Marina Lodge at Port Ghalib

This large beachfront resort sports traditional Nubian architecture and style, while enjoying front-seat views of the Red Sea. Guests are welcomed into the large open lobby (after first going through a metal detector) with high detailed ceilings, tiled floors, stone feature walls, traditional-inspired decor, and various wooden sofa seats decorated with colorful throw cushions. Outside, the grounds are rather simple compared to other hotels in the area, though the large outdoor swimming pools do have lovely views overlooking the marina. The restaurants and bars feature a rustic appearance, with either wooden or wicker tables and chairs, dark painted walls or stone walls, terra-cotta tiled floors, and minimal decor. Overall, the hotel has a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. Guests are mostly leisure travelers, including couples, honeymooners, and keen scuba-divers.

Situated directly opposite the marina of the Port Ghalib in Marsa Alam, Marina Lodge has an ideal location overlooking the Red Sea. The beach is a five-minute walk from the hotel and Port Ghalib International Marina. Several shops, restaurants, and bars are found on the waterfront promenade, Corniche, just an eight-minute drive from the hotel. Behind the Corniche is the Khan, a traditional Egyptian bazaar, for travelers looking for an authentic local experience. Most guests however, spend the majority of their time at the hotel, where there is an on-site PADI five-star diving school, or the local beach. Free parking is available for guests with their own car, otherwise the hotel offers a shuttle and airport transfer service for guests (for an additional fee). Expect a 16-minute drive from Marsa Alam International Airport.

The 201 guest rooms at Marina Lodge feature traditional Nubian-style architecture and design. Expect arches, terra-cotta tiles, colorful patterned walls and rugs, mosaic tabletops, colorful throw cushions, and traditional lantern-like lighting and decor. While the decor is fitting for the hotels traditional theme, there's something a bit tired about the interiors. Every room comes with a furnished balcony or terrace, looking out to lovely garden, pool, or marina views. The suites include a larger living area with built-in seating around the edges and a single cushioned wooden sofa. Amenities in all rooms include air-conditioning, tube-style TVs, minibars, telephones, safes, and Wi-Fi (for an added fee). Rooms don't have tea- and- coffee-making facilities, though room service is available. Bathrooms include walk-in showers with affixed showerheads and house-brand toiletries. Suites also have tubs.

The main attraction at this hotel is its beach, a long stretch of white sand overlooking the Port Ghalib Marina, with several sun loungers and parasols set up. There are also two large outdoor swimming pools with surrounding sun loungers overlooking the beach. The on-site five-star PADI diving school includes a three-meter diving pool for beginner, intermediate, and advanced diving courses. Guests have the choice of several restaurants and bars: Indigo for buffet-style meals, Shark Bites for all day snacks and late breakfasts, Fifty Bar and Beach Bar for a variety of beverages, and Shisha Bar for an authentic shisha experience and Egyptian drinks. Room service is available. All rates include breakfast, with the option for half-board and all-inclusive rates. Note that past guests have complained about food quality.

A small spa is available with a sauna and massage treatments. An on-site fitness center is available. Kids are entertained with the kids' club, playground, and daily activities with the animations team. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, though for an additional fee. Free on-site parking is available; the hotel also offers a shuttle and airport transfer service (for an additional fee). Additional features include a meeting room, laundry and dry-cleaning, luggage storage, barber/beauty shop, and gift shop.