Jaz Belvedere

It's clear upon first impression that the Jaz Belvedere resort puts an emphasis on presentation. The arrival area is smart and stylish with neatly manicured lawns, finely tended palms, and an immaculate Arabian-style facade. Inside, the North African theme comes to life in the lobby awash with Moroccan features such as filigree lanterns, elegant plaster arches, and ornate latticework carvings all centered around a marble fountain. The complex itself is made up of numerous low-rise buildings scattered around the resort's pristine grounds. The well-maintained series of waterways, sculpted topiary, and tropical plants slope gently down to the main pool area that overlooks a generous swathe of private, sandy beach. While the secluded and upscale feel tends to attract couples and even some honeymooners, the resort is also popular with families and has a particularly international flavor.  

This hotel is situated right on Montaza Beach in the Sharm El Sheikh tourist area on the southern end of the Sinai Peninsula. There's very little in the immediate surrounds besides a couple of other resorts and desert landscape or building sites, but nothing within walking distance. Naama Bay -- the central tourist hub of Sharm El Sheikh and full of restaurants, bars, and buzzing nightlife -- is about 20 minutes by car, while the entertainment center of Soho Square as well as Nabq Bay are about 10 minutes away. It's also one of the closer hotels to Sharm El Sheikh International Airport at around 10 minutes driving time.

The hotel has 317 rooms, all of which are decorated in simple neutral tones with subtle Arabian-style accents and tile floors -- the overall look is smart, though not particularly high-end. Rooms are generally spacious with high ceilings and tall sliding glass doors that open on to furnished terraces with garden or sea views. In-room amenities are a bit lacking, however, with no Wi-Fi and in some cases tube TVs, though all rooms come with minibars, bathrobes, and satellite TV. Bathrooms are clean and well-presented with either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, and include wall-mounted hairdryers and decent toiletries.

Unusual for a resort of this size, there are just two dining options -- the main restaurant serving above-par buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and another a la carte specializing in seafood. There are three bars including one overlooking the sea, though no swim-up or poolside bars. The swimming pool consists of two interconnected pools surrounded by spacious sun terraces lined with plenty of loungers, while there's also a separate splash pool for children.

Kids are well catered for, with a mini-club (for children ages four to 12) and two playgrounds, including one on the beach. The hotel's private sandy beach is a lovely stretch of shore and offers a range of water sports including some excellent snorkeling. A decent spa is also available for guests' use and includes a Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room as well as massage treatments. Fairly low-key entertainment is put on several nights a week and an international animation team provides activities during the day. 

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 with a reservation. Snacks including ice cream are served in the afternoon until sunset daily, while unlimited local alcoholic and soft drinks are served until midnight. The in-room minibar is also stocked once per stay, while mineral water is provided daily.