Island Garden Resort

It's evident upon arrival at the Island Garden Resort that this is one of the more dated and slightly less polished of Sharm El Sheikh's all-inclusive vacation complexes, and also not as expansive as many. The grounds are well-tended and dotted with palm trees, tropical plants, and meandering paths lined with colorful flowers. The relatively small resort comprises around a dozen white-washed, low-rise buildings focused around the hotel's three interconnected swimming pools lined with spacious sun terraces with a central "island." Set away from the sea, there's no beach on-site or ocean views -- though guests do have access to one nearby. Clientele tends to be an even mix of couples and families with kids on package deals, with a leaning towards Russian and British holiday-makers. 

The hotel is part of a stretch of Sharm El Sheikh resorts in the Shark’s Bay area on the southern end of the Sinai Peninsula. Although there's no beach on-site, guests do have access to the sandy shoreline of the adjacent Island View Resort, which is about a 10-minute walk away (free shuttle service is also available). Also a short walk away is the Soho Square, a buzzing and modern center full of dining and nightlife. For more action, Naama Bay -- the central tourist hub of Sharm El Sheikh -- is about a 10-minute drive from the resort, and Sharm El Sheikh International Airport takes about the same time.

The hotel has 295 rooms, all of which are decorated in simple styling with dark wood furnishings and tiled floors. The overall feel is a little tired with a few signs of wear and tear, but rooms are generally clean, with sliding doors that open onto furnished terraces or balconies with pool or garden views. Amenities are also dated, with no Wi-Fi and old tube-style TVs, while mini-fridges are not stocked with drinks. Although equipped with wall-mounted hairdryers and telephones, bathrooms are generally poorly maintained. 

There are a few dining options on-site, though most meals are provided at the main Gardens restaurant which serves buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. An a la carte eatery serves an Italian menu and poolside barbecue is offered several times a week (both must be booked in advance). Three connected outdoor swimming pools are pleasant with plenty of loungers and include a children's pool and swim-up bar. There's a decent fitness center on-site, as well as a spa, though it lacks ambience.

Although there's no beach, guests have access to the beach at the nearby Island View Resort, which is a 10-minute walk or a free shuttle service away. An animation team provides daytime activities and evening entertainment -- though quality can vary and most of it is in Russian -- and staff and service in general are great. Sports facilities include a clay tennis court and a dive center offering scuba lessons and trips. Wi-Fi is available in the lobby for a fee, and while there are plenty of shops on-site, most of the merchandise is a bit tacky. 

The all-inclusive rate covers buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main restaurant as well as an a la carte option once per stay, and while food can get repetitive, it's generally good quality. Snacks including cookies and sandwiches are served at selected times around the pool, while unlimited local and alcoholic drinks are served at the lobby bar until midnight. Guests also have drinks covered on the beach of the Sunrise Island View hotel.