SENTIDO Palm Royale

This spacious complex is located on a peaceful beachfront overlooking glistening turquoise waters, surrounded by tropical palm trees and beautifully tended grounds and gardens. The main building looks huge from the outside, and the grand lobby is impressive. Glossy marble floors lead up to a central bar atrium with a towering domed stained-glass ceiling. The atrium is surrounded by a fish pond, glass lifts, decorative balconies, gold-framed portraits, and plush seating -- providing a lovely space to drink in the evening and listen to the pianist. However, when you start looking a little closer, the heavy, overly ornate decor can't help but appear tired and dated. The quiet outdoor pools are a popular spot for relaxing during the day, linked with rock formations, small bridges, and a swim-up bar. The hotel's sprawling grounds ensure it never feels overcrowded, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. SENTIDO attracts mostly couples and families, and would suit anyone looking for a sunny break with a touch of old-style luxury. Guests should be aware that some restaurants have a formal dress code.

This property has a prime beachfront location in Egypt's picturesque Soma Bay area. The hotel's private sandy beach overlooks the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea, which is home to many famous dive spots. The Salem Express wreckage (a passenger ship of pilgrims which sank in December 1991) can be accessed from here, and guests can explore the reef's beautiful coral gardens and rich underwater wildlife. There's little in the immediate area, and the largest nearby town is Hurghada, which is around a 10-minute drive from hotel. The city is filled with shops, bars, and restaurants, as well as an impressive mosque. Senzo Mall is around a 30-minute drive from the hotel, and Makadi Bay Water World is 20 minutes away by car -- which is ideal for travelers with kids. Budget 40 minutes to reach the Hurghada International Airport by car.

The hotel's 445 guest rooms are decorated in a traditional style, with dark wood furniture, antique-style furnishings, marble-finish floors, gold-framed portraits, and neutral painted walls. Styles vary slightly from room to room, but all are clean, despite an aesthetic that's tired and dated -- certainly not up to the hotel's own luxury claims. Furnished balconies come standard, offering lovely views of the sea, pool, or surrounding gardens. Swim-up balconies are also available in some rooms, offering direct access to the pool. All rooms include modern amenities such as air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, phones, safes, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Higher category rooms add free robes, slippers, fruit baskets, and bubbly on arrival, while Suites add exclusive butler services. Bathrooms are spacious, with marble-finish tiles, deep-soaking tubs, hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and free toiletries.

The main attraction at this hotel is its beach, a private stretch of sand offering free towel service and palapa-covered sun loungers. Guests can also relax at the hotel's two swimming pools, one of which includes a swim-up bar. The SENTIDO Palm Royale offers a wide range of sports activities and entertainment. There's a well-equipped fitness room with modern cardio equipment, plus myriad outdoor activities such as tennis, mini-golf, beach volleyball, water aerobics, and water polo. There's a PADI dive school on the beach, which also offers kitesurfing, windsurfing, and sailing. Guests can arrange riding excursions with Arabian horses from the hotel's own stables. There's plenty in the way of nightly entertainment, with a disco, several bars, and free Live shows. The hotel caters well for kids too, with a free Kids' Club, outdoor playground, and heated children's pool that's open year round. The SENTIDO Palm Royale has five restaurants, offering Asian, Greek, Italian, Egyptian, and Lebanese a la carte cuisines. Breakfast and dinner buffets are also available, depending on room rate. Guests can choose between several meal plans, though previous guests have found the all-inclusive plans stingy. Expect fees added to all-inclusive bill for everything from certain snacks and breakfast extras, as well as a limited menu of included cocktails. Other services include a concierge, room service, computer station, car rentals, laundry, babysitting, and free Wi-Fi. On-site parking and airport shuttle services are free of charge.