Sonesta Pharaoh Beach Resort

The first impressions of this property are striking with it's pyramid style reception building and lush interior and this is reflected throughout the grounds, maybe with the exception of the lake-like feature half way down to the beach which could be livened-up a little with some shrubs. That said, the beach and pool area are well equipped with sun-loungers, parasols, wind-breaks and dining options. Being so large, there are quiet areas and activity sections making this a good choice for families and couples.

Exterior

From the gatehouse off the main highway, a drive runs to the set-down area in front of the pyramid shaped main building. Tiered lines of reflective windows are on the main structure with 3-storey wings of rooms either side with external corridors.

Property type: Hotel

Storeys: 3

Built Year: 2004

Interior

Inside, the pyramid structure is apparent reaching up to the roof with predominantly white decor and an abundance of greenery. A curved stairway juts out between the 2nd and 3rd-tier with the walls draped in hanging plants. There are clusters of soft seating throughout the area and a lobby bar with a Hollywood film-clipping features. The main Karnak buffet restaurant has white and green decor with fixed circular seats to the wall and sturdy carvery-style cushioned chairs elsewhere. The property also has Oriental and Italian a-la-carte restaurants.

Rooms: 360

Grounds

In the grounds, there are 2 further 3-storey blocks of rooms and a hundred 1 and 2-bedroom bungalows which are located beyond the pool area, past the artificial lake and down to the edge of the beach. The broad, sandy beach is well furnished with sun-loungers, cloth parasols and wicker wind-breaks with a jetty enabling swimmers to access deeper waters to protect the coral close to the waters-edge. The terraces leading down from the main building to the pool deck are sparsely furnished but there are sufficient numbers of sun-loungers and parasols adjacent to the pool itself. There is an abundance of greenery evident across the property with neat lawns, flower beds, shrubberies and palms. There is a large wellness facility offering spa, sauna and gymnasium as well as a large indoor pool.

Location

Area Type: The Sonesta Pharaoh is situated off the Sahl Hasheeh Highway in New Hurghada 25 km from the centre of the Old Town. The land opposite and either side of this resort property is undeveloped with the nearest neighbouring establishments being, to the north, the Reemyveera and, to the south, Hilton Long Beach. The nearest shopping mall is 1 km away opposite the Paradise Golden 5 Resort and, a little further along, the Sunrise Mall. 1 km in the other direction, there are some shops at the entrance to the Hilton Hurghada Long Beach Resort. There is, for a small charge, a shuttle bus service in to the Old Town. Transfer time to Hurghada Airport 20 minutes.

Nearest beach: Beachfront (New Hurghada)

Map Ref: 21