Rotana vs Sultan Gardens Resort in Sharm El Sheikh - which has better snorkeling reef?

If the reef is your priority, in October 2026 a traveler comparing Sultan Gardens with the hotel referred to as 'ROBB' gave the latter the edge for the reef, its location (walking distance to the museum, Mango Market and Naama Bay) and its pools. In her view, Sultan suits children up to about 5–6 years old, while with an older child who is not afraid of water a reef hotel is a better fit.

Another July 2026 opinion: the family liked everything at Sultan Gardens, but one slide was not enough for a teenager — a water park is needed. For comparison they mentioned a 4-star hotel referred to in the discussion as 'Reef of Beach', where they stayed two years in a row: the reef was excellent, but the food was rather meagre and the pontoon in poor shape.

The same traveler added that back then the fish variety at Rotana was greater than at the Baron hotel: by her account they saw almost everything, except perhaps sharks.

In July 2026 another traveler commented on the Sultan Gardens reef: a year earlier, she said, it was 'all grey', without a single bright, colourful patch. She compared it with a hotel referred to in the discussion as 'ROBB' (where she stayed two years ago) and with the hotel where she was staying at the time of writing — where, in her view, the reef still had more colour.

In July 2026 a traveler who stayed at Rotana about 14 years ago and at Sultan Gardens this year wrote that, in her impression, Rotana had more varied fish. She noted herself that many years had passed, so this compares old and recent impressions rather than two reefs in the same season.

Entertainment: at Sultan Gardens, according to a July 2026 review, there was a little too little of it, although the beach animation team makes an effort. At Rotana, the same guest recalled, there was no animation at all 14 years ago — an impression from many years ago.

Guests praise the food and service at Sultan Gardens: in July 2026 a guest wrote there were no complaints at all about service or food. In October 2026 another traveler noted slightly better food at Sultan (salted fish, grilled salmon, cinnamon rolls, poached eggs, and strawberries in April), newer rooms and good service.