We rested for the first time abroad, I was very worried that everything was fine, although I didn’t really know what I wanted. Many thanks to our travel agent Valeria, she advised me to go to Domina out of many options.
Probably the stars were on our side, I can’t remember a single unpleasant moment from the whole trip. We flew from Kharkov, at the airport we went through all the procedures quickly and without problems. The bag was streched at home (at the airport this can be done for 100 UAH, in Sharm for 5 dollars). Upon arrival in Sharm El Sheikh, I advise you to immediately get in line for a SIM card, there is a Vodafone kiosk there, otherwise we didn’t have time, we had to run to the bus. Bus with a representative of the travel agency Join Up! was already waiting and we were quickly taken to the hotels. Domina coral bay is located near the airport, so after 20 minutes we got to the reception, where we were given a form for settlement and after checking the voucher and passport, we put on the long-awaited bracelets!
The territory of the hotel is very huge, in order to get to your building and bring luggage, everyone is given a small car with a driver (by the way, you can rent them for a vacation and drive yourself, enjoying the greenery and flowers, which are very numerous here! ) and after 5 minutes we went to your room. Since I don't know what good rooms should look like, I found everything great here. Snow-white towels, wooden furniture, soft mattress, clean shower, toilet, bidet, pool view from the window and a veranda with two chairs and a table! We have landed in paradise!
We were a little unlucky with the weather, the cold snap passed not only in Europe, but also reached Egypt, so instead of 25 degrees, it was usually 20-21 during the day. But the sea is still gorgeous, warm, with many beautiful fish of different colors! In the morning we swam in the sea, after lunch we went to the heated pool, where you could order alcohol directly (beer, wine, gin, tequila, rum - all locally produced, but of decent quality).
At sea, there have never been problems with sunbeds, on every beach you will be given fluffy beach towels as a pledge of a card, you go to the pool, you also get towels. I consider the service in Domine at the highest level, it is not for nothing that the owner here is Italian.
We ate in turn in one of three restaurants, we could have breakfast in our Il giardino, the central Coral, and dine in the farthest Spices. Everywhere the set of dishes is equally varied, as for us, only Spices is more like a restaurant, Coral is like a canteen, and Il giardino was loved for its proximity to the sea and the opportunity to eat outdoors. There is a lot of food, there are enough tables for everyone, the appliances are packed, they are laid without problems, as much as you want. Polite and smiling staff, very pleasant, Russian-speaking manager. I will listen to your request and help.
Food for 5+. Always meat (beef, chicken), almost always fish (sometimes several types), a large selection of vegetables, sauces, several types of olive oil, fruits and a variety of pastries and cakes.
Very beautiful well-groomed territory, you can walk on foot, you can drive up on taf-taf (a small car with a driver).
The only small minus is our hotel guide John Kirby, instead of telling us where everything is and helping us figure out the location a little, he simply offered to take a hotel card, quickly listed free restaurants and bars and began to sell excursions to us, he was especially pleased that that we are in Egypt for the first time). My husband and I chose a free sightseeing tour (if you take it, in no case do not buy souvenirs and goods in the places where you are brought, the prices are three times more expensive! ) And a romantic boat trip with a buffet, seafood and a show program. The show program turned out to be us and another people of 30 different nationalities.
Loud music, not conducive to a romantic atmosphere, an insistent offer to treat himself to fresh juices and drinks, which turned out to be paid, one Vietnamese who had a birthday was congratulated by a magician, an elderly girl dancing oriental dances, a cake was brought out, but at the end of the performance he was presented with such a bill that he even turned pale. After a short clarification, he had to issue an invoice and then he was able to leave the boat. In general, the price and quality of this trip did not match very much. Moreover, for a single woman from St. Petersburg it was a VIP party (so the guide told her), for a woman with two children - a children's show program, for us - a romantic trip.
I would like to advise those who want to buy souvenirs, fruits and sweets to find the contacts of the George Clooney store on the Internet and arrange a free transfer directly to the store and back to the hotel.
