Old Palace Resort

This grand upscale resort sits on lovely grounds with palm trees and flowering bushes, trickling fountains, and chic seating areas. An impressive entrance leads into the hotel's airy, elegant lobby, where a domed ceiling is bordered by small arched windows, white columns rise up from the gleaming cream tile floors, and a mezzanine wraparound balcony features lace-like decorative elements. Decor throughout is chic and graceful, doused in tasteful color schemes and dotted with vases of fresh flowers, plus there are lovely areas to lounge around in outdoors. The property draws both couples and families on vacation (mainly Europeans), and there's a solid set of features catering to both groups -- though some guests complain that the animation team is loud and irritating.

The hotel occupies lovely beachfront grounds outside of Hurghada, a resort town on Egypt's Red Sea coast. It's situated in Sahl Hasheesh, which is home to several other resorts. Hurghada and its restaurants, cafes, markets, and shops, as well as its old town, El Dahar, are about a 40-minute drive north. Area attractions include Makadi Bay Water World and shopping at Senzo Mall, both about a 20-minute drive away. Both Hurghada International Airport and the port can be reached in about a half-hour.

Rooms are clean and spacious, though decor feels dated and doesn't seem to follow suit with the hotel's public spaces -- but the units are clean and well maintained. Wooden furnishings are paired with a blue and white color scheme, including patterned curtains, armchairs, and blue bed skirts that contrast with the white bedding. Floors are tiled and framed prints adorn white walls. Junior Suites have living and dining areas. Chalet Rooms are an upgrade in terms of decor, with newer furniture and lovely wooden floors that complement the beige and soft blue color scheme, plus they have living areas with sofas and lovely patios.The spaces could also use an amenities update, as not all TVs are flat-screen and Wi-Fi is reportedly inconsistent and costs extra. Other standard amenities include electric kettles, electronic safes, minibars, air-conditioning, bottled water, and bathrobes. All rooms have private balconies. Bathrooms feel decidedly mid-range, equipped with shower/tub combos and older fixtures. Wall-mounted hairdryers and toiletries are provided. Chalet Rooms have nicer bathrooms with modern fixtures and both soaking tubs and walk-in rainfall showers.

Features here focus on creating a one-stop shop for families and couples on vacation. The resort has three restaurants: a main one with live cooking stations that serves three meals a day (Asian, Middle Eastern, and European fare), an Italian a la carte restaurant that's open for dinner, and a Brazilian steakhouse that  serves dinner only. There's also a poolside bar that serves light bites and drinks, while the lobby lounge serves coffee, tea, and other cafe staples during the day, and cocktails in the evenings. The Shisha Corner is open in the afternoons for shisha, tea, and snacks. The hotel also has a nightclub. Several dining packages are available, and breakfast comes standard with all rates. The hotel has a large outdoor pool surrounded by a spacious sundeck lined with umbrella-shaded loungers. It includes a separate shallow section that's good for kids, plus there's a swim-up pool bar. The grounds include another smaller outdoor pool and hot tub, plus a lovely stretch of beach with loungers shaded by thatched umbrellas. Wellness features include a spa that offers a variety of treatments as well as a sauna, hot tub, steam room, and hammam -- but these facilities are a bit dated and treatment rooms could use a facelift. There's also a fitness center, which offers a decent selection of slightly dated Cybex cardio machines and equipment.Business facilities include a meeting room and an internet corner, but Wi-Fi is charged extra and guests report that it's spotty and inconsistent. Other features include a game room with pool tables, a kids' club, and car and scooter rentals. A couple of on-site shops sell souvenirs and other items, and there are water sports activities on the beach.