The Grand Resort Hurghada

Some places here target a specific market: the Premier Le Reve Hotel & Spa, for example, is an adults-only option while the Jungle Aqua Park Hotel focuses mainly on families. However, The Grand takes a more eclectic approach, drawing couples and families, many of them Europeans on packaged all-inclusive vacations. Its stylized figure-eight layout appeals to both by providing a lively ambiance on one side of the property, comparative quietude on the other, and a separate freeform pool in each. The cavernous lobby serves as the intersection point, decorated in a classic Egyptian look with evocative arches, ornate columns, and a central fountain. Assorted on-site features, including dining choices that range from romantic à la carte restaurants to a special children’s buffet, further reflect the property's diverse clientele.

Hurghada is a sea-and-sun destination, so the fact that The Grand Resort isn’t right on the water may be enough to deter some vacationers. However, the beach (accessed via The Grand Hotel, a sister property) is only about five minutes away on foot, and it’s otherwise well located within the tourist district. The resort is connected to the shops and services of The Grand Mall, and it's a 10-minute walk from Hurghada’s popular promenade. Moreover, it sits just east of El-Nasr Street (a major thoroughfare that runs parallel to the Red Sea), thereby allowing easy access to sites like the atmospheric Old Town and Hurghada Marina, both of which are less than a 25-minute drive away. The airport is even closer: you can reach it by car or cab in only eight minutes. If you’re heading for the city center, free daily buses make the 13-minute trip.

• Five-minute walk to the beach
• 10-minute walk to El-Mamsha (the promenade)
• Eight-minute drive to Hurghada International Airport
• 11-minute drive to Hurghada Grand Aquarium
• 13-minute drive to Sekalla (the city center)
• 14-minute drive to Senzo Mall
• 18-minute drive to Hurghada Marina
• 23-minute drive to El Dahar (the Old Town)
• 25-minute drive to Makadi Bay Water World (Egypt’s largest water park)

This resort has spacious rooms and even larger Junior Suites, all of which come equipped with air-conditioning, safes, minibars, tote bags containing beach-worthy towels, and old-school satellite TVs -- but not free Wi-Fi. Comfy seating areas are also standard, as are furnished balconies or terraces, many of which overlook the pool. Style-wise, the decor may seem a bit dated, yet it's charming nonetheless as it reflects a true sense of place. Ornamental details add both color and character, such as the intricate wood furnishings, fabric-canopied beds, traditional woven rugs, and tapestry-style Egyptian-themed art. The simple bathrooms with their combination shower/tubs are of sufficient size across the board and include appreciated extras like magnifying mirrors and hairdryers. 

The lack of beach frontage is The Grand Resort's obvious disadvantage. Guests instead access the sand through The Grand Hotel, a nearby partner property. Those wishing to enjoy a health club, tennis courts or an aquatic sports/dive center (none of which this place has on-site) are welcome there, too, though fees often apply. What you will find on the resort grounds are three lounger-lined lagoon-style pools with “island” bars and lovely landscaping, along with some basic recreational facilities (think billiards tables, ping-pong tables, or arcade games) and an animation team that organizes daily activities. There’s also an African-themed Kids Club for children aged 4 to 12, but English service can’t necessarily be provided at it.

For dining, The Grand Resort has three main buffet restaurants that serve standard-quality all-inclusive fare, a selection of snack bars and two romantic à la carte restaurants. The last of these -- El Nigma (an eastern delight decorated with a moon-and-stars motif) and Mediterraneo (notable for its domed wood ceiling, sea-blue linens and nautical accents) -- are a cut above in terms of cuisine and ambiance: just be prepared to make reservations and pay a surcharge when dining in them. More eateries (a pizzeria, steak house and Arabic cafe among them) are situated in the adjacent Grand Mall.  

A bevy of bars (including a 24-hour operation in the lobby), the open-late Club Orange disco, plus a poolside venue where you can smoke shisha while listening to live music, will all appeal to night owls. Free evening entertainment is offered as well; however, it’s typically the kitschy kind, heavy on snake charmers and belly dancers. Other resort features include a round-the-clock reception area; a cafe-like computer center; 24-hour room service and medical service; add-on limousine and laundry services; and free Wi-Fi in some common areas.