Their prices are three times cheaper than in Soho and in those stores where tourists are taken, they even have free delivery directly to the hotel!
In general, only positive emotions from the trip, I have not seen such a friendly, relaxed and warm atmosphere for a long time. I want to come back to Domina again!! !
On the territory of 10 square meters. km there are 3 bars with a minimum range: draft beer, draft wine and whiskey, all of the same type, instant coffee.
If we had known about the deplorable condition of the hotel, we would not have gone! 3 * on application 5 *!
The price does not correspond to the services provided by the hotel.
I do not recommend.
The hotel is like a city, different bus numbers are supervised throughout the hotel to get to one place or another.
We did not have time to visit everywhere in 10 days of staying there!
The hotel has several names of buildings, an oasis, aquamarine, a harem, prestige, we lived in Aquamarine - rooms in blue tones, aquamarine is located near the arena, not far from the main restaurant, not far from the local market and bars.
The room was cleaned every day, beach towels were also given out every day, but it seemed that they were not always fresh and clean, sometimes it seemed that the towels were just dried there and were given out just dry in the morning.
The sea is excellent, the cleanest - the hotel stands in the bay of coral bay, with beautiful views of corals and numerous species of fish.
Watching them is a pleasure, the day flies by!
Sunbeds with umbrellas were always free on the beach.
We fed, as always, according to the all-inclusive system, the food was varied, the pastries were very tasty, they always offered a varied set of dishes, fruits every day.
I advise you to definitely visit this hotel, you will only have pleasant impressions from it!
The hotel is very close to the airport, so the road will not tire you. We arrived at the hotel at 9 am - baksheesh at the reception - and bracelets in our hands. In addition, having learned from bitter experience with the loss of luggage once on a trip to hot countries in winter, flip flops, swimwear and shorts were packed in hand luggage. So, from 9.30 to 13.00 (officially the settlement is from 14.00) they swam in the sea and used the restaurant and bars.
Housing chosen 47 - overlooking the sea and within walking distance of the beach, restaurants and shops.
The huge territory of the hotel, in our opinion, is its biggest drawback. Firstly, tuff-tuff buses (diesel-powered, can you imagine the smell?! ), electric cars, ordinary cars constantly drive along the roads. Sidewalks are very narrow, in some places there are none at all. Feeling as if you are in the Crimea on the embankment, and you need to run to the dining room without getting hit by a car. At the same time, enjoy not the sea air, but the exhaust pipe!
Secondly, you need to think carefully and choose - either animation, games, yoga, aerobics, or the sea, because. all activities take place in the central pool. And if you are on the beach at this time, you need to drop everything, in the heat and through the mountains to get to the taf-tuff stop and go to aerobics. We went for the sake of swimming in the sea, so we never got to the animation.
If you go to Sultan Beach (it is much more comfortable than the central one), then daytime snacks are not available to you. Again, pizza and hamburgers are served on the central beach, which is a hot ride to get to. But, by and large, if you refuse it, you will not lose anything.
Food is very scarce. In principle, this is a drawback of all Egyptian holidays (compared to Turkey), but this hotel is too spartan. At the same time, if the hotel positions itself as 5, then the tables in the "restaurant" are not covered with a tablecloth, but simply a wooden tabletop is wiped with a rag without a disinfectant.
The rooms are old, it looks like it hasn't been renovated for a long time. The air conditioner works strangely - it either cools like crazy, then it suddenly heats up. Half the night you jump up and adjust.
Cleaning - no one strains, the floor is barely wiped, leaving dirty marks on the white tiles in the bathroom. To give or not to give a tip - the essence does not change. For 10 days, they never put a gel shower and a noisemaker. Every time I came up and took myself as much as I needed.
The only thing worth going to this hotel for is the stunning coral reef! The beach is wide and sandy, which is also very convenient.
So, a lot can be forgiven the hotel if you are going for the sea.
But for ourselves, as a family, we decided that no more foot in Domino ! !
