Savoy Sharm El Sheikh

With both a beach and leisure complex on its doorstep, the primely located Savoy is a more affordable and family-friendly alternative to the adjacent adult-only Royal Savoy (the two share some facilities). Pools and pathways divide up the property's Hacienda-style architecture, and impeccably manicured greenery cools the region's scorching heat. Everything here is oversized, from towering palms over vast pools and dining terraces, to a majestic staircase in the marbled lobby. Packages vary, though most opt for the all-inclusive rates. Unfortunately, while the setting is certainly beautiful, rooms, restaurants, and common areas all have dated decor like leopard-print couches, clashing rugs, and old-fashioned wooden furniture. Like many hotels in the area, this hotel falls below its advertised five-star rating, instead offering more upper-middle-range amenities.

With so much on-site, the resort is almost a destination in itself. Part of the Red Sea-fronting Savoy Complex, it sits on the White Knight Beach, and a tropical coral reef here is excellent for snorkeling and diving. SOHO Square is a three-minute walk, which houses an ice rink, movie theaters, and live shows, plus restaurants, bars, and clubs. Guests receive discount to some of the complex's outlets, some of which are free with the comprehensive "S-Class" hotel package. The central tourist hub of Naama Bay is an eight-minute drive. Checkpoints at the hotel's parameters enhance security. Sharm El Sheikh International Airport is a quick 10-minute drive, and all packages include free airport transfers.

Rooms here are dated and fairly bland, though they're well-appointed and start at a generous 484 square feet (45 square meters). Beige and burgundy linens amid blond-wood furnishings are in need of a refresh, though framed artwork adds some personality to the otherwise underwhelming spaces. Still, all have furnished balconies or terraces with either garden, pool, or distant sea views -- all with ample seating and tables. In-room amenities include satellite flat-screen TVs, desks, kettles alongside tea and coffee, safes, and mini-fridges (stocked on request). Marble bathrooms are more attractive than the bedrooms, and they have shower/tub combos, old hose-style hairdryers, toiletries, slippers, and robes. Suites have living rooms that add Arabian accents like floor cushions on rugs. All rooms have individual climate control and free (but sometimes slow) Wi-Fi. Rooms can be fitted with cribs.

This hotel has a lot to offer, particularly for families. Loungers, umbrellas, and colorful flowering plants surround large freeform outdoor pools. Gazebos provide shade on poolside terraces, and the swim-up Rocky Bar serves cocktails and soft drinks until sunset. The hotel is directly on White Knight Beach, and sands here stand true to its name. Note, its Beach Club is only accessible to Royal Savoy guests, but visitors here can dine at the beach's Seafood Island Restaurant. Overall, food is well-reviewed, plus it's part of all-inclusive packages. Tirana's international buffets draw families, and breakfasts are varied with live cooking stations. Rosmarino serves Italian fare and has an outdoor terrace, while EEST has a menu of sushi and Teppanyaki. Room service is available 24/7. Five bars offer cocktails and hookahs, and the aptly named Safari has animal-print fabrics and photographs. The spa is underwhelming in terms of decor, but it's free to access its whirlpool surrounded by lovely traditional tiles. Massage and treatment menus are at a fee. The decently sized gym has cardio machines, strength-training equipment, and free weights. Water sports incur fees, but tennis, squash, and beach volleyball are free, as is the kids' club. Trampolining and indoor games here keep kids happy, but little ones are generally more enthusiastic about the two kiddy pools. Fifteen meeting rooms are well-equipped, and the largest can hold 1000 people theater-style (though guests are largely here for vacation). The hotel has 15 free parking spaces on-site, with a larger free parking lot off-site. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but reports vary regarding speed.