Pickalbatros Citadel Sahl Hasheesh

Pickalbatros Citadel Resort Sahl Hasheesh is a 5-star all-inclusive resort designed like a medieval castle, with turrets, towers, stone walls and promenades, on the first line of the beach in Sahl Hasheesh, south of Hurghada. It spreads across 145,000 m², and every one of its 555 rooms has a sea view.

Its 1.6 km private sandy beach has a natural coral reef right at the shore and two sea lagoons, and the resort adds an infinity pool, swim-up rooms, a free kids club and an adults-only spa. That mix suits families and couples alike; formerly known as Citadel Azur Resort, it is one of the most recognisable hotels on the Sahl Hasheesh coast.

Highlights: Guests love the 'medieval fortress' vibe and the incredible 1.6km private beach.

Rooms and suites

All rooms face the sea: Standard and Deluxe Rooms, adults-only Marina Rooms, two-bedroom Family Rooms divided by a sliding door, swim-up rooms that open onto a shared pool, Junior Suites with a seating area and Royal Jacuzzi Suites with their own jacuzzi and living area. Rooms are spread over seven three-storey buildings with lifts and have air conditioning, a minibar, tea and coffee, a safe and free Wi-Fi. All are non-smoking, and a wheelchair-accessible room is available on request.

Restaurants and bars

All-inclusive covers six restaurants, including The Citadel with oriental themes, Alfredo (Italian), East & West and Culina, plus pasta, pizza, bakery and ice-cream stations; the Starfish seafood restaurant costs extra and the Rocks Lounge is à la carte. Bars include the Lobby Bar, Bavarian Bar, Columbus Café, the beach bars and the Palm and Infinity pool bars. The hotel asks guests to reserve for buffet and à la carte dining.

Beach, reef and pools

The 1.6 km private beach has free umbrellas, loungers and towels, a coral reef at the shore for snorkelling, two man-made sea lagoons and a gently sloping sandy lagoon. Pools include an infinity pool overlooking the Red Sea, three adult pools, a children's pool and six open-air jacuzzis that can be booked. A paid diving and water-sports centre runs diving, surfing and canoeing.

Kids club, spa and sports

The free Alba Kids Club takes children aged 4 to 12, with playgrounds and a children's pool, and a new kids club is planned for 2026. The adults-only spa offers paid massages, facials and traditional therapies, with a sauna, steam bath and jacuzzi. The gym, beach volleyball, table tennis and billiards are free, there are two tennis courts, and evenings bring shows and live music at the amphitheatre. A free little train runs around the resort.

Fly into Hurghada International Airport (HRG); the road transfer is roughly 20 to 30 minutes. We can arrange a private transfer.

Best time to visit: Sunny all year. March–May and September–November are the most balanced. Summer is hot with a warm sea; winter is mild with cooler evenings.

Read our full Sahl Hasheesh guide.