We arrived at the hotel in the afternoon. They settled immediately, building 47. We did not encounter extortion and rudeness. The room was ready, freshly washed, my small requests were taken into account, which I wrote to the hotel's e-mail, which is nice. The room is spacious, the four of us were not cramped at all, but old, well, very old....Beautiful decoration of doors, furniture, but everything is so shabby, some kind of fading beauty. But the next morning we did not pay any attention to it at all, especially when the entire living space was quickly filled with circles, armlets, masks, etc. ))))))
There were problems with plumbing, they immediately fixed everything on a call. Only on the 3rd or 4th day did they realize that the drinks in the refrigerator were not cold, because it was not hot outside, but the refrigerator was not working)))))))))))))))))), instantly replaced. TV worked. About the hair dryer: if you just dry your hair, then it's faster outside; If you need to lay down even a little, then take it with you. The air conditioner was not turned on, after all, it was winter, and the nights were cool. Bring mosquito repellent with you! They are atrocious. Processing is regularly carried out on the territory, specific aromas are felt in the evenings, but it is better to play it safe in the room. The bar replenished regularly. The room was cleaned perfectly, the cleaner Mohammed did a great job.
The next room was undergoing renovations with all the resulting noise effects. During the day we were in the room only a couple of times, and it didn’t bother the children at all (which we adults like to refer to), they slept, as they say, in a dead sleep. Adults have more sensitive sleep. The husband, of course, called, was indignant, well, this is such a harmful character))). We must pay tribute to the girls Guest relation, they tried in every possible way to smooth out the unpleasant moments. If we had come for two weeks, and not for one, I would have insisted on changing the room, I think, already on the second day. And so…. As she imagined that collecting and disassembling junk, settling down... yes, well, him...
The food at the hotel suited me. Without any special culinary delights, a little monotonous, but everything is edible. The monotony was just enough for a week, they would have rested longer - I was indignant. She always found the right food for the kids. As such, I did not see a children's table. I liked eating at El Wadi better, small in size, but there is no feeling of an enclosed space due to glass walls (or display windows, I don’t know how to put it right). We dined at Coral several times, as I understand it, this is the central restaurant of the Domina Coral Bay hotels, it is more spacious there. For some reason, drinks in plastic cups (((, although this, it seems, is not a beach bar, where it is provided for by safety measures. Once, in this restaurant there was meat in vessels, well, completely raw. The husband, due to his nature, could not remain silent (like most men, he loves to eat), went to the chef, was indignant and left. I don’t know how, but in this huge hall they found our table and served personally cooked meat, nice. But, anyway, it was tasteless))) .
About drinks and alcohol: of course, there are not enough packaged juices, I don’t think they are so expensive, and the hotel cannot afford them. Those who prefer strong alcohol - take it with you.
Animation: we are lazy and do not participate in events. We saw that something was happening all the time. For active people, it is better to choose Aquamarine and Oasis, because all events take place near the central pool and on the central beach. And the arena, where evening shows are held, is also by the central pool. We no longer attended evening events, because. the children by that time were simply falling asleep in our arms. They say it was fun.
Separately, I will dwell on children's animation, because. For us, this is the most important point when choosing a hotel. I liked it very much. We first found a kids club by the central pool, organized directly by the hotel. A very rich program, but, in my opinion, for children from 7-8 years old. Kids 4-6 years old can not cope, do not have time. The room itself is dark. But guys, Elvina and Dima, well done! And what incendiary mini-disco they hold!! ! A few days later, we were told that there is a mini-club from the Coraltravel tour operator directly in our Sultan, near building 57. My little one liked it better here. And the room is more fun, the toys are newer... The children forgot about the sea-pool, I could not lure them even with Coca-Cola))). We brought half a suitcase of their crafts and drawings to Moscow. Thanks again Natalie! And in the evenings we already visited two children's discos: at 20.30 in one club, then at 21.00 in another, and sleep in parental hands))).
The territory of the hotel is huge, there is where to walk. But constantly plying cars, mopeds, clubcars, etc. , strain, just like in the city. Great beach, everything is clean. I really liked the multifunctional sunbeds, comfortable. On the central beach and by the pools I did not find changing cabins, very inconvenient. Maybe they are, of course, there are... There are definitely some on the Sultan's beach.
