar bill appears, options suddenly open up. This is a common practice in Hurghada hotels.

Paying $100 for a room upgrade is completely unnecessary. No upfront payment is required at all — rooms in most hotels are roughly similar in quality.

Many guests receive a good room without any extra payment. If you want to tip reception, do it after check-in — you can hint that a nice room will be appreciated.