Albatros Palace Resort

This massive beachfront resort includes everything families would need for a fun and relaxing beach holiday. The sea views and Arabian architecture make this resort feel like a palace. An Arabian theme is evident throughout, with impressive decor in the common areas. Guests are welcomed into a large, open lobby with  stunning high patterned ceilings, arches, extravagant central chandelier, and comfortable sofas. The grounds are huge: the 621 guest rooms are designed in a U-shape around a large outdoor swimming pool placed in the center. There are lots of outdoor dining areas, decks, and lounging spaces shaded by palm trees and umbrellas. The resort can get crowded, sometimes making it tricky to get a seat in the restaurants during peak meal times or a good spot on the sun loungers in the mornings. Note that smoking is permitted in most outdoor areas, which is common in Egypt.

Albatros Palace Resort has a slightly isolated location away from the main city of Hurghada. It is however located right on the beach, though guests should note that the beach directly in front of the hotel isn't suitable for swimming as it's too shallow and rocky. The hotel has built a pier going further out into the sea from where guests can swim. Otherwise it's a five-minute walk to the sister resort, Beach Albatros, which has a sandy beach. The resort is surrounded by other hotels, with little in the way of restaurants, cafes, or shops within walking distance. There's also no public transport, taxis are the only way to get around. For shopping,  Senzo Mall is a seven-minute drive away, and Hurghada's city center is 20 minutes by car. It's a 15-minute drive to Hurghada International Airport.

Guest rooms at Albatros Palace Resort feature an Arabian theme with a slightly tired feel. There are only three room options available: Standard Room, Family Room, and Suite. Decor is the same throughout the 621 guest rooms with ornamental light fittings and mirrors, accent carpets, white linens with patterned bed runners, dark curtains, and simple artwork on the walls. All units include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, electric kettles, desks, safes, telephones, and free Wi-Fi (though there are complaints of poor connection in rooms). Each room has a furnished balcony with either resort or sea views; Suites have a hot tub on the balcony. Bathrooms include walk-in showers. Magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and generic toiletries are provided.

Amenities here are extensive and have a strong focus on families. Each of the six restaurants specializes in a different cuisine, including Mediterranean, Asian, Oriental, German, Italian, and Mexican. The eight bars also vary in theme and atmosphere, ranging from the sophisticated Oriental Palace Bar to the healthy Cafe Mocambo to the chilled out Splash Beach Bar and Pool Bar. For those wanting to party the night away there's Le Pasha Bar and Disco. All restaurants and bars, except for the shisha experience at Afandena, are included in the all-inclusive rates.The outdoor swimming pool is massive, with space for a kids' shallow pool with waterslides and several surrounding sun loungers and parasols. There's a medium-size fitness center with cardio and weight-training equipment as well as a spa with massage treatments, sauna, and a steam room. The animations team entertains guests all day with activities like volleyball, belly-dancing training, pool games, and evening entertainment shows suitable for all ages. There's also a dedicated kids' club with a playground and organized activities.Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, though guests complain of poor signal in rooms. Other features include a games room, souvenir gift shops, concierge and ticket booking service, currency exchange, and airport shuttle for an additional charge.