Outcome. Once again, I am convinced that the impressions of the hotel are 99% dependent on the general mood and mood. We spent a wonderful week of summer in the middle of winter in this hotel. Moreover, we were very lucky with the weather: +26 +30, water +24, a couple of days without wind at all, to be honest, we did not count on such a luxury. Very good hotel for Egypt. If they ask me where to go in Egypt, I cannot say that only in DominaCoral Bay Sultan and only here. There are better hotels. But if they tell me that they bought a tour to this hotel, I will answer - a good choice.
I hope my review will help you decide whether to choose this hotel or not.
Coral dining room really corresponds to the word "dining room" and some completely uncomfortable. Although the choice of dishes was normal - did it seem so to us out of hunger…
I don't know how for whom, but for us I didn't want to spend 15 minutes several times a day on the road - to get to the beach and the dining room. So we went to the reception to ask for another building. We were given the choice of Aquamarine Beach - from the same dining room Coral and Sultan - from another dining room and its own beach and pontoon. They chose the Sultan (building №47), paid $ 132 and moved. The room is standard and exactly as in Aquamarine Pool was - but pulls not on the stated 5, but on a solid 4. But still, frankly, did not regret - a cozy dining room 5 minutes walk, a good beach, which is 3 minutes, a pontoon. From the beach there is an entrance to the water.
Now in detail about the rest.
Food: We had enough of everything. They fed well - the pasta is very tasty (since half of the hotel is Italian, it was cooked on conscience), in the evening grilled - vegetables, meat, fish.
There have always been soups, feta, different types of hard cheese, rice, yogurt, potatoes, toast, meat, omelets, pancakes, fresh vegetables, squid, some of their national dishes. Of the fruits were canned peaches, dates, persimmons, apples, pamelas, oranges, melons, bananas, pomegranates. There is a lot of baking. In general, the choice of food has always been - it is unrealistic to stay hungry. By the way, tea and coffee here were free from morning till night.
Room and cleaning: cleaned daily. Slippers and bathrobes were brought on request. In the Sultan's building, unlike the Aquamarine Pool, the bar was replenished daily with two bottles of water and 4 jars of carbonated drinks. In-room complimentary safe.
beach: both Sultana and central - good. And there, and there is a sunset. There were always enough sunbeds, towels on the beach too. You could walk on any beach. Wi-Fi is free.
Territory very large and beautiful. That's where the taf-taffs came in.
It was interesting to travel to see other buildings, and sometimes, when I was lazy to go to the central beach or the reception - also approached.
Entertainment: There was animation every day - very good. There was also various entertainment on the beach and by the pools. In the evening - paid disco. For a fee, you could buy tickets to the concerts that took place immediately in the territory of Domina - famous and not very famous singers came.
Shopping: There are many shops in the area where you can buy everything from masks, swimwear, swimming trunks, magnets to jewelry. Bargain, gentlemen. Dropped and twice the stated price.
Excursions: tour operator Odeon offers a lot of them. Took two. The first - a review evening - $ 30 from the nose. They talk about it very nicely, but do not enter.
You will be taken to the mosque (do not get in the middle), to the church (let in the middle), then to the local restaurant - where you will be given a choice of meat or fish menu.
They took two shrimps, a crab, two pieces of fish and three spoons of rice. Plus soup and a bottle of water. All. Then we were taken to the old town, where "you can walk for more than an hour and buy souvenirs and gifts. " In fact, you will be brought to a certain store - Pink House, get a discount - 35% and give time only 40 minutes - just to shop here. We immediately left the store, at the exit an Arab with indignation that we will not take anything here, snatched back this coupon. We only managed to drop by the Pharmacy nearby - buy Depurdent and Miswak pasta - very good, I'll tell you, both - for $ 7. And run to get spices and tea. There was also a check-in at the candy store, where we weren't ready to pay $ 50 for a couple of packs of sweets. And singing fountains - on Soho Street.
