Hurghada Long Beach Resort

A palm tree-lined driveway and white arch greet guests at this large property, and there are cool face towels and free drinks waiting inside. While the welcome is lovely, and the lobby's large, domed ceiling features some pretty mosaic-like designs, the reception’s furnishings need re-upholstering and the many granite pillars throughout the lobby look more dated than grand. Other common areas, including the stark hallways and cafeteria-like seating in the main restaurant, look tired as well. However, the lovely beach views, well-maintained gardens, and many live shows and characters walking about are big attractions for vacationing families.

The hotel’s beachfront location on the edge of the Red Sea makes for beautiful, if not rather isolated, surroundings, far from even the other beachside hotels. Guests usually tend to stay on property, while those wanting to explore downtown Hurghada should expect a drive of at least 30 minutes. The Abu Tig Marina is an even farther 40 minutes away by car. Closer by, Makadi Water World is a 20-minute drive away, and the upscale community of the Sahl Hasheesh bay is a 10-minute drive away. Hurghada International Airport is 20 minutes away by car. 

Rooms, spread among several buildings, are spacious and clean, with light streaming in through large windows. However, the generic wooden furniture and tired-looking bed skirts and drapes leave something to be desired where character is concerned. Towels creatively folded into animals or human figures and left as surprises by the housekeeping staff are adorable, playful touches. Large furnished balconies with peaceful garden, pool, or beach views are a nice break from lackluster interiors. Queen or Twin Guest rooms have 32-inch LCD TVs, air-conditioning, safes, and ironing equipment. Coffee-and-tea-making facilities, plus mini-fridges are provided. Extra beds and cribs can be requested. Hilton Plus rooms have sofa beds, while Family Rooms and Suites have separate bedrooms and seating areas. Disappointingly, fees apply for Wi-Fi in all rooms. Bathrooms are as straightforward as the bedrooms, with warm lighting and clean light pink tiles. All have shower/tub combos with either fixed or handheld showerheads. An extensive section of Peter Thomas Roth toiletries and wall-mounted hairdryers are provided.

All-inclusive rates apply at the hotel’s four restaurants. Al Dente offers Italian fare at lunch and dinner, plus a large breakfast of fruits, made-to-order omelets, pastries, cheeses, and salads. Lotus has a rotating international menu, plus a kids’ corner along with outdoor seating in the summer. Marhaba serves seafood in a romantic, sea-facing room. The fine-dining Podium Restaurant features energetic live cooking shows. Food at the restaurants can be hit-or-miss, though, and room service is unavailable. The lobby’s Vienna Bar offers drinks, but it’s an indoor smoking space, which can be a negative point for some. The real attraction is the private beach, over 3,000 feet of sand, lounge chairs and umbrellas, and an outdoor Beach Bar serving casual snacks and drinks. There’s also a lagoon where windsurfing and paddleboarding lessons are offered. Six pools, including separate children’s pools, weave through the property connected by water channels, and surrounded by deck chairs and poolside bars. Two pools are heated in the winter as a bonus, and an open whirlpool is available.The clean spa includes a sauna, steam room, and Turkish bath along with massages. A well-equipped gym offers personal training for extra fees. Tennis and squash courts, plus billiards tables, can be used for free. Guests have complained that the constant, and sometimes aggressive pushing by staff for guests to partake in amenities with extra fees like the beach barbecue, disco, and day trips, can get annoying. Several amenities for kids, including an outdoor play area featuring mini-tractors and slides and supervised kids' activities, boost the family friendly quotient. Babysitting services are available for extra fees. Live shows and staff dressed as cartoon characters also provide pleasant entertainment. Other features include a gift shop, beauty salon, and fax and printing services but no business center. Wi-Fi, while free in common areas, is spotty everywhere except the lobby. Plenty of self-parking on-site is free. Accessible features, like wheelchair ramps, are available in several areas.