Jungle Aqua Park

Rather than a hotel, the Jungle Aqua Park looks like a theme park from the outside -- and that's precisely what draws so many families to the property. A large lawn dotted with savannah animals, and a triple-arched entrance similar to the gates of the old medinas show the way into this massive resort. There is nothing humble about the property, which offers a whopping 860 rooms, 33 pools, 35 water slides, and over a dozen dining and drinking options. Long stone paths wind through sprawling manicured lawns decorated with statues of lions, zebras, elephants and rhinos, and hundreds of families with kids in tow make this a bustling, sometimes loud resort. Common areas are designed to be able to easily accommodate a large number of guests at any given time, with enormous indoor spaces, and lots of staff everywhere. The lobby is huge and airy, with two levels connected by a grand staircase decorated with an ornate wrought iron railing, and a massive dome with a large golden lamp -- it's a gaudy look that's not surprising given the larger-than-life ethos here. There are plenty of seating areas, with furniture in a variety of styles ranging from black tufted couches to more generic brown vinyl chairs. The sheer amount of restaurants and bars available on-site allows for fewer crowds in each of them, and a lively yet more relaxed atmosphere. Most of the guests here are from the U.K., and nearly all of them arrive with children.

The Jungle Aqua Park Hotel is located right off El-Nasr Street, a major thoroughfare running parallel to the Red Sea in a tourist area of Hurghada that's still being developed. There is little within walking distance other than a few other massive resorts and a couple of popular shopping centers, but proximity to the highway offers easy access to other areas with more attractions. While there is no beach here, the hotel's shuttle to the Dana Beach Resort should take just over five minutes or so. The property is located a 10-minute drive from the Hurghada Grand Aquarium, and a 25-minute drive from both El Dahar, which is the old town, and Sekalla, the city center. The hotel is a 15-minute drive from the airport. On-site parking is available free of charge.

The hotel has a total of 860 rooms, all housed in low single-story buildings shared with one other unit. All have large windows overlooking the grounds, and many have direct access to a pool and/or a couple of patio chairs right outside the room. Although rooms aren’t new, the combination of dark wood headboards, beige tiles, and sliding doors (in some) is a bit more polished than some of the more dated resorts in the area. Still, the design is eclectic, at best. Bamboo pendant lamps, dark clay vases, and large colorful prints of flowers create a look that's beachy, Southeast Asian, and tropical. All rooms have flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, safes, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges stocked with water (replenished daily for free). Wi-Fi is available free of charge throughout the property, but there have been complaints of spotty service in some areas. Bathrooms feel a bit more dated, with pink granite countertops, some sloppy paintwork, and pump dispensers along with individual toiletries. The brown tiling and mottled walls don't feel fresh, though the walk-in showers are roomy and there's a decent amount of counter space for storage.

Its almost entirely about families at this hotel, and as such, features are geared toward those traveling with kids. The hotel is known for its massive water park, complete with 35 colorful, winding slides for all ages. Admission is free for those staying at the hotel. There is an additional kiddy area with water features for toddlers, and a kids’ club with indoor and outdoor activities. Aside from the main water park, there are 32 other outdoor pools dotting the grounds, including a large one with daily activities. The spa features a small heated indoor pool, as well as massage cabins and a sauna, and the fitness center has a few cardio and strength-training machines. Other sports facilities include tennis courts, a small soccer field, a mini-golf course, and ping pong tables. There are six dining options on-site, including Italian, Mediterranean, German and Asian, but while varied, food gets mixed reviews. Drinks and snacks are available at the hotel’s 12 bars and cafes, which include an ice cream parlor, a tea lounge, and several coffee houses. All-inclusive rates are available, though they do not run around the clock. The hotel provides free shuttle service to the beach at sister property Dana Beach Resort, located a five-minute drive away.