Km 19 Village Road, KM 20 Hurghada, Hurghada, Egypt | (586) 210-9239
Set on a private beach and lagoon, within walking distance of a mall
Rooms have balconies or terraces, some overlooking the Red Sea
Some rooms have modern decor, and all have kettles, robes, and toiletries
Large swimming pools, including an adult-only section and a hot tub
Six restaurants and seven bars offer a range of cuisines
Free breakfast, plus half-board and all-inclusive options available
Spa has treatment rooms, a sauna, hot tub, and steam bath
Water and land activities include scuba diving and tennis
Kids’ club, playground, and daily entertainment by animation team
Free Wi-Fi
Lower-category rooms are dated
A la carte restaurants require reservations
Food, especially at the buffet restaurant, can be hit or miss
The 364-room Sunrise Grand Select Crystal Bay Resort is a four-pearl property with a private beach along the Red Sea, a 15-minute drive from the airport. Family-friendly amenities include a large pool and kiddy pool, kids' club, and daily entertainment and activities, while couples often utilize the well-equipped spa, beach loungers, and seven bars. Six restaurants include an all-day buffet venue, Greek eatery, and Indian spot, but food can be hit or miss. Lower-category rooms are old-fashioned and need of an update, while others are more modern. They all have kettles, flat-screen TVs, and outdoor spaces. Breakfast and Wi-Fi are both free, and all-inclusive packages are available. As an alternative, Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel offers elegant rooms and a nine-hole golf course overlooking the Red Sea.
Scene
Family-friendly beach resort with quiet areas geared toward couples too
Sunrise Grand Select Crystal Bay Resort’s beautifully maintained grounds are lined with three-story buildings set amid verdant greenery and colorful flowers. Upscale touches are found in the stately lobby with a grand piano, at the striking Indian restaurant with geometric black-and-white floors and gorgeous gold-painted archways, and canopied daybeds by the beach, but unfortunately, rooms are less impressive. A pool for both kids and adults, daily entertainment, and range of facilities make this resort suitable for both families and couples. Despite the array of features, the property remains quiet and relaxed.
Location
On a private beach, a 15-minute drive from the airport
The resort is located on a private beach and lagoon along the Red Sea. The Hurghada International Airport is a 15-minute drive away, while Senzo Mall is a 15-minute walk. The proximity to the highway means easy access to a range of attractions, including the old town of El Dahar and the city center of Hurghada, which are 25 minutes away by car. The surrounding area is filled largely with other resorts.
Rooms
Mostly contemporary rooms with outdoor spaces, kettles, and sitting areas
Spacious rooms are divided between lower-category units with dated decor and upgraded rooms with contemporary, if generic, decor. The former have white wood furniture, patterned mismatched linens in pale-red hues, wrought-iron accents, and small old-fashioned artwork. More contemporary units have light- or dark-wood furniture, cohesive gray and blue linens, and contemporary, albeit generic, artwork. Regardless, rooms have furnished outdoor spaces, and some have sea views or shared private pools. Standard amenities consist of air-conditioning, sitting areas, mini-fridges, coffee- and tea-making facilities, LCD TVs with satellite channels, safes, bathrobes and slippers, and free Wi-Fi. Up-to-date across the board, bathrooms combine beige tiles with blue or brown mosaic tiling, and include shower/tub combos, or showers and separate tubs, plus hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and toiletries.
Features
Private beach, swimming pools, and activities for adults and children
The private beach and lagoon have canopied cabanas and shaded loungers, where guests can put up a small red flag to alert salespeople that they don't want to be disturbed. A number of swimming pools set around the grounds include a large heated main pool with bridges and an adult-only section. A separate kiddy pool and hot tub are also by here, and ample loungers are available. For those over 16, an elegant spa and wellness center offer a range of treatments, a sauna, hot tub, and steam room. The gym comes with modern equipment, and fitness classes are sometimes scheduled. A variety of land and water activities are available -- many for an extra fee -- much of which is led by a well-regarded animation team. There are also a kids’ club and playground for little ones. Daily shows and live music events, and weekly “fruit festivals,” where guests can indulge in some tailor-made juices and cocktails provide some excitement.
All-Inclusive / Food
Buffet eatery, Indian and Greek restaurants, and several bars
Six restaurants and seven bars/cafes provide guests with a multitude of dining options. All rates include free breakfasts at Rainbow International Restaurant, which serves buffet-style meals all day. A la carte restaurants consist of seafood, Mediterranean, and Indian cuisines, while Roots Diet and Light Concept offers an array of healthy options. Unfortunately, food can be hit or miss, though guests have generally commented that the a la carte restaurants are better quality than the buffet spot. Half-board and all-inclusive plans are available. Be aware that a la carte restaurants require a reservation. Guests can make dinner reservations at the adjoining Sunrise Garden Beach Resort, although there is a quota and places fill up fast. With seven bars, travelers won't have to go far to get a cocktail.