Mercure Hurghada

A distinctive entrance to this property gives it an individuality from other large complexes along this stretch of coastline. Both the furnishings and decor are to a high standard and the rooms are set back from the main activity areas. Sporting activities ranging from mini-golf to diving are available. It's style will appeal to couples in particular, although there are good facilities for children too. Although most of the facilities are on one level, the rooms can be some distance from the central area.

Exterior

A long white wall marks the boundary of the property along the highway and, beyond the gateway, a 2-lane drive with palm trees along the centre and neatly trimmed hedges and mown lawns to the side leads to a circular set-down area. The main entrance resembles an isolated Moorish village with an attractive 3-storey church-like tower dominating a hexagonal courtyard surrounded by white arched walls, tiled roofs and plants in clay pots.

Property type: Hotel

Built Year: 2006

Interior

Inside, a long reception foyer features marble-effect flooring and white walls with dark wood beams ensuring the Moorish-style is continued. A large, traditional chandelier blends with the authentic soft furnishings of a raised seating area with large vases and paintings adding to the ambience. An arched glass doorway opens on to a further courtyard with a central pagoda which leads on to other facilities including the buffet restaurant with large arch windows, tiled flooring and well spaced wooden furnishings. The main bar has a wooden floor, terracotta-colour walls and comfortable soft black sofas and chairs with a grand piano in the sunken central seating area.

Rooms: 312

Grounds

Outside, in front of the restaurant, is a tiled pool area with a snack bar and ample sun-loungers and parasols. The amphitheatre and fish restaurant are towards the rear of the deck and the 312 rooms are located in 12 clusters of 2 and 3-storey blocks surrounded by neat lawns, flowerbeds and trailing greenery. A sandy path leads down to a broad beach where there are regimental lines of parasols, wooden sun-loungers and wicker wind-breaks. The property has its own reef protected by a breakwater upon which a shaded massage facility is located. At the side of the property, adjacent to the main buildings, a path leads to other facilities including an archery range, mini-golf and a large barren area filling the space up to the highway used for horse riding.

Location

Area Type: The Sofitel Hurghada stands off the Sahl Hasheeh Highway 18 km from the centre of the Old Town and at the start of the long stretch of resort properties in the area known as New Hurghada. Surrounded on three sides by barren undeveloped desert, it's nearest neighbours are, to the north, Magawish Swiss Resort and, to the south, Beach Albatross. For shopping, a privately operated bus runs in to town for a small charge or there is a modern shopping mall at the Makadi Bay fork about 4 km south. Transfer time to Hurghada Airport 10 minutes.

Nearest beach: Beachfront (New Hurghada)