The Steigenberger Aqua Magic is a large, sprawling, family-friendly resort with a busy vibe -- it attracts mostly families and couples and, while there are some quieter adult-only spots, it’s not for those seeking peace and quiet. The resort was renovated from the Steigenberger Al Dau Club in 2014, and is part of the larger Steigenberger Al Dau Resort, which also includes a hotel of the same name. The palm-tree-lined grounds are well-kept, there’s an impressive frontage with cream pillars and marble floor tiling. The airy lobby -- at once imposing and homey -- sports some lovely ornate dark-wood stencil-like accent decor. But, alongside the attractive, fairly wide beach, the countless pools are the main attraction here, seemingly never ending and complete with palm tree islands and enough flumes and slides to make the resort feel like a full-on theme park.

The resort, set in a peaceful seafront location, has enough going on that many guests won’t feel the need to leave -- but those who want to check out downtown will find it’s a bit of a trek. On the plus side, Hurghada’s airport is close by.

• Six minutes to Hurghada Grand Aquarium by car
• 11 minutes to Hurghada International Airport and Hurghada bus station by car
• 12 minutes to Senzo Mall by car
• 18 minutes to Hurghada Marina by car
• 21 minutes to Dolphin World by car
• 32 minutes to Makadi Bay by car
• 37 minutes to El Gouna by car
• 47 minutes to Safaga Port (for Giftun Island) by car

The 725 air-conditioned rooms are bright and cheerful with cream-gray walls, neutral floor paneling, and large beds with handsome brown fabric headboards, but rather generic overhead turquoise art panels and slightly dated wall-mounted lamps. There are dark-wood freestanding bedside tables, attractive green-gray patterned armchairs, and large closets. All but Standard and Superior Rooms also have decent-sized desks. Amenities include 32- to 40-inch flat-screen TVs, phones, wired internet (costs extra), safes, coffee- and tea-making facilities. Free minibars are replenished daily, but lack liquor.

Family Suites, Family Junior Suites, and Aqua Suites add simple, functional living rooms (bigger in pricier rooms) with twin daybed-style sofa beds, though they are otherwise sparsely furnished. In all but some entry-level Standard Rooms, attractive balconies have simple outdoor furniture and lovely pool views.

Large, handsome bathrooms sport neutral wall and floor tiling, built-in stone vanities with contemporary countertop sinks, magnifying mirrors, and generously sized walk-in showers with power showerheads and attractive brown mosaic tile detailing. Robes, hairdryers, and toiletries are provided; slippers are available in the priciest rooms.  

The Steigenberger’s highlight is its array of pools -- nine in total, including a rooftop adult-only pools, kids’ pools, a lazy river, and separate water parks for adults and children, complete with flumes, slides, and a ship-themed water playground. There are plenty of sunbeds, umbrellas, and windbreakers by the pools and on the beach.

The resort is all-inclusive and nine restaurants and bars offer a mix of local and international buffets -- note some restaurants have dress codes, some require evening reservations, and some can get crowded. The buffet breakfast, available at a number of venues, gets better reviews than lunch or dinner. A late continental breakfast is available, and one of the bars operates 24-hours and serves snacks in the wee hours. Poolside bars and others serve drinks, snacks, and ice cream, and room service is available for an extra cost. The Magic Sky restaurant has a shisha bar, and Elements nightclub -- shared with the sister hotel -- offers free or discounted meals and stays open late.

The spa offers a range of treatments, plus a sauna and steam room, and there’s a 24-hour gym equipped with Cybex machines. There’s an on-site golf course, diving and water sports center, and plentiful sports facilities, plus separate, extensively equipped supervised kids’ and teens’ clubs, and nightly live entertainment. The Magic Souk also has shops and performances.

There’s free outdoor parking, a free shuttle to downtown, and free airport transfers for direct bookings. Business travelers can make use of two business centers and conference facilities that fit 1,400 attendees. Wi-Fi is free in the lobby, but in-room wired internet (no Wi-Fi) and Wi-Fi elsewhere cost extra.