SUNRISE Royal Makadi Aqua Resort -Select-

This sprawling, all-inclusive resort caters mostly to families looking for a relaxing beach holiday. From above, the resort looks huge. Multiple buildings, a private beach, free-form swimming pools, and a huge water park sit between landscaped gardens and towering palm trees. On the inside, interiors have a pleasant Egyptian style blended with modern elements, though given the resort's size and water-park features, it does have a bit of a theme-park vibe. The grand lobby is outfitted with glossy marble floors, large potted plants, cozy seating areas, and a big front desk with Egyptian-style carvings. Restaurants and bars all have a different theme, with Asian, Mexican, Italian, and Bedouin decor, some of which are attractive while others are a little kitschy. The hotel has a laid-back vibe during the day, but there's a more formal dress code for dinner, to which guests are expected to adhere. The hotel is more suited to families rather than couples looking for a romantic atmosphere, as there's a lot of kids running around. 

The SUNRISE Select Royal Resort is located on a secluded stretch of sand on the calm shores of Makadi Bay. The crystal clear waters are home to a coral reef, which is fantastic for snorkeling and diving. The hotel is a short car ride from the Souk Makadi shopping center, situated in the heart of Madinat Makadi. This vibrant complex is filled with bars, restaurants, shops, and lively nightlife. An 18-hole golf course is also nearby, and Makadi Water World is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. The next big town is Hurghada, which has numerous bars, restaurants, shops, as well as a grand mosque. It's a 30-minute drive from the hotel, while Hurghada International Airport is 35 minutes away by car.

Like the rest of the hotel, all 641 rooms blend classical decor with Middle Eastern elements in ways that range from basic to more ornate. White painted walls and tiled floors are accented with warm tone furnishings, patterned rugs, and old-fashioned paintings on the walls. Pops of soft blue, seafoam green, and red add a little color. Although rooms vary slightly in size, most are spacious and bright, with glass doors that open out onto furnished balconies that offer lovely views of the pool or gardens. Larger family rooms are available with separate living areas, which can sleep up to four people. All rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, safes, phones, electric kettles, and minibars. While Wi-Fi is free, it can be spotty. Guests receive a fruit basket and free wine on arrival. Bathrooms are clean but plain, with marble-finish countertops, walk-in showers, hairdryers, and a generous amount of free toiletries. Suites add separate bathtubs. 

The SUNRISE Select Royal Makadi Resort offers a full range of amenities that are mostly geared toward families. There's a private sandy beach with sun loungers and umbrellas, plus a beach bar, volleyball, dive center, and water sports such as windsurfing and kayaking. Other outdoor activities include tennis, table tennis, mini golf, horse riding, and basketball. Keep in mind that there are fees for many of the activities. The five free-form pools are connected with rock formations and bridges, and there are several poolside bars serving fresh cocktails. The hotel has a huge aqua park with 18 slides for adults and kids, as well as supervised kids' club, outdoor playground, and separate children's pool. There are plenty of a la carte and buffet dining options on-site, with 10 restaurants and bars serving diverse cuisines like Asian, Mexican, Bedouin, and Italian. A free breakfast buffet is served daily, and all-inclusive rates are available. The full-service spa has a hot tub, sauna, Turkish steam bath, and several rooms for massages and beauty treatments -- though they are expensive. The hotel also has an amphitheater with nightly entertainment, modern fitness center, and a business center with high-tech meeting and event spaces. On-site shops sell souvenirs and jewelry, and there's a 24-hour doctor on call. Other services include a 24-hour front desk, 24/7 room service, currency exchange, laundry, dry cleaning, an ATM, babysitting, and free parking and Wi-Fi.