Aqua Blu Sharm

Set inside the largest waterpark in Sharm El Sheikh, the Aqua Blu Sharm is squarely focused on kid-friendly fun. Through the fairytale Arabian castle entrance, visitors enter a sprawling 35-acre complex of mostly brash and brightly-colored buildings and water-based facilities. Venetian-style gondolas slip along narrow canals that wind through well-tended gardens ferrying guests to the main accommodation -- a circular low-rise building right in the center of the park. As well as numerous raucous pools, waterslides, and rides, there's a quarter-mile long promenade lined with bustling restaurants, cafes, and shops. All of this, plus lively animation teams whipping up guests, means the place can get boisterous -- the park is also open to non-hotel guests, so it can get busy during peak times and guests should expect long queues. Those staying at the hotel are predominantly families, especially tourists from the U.K. and Russia.

The resort is located in Ras Om El Sid, a hilly area of southern Sharm El Sheikh. There's little within walking distance as the area comprises plenty of other resorts and hotels, however the Il Mercato Promenade -- a European-style shopping and entertainment area -- is a short cab ride away. Naama Bay -- the central tourist hub of Sharm El Sheikh -- is about a 15-minute drive from the resort. Sharm El Sheikh's Old Market is a 10-minute drive away and the Sharm El Sheikh International Airport takes around 25 minutes to reach by car or cab.

The hotel has 538 spacious rooms starting at 35 square meters (377 square feet). Decor is simple, with subtle local influences, like handsome seating areas featuring hardwood furniture with Arabesque silhouettes. Otherwise, decor is basic and includes tiled floors, marble-top furniture, and gilded sconces. All rooms feature mini-fridges (with free water), electric kettles for tea or coffee, and flat-screen TVs with a few satellite channels -- though no kids' channels. Bathrooms have wall-mounted soap and hairdryers, though expect a few chipped tiles here and there. All rooms open to terraces or balconies with plastic seating overlooking the garden or pool, but there are no sea views. Family Rooms with bunk beds are available. 

The main draw here is obviously the water park -- as it's the largest in Sharm El Sheikh, there's a huge range of water-based fun to be had. The park's 11 swimming pools include several made for children, while 44 waterslides range from gentle slopes for younger kids to rapid-descent rides for the daring. There are several restaurants dotted around the property, though the restaurants are almost exclusively buffets, and much of the food is bland and repetitive. There's also a selection of bars on-site, though quality again can be variable.

While the resort is not on the beach, guests have access to a stretch of coast with lounge chairs, a beach bar, and some snorkeling opportunities -- the beach is far from the most attractive in the area and requires taking the hotel's free shuttle to reach. Animation and entertainment teams also provide activities during the day and live shows at night -- again, be prepared for some highs and lows in the offerings. The hotel has a spa offering massage services and various treatments plus a beauty salon. A fitness center has modern cardio and weight machines as well as free weights, and there is a game room, playground, and kids' club. The hotel can arrange tours and excursions off site. Wi-Fi is available but is not free. 

All rates at this hotel are all-inclusive and include buffet-style breakfasts, lunches, and dinners in one of three buffet restaurants. Snacks including ice-cream, fries, and pizza are provided at select times between meals. A range of locally-produced alcoholic and soft drinks are also included, as well as tea, coffee, and bottled water. Imported alcohol and fresh juices are charged extra as well as all a la carte items.