Shark's Bay, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt | (888) 708-2081
Set in attractive
gardens overlooking the Red Sea
Within walking distance of Soho square nightlife
Four swimming
pools with waterslide and kids' sections
Sandy beach with
floating jetties and coral reef
Three restaurants
including two a la carte
Good range of
bars including beach and poolside
Kids' club,
entertainment, and playground
Some of the resort
looks tired and in need of a revamp
Rooms are bland and dated
Beach can feel
crowded
Expensive Wi-Fi
The Island View
Resort is an upper-middle-range, all-inclusive complex overlooking Shark's Bay and a 10-minute drive to Sharm El Sheikh's main tourist center. While both the
reception and gardens are attractive and well-maintained, many parts of the
resort look dated and in need of a revamp. Rooms feel a little old-fashioned as well,
though they are clean and some offer sea views. There are four swimming pools that include a waterslide and kids' pool as well as a private beach with a coral reef. Dining options consist of three restaurants as well as a range of bars, including poolside and beach. Overall, this is a good value option (if nowhere near advertised five-star standards), though for a little more polish, travelers might want to consider the Jaz Mirabel Park or Jaz Mirable Beach.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Large family-friendly resort complex set in attractive gardens -- though some parts in need of revamp
Entrance to the
Island View Resort is rather grand, with a mix of classically styled columns,
traditional North African touches, and friendly modern signage. Stepping
inside, the lobby also has an emphasis on the classical with plush,
antique-style furnishings, dark wood paneling, and intricate brass sconces and
centerpiece chandelier. The complex comprises of numerous low-rise buildings
set among pleasant landscaped gardens dotted with palm trees, tropical cacti,
and sculpted shrubbery. Meandering paths pass small waterfalls and little bridges arch over waterways flowing down towards the hotel's private sandy
beach. While the grounds are generally well-tended and attractive, many
corners of the complex and some of the facilities
look tired and in need of a refresh. The resort also features four large pools
where an equal mix of couples and families -- mostly Russian and British --
splash about and sunbathe on surrounding terraces.
Location
Overlooking Sharm El Sheikh Shark's Bay and close to Soho Square
The hotel is part
of a stretch of Sharm El Sheikh resorts overlooking Shark’s Bay on the southern
end of the Sinai Peninsula. A short walk away is the Soho Square, a buzzing
and modern center full of dining and nightlife, while for more action, Naama Bay
-- the central tourist hub of Sharm El Sheikh -- is about a 10-minute drive
from the resort. Sharm El Sheikh International Airport is also around 10
minutes by car.
Rooms
Rooms have dated decor and facilities, but are clean and some have sea-view balconies
The hotel has close
to 500 rooms in total, each of which is simply styled with patterned fabrics,
tiled floors, and functional furnishings. While rooms are generally kept
clean, the overall finish is tired with more than a few signs of wear and tear.
Amenities are also fairly dated with no Wi-Fi and tube TVs, plus minibars
just offer bottled water and there are no tea/coffee facilities. Rooms do,
however, open to furnished balconies with pool, garden, or sea views. Some
bathrooms could also do with modernizing, and all come with wall-mounted
hairdryers, telephones, and soap dispensers.
Features
Four pool areas and sandy beach with off-shore coral reef, plus several dining and drinking options
Dining consists
mostly of buffets served in the main restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
with a weekly changing theme. Italian and Seafood a la carte restaurants are
also open to guests with alfresco dining and sea views (though reservations are
required). Pool and beach bars serve drinks and snacks throughout the day, while
an English-style pub and Hollywood cafe serves until late. While
dining is generally decent, there have been reports of issues with troublesome
birdlife around restaurant terraces. The sandy beach
has two floating jetties giving easy access to the superb coral reef, though
the beach itself can feel a bit crowded during peak season (and it is shared with the nearby sister property). There are four swimming pools, some with slides and kids' splash pools, providing more lounging space, however. Children are also well catered for with a kids' club
and entertainment programs. Animation teams provide activities for adults,
though these are mostly in Russian. Sports facilities include a tennis court, dive
center, and beach volley ball, and there's also a selection of shops on-site.
Wi-Fi is available in the lobby, though it is fairly expensive.
All-Inclusive / Food
Decent buffet restaurant, daily ice cream, and unlimited local drinks
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 food is generally good quality.
Snacks including ice cream are served in the afternoon at the beach and pool
bars daily, while unlimited local alcoholic and soft drinks are served until
midnight.
