The Makadi Palace Hotel

Makadi Palace is notable for its Moorish-influenced architecture, which is beautiful during the day but truly stunning at night, when lighting highlights the architectural detailing. The property is surrounded by beautiful gardens, which are lush and well-maintained across the grounds – think a koi pond, palm trees, and plenty of patio space (both shaded and in the sun) that promote mingling with other guests and enjoying a drink in the evenings. High walls separate the resort from the street outside, so despite being in the middle of a complex, the effect is oasis-like. Unfortunately, rooms are on the dated side, and the all-inclusive rates don’t cover all food and drink.

Set along Makadi Bay, the Makadi Palace is located in a complex with other resorts on the Red Sea, including Sunwing Waterworld Makadi Hotel, and next door to the Grand Makadi. A private beach, shared between the properties, is steps away from the hotel, and for those who want to pop over to Makadi Spa Hotel for a treatment, it’s connected via a promenade. Although there’s a local mall within walking distance, the hotel also offers a free shuttle to the Grand Mall in Hurghada, which is about a 45-minute drive up the coast near Hurghada International Airport. There’s a free shuttle to the airport as well. Also popular in the area is the Makadi Bay Aqua Park, which is an 11-minute drive away.

Each of the hotel’s 475 rooms and 36 suites are exceptionally clean and spacious, and all rooms have either a balcony or terrace – either with sea, pool, or garden views. The Moorish detailing continues inside the suites, with archways separating the living areas from the bedrooms. However, rooms are dated and showing their age, with simple wood furniture, dark-green bedskirts and lime-green couches, and old-fashioned lamps. Nevertheless, rooms have a good array of amenities, including TVs (some old tube-style), air-conditioning, mini-fridge, safes, and desks. Bathrooms come with shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and free toiletries.

Food offered on-site is largely well-regarded, though the all-inclusive rate isn’t completely inclusive, as there are extra charges for a la carte restaurants and some beverages. Still, there are several dining and drinking options throughout the hotel. Dome is the property’s main restaurant, serving buffet spreads for all three meals. Food here gets mixed reviews, but the Thai Garden restaurant and Botanical Garden Mediterranean eatery serve great food. The poolside bars like The Joker Bar are beautiful at night, plus there are bars in the lobby and on the beach. Guests can also go to other properties to eat in their restaurants, but book ahead for a table. Rendezvous and The Piano Bar are lively spots for a drink with their evening entertainment, and there’s also a sports bar. The Makadi Mall is also nearby and offers more options for dining, like French, Italian, and a sports bar.

The beach is one of the hotel’s main draws, and the reef is especially popular with snorkelers wanting to glimpse Makadi Bay’s incredible sea life. Cushioned loungers are set up under umbrellas. Vendors on the beach can be a little persistent hawking their wares, but it doesn’t ruin the day. Many past guests recommend bringing beach shoes for safe snorkeling around the reef.

There are four outdoor swimming pools to choose from, plus a children’s pool for the little ones. All are beautifully designed with plenty of spacious open areas, as well as some tucked-away spots to chill. Ample loungers and umbrellas line their decks.

Makadi Palace Hotel has five tennis courts with floodlights for evening games. There’s also water polo, aqua aerobics (and regular aerobics), beach volleyball, and ping-pong available. The animation team keeps a full slate of programming, offering sports activities, games, competitions, and shows that run until almost midnight every day. An average gym has the usual cardio and strength-training equipment. Unfortunately, there’s no spa here, but guests can book a treatment at the adjacent Makadi Spa Hotel.

Kids, like the adults, are welcome to go between resorts for entertainment: Both the Grand Makadi and Sunwing Waterworld Makadi Hotel have a kids’ club, and there’s also a mini-disco at Sunwing for them.

Wi-Fi is free but available only in the lobby, and the signal is reportedly slow. Parking at the resort is free.