Looking for a last minute winter break the Novotel met all our requirements. The hotel was spotless and was constantly being cleaned. The pool area, bar, restaurant & gym were all to a very high standard as were the spacious well appointed rooms.

The hotel was in a great location for everything.

We booked a couple of trips; the camel safari & the long day trip to Petra both of which were very good value & well organised tours.

The one thing to note is just how cold at night it can get in January. During the day we were in shorts & t.shirts (take a cardi as it can urn chilly in the shade) but in the evening I was wearing jeans, boots & socks as well as a jacket & pashmina so go prepared! Also we were warned that Petra was slightly colder - they weren't kidding! Ideally a warm padded jacket, scarf & gloves would have been the best things to wear as it was REALLY cold & for many being under dressed spoilt a good day out.

Other than not packing the right clothes would I go back - Too right! One week was not enough & I can't wait to return which is unheard of as I usually prefer to visit somewhere new each time I travel. Sharm is lovely despite the persistant street sellers (just smile & say no thanks you) & the Novotel fab.

Have just returned from the Novotel Sharm el Sheikh 14/01/2008,
This hotel deserves it's 4-5 Star rating,
Rooms are spacious with the largest double bed i've ever seen,flat screen t.v. large balcony,+air conditioning,
There is a out-side heated swiming pool, plenty of sun-beds , and your own private beach which is attached to the gardens again with your own sun-beds and brolly's,+ you are given a fresh towel every day, the food is excellent with plenty of choices, and we never had a upset stomach whislt there,
The hotel is approx a 15 minute walk from nama bay centre which is accessed via a nice walk along the front prom, again this is a nice walk as all the hotels have bars over-looking this walk-way, be aware of the egyptions who try to hassle you in nama bay centre some-times it can be very annoying, just try and ignore them,
A couple of tips you do not have to buy a visa at the airport if you are planning to stay in sharm el sheikh (we did not ) you only need a visa if you are planning to go out of the resort,(visa cost approx £10 )
Also do not get in a taxi till you have agreed a price , a taxi to the old town should cost no more than 35-40 egyption pounds, there is 10 egyption pounds to our 1 pound, so the old town should only cost approx £3.50-£4.00, hope this helps.
We would say a winter break for sun-shine is a definate yes for egypt, but do take a small coat/jumper for the evening as it does get chilly,
Hope all this is of benefit and happy hols,
Pete/Mary, from Brum.

Our Christmas trip to Egypt couldn't have been more perfect. I went with my two brothers (adults) and stayed in the Novotel in Naama Bay. The hotel is brilliantly located, right on the beach, and about 10 mins walk from the centre. You pass a lot of other hotels on the way. In my opinion of the hotels in the area the Novotel is the definitely the best.

It's also exceptionally clean, and the staff are so friendly. There are poolside activities every day such as aqua aerobics and belly dance lessons and the animators put on a little show every night at the bar. The bar is great and the waiters such as Whalid, etc. are great fun.

On Christmas eve 24th December we were invited to a special dinner in a marquis in the grounds. There was a live crib complete with camel, and we were served mulled wine before hand. In my life I never experienced such a spectacular buffet. There was even a fresh spaghetti options.

The resort had lots to offer us in the way of activities. We did a trip where we went in a jeep out into the "desert" to see a makeshift bedouin village then camel riding and then snorkelling at the Blue Hole. On the way back we stopped to shop in Dahab which has a great shopping street and is much cheaper than Naama Bay. The boys also played golf and went go karting. The quad biking looked great.

In the town you can have local food as well as Hard Rock and TGI Fridays, and a good Mexican restaurant. Some of the local restaurants can be dodgy so get a recommendation from your hotel. The local restaurant above the Hard Rock is very good.

The weather was great at Christmas time. The days were warm - about 25 degrees but the sun set about 4.30pm and then it got cool. You could do with a warm coat for night time.

All in all a fabulous place that I would recommend to anyone.

I have just returned from Christmas and New Year at the Novotel. The rooms/bathrooms are basis but generally clean. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Drinks very expensive and Bar Staff very slow to return change always seemed to be chasing them! Location good, beach/sunbeds clean and in good condition and snorkelling straight off the beach lots of sea life. Breakfast excellent but Dinner not such a good choice. The hotels in Namma Bay seem to be the oldest hotels in the area all the 5star hotels are just outside Namma Bay so if you are looking for luxury the Novotel is not for you.