The hype
Great value for the price if you just want sun and snorkeling, but the food is repetitive and the rooms are tired.
Parrotel Beach Resort
$60-120/ night
Book this if You want a budget-friendly Red Sea snorkeling trip and don't mind trading luxury for a prime house reef.
Why People Love It
- Direct access to a stunning coral reef via a private jetty
- Spacious grounds with mature palm gardens and lazy rivers
- Significantly cheaper than neighboring Rixos or Steigenberger properties
Quick Take: A faded former Radisson Blu that runs on a 'budget 5-star' engine—expect 3-star reality with 5-star snorkeling.
Reviewed by @Luvmira: I spent a week here with the family and it was exactly the break we needed. The pools are huge, the nightly shows are actually entertaining, and I found the perfect hammock for napping while the kids played. Great value for a sunny escape.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'All Inclusive' is very basic—expect powdered juices, small plastic cups for beer, and extra charges for fresh juice, popcorn, and foam parties.
- You are a diver or snorkeler prioritizing reef access over room luxury
- You are traveling on a tight budget but still want a massive resort feel
- You prefer a laid-back, older crowd over a party-hard atmosphere
Cleanliness & Maintenance
6
- Housekeeping: Hit or miss. Staff are friendly but overwhelmed. Floors are often mopped but corners and under-beds are dusty.
- Bathroom hygiene: Major weak point. Complaints of rusty faucets, stained grout, and weak water pressure in older rooms.
- Maintenance: Aging infrastructure. Peeling paint and flickering lights are common in the Standard blocks.
- Linens & towels: Towels are often described as 'grey' or 'tired' rather than fluffy white. Check sheets for stains upon arrival.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells fine, but older rooms can have a musty, closed-up smell or cigarette linger.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Loud AC units in non-renovated rooms
- Animation team music near the main pool during the day
- Hallway chatter due to gaps in old door frames
Before you book
Good to know
- The jetty is long (approx. 250m) and the only way to reach deep water
- Sea shoes are 100% mandatory due to the sharp coral shelf at the shoreline
- Uber works in Sharm and is much cheaper than the hotel 'limousine' service
What to pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen (expensive at the hotel shop)
- Snorkel gear (rentals are worn and overpriced)
- Insulated travel mug (to keep your small drinks cold and reduce plastic waste)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Marine Club Rooms (closest to the sea and often in better condition)
- Premium Rooms (specifically ask for the 'renovated block' to avoid 2001-era furniture)
- Block 1200 (often cited as having better renovated options)
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Garden View rooms on the ground floor (prone to bugs and wear)
- Rooms near the main lobby/theater if you sleep before 11pm
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a room in the 'Marine Club' wing or a fully renovated 'Premium' unit. Please avoid the unrenovated Standard blocks with old furniture. High floor preferred for better breeze.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated in winter?
Only two pools are heated: the one near the spa and the one closer to the beach. The massive main pool is freezing in winter.
Is the wifi free?
Technically yes, but it barely works in the rooms. It is strongest in the lobby and Marine Club area.
Can I walk into the sea from the beach?
Not really. It is a shallow coral shelf (knee-deep) for hundreds of meters. You must use the jetty to swim.
Is alcohol included?
Yes, but only local Egyptian spirits and beer. Imported alcohol, fresh juices, and Turkish coffee often cost extra.
Is there an Aqua Park?
No. The Aqua Park is at the sister hotel, Parrotel Aqua Park. Some bookings include access, but you have to take a shuttle there.
How far is Naama Bay?
It is about a 25-30 minute drive. The hotel is in Nabq Bay, which is quieter and windier.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'fresh juice' at breakfast is often powdered; ask for the fruit station to squeeze oranges for a fee if you want the real thing.
- ✨
You can walk to the nearby 'La Strada' mall area (10-15 mins) for supermarkets and pharmacies with local prices.
- ✨
Tipping the housekeeping staff at the *start* of your stay often results in extra water bottles and better towel art.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'foam party' on the beach usually has an entry fee (around $10-15).
💡The hotel time is sometimes different from 'resort time' vs 'Cairo time' during daylight savings shifts—double check for excursions.
💡Mosquitoes in the gardens can be vicious at dusk; the 'lazy river' areas are breeding grounds.
💡The gym is tiny, dated, and often has broken AC—do not book for a fitness retreat.
💡You might see 'Radisson' branding on old signs, but it has not been a Radisson for years and standards have changed.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Parrotel Beach Resort is located and what's nearby.