Cleopatra Makadi Bay, opened in 2009, isn’t as upscale as it touts itself to be. From the outside, there’s a private sense to the place thanks to a gated stone tower entrance and a road lined with palm trees that leads to the main building. The complex is a mix of cream desert-style buildings with well-kept grounds filled with green lawns, palm trees, and pathways that meander through the eight pools and lead to the beach. The lobby, with a large hall filled with glossy floors, seating area with cozy black couches, and a red chandelier, is the most sophisticated area in the hotel. Further in, the restaurants are simple in style with wooden chairs with gray or tan padding. There’s little in the way of decoration here beyond large windows that bring in natural light. With plenty of kid-friendly amenities, families are the main clientele here, though it draws couples too. 

Cleopatra Makadi Bay’s remote location provides a relaxing setting. There’s very little in the surrounding area besides other resorts. The Makadi Bay Water World is a nine-minute drive away. There are a couple of golf course options that are a 12-minute or 30-minute drive away. Hurghada, a 41-minute drive from the hotel, offers more for guests to see and do. It takes 30 minutes by car to reach the Hurghada International Airport. 

The simple rooms here are decorated in shades of cream and have white beds with blue accents, tiled floors, and framed chain-like art pieces. The overall effect is pleasant and airy, though far from upscale or memorable. About 90-percent of the rooms were renovated in 2016. They all include lovely balconies with garden, pool, or sea views. Amenities such as flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, safes, kettles, and lightly stocked mini-fridges are provided in all rooms. Wi-Fi costs a fee. The bathrooms are clean and modern but range in styles, as some have green marble tiles and others just tan tiles. Guests will find showers,  Cleopatra-brand toiletries, hairdryers, and bidets in most rooms. Suites include separate bath tubs. Note that some rooms have twin beds pushed together to make a double bed. 

There are many enticing features here, though the private beach is the main draw. A stretch of sand is set with loungers and umbrellas, water sports or boats off the pier to rent, and beach sports like volleyball. Closer to the hotel, there are eight swimming pools, one of which is heated, and two that are kids’ pools. Four of these pools were updated in 2016. They’re serviced by an outdoor pool bar with snacks and drinks. A relaxing feature is the spa which has a Turkish hammam, sauna, hot tub, and available massages. The gym is open for limited hours and has modern Precor cardio and weight equipment. To stay active and entertained outside, there are tennis courts, archery, and basketball. Other entertainment features include daily shows, a night disco, supervised kids’ club, playground, and a game room. 

All-inclusive or half-board options are available. All guests have a free breakfast buffet of hot and cold items daily. For lunch and dinner, there are six dining options on-site which include buffets, Italian, local, and international cuisine, an outdoor patio restaurant, and a 24-hour lobby bar. Guests report that the food quality is a bit low and uninspired. Room service is available for a fee. 

Business travelers can take advantage of perks like six meeting rooms, a business center, and free Wi-Fi in the lobby and pool bar. There’s a small store on-site.