Dana Beach Resort

The sprawling Dana Beach resembles a small beachfront village, complete with landscaped gardens, dozens of buildings, a few small stores, and even a central lagoon with boat shuttle service for guests. Unfortunately, for a resort that markets itself as luxury, the style here is underwhelming. This is apparent right at the hotel's entrance, where an old-fashioned neon sign spells out the name of the hotel in yellow, red and blue letters. The lobby is a bit grand, with high painted ceilings, big pillars with golden finishes, a few traditional lanterns, and lots of white and beige couches and poufs -- but the effect is almost kitschy. There is a separate hookah bar-style seating area hidden behind ornate wooden panels with a long padded bench, small tea tables, and coffered ceilings. Outside, big manicured lawns are lined with four-story buildings and dotted with palm trees, while spacious tiled terraces offer outdoor seating. 

The property is mostly popular with British, German, and Russian couples and families, and the atmosphere ranges from lively yet relaxing during peak season, to quiet in off-peak times. With the many amenities and dining options offered on-site, few guests ever leave the premises, but the grounds are so huge that the property rarely feels crowded. 

The Dana Beach is located off a major thoroughfare running parallel to the Red Sea coast in a tourist area that's still being developed. There is little within walking distance other than a few other massive resorts and a number of popular shopping centers, but proximity to the highway offers easy access to other areas with more attractions for those with cars. The property is located a 10-minute drive from the Hurghada Grand Aquarium. Those with kids will find Makadi Water World 15 minutes from the resort by car. It's a 25-minute drive from both El Dahar, which is the old town, and Sekalla, the city center. The hotel is a 15-minute drive from the airport. 

The hotel has a total of 841 rooms spread over dozens of four-story buildings. Given this hotel's luxury proclamations, though, the style is utterly underwhelming and not on par with five-pearl hotels anywhere. Decor is dated and plain, with a neutral palette, old-fashioned terrazzo finishes, simple oak furniture, lots of oak laminate paneling, and one or two generic paintings above the beds. There are also a number of competing patterns -- from floral area rugs to diamond upholstery to borderline-paisley bedskirts. Many are spacious and sunny, with one or two balconies, and a small seating area complete with a coffee table and either a couch or two armchairs. Some, however, are small for the price and lack a terrace. Each unit is equipped with a flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, and a safe. Minibars are also standard, but they’re stocked with two waters and two sodas only. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi isn't free in rooms. Family Rooms and Suites feature two bedrooms, each with its own furnished balcony. Bathrooms are clean and spacious, with older wall-mounted hairdryers and an array of toiletries. Some have standard shower/tub combos with plastic curtains, but others have larger walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. 

The hotel has its own private beach, complete with dozens of straw umbrellas and padded loungers, and a bar offering a wide array of cocktails. It's not the whitest, finest sand we've ever seen, but the water is calm and clear. There are also three large pools -- including a heated one -- all with loungers and umbrellas. A small water park has several waterslides and serves as a dedicated kid's pool. The adult pools also have children's areas. 

Entertainment is available year-round at the hotel, including belly dance classes and outdoor fitness activities. Food gets good reviews at the hotel’s five restaurants, which offer an array of international cuisines, including Asian, German, Mediterranean, and Italian. Additionally, there is a food court with pastries, coffee, and ice cream, and 10 bars, two of them with live music in the evening. All-inclusive plans cover all food and drink in each of the venues on-site.

The spa is small but relaxing, with several treatment cabins, a sauna, a steam bath, and a whirlpool. The look inside is dated, with artificial rocks around the whirlpool, and an overall dark look. The adjacent fitness center is equally dated, with unattractive purple walls, and there are only a handful of cardio machines and a few free weights. 

As a family-friendly hotel, the Dana Beach features a small kids’ club with daily activities, babysitting services (for a fee), a playground. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas only and shuttle services can be arranged.