We travelled to Sharm with Thomas Cook and got a fantastic deal for 2 weeks at the Marriot on a B&B basis. We stayed at the Mountain side (across the road from the Beach half of the complex) which was wonderful as there weren't many children and it was a lot quieter too.

The room was spacious and the bed firm and very comfortable and for the first time staying at any hotel, more pillows than we actually needed! It also included a fridge and TV. For those that like coffee/tea, a travel kettle would come in handy and of course tea bags and instant coffee of which the locals had no idea about! The bathroom was well presented and clean and included both bath with shower over but no bath plug. We didn't ask if we could get one provided though. The air con was a little noisy but definatley not an issue and was adequate for the time of year. If you're going mid summer it may not be powerful enough. We also had a balcony that overlooked the pool which was nice.

The staff were extremely helpful with dealing with anything. Check in was swift as was check out. They're all very friendly people from the cleaners through to security and receptionists and waiters. We found that a good morning/afternoon/evening with a smile went a long way and by the time we came to leave they were more like friends than staff. As written in other reviews, they do not expect tips but we still gave at the end of the holiday to the cleaner (who tidied our room to excellent standards) and to the security person on the beach side that helped us cross the sometimes busy road.

The prices at the hotel for food were, like most other hotels, slightly over priced and we actually found it cheaper to get room service than eating in the restaraunts which were based over on the beach side. I would say with all that Naama Bay has to offer, B&B is the way to go so you aren't tied to the hotel.

The main shopping precinct was about a twenty minute slow walk along the beach. During the day, this could be quite uncomfortable in the heat so we would get a taxi. We paid no more than 15 Egyptian pounds to get to the main part of Naama bay. Start at 10 when haggling with the drivers and tell them you'll only pay 15 if they ask for more. They'll say that they can't do that but if you say you'll walk instead they agree!

We found that the beach could get very busy very early and to get a sun lounger was difficult. Because of this we mainly stayed by the pool in the morning then headed to the beach around 2pm when people started leaving. There a coral reefs very close to the shore and we bought water shoes from a local shop which were dirt cheap (£30 Egyptian) and probably one of our best buys as we knew we wouldn't be injured if we did accidentaly touch the coral when putting our feet down. Snorkelling equipment is a must and an underwater camera. The variety of fish that can be seen a few metres from the shore is amazing. I actually saw more snorkelling at the beach than when I went scuba diving there 3 years ago seeing things like Octopus, Clown fish, Parrotfish and Lion fish to name a few. The best time to snorkel is just before sunset as the fish prefer the cooler temperatures and there's no one else in the water to crash into!

All in all, a very lovely 2 weeks in Sharm and we're looking forward to going back in the near future!

We have just returned from Marriott Sharm El Sheikh Beach we stayed in the mountain view side,The hotel is not a 5star I would say its a 3 star plus,we were full board which was a big mistake has at lunch time we has a very long walk from the mountain view side to the Marriott beach has they only served lunch on that side of the hotel,I thought the food was average,there was not much for the children to chose to eat,one thing which put my family of was the birds flying about in the restaurant on the mountain view side and flying down and picking at the food,also quiet of lot of bird dirt in restaurant,I have stopped at the Marriott hotels all over the world and can honestly say this was not up to Marriott standards,the beds are hard,curtains in room were dirty,on the plus side the staff are great cant do enough for you loved the kids,really make you feel welcome,pool great no bother getting sunbeds

Its located in Nema bay, so this in its self gives this hotel a plus, staff are very well trained and so friendly, its not that kind of luxury place but really a good one for a beach resort vacation, I would recomend it for others.

My sister and I stayed at the Mountain side half board basis and got used to the long walk to and from the main parts of the hotels.No complaints about the food and service was excellent. The staff at the Marriott do not expect tips and once I offered a tip and was actually refused it. Reason being is that the staff are genuinley happy to help you - without any trace of attitude. Please make a point of saying good morning/evening to all staff working there despite thier status as it would definatley make thier day that they are being acknowledged -I cannot stress this enough. It was my sister's birthday while we there and the Marriott have a policy of presenting you with a large complimentary birthday cake which was thoughtful and a nice touch. Take a kettle (and your own English branded teabags of course) as one is not provided in the room.There is a great convienience store about 3 mins down the road after turning left from the Marriott called 247 next to the Mcdonalds where you can purchase all your provisions like water and other bits and pieces. Change your stirling at the bank next door (literally on site of the Marriott mountain side) or even at the 247 store (after purchasing an item) as you will offered a much better rate than the hotel or at in the UK. It can be a little precarious to cross the road to get to the Beachside Marriott and back but usually there are security guards to stop the traffic for you to help you safely across. Didn't like the Nama bay district at night -too much hassle and stress and Old Sharm was even worse. Nothing to buy really in Sharm as its all tat.Ciggarettes are cheap as chips. You must not miss the snorkeling/ diving in Sharm and I understand that if you go to Naama bay the prices are much cheaper to book than they are on the beach.Finally what ever you do,do not get into a taxi that is not coloured blue and white as they are not liscensed - witnessed terrible rows with people who were seen getting out of them. Having said that we got into a blue and white taxi to old Sharm one night especially called by the sercuirty guard at the Marriott as he said it was safer this way,negotiiated a price - 25 Egyptian pounds.After reaching Old Sharm the taxi driver demanded 25 pounds each. We refused to pay and called him a Dick Turpin as even he had the decencey to wear a mask etc etc. If this happens to you or if you feel hard done by just mention the police and they will back down. But back to the review about the Marriott, I have no hestitation in recommending this hotel and certainley would not turn my nose up at it. I will be booking again in October this year.