I used trip advisor to research hotels in Egypt prior to my stay, all of the reviews were very positive except a few complaining about 'chavs' (true). Due to the timing of our trip, the Easter holidays, we didn't recieve some of the discounts other people did, which may be the reason my review may not be as positive as others.
I booked through travelrepublic, who are brilliant, this is the third holiday I have booked through them. Upon arrival our bags were taken from the coach and delivered to our room and we were treated to orange juice delivered via a silver tray (nice touch). We were given directions to our room and found it quickly, a bell boy later arrived and smirked as we were sitting in the dark, you need to put your room key in to make the hotel room work. We had a quick laugh with him and he gave us directions to the restaurant. We arrived in the restaurant, having never been all inclusive, we must have looked a bit shell shocked as the manager approached us saying, 'first time?'. He was very friendly and showed us what to do. The food is clearly aimed at western society and I can't blame them for catering to our needs, imagine the uproar if they didn't! I am the fussiest eater but always ate well, my boyfriend likes to try new and local dishes was far from impressed with the buffet, although being a man, still piled his plate high!
Being a teacher I had come away for a relaxing break, maybe try the spa, drink cocktails by night and sunbathe by day. There are two pools, one quiet and one noisy, both have the feeling of being packed in like a tin of sardines. Brochures and websites describe the pool area as, 'roomy', it is far from. People are literally laying next to each other. On our second day we spotted a raised platform hidden behind trees close to the quiet pool. This was our best find of the holiday, few people knew about it, and at most about 15 other sunbathers would be there. It was just a square of tiles, well spaced out sunbeds, it is surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers and is truely quiet. If you have come for a relaxing holiday that is the place to be. The sunbeds are comfy, have padding and towels are free. It is about 20metres from the pool, which is freezing, but fine once you're in. The pool was always quiet but people literally position their sunbeds around the pool so it can feel a bit like 'big brother is watching you'.
As I said previously this holiday was my first 'all inclusive' and I must say I wouldn't do it again, we breathed a sigh of relief when we got the hotel shuttle bus down to Naamba Bay. We walked around first before deciding on a restaurant. Ladies be warned, cover up, the men are not backwards in coming forwards! We chose a lovely restaurant and had a gorgeous meal by candle light on the beach front. I we had steaks and cocktails the meal cost little over £15. We enjoyed the experience so much we returned the following day. Again, I cannot stress covering up enough, my boyfriend was asked to trade me in for camels, men tried to reach out to touch me, shouts of, 'lucky, lucky man' could be heard wherever we went. I think its blond hair but i'm glad I was wearing a cardigan both my boyfriend and I felt quite intimidated but when you see other girls flirting and egging them on its hard not to feel sorry for them, they must feel very confused due to the different reactions. We tended just to smile and walk away or say a firm 'no thanks'.
One thing that did annoy me at the hotel was the constant badgering from the spa and managers of the restaurant. Every day a women from the spa would attempt to convince me to have a full body exfoliation or a facial, I think I came home with about 5 of thier pricelists. I would have taken advantage of the spa but their prices were crazy, much higher than i'd pay in England. The hotel manager would offer us the opportunity to go to the beach for a meal and dancing on a Saturday night, he would be friendly wed-thurs and be a bit more persuasive on Friday if the uptake waslow.
The service was great, I have never been to a hotel where staff are so friendly and attentive. Our cleaner Manny was lovely and the cleaners literally clean inside and out! The hotel cannot be faulted on service and cleanliness.
I wouldn't come back to this hotel, mainly because there are so many others to choose from. I'd also be tempted to choose a hotel in Naamba Bay so I don't have to go all inclusive. My parents have been to Egypt and their hotel was a huge complex with more restaurants, bars and pool choice. Plus the wine wasn't drinkable unless mixed with lemonade and the cocktails rearely tasted as they should and were so strong, their vodka is truely remarkable!
WARNING - please, please don't use the taxi touts, my boyfriend and I were naive enough to be trapped into a conversation with one and it was going swimmingly until the taxi driver and tout disagreed on a price. This resulted in a high speed journey and me sleeping with one eye open! Where possible get the shuttle bus. We chose to get a hotel taxi one night, although I think the hotel taxi drivers (who charge tripple) have 'friends' who meet their taxis and convince people to buy things from them. We were asked what time we were coming home, given a card and led into a small shack, offered drinks, potions and papyrus! It felt quite intimidating especially when he shut the door and started putting potions on us. Its hard not to feel sorry for some of them and its just their way of life.
If you are looking for a good holiday, brilliant tan, hot weather, simple food, brilliant service then this hotel is for you!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
probably not
I recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Great pool scene
I do not recommend this hotel for:
An amazing honeymoon, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Pet owners, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Museums / Cultural / Historical sites