The hype
Great value for the location and snorkeling, but service and room quality vary wildly depending on which side of the resort you're on.
Hilton Sharks Bay Resort
$103-$150/ night
Book this if You want an affordable, sprawling beachfront resort with excellent snorkeling right off the private beach and don't mind a slightly dated property.
Why People Love It
- Incredible house reef for snorkeling right off the jetty
- Seven outdoor pools including kids' areas with water slides
- Walking distance to SOHO Square's vibrant nightlife and shopping
Quick Take: The beachside rooms are newly renovated and gorgeous, but the mountainside rooms are dated, and the sheer size of the resort means you'll be doing a lot of walking.
Reviewed by @the_world_around_my_eyes:ย I loved my stay here! The gardens are beautiful, but the real star is the beach. Walking down to the water and seeing that clear blue Red Sea every day was incredible. The pier is perfect for jumping right into the snorkeling.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The food at the main buffet gets repetitive, and the 'private beach' is quite small and gets crowded quickly.
- You are an avid snorkeler or scuba diver
- You want multiple pool options to keep the kids entertained
- You prefer being close to SOHO Square's restaurants and entertainment
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.5
- Housekeeping: Generally attentive with fun towel art, but some older rooms suffer from missed spots and inconsistent restocking of amenities.
- Bathroom hygiene: Renovated Beachside bathrooms are clean and modern, but Mountainside bathrooms have reports of broken fixtures and worn grout.
- Maintenance: The newer side is well-kept, but the older Mountainside rooms show their age with peeling paint, noisy ACs, and occasional broken furniture.
- Linens & towels: Beds feature comfortable Egyptian cotton sheets and hypoallergenic bedding, though beach towels can sometimes run out during peak hours.
- Odors & scents: Mostly fresh sea breeze, but a few isolated complaints of musty smells in the older, unrenovated ground-floor rooms.
Sleepabilityโข
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Evening animation shows and music until 11 PM
- Thin walls and noisy older AC units in the Mountainside rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel is split into two distinct sections: Beachside and Mountainside.
- A la carte restaurants are not always included in the basic all-inclusive package and require vouchers.
- Local laws may require proof of marriage for Egyptian and Arab couples sharing a room.
What to pack
- Snorkel gear (the house reef is amazing and you'll want your own mask)
- Water shoes (the beach is rocky and coral-heavy)
- Comfortable walking shoes (the resort grounds are massive)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Beachside Premium Rooms (recently renovated, closer to the sea, better gym access)
- Beachside Pool View Suites (ground floor offers direct walk-out access to the pool)
Rooms to avoid
- Mountainside Standard Rooms (dated furniture, far from the beach, older amenities)
Room Request Genie โ copy & paste
โI would love to request a recently renovated Beachside Premium room on an upper floor to avoid pool noise, preferably with a sea view.โ
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the beach sandy?
There is a small sandy area for lounging, but access to the water is mostly via a floating jetty over the coral reef to protect it.
What's the difference between the two sides of the hotel?
The Beachside is newer, renovated, and closer to the water. The Mountainside is older, has larger pools, and requires a shuttle or a long walk to reach the beach.
Is the Wi-Fi actually free?
Yes, but it's limited to 24 hours per day and the connection is notoriously spotty, especially in the rooms.
How far is it from the airport?
It's a very quick 10-15 minute drive (about 9 km) from Sharm El Sheikh International Airport.
Can I walk to SOHO Square?
Yes, it's only about a 10-15 minute walk to SOHO Square for shopping, dining, and the famous dancing fountain.
Are the pools heated?
Yes, some of the seven outdoor pools are heated during the cooler winter months.
Insider Tips
- โจ
Skip the main buffet for dinner and use your vouchers for the Cala Restaurant & Bar for great Mediterranean food and sea views.
- โจ
Grab your beach towels and claim a sun lounger early, as the small beach area fills up fast in the morning.
- โจ
If you're on the Mountainside, use the free golf cart shuttle to get to the beach instead of walking in the heat.
5 things to know before you go
๐กThe 'all-inclusive' drinks package often only includes local spirits; international brands cost extra.
๐กThe gym on the Mountainside is quite run-down with missing weights, while the Beachside gym is much better.
๐กHousekeeping often leaves elaborate, charming towel art and fresh flowers on the beds.
๐กThe kids' club has received mixed reviews, with some parents finding it lacking in organized activities.
๐กThere's a dedicated scuba diving center right on the property, making it incredibly easy to book Red Sea excursions.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Hilton Sharks Bay Resort is located and what's nearby.