Tropitel Sahl Hasheesh

Tropitel Sahl Hasheesh is a large resort set on a private beach, complete with a jetty that leads to two lagoons. The design of the resort’s public areas is elegant, as seen in the spacious lobby that features a doomed roof exquisitely decorated with stained glass, chandeliers, seating areas with stately white armchairs, and marble floors. While the rooms are up-to-date, they are rather generic and lack decorations, as do most restaurants and bars. The nautical-themed Mermaid Bar and red-adorned Indian Restaurant. The grounds come complete with three pools and manicured gardens dotted with palm trees, plus ample facilities for guests to spread out. Most guests are couples, however, there are also plenty of families and some groups of friends that stay here. Unfortunately, the resort can get crowded during peak season. 

The resort is set along a private beach overlooking the Red Sea, however, there is little else within walking distance of the property. The property is 35 minutes by car from Hurghada International Airport and 45 minutes from Sekalla, the heart of Hurghada city, and El Dahar, the city’s old town. Shuttle buses to Hurghada are available three times a day and there is a 24-hour taxi service, all at an additional cost. There is free parking.

While mostly contemporary, the 566 spacious rooms lack character and much decoration, aside from generic framed photos of seashells. Expect muted earth tones, floral bed runners and throw pillows, and shiny silver headboards, plus floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening to furnished terraces -- some with sea views. All units come with air-conditioning, closets with electronic safes, minibars, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and desks. Bathrooms are big and have separate bathtubs and showers, wall-mounted hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and toiletries. In-room Wi-Fi can be purchases at an additional cost. All rooms above the Deluxe Room category also come with bathrobes and slippers. Club Rooms receive a coffee tray and a bottle of wine upon arrival.

Tropitel Sahl Hasheesh is located on a stretch of private golden sand, with a 400-meter jetty leading to two natural lagoons. The beach is dotted by loungers under wooden umbrellas. As the resort is quite spread out, buggies are available to ferry guests to the beach. Alternatively, guests can cool down in one of the resort’s three swimming pools -- some heated in winter -- that are flanked by loungers and umbrellas, or in an outdoor whirlpool. A heated children’s pool, kids’ club, children’s playroom and playground, a video game arcade, and a dedicated animation team complete the family-friendly picture. 

The resort’s five restaurants include the buffet-style Palm Restaurant and four a la carte restaurants serving Mexican, Italian, Asian, and Indian cuisines. It's a good idea to make reservations at the a la carte restaurants, and note that some restaurants have a dress code. Additionally, the resort has three bars: the sail-roofed circular Pool Bar, the Beach Bar that's steps away from the azure water, and the Lobby Bar and Terrace. All-inclusive plans cover all of the buffet meals at the Palm Restaurant, and some other food and drink combinations at the other on-site venues.

A range of daily activities include water sports such as snorkeling, diving, and windsurfing, and on-land activities such as tennis, billiards, and beach volleyball. There is a dedicated Diver Center for those wishing to explore the ocean. The Tropitel Sahl Hasheesh Spa overlooks one of the pools, and provides a sauna and a range of wellness and beauty treatments. A spacious fitness center with cardio machines and free weights. Other on-site services include a barbershop and beauty salon, and a shopping arcade with Egyptian handcrafts, jewelry, and beachwear.

From the intimate Executive VIP Boardroom that can accommodate 30 guests, to the spacious Banquet Room that fits up to 1000 for receptions, Tropitel Sahl Hasheesh makes a decent location for conferences and weddings. Wi-Fi is only free in the lobby.