One of the older hotels in the area, the Fort Arabesque has a mix of regal details and somewhat dated-looking interiors between its east and west wing buildings. Egyptian tapestries, arched windows, and carved chairs, along with a massive brass chandelier, give the reception area a stately quality. Simple gray sofas are placed in front of a carved wooden bookcase, and large windows stream in bright light. The lush, well-kept grounds come with stunning Makadi Bay views, though the tranquil vibe is often interrupted by the loud music at the pool. An entire wing of the hotel seems catered to older European couples traveling with tour groups, though families with kids book here too.

The hotel’s beachfront location, with the Makadi Bay on one side and Hurghada’s mountains on the other, is stunning. While numerous other hotels are nearby, there’s little else in the immediate surroundings. The restaurants, clubs, and shops of downtown Hurghada are a 40-minute drive away (the hotel provides shuttles there and back). Tourist attractions and activities close to the hotel are mostly water-related, like the scuba diving and snorkeling at the iDive Diving Center -- a 15-minute walk away. Hurghada International Airport is a 35-minute drive away. 

Standard and Family Rooms are spacious and clean, but need a makeover. Patterned bedspreads and drapes, blocky wooden furniture, basic floor lamps, and clunky tube-style TVs don't meet the property's upscale label. While Standard Rooms come with balconies or terraces featuring lovely sea views, ground-floor Family Room terraces have garden views. Bathrooms are functional, with small sinks and walk-in showers with handheld showerheads. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided.

Bigger Superior Rooms and bi-level Suites (also with sea views) are more modern, with sleeker black furniture, flat-screen TVs, and larger walk-in showers. Suites include discounted rates for some restaurants and spa massages. 

All rooms have air-conditioning, safes, and minibars (unfortunately, all-inclusive bookings don’t include the alcoholic beverages), but only Superior Rooms and higher have tea- and coffee-making equipment, plus free fruit baskets. These rooms also have Wi-Fi access, but charges apply. The luxurious Villas have free Wi-Fi, along with direct access to a shared pool. 

Most guests are drawn to the hotel for its features. Food usually gets decent reviews at the hotel's four restaurants and five bars. The Main Restaurants in the east and west wings offer large buffets for all three meals. While breakfast is a sizable spread of eggs, pancakes, breads, cheeses, and salads, there’s little daily variation in the offerings. Breakfast boxes can be reserved in advance. The Pavilion features tasty, a la carte Mediterranean, Italian, and Australian cuisine. The Beach restaurant and bar, right on the sand, offers all-day snacks and beverages. The Windbreaker, Arina, Sunset, and swim-up bars all feature outdoor seating with amazing views, though there are time restrictions for when beverages are covered by the all-inclusive packages. 

The private beach, almost 2000 feet long, is especially gorgeous, with a lovely reef of coral and tropical fish. Guests can reserve sunbeds, coolers, and refreshments for extra fees.

Five pools (three are heated, and all have lifeguards) provide more lounging space, though the pool by the west wing is largely reserved for adults. Guests have noted that the poolside music can be exceptionally loud. 

The usual fitness facilities are found here, including a carpeted gym that’s old and small but does the job for a light work out. Peaceful Vareena Spa offers some fantastic massages and body treatments at reasonable rates. The hotel also goes the extra mile with wellness and recreational activities, with facilities for aqua aerobics, volleyball, football, table tennis, billiards, and windsurfing. Hourly charges apply for equipment rental. For a lower-key activity, the garden area has a walking path. 

A kids’ club and outdoor park, plus an international animation team provide daily live shows and offer family-friendly entertainment. There’s also a pharmacy and doctor on call, along with souvenir and jewelry stores. There are two meeting rooms and a business center on-site. Charges apply for Wi-Fi throughout the property. Parking is free.