My husband and I have just returned from the Grand Azur hotel in Hurghada, what a dreadful place. There was a distinct lack of British to be found anywhere, not that this is normally anything to worry about. The hotel was run with the Russians in mind and no thoughts were given to any other Nationality. On booking in we were told that the credit card machine was not working but that we could get travellers cheques changed at the money exchange. Bearing in mind we had exactly the right amount of money in travellers cheques, when it got changed to pay the hotel we were told the money was short, we told the staff that it was their problem that their facility to take credit cards was out of action and not our problem. Getting a hairdryer was a joke, when you did get hold of one you were only allowed to keep it for 3 hours. It actually took me 2 days to get my hands on one!. Sunbeds were saved by a swarm of people reserving them very early on, and they were all gone by 8am. (one imagines during the night a crowd of people crept out to reserve them, as we only had one on one occasion). The sunbeds were also very worn and lots appeared to have metal hinges poking through the material. The pool towels were a joke as they appeared to be half sized. At lunchtime you could order a pizza which would be freshly made, Don't do it, if they are in a rush you get fed raw pizza - not very pleasant. During our stay there I never saw a Russian wash their hands after going to the toilet. Their hygiene left a lot to be desired. All food was self service / buffet style, and it was not out of the ordinary to see people going round the buffet feeling/prodding the food and then leaving it on the buffet for some other unsuspecting souls to pick up. One morning I had some toast in the toaster and came back to the roaster after fetching a plate, approx half a minute later to find some one poking the piece of toast I had put in the machine earlier. We were given a carvery night one evening and it was should of lamb which promptly got chopped into chunks and put on plates. We saw tomato sauce bottles being LICKED! and put back for other people to use - yuk! Although the drinks and food was all inclusive the quality of the food was poor. I was served a red wine one afternoon with a 1" head of froth on it!! There appeared to be plenty of staff around, but bad practices abounded and no one appeared prepared to stop any of them. The hotel was very average, after eating in the evening, it was difficult to find anywhere to sit as seating was in short supply. The staff were less than charming to guests - presumably as it was all inclusive they did not expect any tips, despite tip boxes being all over the place. We had some laundry done and when it was brought back to the room the guy insisted on taking it out of the wrapping to show me how nicely it had been done, he then promptly asked for money and when I said I didn't have any change he left groaning as he went! We were booked in there for 2 weeks but we checked out after the first week and went to the Sofitel which was an improvement on this dump.

My husband and I stayed at the Grand Azur Horizon for one week. When our shuttle drove up to the gates, we were really impressed. It wasn't until we got into our room that we realized all the money is spent on the exterior of the hotel. The room was huge, but the construction was like putting a band-aid over a gaping wound. Nothing seemed sound. Almost daily the "maintenance crew" would knock on our door and say they had to check on the toilet, lights, etc. On one particular day we actually did need maintenance. I called three times to the front desk requesting assistance. I was told the first two times that "someone is on the way immediately". After about one hour I called for the third time. The man insisted on speaking in German even though I was clearly speaking English. When I became obviously angry he asked "Oh, do you speak English?" in a very arrogant tone. The food was unimpressive, and the tip jars were out everywhere. The man who gave me a towel at the pool expected a tip! If you come to Hurghada, whatever you do, do not stay at the Grand Azur Horizon.

Resort has recently gone mandatory all inclusive Breakfast was ok but lunch and dinner were almost ineadable.
Distinct lack of info in english resort largly populated by Russians and East Europeans.