Sharm El Sheikh has changed. If you haven’t been to the Sinai Peninsula in a few years, the landscape of Naama Bay might feel a bit like meeting an old friend who got a very expensive haircut but still tells the same jokes. Right in the thick of this evolution sits the Royal Holiday Beach Resort. It’s one of those places that people tend to have very strong, very conflicting opinions about. You’ll see one traveler calling it a paradise and the next complaining about the tiles in the bathroom. Honestly? They’re probably both right.
The resort, often still referred to by its former life as the Sonesta Beach Resort, occupies a massive chunk of prime real estate. Location is everything here. You’re tucked into a corner of the bay that manages to feel somewhat secluded while being a short stroll from the neon-lit chaos of the main promenade. But before you book that "all-inclusive" deal that looks too good to be true on a discount site, there are things about the Royal Holiday Beach Resort you need to understand. It isn't a cookie-cutter luxury stay. It’s a massive, sprawling complex with a history.
The Reality of Staying at Royal Holiday Beach Resort
Walking into the lobby, you get that classic Moorish architectural vibe. High ceilings. Intricate woodwork. It feels like "Old Egypt" luxury. But once you start walking toward the rooms, the scale of the place hits you. It’s huge. If you end up in a room near the back of the property, you’re going to get your steps in. Seriously. Some guests find the walk to the private beach a bit of a trek, though others enjoy the garden views along the way.
The rooms themselves are a bit of a sticking point. You’ve got the traditional style—domed ceilings and stone—which is undeniably cool and helps keep the room naturally cooler in that 40°C Egyptian heat. However, wear and tear is a real factor. This isn't a brand-new, glass-and-steel skyscraper. It’s a resort that has lived through the ups and downs of the Red Sea tourism industry. You might find a sticky balcony door or furniture that has seen better days. If you go in expecting the Ritz, you’ll be disappointed. If you go in expecting a functional, culturally resonant base of operations, you’ll be fine.
The Water Factor: Pools and the Red Sea
The pool scene is actually where this place shines. There are multiple pools scattered around, meaning you can usually find a corner that isn't overrun by kids splashing or loud music. The "Royal" part of the name really leans into the leisure aspect. But let’s be real: you’re here for the Red Sea.
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The private beach area is shared with its sister property, the Royal Holiday Beach Resort's neighbors. The sand isn't that powdery Caribbean white; it’s coarser, typical for the region. But the water? It’s crystal clear. The house reef is decent for casual snorkeling. You'll see parrotfish, maybe a bluespotted ray if you're lucky, and plenty of "Nemo" clownfish darting in and out of anemones. It saves you the $50 for a boat trip if you just want to see some scales and fins.
Dining and the All-Inclusive Trap
Let's talk about the food because that’s usually where the reviews go off the rails. The main buffet at Royal Holiday Beach Resort is... a buffet. It's massive. There are stacks of pita bread, vats of hummus, and plenty of grilled meats. On a good night, the kofta is incredible. On a bad night, the pasta station feels a bit repetitive.
One thing people often miss is the à la carte options. Most people stick to the main hall because it’s easy, but if your package allows it, hitting the specialty restaurants is a massive upgrade. The Lebanese flavors usually hit the mark better than the "international" dishes.
- The Drinks: Local spirits are part of the deal. Don’t expect top-shelf Scotch. The beer is usually Sakara or Stella (the Egyptian one), which is perfectly crisp for a beach day.
- The Timing: If you show up to dinner at peak time, it’s a zoo. Go early or go late.
- Hydration: Always stick to bottled water. Even for brushing your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach. The resort provides it, but keep a stash.
Service: The "Baksheesh" Culture
Service in Egypt is fueled by tipping, or baksheesh. It’s just how it works. You’ll find that a small tip to your regular waiter or the pool attendant on day one transforms your experience. Suddenly, your favorite drink appears before you ask for it. Some people find this annoying; others see it as a way to ensure a premium experience. Honestly, a few pounds goes a long way here.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Naama Bay
There’s this idea that Naama Bay is "over." People say it's too commercial. While it's true that Soho Square is newer and flashier, Naama Bay—where the Royal Holiday Beach Resort is located—has a soul that the newer developments lack. You have the Old Market nearby, which is a sensory overload of spices, perfumes, and some of the best seafood you’ll ever eat at Fares Seafood.
Staying here means you aren't isolated. You can walk out the gate and be in a café smoking shisha and watching the world go by in ten minutes. That's the real draw. You aren't stuck in a "resort bubble" 40 minutes away from the city center like you would be in Nabq Bay.
Navigating the Logistics
Getting there is straightforward. It’s about a 15-minute drive from Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH). Most people book a transfer, but a taxi shouldn't cost you more than 200–300 Egyptian Pounds if you haggle. Note: they will always ask for more. Just smile and hold your ground.
The weather is pretty much perfect from October to April. Summer is brutal. We're talking 45°C. If you book the Royal Holiday Beach Resort in August, plan to spend your entire life submerged in water or sitting directly in front of the AC unit.
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Why the Price Varies So Much
You might see this resort listed for $60 a night on one site and $150 on another. Usually, this comes down to the room category. The "Superior" rooms are generally newer and closer to the amenities. The "Standard" rooms can feel a bit like a time capsule from 1998. It is almost always worth the $10–$20 upgrade to get a better room location.
The Verdict: Who is this for?
The Royal Holiday Beach Resort is a great pick if you are a budget-conscious traveler who wants a prime location without paying Four Seasons prices. It's for the family that wants a big pool and a beach close by. It’s for the diver who just needs a comfortable place to sleep between trips to Ras Mohammed.
It is not for the luxury traveler who gets upset by a cracked tile or a slow-to-drain sink. It's a high-volume resort. It’s busy. It’s loud during the animation team’s evening shows. But it’s also undeniably Egyptian, vibrant, and perfectly placed for exploring one of the best coastlines in the world.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
- Request a room near the pool/beach: When you check in, ask politely (and maybe slide a small tip across the counter) for a room that isn't at the far perimeter. It saves you miles of walking over a week.
- Pack your own snorkel gear: The rental stuff is fine, but having your own mask that actually fits makes the house reef much more enjoyable.
- Download a ride-sharing app: InDrive or Uber works in Sharm now. It saves you the headache of negotiating with the taxi drivers waiting outside the hotel gates who often inflate prices for tourists.
- Visit the Old Market for dinner: Even if you have all-inclusive, skip the hotel buffet for one night. Go to the Old Market, see the stunning Al Sahaba Mosque, and eat fresh grilled fish. It’s the highlight of the trip for most.
- Check the "Holiday" part of the name: Check for local public holidays before booking. The resort gets incredibly crowded during Eid or national holidays, which can strain the service and buffet lines significantly.
If you go in with your eyes open, the Royal Holiday Beach Resort offers a solid, middle-of-the-road experience in a location that’s hard to beat for the price. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure and maybe a little bit of patience for the "Egyptian time" pace of service.