Hotel Review: Grand Palace, Hurghada, Egypt

With its year-round sunshine and stunning scenery, above and below the water, the former fishing town of Hurghada has 20 kilometres of golden sand and luxurious beachside hotels. The Grand Palace is a brand new 5* adult-only hotel with three pools to choose from, and a beautiful stretch of sandy beach. Even better some of the rooms have their own swim-up pool, perfect for an early morning dip.

Dining options range from the relaxed buffet at the main restaurant to a-la-carte Mediterranean, Asian, seafood and steak restaurants. There’s plenty to do, with fitness centre and spa, plus access to facilities at the neighbouring hotels, including water sports and diving. The surrounding beach strip is crammed with shops, bars and restaurants.

Who for

Adults only, guests must be 18 or over.

Accommodation

All 319 rooms and suites have a king-size bed, balcony or terrace, air-conditioning, walk-in shower, WC, bidet, hairdryer, safe, telephone, satellite TV and mini-bar. I stayed in a junior suite which includes a large bedroom, lounge and terrace with private pool access. Colours are pleasantly understated and the beds are extremely comfortable. Robes, slippers and beach towels, with a basket, are standard.

Facilities

There are three outdoor pools plus a private beach with sun loungers and parasols. There’s also a fitness centre with a fully equipped gym and wellness spa for massage and beauty treatments. Billiards, table tennis, and tennis are available for an extra charge. Nearby is a PADI-approved dive facility and water sports centre.

Food and drink

The main restaurant offers a comprehensive buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner with an outside terrace. The other restaurants are a la carte and include Asian, Mediterranean, seafood and steak options.  You can even taste a slice of camel. There’s also a 24-hour snack bar for light meals and snacks.

Drinks are complimentary throughout, although premium wines and spirits attract an extra charge and there’s good waiter service. Four bars include a Beach Bar, Pool Bar and Lobby Bar and there’s also a pleasant Cocktail Bar open in the evening with live music or DJ.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes free of charge in the lobby area. In the rooms, you’ll need to hire a dongle.

How much

The Grand Palace is offering seven nights, all-inclusive including direct flights from Gatwick, 20kg luggage, resort transfers, accommodation, and late check-out cost from £921 per person from Red Sea Holidays.  

What’s nearby?

The hotel is situated on its own private beach in the heart of Hurghada’s main tourist area, 3km from the airport, and 15 minutes by taxi from the city centre. Quad bike excursions are available for desert tours to a Bedouin village and include camel rides. Further afield, the Valley of the Kings in Luxor is around four hours’ drive away.