Island View Resort

Entrance to the Island View Resort is rather grand, with a mix of classically styled columns, traditional North African touches, and friendly modern signage. Stepping inside, the lobby also has an emphasis on the classical with plush, antique-style furnishings, dark wood paneling, and intricate brass sconces and centerpiece chandelier. The complex comprises of numerous low-rise buildings set among pleasant landscaped gardens dotted with palm trees, tropical cacti, and sculpted shrubbery. Meandering paths pass small waterfalls and little bridges arch over waterways flowing down towards the hotel's private sandy beach. While the grounds are generally well-tended and attractive, many corners of the complex and some of the facilities look tired and in need of a refresh. The resort also features four large pools where an equal mix of couples and families -- mostly Russian and British -- splash about and sunbathe on surrounding terraces. 

The hotel is part of a stretch of Sharm El Sheikh resorts overlooking Shark’s Bay on the southern end of the Sinai Peninsula. A short walk away is the Soho Square, a buzzing and modern center full of dining and nightlife, while for more action, Naama Bay -- the central tourist hub of Sharm El Sheikh -- is about a 10-minute drive from the resort. Sharm El Sheikh International Airport is also around 10 minutes by car.

The hotel has close to 500 rooms in total, each of which is simply styled with patterned fabrics, tiled floors, and functional furnishings. While rooms are generally kept clean, the overall finish is tired with more than a few signs of wear and tear. Amenities are also fairly dated with no Wi-Fi and tube TVs, plus minibars just offer bottled water and there are no tea/coffee facilities. Rooms do, however, open to furnished balconies with pool, garden, or sea views. Some bathrooms could also do with modernizing, and all come with wall-mounted hairdryers, telephones, and soap dispensers. 

Dining consists mostly of buffets served in the main restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a weekly changing theme. Italian and Seafood a la carte restaurants are also open to guests with alfresco dining and sea views (though reservations are required). Pool and beach bars serve drinks and snacks throughout the day, while an English-style pub and Hollywood cafe serves until late. While dining is generally decent, there have been reports of issues with troublesome birdlife around restaurant terraces. 

The sandy beach has two floating jetties giving easy access to the superb coral reef, though the beach itself can feel a bit crowded during peak season (and it is shared with the nearby sister property). There are four swimming pools, some with slides and kids' splash pools, providing more lounging space, however. Children are also well catered for with a kids' club and entertainment programs. Animation teams provide activities for adults, though these are mostly in Russian. Sports facilities include a tennis court, dive center, and beach volley ball, and there's also a selection of shops on-site. Wi-Fi is available in the lobby, though it is fairly expensive.

The all-inclusive rate covers buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main restaurant as well as an a la carte option once per stay --  and food is generally good quality. Snacks including ice cream are served in the afternoon at the beach and pool bars daily, while unlimited local alcoholic and soft drinks are served until midnight.