Having been a loyal and regular Novotel customer and poring over numerous hotels in the Naama Bay area I decided that I would book the Novotel Beach given its location and of course the Novotel reputation.
I couldn't have been more wrong! Sure the location is great, but the service abysmal!
Upon arrival at the airport, the hotel car was no where to be seen and I eventually made my own way to the hotel by taxi. I raised this with the hotel and was essentially lied to and told that my tour operator hadn't arranged it (I did point out that I didn't have a tour operator and that I had made my own arrangements and had the emails / names to prove it!).
When I arrived at the hotel, like other reviewers experienced, I was told that despite having a confirmed booking there were no rooms available and I would have to stay in the Novotel Palm (which is across the 4 lane main road and not beach front - in fact its like a desert!!). I objected to this and pointed out that I had paid a premium to stay beach front and at the better of the two resorts. I was given blank looks and told there wasn't an option! After much pushing, a room was found - albeit the pokiest, smallest and tucked away room and 1 of only 4 that do not have a balcony. Nice service so far!
Further to that there were a number of faulty items in the room which I requested to have repaired. None of which were fixed during the the two weeks I stayed there, despite repeated requests.
During check out, I had to wait 40 mins to get my bill and the transport back to airport wasn't arranged, so again I had to push to have a private car take me out to the airport so I wouldn't miss my flight.
Generally, the staff are pleasant with the marked exception of the Front Desk Manager (I think) who was just awful.
Overall, it was a hideously disappointing stay and to be perfectly frank not worth what I paid. I had considered staying at the Marriott (right next door) which was marginally more expensive - however having checked it out, it was much nicer and the staff more professional. Alternatively, consider one of the smaller independent hotels in the area which are also beachfront and very nice.
In any event avoid this place like the plague!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
no way!
I recommend this hotel for:
An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Great pool scene, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, Tourists
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Outdoor / Adventure