What can we say? You must come to this hotel and experience the first class service provided. We read all the reviews before starting the holiday and found 98% of them true. The most important thing to say is that this hotel caters towards families, which at times means lots of noise - so don't expect peace and quiet. If you do expect peace and quiet - go and stay at the Coraya round the corner - we visited twice and both times it was tranquil.

Apart from a confused arrival which resulted in us not receiving the wrist bands, everything looks amazing when you arrive. (We complained to the staff about the disorganised way things are done - they changed the check-in routine overnight! A hotel that listens to you!) The rooms are a lovely size, the showers are huge. Once you get the hang of the buffet style meals, it's great. Plenty of choice of food and we didn't get bored with it over 2 weeks. The spirits take a bit of getting used to - unusual flavour - but we found the wine and beer of a good quality, and that more than made up for it!!!!!

Our only real issue was the naming of the "relax pool". For the first few days it was a lovely quiet area, peaceful and very relaxing, but once the easter break had started, this pool was invaded by a load of noisy families of varying nationalities. This pool is separate from the main pool area, and is quieter and we can only guess that the parents of these noisy children fancied the view of the beach from there, and proceeded to let their kids take over the pool, bringing lots of large inflatable toys (including dinghys) and made it impossible for anyone else to enjoy the area, and the shallower waters of this pool. The worst part was that there is a childrens pool provided, which was totally empty most of the time. This change of atmosphere caused a lot of upset for a lot of people, and caused arguments between the various nationalities of these families. We mentioned this to the hotel staff and were told there was nothing they could do as this was a "family hotel". We suggested some sort of supervision was needed to stop things getting out of control, and a lot of the parents were nowhere to be seen when their children were diving and running in and out. We also suggested that they rename this area, as it was very misleading.

The staff are amazing - all of them. They really make you feel special.

Can't recommend the sauna/steam room/jacuzzi enough!

There really is nothing outside the resort, unless you take an organised sightseeing trip. Ideal for divers (jellyfish allowing) as the coral reef in the bay was amazing. So don't come here expecting Ibiza-style entertainment. This is just a chill-out resort.

Just returned from a week at the Lamaya. Fantastic hotel with great food and drink. Staff cant do enough for you and the cleanliness is exceptional. No dodgy stomachs experienced by either of us!

The beach is lovely although a few jellyfish in the sea, but doesnt affect the brilliant coral and fish - including stingrays! This is our 6th visit to Egypt and definitely one of the best hotels we have stayed in. If you want lots of night life and activity then dont go to Marsa Alam but if you want a relaxing holiday with good quality snorkelling and facilities book it now!

have just returned from a two week break at the lamaya. i will give the good points on the hotel 1st and if i can think of anything bad, which i doubt i will, that can come latter. most important things 1st

FOOD
(buffet restaurant) always an excellant choice at all meal times, and im a fussy sod (dont eat vegatables) but 2/3 meats to choose from + fish dishes. loads of vegatables.chips available every other day(ish).help yourself to larger and 3 wines
(beach snackbar) reasonable choice of pizza,burgers,salad,pasta
didnt hear about anybody getting an upset stomach.

ROOMS
good size, iron and board available in the room just ask.shower good size and powerfull enough. english movies on tv, and loads of things made out of towels, the girls like that sort of thing.

AROUND THE HOTEL
3 swimming pools. 1 heated (like a bath) loads of sunbeds we came down about 10.30 and loads left and the hotel was busy. there r hundreds of beds on the beach with shelter .while we was there u had the beach to yourself. u get to the sea via a pontoon as there is a lot of coral around .

BARS
excellant service.help yourself to soft drinks

ENTERTAIMENT DAY

a few things going on water polo,volley ball, archery, table tennis, tennis. etc. the staff ask and if u r not interested they leave u alone. no pressure at all.

ENTERTAIMENT EVENING

this is the only thing that lets it down. ive been to loads of all inclusives b4 and never expected to much,but i have seen loads of entertining shows in hotels.but these were not good.
if u want a london quality show u dont go to egypt .( i know) just trying to give an accurate review
there is a singer in the bar everynite if u dont want to watch the show whos ok

OVERALL

i would recommend this hotel if u want a superb hotel and a lazy holiday. there is nothing outside the hotel apart from doing the organized excursions. make up your own mind about the entertaiment. i hope this review has been helpfull.

We stayed at the Lamaya for 1 week from 27 Feb - 5 March 08.

We had originally booked for the Brayka Bay but changed the booking last November due to all the bad reviews regarding upset stomachs at BB.

The Lamaya was lovely, spotlessly clean, better food than most all inclusives that only have buffet style service.

We did nothing all week but chill out as had previously done Cairo and Luxor when on holiday in Sharm and Makadi. Would loved to have gone to Abu Simbel but it is an overnight trip and didnt want to miss 2 days at Lamaya when only there for one week. Oh well will have to come back to Egypt yet again!

All in all excellent holiday and would definately recommend.