This year we experienced almost the same feelings as 6 years ago.
We were settled near the pool, in a renovated room: new furniture, an electric kettle with a tea set, a 40-inch TV, cooling and not noisy)) refrigerator, working safe,
What captivated us this time is the punctuality of the staff, I think that those who have been in Egypt are well aware that this is not typical. And the "icing on the cake" were the lunches handed to us upon leaving the hotel, which we did not order. (we left the hotel at one in the morning) - in some hotels they forgot to prepare us even after a reminder (it was the 23rd trip to Egypt).
The guests of the hotel are mostly Poles, Germans and Ukrainians, there were also Italians, but not many. Now the hotel is going through a period of renovation: they are restoring its right side, it's a pity that the two-story restaurant on the beach is not working - we really hope that next year everything will be fine. I would like to say a big thank you to the staff and managers for the Christmas gift).
P. S. Snorkeling lovers: there is a turtle behind the mangrove, on the other side of the lagoon there is a two-meter moray eel, and if you manage to get to the outer reef, you will see corals and fish no worse than in Sharmovo's El Fanar). In general, a good hotel - I recommend.
As for food: there was meat and fruit every day, I liked fresh dates, and, well, Egyptian beer; the local wine is not very good, like our Isabella. I did not try strong drinks, but judging by the fact that almost no one ordered them, the quality is not nice. On the territory, in addition to the main restaurant, there are also restaurants of national cuisine and bars with drinks and ice cream. If you're not a vegan, you won't go hungry.
And now about the bad, this of course concerns entry into the sea. There is no pier, so you have to walk 500 meters knee-deep on the shallows to swim / snorkel. At the same time, it is very desirable to have something on your feet, even corals, even flippers, since there are rocky areas, and sea urchins come across from the ichthyofauna, I saw entire colonies, 10-15 individuals each. There were few fish, turtles / octopuses / dolphins were not at all. From excursions I took diving from a hotel guide, it was expensive, it cost 95 bucks (that is, 3 times more expensive than, for example, in Turkey). It would be better, of course, to book excursions in a third-party agency, it would be cheaper, but I was too lazy to bother. In the sea near Port Ghalib, when a friendly team snorkeled on the surface, they saw a manatee - he sailed for lunch with algae. The return transfer went on schedule, Tez Tour worked well.
There are no bathrobes or slippers in the room, some write on request. In the room for 2 there was 1 piece. soap, 2 pcs. shower gel, 1 pc. shampoo. The next portion of the same set was given on the 8th day (we were 10). We were not given any hair conditioner or body lotion. Food as everywhere in Egypt.
There is no pontoon, when I chose the hotel I saw a lagoon on the map, it is, but we were unlucky with fish and turtles. There were few fish, no turtles, the water was muddy due to the big waves and a lot of plastic.
The staff is attentive, very diligent, the waiters are excellent.
We were very impressed by the fact that when handing over the cards from the rooms we were cut off bracelets and offered lunch for 8 euros per person. Such have not been encountered before.
...the expression of one of the guides - "hospital" - in translation - 80 percent - heavy-lifting European "pension" !! ! It seems that the bartenders are already tired of them !!!
Service - standard "5" Egi. There is no particular difference.
The food is standard-banal, as everywhere else - there are no special frills, but only a "refined gourmet" can remain hungry.
TERRITORY - this is for "tourist gourmets" - ENDLESS!!! ! In addition to the standard "boundaries" of the hotel on the right side, you can walk along the beach of the villas (as far as I understand, the owner is the same, because the security escorts you very far behind the scenes). The left side is the construction of a new hotel - it is more difficult there - but you can go around on quad bikes (special greetings to Max!!! ) - and enjoy the bays of the Red Sea!!!!!!
The sea is SEPARATE!!!
At first I was upset - I didn’t see a colorful multi-colored reef (as in the center of Sharm ... ) BUT !! ! Here the sea is LIVE!!!
For small slopes - children were chasing children along the crayons ... ; with their parents you can swim a little further in the lagoons ...The underwater world is different every day. Regardless of the wind - calmly.
I didn’t understand - is it allowed to fish - but I caught ....
Several small barracudas, beautiful perches and unusual inhabitants of the depths were released to grow up...
Thanks Egypt
Thanks Sea
Thank you Sentido
This is where the positives of the hotel end.
The saddest thing is that this hotel does not have access to the sea! Shallow water is about a kilometer, at the end of the reef, probably, but it is not possible to get on it, as the wave beats. For five days we were not able to swim, only in hollows during high tide. There can be no talk of any living creatures. One fish that accidentally swam to the shore caused great delight. The absence of a pontoon is a huge minus of the hotel.
The attitude of the restaurant and bar staff also leaves much to be desired. The food does not shine with variety, four with a minus. There is no coffee even at breakfast, only from the machine, fish - pangasius,
There is no feeling of 5 *, such is the impression that we, tourists, simply interfere with our presence.
For our entire group, it turned out to be a mystery to choose this hotel for a promotional tour, later, having moved to Braika, we felt the real Marsa Alam... not to mention Fantasia, where for less money - a real celebration of life!
Tourists. Tourists are mostly from Europe, of all ages. And it's cool, feel the European service! ! ! There is no hustle and bustle in the restaurant, no one screams or thumps on the beach.
Beach. On the beach stewards help to find a free place and lay clean towels. Garbage sorting. Entrance to the sea on coarse sand, shoes needed. There are several lagoons, if desired, you can swim to the reef.
Restaurant. No complaints. Everything is very decent. Variety of fruits. Constant stand with Italian dishes, pasta is prepared just for you, pizza every day.
Alcohol is delivered to the tables by stewards after your order. No need to run around the hall with glasses. I liked the fish restaurant to order. The Italian did not impress.
Entertainment. Snorkeling and diving. Dive center on site. It is possible to pay by card. interestingly - there is a plan of dives for the week - you buy 3-5 dives and choose the days you want to dive - depending on the reef. Excursions were not taken. In Marsa Alam they are 30% more expensive than in Hurghada, because you will be specially followed by a car, taken to Hurghada to the group, and then taken back. That's because of logistics and the most expensive. It was not important for us - we went overseas and diving.
Service The service is impeccable. Luggage delivery. Staff relations. Without rudeness and brotherhood. Training. Instant cleaning of tables. In the lobby bar and on the terrace after dinner, the waiter delivers drinks after your order - never confusing : ).
Territory. Very well-groomed and green.
Three pools, which we did not use because there was no portebi. There is a spa and gym. On the beach you will be offered services, but after the refusal no one will get many times a day. Importantly, Wi-Fi is available everywhere, on the beach and even in the rooms. Therefore, there were no problems with the Internet.
From the disadvantage we were ready for - 3 hours drive from Hurghada airport. Who flies from Kiev - a flight to Marsa Alam airport and the hotel is very close.
Summary - a small cozy hotel, designed mainly for Italians, with trained staff, beautiful sea, good rooms and decent food.
Perhaps this hotel should not be visited by too picky tourists, as there is something to complain about, well, but for us, it's normal.
I give it 9 out of 10 and have no regrets.