Steigenberger Makadi

The modern, angular, cream-colored building this hotel is housed in melts into its desert surrounds. The property overlooks its palm tree-studded, yet stark, golf course, with views of the blue bay beyond. Sleek, contemporary interiors are cloaked in creamy neutrals offset by dark brown hues and wood textures. Upon entering, a slick double staircase leads to the lobby, which offers chic seating arranged in clusters on gleaming cream tile floors. The hotel's lobby bar and dining spaces have a similar sophisticated feel. The sunny bar is filled with plush white and wicker seating peppered with mauve accents, while the Eagle restaurant features clean-lined wooden partitions and pops of blue on wooden chairs. The resort mainly attracts vacationing couples (many from Europe), and its adult-only policy means that the atmosphere is quiet and peaceful. Even evening entertainment is subdued here, with mellow live music or piano players performing at the bar.

The hotel is located outside of Hurghada, a resort town on the Red Sea coast. Though the property is situated inland, there are free shuttle buses to a private beach, which is about a five-minute drive. There are several other resorts in the immediate area, including the hotel's sister properties. The city center, with ample restaurants, bars, clubs, and shops, is about a 40-minute drive north, as is its old town, El Dahar. The Souk Makadi shopping center is about a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Makadi Bay Water World can be reached in four minutes by car. Hurghada International Airport is a 35-minute drive away.

Rooms are elegant and reflect the sophisticated atmosphere and decor seen throughout the public spaces of the hotel. Beige and brown color schemes include wooden accent walls, patterned area rugs atop wooden floors, and plenty of lounging space on sectional sofas. A wall of windows fills the spaces with natural light, while glass doors open onto large private balconies, some with views over the golf course. Suites have massive terraces with private pools and sunbeds. Suites also add separate living rooms with sofas and dining tables. Standard amenities include desks, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, minibars, electronic safes, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are large and sleek, equipped with separate soaking tubs (whirlpool tubs in suites) and walk-in rainfall showers. Individual toiletries as well as bathrobes and slippers are provided.

Features are what you'd expect at an upscale resort. The hotel has two outdoor pools with in-water loungers as well as shaded cabanas with sunbeds. Chilled towels are a refreshing touch in the Egyptian sun. A private beach lined with sunbeds and parasols is also accessible via a free shuttle service from the hotel.This all-inclusive hotel has a buffet restaurant that's open for breakfast and dinner and serves local and international fare. An outdoor dining terrace offers views of the golf course and bay beyond. There's also a poolside restaurant that serves a la carte lunches. Guests can also dine at the hotel's sister property, Madinat Makadi, which serves Italian, Indian, Asian, and Egyptian fare. The hotel also has a lobby bar with live music in the evenings. All-inclusive and half-board rates are available.The fitness center, though small, is a bright and pleasant place with a wall of windows and a handful of Technogym machines. Other wellness features include a small spa with a sauna, steam room, and hot tub. The hotel offers an 18-hole golf course, plus guests have access to tennis and squash courts at the property's sister hotels.