We have just returned from our third (and last) stay at the Sonesta. Whilst the room was fine and service pleasant enough, our visit was significantly marred by the crowds of people who have never been there before! The hotel was full to capacity, and consequently the beach and pool areas could not really accommodate the numbers comfortably. I am not exaggerating when i say all the sunbeds were taken BEFORE 8a.m.!!! Snorkelling at the hotel's beach, once the most relaxing and enjoyable part of my holidays, became very stressful as i was frequently kicked by flippers and literally pushed aside by tunnel visioned snorkellers!!! i ended up paying to accompany my husband on dive boats just to avoid having to be at the beach! This was the first time we have been in October....up to now our trips have been in May...this might be significant.

First of all, dont expect 5 star luxury or you will be dissapointed. this is definitely 3 star at best. The room (Family room) was nice and spacious with air con, but dated, poorly lit and basic. The mini bar was empty and stayed that way. The standard rooms looked considerably smaller. The reception staff are very helpful if you have any problems.
The Food. mmm....what can i say and remain polite? it was crap. I am not one for complaining about food, but this was very average and we never enjoyed one meal in the hotel. we ate out a few times and all restaurant meals were o.k. The dining staff were not very helpful and getting basic items was an ordeal. For example, when you sat down for breakfast, there were no cups available to pick up yourself, you had to catch the attention of the waiter carrying cups, then catch the attention of the waiter carrying tea and coffee, no teaspoons were readily available and the milk had to be brought back from the dispenser at the buffet in a small juice glass (and i mean small).i did see a milk jug on tables, but never managed to figure out how to get one. a lot of hassle just to try and get a brew. Drinks orders were wrong almost every time, with a drink usually being forgot, or not wrote down, then you had problems. a big debate would occur between the waiters as to who had forgotten to write down or bring the missing drink as this resulted in the paperwork having to be altered and this seemed a dilemna for the staff.
The Beach. I can honestly say the Sonesta has the worst stretch of beach at Naama Bay. Sunbeds are crammed in and are all full by 10:30am. Just walk along the prom and you will see what i mean, all the other hotels had a nice stretch with well spaced out sunbeds. All 4 adults in our party had stomach problems although not a pleasant experience, it did not stop us doing anything. On the plus side (we did enjoy our stay believe it or not) the pools are good, cactus pool is quieter. yes the italians are noisy and entertainment is catered for them up to 11:30pm, which is noisy if your room is near the wave pool and theatre, although this did'nt bother us, if you have small children that wish to sleep earlier this may affect you. Dont fall for the over dramatic/friendly locals trying to get you into their shop, with can i give you my business card etc. once you are in the shop you are in their trap. Naama bay itself is quite exciting and vibrant and very modern. loads of shops, restaurants, etc, although i did not find it as cheap as people make it out to be. £2.70 for a bottle of beer in the hotel, cheapest outside was £1.80. I could have ate out at a restaurant at home for a similar price. The egyptians are not too keen on english currency, this confused them and they definitely prefer egyptian pounds, check your bill and change, ours was wrong a few times. The hotel tried to charge us 74 english pounds for a bill that was 620 egyptian pounds? the weather was fantastic, went para-gliding and quad biking, both recommended.
All in all despite the niggling problems i enjoyed the holiday, but would not go back to this hotel, and i think my stomach would be happy if i never went back. Its now a case of 'been there, done that'

I was a bit concerned when i looked at some of the reviews before we left for Sonesta Beach, but i have to say i think some people may have got confused with Sonesta club. Situated at the end of the bay Sonesta is a bit quieter with beautiful garden area's and several pools.
The staff were very attentive and very friendly. We stayed in block 1500,the room was very clean and spacious. We stayed half board and thought the food was good and well varied with a beach bbq once a week.
Next door to Sonesta is a diving bar called Oonas with a roof top terrace which has good views over the bay.
We went on a boat trip to Tiran Island which had good snorkelling and a wreck mounted on one of the reefs. Sonesta has a small beach where there is also good snorkelling where we saw yellow spotted sting rays, stonefish and an array of nemo looking fish especially if you go a little further out around the bay.
I would go back and stay Sonesta Beach again .

Just returned ( 12th October ) from a 10 day stay at this hotel. Was allocated room 1212 on arrival, the furniture was shabby, drink stains on table tops etc. Was able to move to room 723 the following day. Was only a little better. Had a nice pool view and balcony. I think this hotel was probably a 5* when opened but deteriorated to 3+* although I understand from the rep it is to undergo a 2 month refurb from November. Internet was hardly up and running during the stay and expensive, especially when it takes 10/15 minutes to upload one screen. Best places for internet is either in the Rosa Mall, just behind McDonalds or a place along the prom about 3 hotels away. Al Dente is also along the prom for a great meal although one or 2 of the eateries at hotel and the room service menu were good. Glass bottomed boat trip was great from the hotel jetty and sunbathing at the upper level section at the end of the beach was great. Couldn't fault the staff, including Rob the Thompson rep. Make sure you do the Cairo by Air trip and Red Sea cruise. 5* it ain't so don't expect that but all in all good all round. Mariott and Hilton look excellent and only a few yards away!