Is Aqua Magic Resort in Hurghada worth booking — what do guest reviews say about rooms, beach and food?

The resort has its own water park, described by guests as excellent. The grounds are especially beautiful in the evening. Rooms are being gradually renovated — for example, a first-floor room near the main pool has already been refurbished with new furniture and finishes, though it's not yet occupied.

Sea access is available both from the beach and from a pontoon. The animation program is low-key. The resort is located in a desert area surrounded by construction sites — there's nowhere to walk to outside the hotel, only by taxi. The room stock is old, but appliances and plumbing were reported working fine.

Grounds are very well-kept and green. Guest got a good room for free (though asked for a double bed, got a bungalow with twin beds near reception instead of the sea view). Big balcony overlooking the sea, dual shower heads, quiet A/C. From the left side of the property you can reach the beach without stairs; elsewhere there are scenic paths through greenery. Food is varied: chicken, beef, lamb, shrimp every other day, lots of fresh fruit including mango (served 4 times in 10 days), ice cream from 3-5pm and evenings. No deep pool, but the sea itself is deep. Prices have risen over the years — it used to be one of the cheapest first-line beach hotels.

A standard room was upgraded to superior for an extra $125 on day 3. Beach is sand-with-pebbles, plenty of free sunbeds. Food is filling but could use more meat and fish. Low tides occur at the beach, animation is weak. Good option for families with kids. Extending the room past checkout costs 10 euro/hour. Housekeeping is good, but staff mostly speak English, not much Russian. Overall rating: 4+ out of 5.

During an April stay, dishes on the tables were clean and the room was cleaned daily, but sunbeds and towels were sometimes in short supply. The hotel itself isn't wow, but the sea and beach entry are excellent, and it's just a 10-minute walk to town.