Hilton Sharm Waterfalls Resort

Upon arrival, the hotel's impressive neoclassical portico gives guests a sense of what lies inside the Hilton Sharm Waterfalls Resort. A grand lobby continues the classical theme, with Corinthian columns and swathes of polished marble lit by sunlight streaming through an elegantly domed cupola. Grounds are particularly well tended, with innumerable palms, sculpted topiary, colorful flowers lining manicured lawns, and wooden footbridges over the eponymous waterfalls that flow through the resort (though these are sometimes dry). These tropical gardens slope quite steeply down to the hotel's pool terraces and small sandy beach with floating jetties that stretch out over the coral. While more energetic guests can brave the hike back uphill, there are funiculars to ferry guests up (though they are sometimes out of service).

This resort is located in the relatively quiet Om El Seed Hill area in the southeastern end of the popular Sharm el Sheikh destination. There's little else in the immediate surroundings besides other similar resorts, though it's just a 10-minute drive to the bustling Sharm Old Market. Naama Bay -- the central tourist hub of Sharm El Sheikh that is full of restaurants, bars, and buzzing nightlife -- is also about 15 minutes away. Sharm El Sheikh Airport is about a 25-minute drive and the hotel can arrange a shuttle bus for a fee (must be booked in advance).

The hotel has over 400 rooms and suites, all of which are generally clean and well-maintained, though decor is a bit uninspired and some of the furnishings are dated. Think cream tile floors with dirty grout, white bedding, a few tropical print accents, and reddish brown wood furniture. Rooms are spacious and have seating areas and sliding floor-to-ceiling windows that open to furnished balconies with garden, pool, or sea views. Amenities include tea/coffee facilities, minibars, and flat-screen TVs with some international channels, but wired or wireless Internet costs extra. Bathrooms are fairly large with marble-topped vanities, shower/tub combos, Peter Thomas Roth toiletries, daily bottled water, and bathrobes. Rooms have either king or two twin beds, and there are also suites with living rooms available. 

The resort has four eateries on-site, with cuisine that ranges from traditional Arabian to contemporary Italian bistro-style cooking. The main La Cascade restaurant is the only option open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and serves buffet-style meals with occasional themed menus. There's also a Bedouin-style restaurant where guests can wear traditional Egyptian dress and smoke shisha pipes. There are a number of bars, including a poolside bar, health club bar, and a Latino-themed spot with live music.

The complex has a total of seven swimming pools (two saltwater), the main one being a large free-form lagoon-style pool complete with island and plenty of loungers. The beach is a bit small and surrounded by rocks, though floating jetties give easy access to the coral reef and some excellent snorkeling. An on-site dive center also provides scuba certification and trips. There's also a spa that offers a variety of massage and beauty treatments and has a sauna, steam room, and whirlpool, as well as a small fitness center. There are a staffed kids' club and playground, but no water park, unlike at the Coral Sea Waterworld or Concorde El Salam Hotel.

The hotel's optional all-inclusive plan covers buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main restaurant, as well as one meal per stay in one of the a la carte restaurants. Snacks are also provided at selected times and include ice cream in the afternoon. A range of locally produced alcoholic drinks (local draft beer, draft wine, and selection of local spirits) and soft drinks are also covered in bars and lounges throughout the resort. Drinks, however, are typically not high quality and served in small plastic glasses. It is also possible to book a rate that just includes breakfast.