Parrotel Aqua Park

The Park Inn by Radisson Sharm El Sheikh Resort is geared toward families with kids, as well as couples looking for a vacation with local flavor and lots of on-site activity options. Two floors of columns and a double staircase in the lobby create a grand first impression, though there aren’t any elevators. Three-story, clay-colored and pale-pink stone buildings overlook the resort’s desert gardens of palms, oversize Egyptian sculptures, bold artwork, and meandering lakes. Some parts of the hotel could use a renovating touch, however. The main gathering place is the Aqua Park, where guests can relax on brick pool decks lined with white loungers and thatched umbrellas. There are plenty of action-oriented pools -- including a wave pool and rock-slide pool -- as well as a swim-up pool bar, which tends to attract day-drinking couples. The Palms Restaurant is a simple affair, with beige marble floors and basic wood tables topped with white and red tablecloths; the green, poolside gazebos offer a nice change of pace. 

The resort is located in a quiet park about a block from the beach. The sandy shores of the southern Sinai Peninsula are reached by walking through the sister hotel, the Radisson Blue Resort Sharm El Sheikh. The airport is just over 10 minutes' drive. Snorkeling is available just over 20 minutes away at Naama Bay, via the resort’s shuttle (for a fee). Driving to the Go Kart El Hadaba takes about a half-hour. The Pataya Beach nightlife is a 10-minute drive. It’s a little over three hours to the Saint Catherine's Monastery.

There are Standard, Superior, Family Rooms, and Junior Suites available. Decor is somewhat dated though cheerful, including bright blue walls and curtains, dark wood furnishings, beige tiled floors, and pops of red. Some rooms are more modern, with contemporary white furniture and retro-floral prints. Standard Rooms have tea kettles (and instant coffee), mini-fridges, safes, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and balconies or terraces with views of the pools, water park, or gardens. Bathrooms are done in beige tile, and have magnifying mirrors and shower/tub combos. Family rooms offer two bathrooms, and living rooms with sofa beds. Junior suites have whirlpool tubs and living rooms. Accessible rooms offer roll-in showers. 

The water park is the resort's most prized feature, with its swimming pools, lazy river, and 31 slides. Guests can choose from two restaurants and five bars. The Palms Restaurant offers a Western-style buffet and a kids’ dining room, while Aqua Piper offers romantic dining under a canopy tent. There are two poolside bars, a lobby bar, water park bar with frozen treats, and beachside bar with snacks. For couples, there’s a spa with saunas, a large hot tub, steam rooms, and a hair/nail salon. The gym provides cardio equipment, a flat-screen TV, and free weights. There are also a mini soccer field and billiards room, as well as a diving center. The kids’ club has a grassy playground, while the spacious theater -- with a woven roof that allows in sunlight -- offers a stage for entertainment, and is outfitted with throw pillows and arcade games.