Amwaj Blue Beach Resort & Spa

The Amwaj Blue Beach Resort & Spa is part of a small local chain with properties in Sharm El Sheikh and Soma Bay. The resort makes a great first impression, with a grand entrance, large driveway, and cheerful yellow facade with Egyptian temple-inspired features. The grounds are beautiful, with big pools, tons of plants, and big, inviting lawns that stretch all the way to a lovely beach dotted by straw umbrellas and loungers. Unfortunately, the hotel is in need of investment, and maintenance issues can be seen throughout, including cracked tiles, frayed bedsheets and towels, and worn, sometimes dated, furniture. Also, complaints about food quality and variety are common, and some guests have reported cleanliness issues.With additional fees for Wi-Fi, bottled water, and most a la carte restaurants, the all-inclusive package is not as comprehensive as some may expect, and there are several resorts in the area offering better value for money. The neighboring Movenpick Resort Soma Bay is also in need of some updates, but it has lower rates, a range of meal plans for all budgets, bigger pools, and a nice spa. With good food, pleasant rooms, a wide offer of water sports, and lots of entertainment options, the Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge is one of the best resorts in the area in terms of value and amenities. Travelers wanting something more upscale may want to compare rates at the Cascades Golf Resort, Spa & Thalasso. 

The resort is located on a long stretch of sandy beach on the shores of Soma Bay, an area of the Red Sea known for its water sports and excellent diving. This location is somewhat isolated, and there's little within easy walking distance except for a couple of other resorts, diving centers, and a handful of shops selling beach gear and accessories. The nearest restaurants are in a large resort area about a five-minute drive south of the property, or a 20-minute drive north, around the Marina. The Cascades at Soma Bay Golf & Country Club is about a 25-minute drive away, while the center of Hurghada can be reached in about an hour. The hotel is 45 minutes south of Hurghada International Airport.

The hotel has a total of 371 rooms, including a small number of suites with Red Sea Views. Standard, Deluxe, and Family Rooms are decorated in a simple style that combines classic wooden furniture with cheerful touches, such as teal accents on beds, chairs, and pillows. Small lamps and cream-colored walls make spaces warm. Suites have a more stylish, contemporary design that features black tile floors, a soothing earth-tone palette with pops of orange, purple and chocolate-brown in the living room, and large, tufted headboards in the bedrooms. Unfortunately, the lack of investment is apparent throughout, and guests have reported maintenance and cleanliness issues that range from stained and frayed towels and sheets to cracked tiles, faulty draining systems, and loose doorknobs.  Each room and suite is outfitted with a good array of amenities, including flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, kettles, and safes. Minibars in all but standard units are stocked with free soft drinks and water. Suites come equipped with a few extras, such as welcome treats, robes, and slippers. Wi-Fi is available for a fee. Bathrooms range between dated and contemporary, with shower/tub combos or separate showers and tubs in suites, a good array of toiletries, and basic hairdryers. Rooms feature balconies with either pool or garden views, whereas suites have large terraces with sea views. Deluxe Suites feature private infinity-edge plunge pools on the terrace. 

Two of the best features at the Amwaj Blue Beach are the pools. They’re both large and pleasant, each with a bar, kiddy pool, and a whirlpool. Although they're ringed with loungers, some guests have complained that there aren’t enough for everyone during peak season. Additional seating is available at the beach, and there's a long wooden pier featuring cabanas with long benches and shaded areas. Guests of all ages are kept busy with a daily entertainment program that includes group sports and activities for kids. The all-inclusive package is a tad limited, as it doesn’t cover bottled water and only includes a basic selection of local drinks. There are seven dining options on-site, but most require an additional fee. Also on the downside, food at the main buffet gets mixed reviews, with many guests complaining about a lack of variety and quality. The gym offers a decent array of cardio and strength-training machines in a light-filled space with pool and sea views, but the spa is rather basic, with just a couple of massage rooms, a sauna, and steam bath. Diving classes and day trips can be arranged on-site.