The street itself is very interesting - where to walk, many shops, cafes, people… In general, beautiful. But we were thrown there for about half an hour - to look at a small musical fountain.
And the music itself, and the fountain - in itself. Whether or not to go on this tour is up to you. But we were frankly sorry for the $ 60 we paid for it.
The second excursion is a moto safari. For $ 55 for two - that is, two on an ATV. It was already more interesting. But, true, you will not be able to defile the desert. Ahead is a guide. Therefore restrains all ardent desire to pull behind, to lawn.
Among whom you will have a rest. These are Russians and Italians. And there are about 50 to 50 of them. There are very few Ukrainians. We "spoke Russian" and there were no clashes with the Russians. However, sometimes they looked at the aliens - then either quietly bordered and walked away, or led the ear in our direction.
Of course, bold copies roamed with T-shirts Putin - our president, Russia, Sochi… Honestly, I regretted not taking any of our symbols. Sometimes sellers in stores, hearing that they were from Ukraine, asked if there was a flag or a magnet to give them.
But among the crowd of Russians on the tour to be only two Ukrainians, you know, not very nice. It was so for us. You may have a different situation.
Eviction at 12 o'clock. The bracelets are cut immediately. All food and drinks after payment. We had a transfer at 17.00. They asked if we could have lunch (lunch from 1 p. m. ). At the reception, the Arab asked: did you have time to have lunch on the first day of arrival? We answered yes. "Well, then you don't have lunch. " Like this. So maybe it makes sense to lie - and say it was just dinner. Maybe they will allow you to have lunch "because they are hanging" you missed your lunch.
In general, the holiday was a success! In Egypt for the first time, so we can not compare with other hotels.
But compared to Turkey, the food and condition of the rooms - on the Turkish 4-ku.
Have a good rest and choose the right hotel!
I had to chirp from our beach in the heat for 12 minutes to the central one for all sorts of dances-shmantsy, yoga-crogs, because I can’t do without fitness annealing, all the more free. Plus animations in Domino, that if you didn’t have time for your yoga in the morning, there are all programs there in the afternoon. In the evening we went to the local animation a couple of times, the dancing is cool on stage, the team is professional. Evening karaoke, I do not advise, our chanson sing and Allegrova.
The first days of our stay, we studied which bars we can visit for free, we barely figured it out. Eat only in our restaurant, and bars with the inscription ALL INCLUSIVE.
My husband and I were in Egypt for the first time, but already on the first evening we took a minibus to the Old Market. We took a closer look, bought fruit, watched a show of street artists with a fakir and dances with twisted skirts.
We took two excursions from our guides, because you can’t take them anywhere else, only if you go to the city, and this is already a hemorrhoid. On the island of Tiran with diving, I liked it, but they didn’t see anything new that they wouldn’t have on the Domino reef. It's beautiful, just that the water is so bright turquoise around and everything in general. And when we went to Ras Mohamed, also with a dive, we generally regretted both the time spent and the money. If you go there by water like we do, you will not see anything, except for three stops in the sea for diving. And if by bus, then a crevice and mangroves. The guide did not explain this to us at the meeting and we were somewhat disappointed with the tour. In addition, we drove 2 hours in one direction, we were sick, while diving, the vessels in the eye burst from the unusual pressure under water, and a group of experienced divers were expected for an hour or an hour and a half, hanging out in pitching. And those who took the excursion without diving did not understand what the essence of the excursion was, nothing was said about the reserve itself at all.
The room itself was spacious, there was even a chair-bed for an extra bed. Balcony with wicker furniture. Shower gel, poor quality shampoo, fussy with your own. There is a hair dryer. There is no dryer for swimsuits at all and there is nothing to tie the rope to. All the staff were very polite and tried to speak Russian. And we learned a couple of phrases in Egyptian.
We swam and snorted, which rocked on the waves in the bed and the fish seemed to be in our eyes.
At the end of October, the winds have already begun, and in the evening a jacket is sometimes needed. The sea was also not steamy, maybe 24-25
Let's go to Domina and take the children.