SUNRISE Romance Resort Sahl Hasheesh

The hotel's curved facade with arches and white detailing, facing a palm tree-lined street and an attractive sandy beach makes for an excellent first impression. An elegant, stately design continues throughout the Romance Sahl Hashesh, as seen in the lobby with its domed ceiling holding a striking red-lamp-and-black-metal chandelier and polished silver furniture and sculptures. The grandeur translates to the well-appointed rooms and suites, and the well-decorated dining outlets. Its adult-only policy is aimed at couples looking for a peaceful, romantic holiday in the sun, though groups of friends can also be spotted here.

The hotel is set on a stretch of golden sand in Sahl Hasheesh, a 30-minute drive south of Hurghada International Airport. The property is a 10-minute walk from the Old Town of Sahl Hasheesh, which features numerous cafes, shops, and restaurants. Meanwhile, it is just over 40 minutes by car to the old town of El Dahar and Sekalla, or the city center of Hurghada. Free parking is available on-site.

The 79 rooms are done in a soft, elegant style consisting of light neutral tones with olive-green accents. Beige or gold patterned carpet, wallpaper, bed runners, and wood furniture create a clean look, while olive-green headboards and accent walls, and black, white, and gold modern artwork adds some personality. The overall feel is upscale, though some minor wear and tear is visible. Also on the downside, some past guests have complained of noise issues from outdoors and air-conditioning units. Bedrooms and bathrooms are separated by glass partitions, and blinds are available for privacy. Suites, meanwhile, are more elaborately styled, with features such as round red beds and red and black chandeliers and curtains. All rooms have furnished balconies, many of which have sea views. Also standard are flat-screen TVs, desks, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, electronic safes, and sitting areas. Although the hotel offers free in-room Wi-Fi, some guests have complained that it can be patchy. Modern bathrooms come with shower/tub combos or walk-in showers and separate bathtubs, as well as hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers. 

A good array of features are available at Romance Sahl Hashesh, though most guests are focused on the beach. The resort is set on a sandy beach with white cabanas, sunbeds under umbrellas, and a lovely beach bar. The calm waters are ideal for snorkeling. A decent-sized outdoor heated swimming pool is lined with loungers and a few umbrellas, but some guests have complained that the deck offers little shade. For further relaxation, the spa offers a range of massage and beauty treatments, as well as a whirlpool, sauna, and a Turkish hammam. While there is a gym, it's tiny and has just a handful of equipment.Buffet-style breakfasts, lunches, and themed dinners are served at the main restaurant. Both IL Fornello Italian Restaurant and Tiger Lily Chinese restaurants serve a la carte meals, and these have more ornate and attractive decor. Reservations are required at the a la carte restaurants, and food receives mostly positive reviews. Multiple bars are on-site, including a 24-hour Lounge Bar, the open-air Landscape Bar, the Espresso Inn with a pool table and a small library, and the gray-hued Romance Bar, which combines patterned black-and-white carpets with an ultra-modern ceiling. All-inclusive packages are available. Staff can organize snorkeling and diving trips. There is also nightly entertainment, although some guests have complained that the quality of the acts varies. The grounds also feature a hair salon and boutique stores. Bicycles can be rented free of charge, and the concierge can arrange car rentals and currency exchange.