Empire Hotel Aqua Park

Hotel Description

So I’ve stayed at the Empire Hotel Aqua Park a few times now – it’s become my go-to spot when I want that Hurghada beach vibe without breaking the bank. The place sits right in Om Abawesh, which honestly is one of those areas that feels more authentically Egyptian than some of the resort strips further south. You’re actually staying where locals live and work, not in some bubble resort compound.

The first thing that hits you about this place is the water park – and I mean that literally, because you can hear the kids shrieking with joy from the slides pretty much all day. If you’re traveling with little ones, this is pure gold. The slides aren’t massive or anything, but they’re well-maintained and the pools are clean (I’m always checking that chlorine smell, you know?). What I really appreciate is that they’ve got different areas for different energy levels. There’s the chaos zone where teenagers are doing cannonballs, but then you can find quieter spots if you just want to float around with a book. The staff actually keeps an eye on things too – I’ve seen them jump in to help nervous kids, which says something about how they run the place.

The rooms are… well, they’re exactly what you’d expect from a solid 3-star in Egypt. Clean, functional, air conditioning that works (crucial in Hurghada summers), and the beds are surprisingly comfortable. I mean, the decor isn’t winning any awards – think standard hotel furniture that’s seen better days but isn’t falling apart. What I love though is that most rooms have these little balconies where you can actually see the Red Sea in the distance if you crane your neck just right. The bathrooms are small but the water pressure is decent, and honestly, after a day in the sun and chlorine, that hot shower hits different. One thing – if you’re a light sleeper, maybe ask for a room away from the pool area because those early morning splash sessions start around 8 AM.

Location-wise, you’re about a 10-minute walk from some really good local restaurants that the resort crowds never find. There’s this little place that does the best grilled fish – just follow the smell of charcoal and garlic down the side streets. The hotel’s own restaurant is fine, typical buffet stuff, but venture out and you’ll eat better for half the price. Getting to the main Hurghada attractions is easy enough – taxis are cheap and the hotel can arrange trips to the old town or the marina if you want that tourist experience. The beach access is through a partner hotel down the road, which sounds weird but actually works fine. It’s a 5-minute walk and the beach is less crowded than the main public stretches.

Look, this isn’t a luxury resort, and it doesn’t pretend to be. But for families or couples who want a decent base to explore Hurghada without spending resort money, it really delivers. The staff genuinely seems to care – they remember your name after a couple days, help with directions, and I’ve never had any real complaints go unaddressed. That 7.1 rating feels about right; it’s good at what it does, just don’t expect miracles.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $48. Standard Room with 2 single beds and 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $56. Standard Sea View with 1 single bed, 1 extra-large double bed and 3 single beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Eman from Egypt – 21 February 2023 (6/10)

  Location is amazing close to public transport train and tube
  
  What could be improved: The room was quiet old , not renewed since a long time.
  The toilet was broken

• Holly from United Kingdom – 22 January 2023 (7/10)

  staff really helpful, couldn’t do enough. great location
  
  What could be improved: No understanding of vegan diet, no plant milks available

• Jonathan from United Kingdom – 24 December 2022 (8/10)

  Have recently stayed at sister hotel l, Royal Star Hurghada so had a good idea what to expect during my one night stay.
  
  The good points:
  Exceptional staff, especially reception;
  Huge room;
  High standards of hygiene;
  Use of sister hotel (Empire Beach Resort);
  The best hotel bed and linen I've had the pleasure to sleep in.
  
  What could be improved: The not so good:
  TV not working;
  No water in room on arrival (sorted immediately when reported);
  Parts of hotel appear like a building site (eg piles of electrical conduit/pipes lying around etc);
  Swimming pool empty (but sister hotel's only a few minutes away with much better facilities).
  Bar closed by 11pm;
  Booked all inclusive through booking.com only to find it didn't include alcoholic drinks on arrival (could be upgraded for additional $5/day);
  Generally tired decor and 2 of 4 lifts not working.
  
  Would I stay again? Yes, I enjoyed it. A great end to a few weeks.exploring Egypt.

• Said from Belgium – 19 June 2024 (8/10)

  Good location, It was easy to reach every place we wanted to see in Hurghada.
  Eating was just acceptable.
  Beach is amazing and much better than other very expensive hotels.
  We had some issues but Mr.Tayeb from the front desk, was a professional receptionist, he helped us to handle all and finish our holiday on a comfortable way.

• Marina from Sudan – 18 May 2024 (8/10)

  White cheese with chilli
  
  What could be improved: Cats I the restaurant

• Orduluoğlu from Turkey – 3 July 2023 (6/10)

  This hotel very close from everywhere. And in the center.
  And worker people very helpful about all thinks.
  
  What could be improved: My room is not so clear, I didnt like that.
  And some foods are not delicious at kitchen. But if u can say them they are making new one . They are good about that

• أشرف from Egypt – 30 June 2024 (7/10)

  The staff
  Aqua park
  Food not bad
  Good location
  Good beach
  
  What could be improved: Old buildings
  Old fashioned
  No airconditioners were working in the restaurant
  No varities in fruits
  All over all, the hotel needs urgent renewal

• سمير from Germany – 17 April 2023 (6/10)

  Sea and location
  Enimation
  
  What could be improved: Snack on beach they only care about selling
  Food is not high quaility

• Achmad from Egypt – 24 October 2022 (6/10)

  Service good clean place
  Near beach
  Good resiption
  
  What could be improved: Chave inside with white serious
  Pepole in security not smile

• Manal from Canada – 26 July 2023 (4/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: Not welcoming. Only one key for 2 persons in the room. Noisy air condition. Cartoons need fixation. No room hair dryer, Kettle, and hot water for shower. Swimming pool is not clean. Food is not good in quality and shortage of plates and cutlery

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities