Buying a tour
I planned in 2020 to this hotel in the month of May. But the coronavirus disrupted plans, and after the resumption of flights to Egypt, I wanted to go in October. But after the price of the tour decreased by more than 7000 UAH, I spontaneously decided to take it a week before departure. And the price kept falling. If I had taken it in 2-3 days, then it was still possible to save significantly.
This once again confirmed that early booking in Egypt was a hit and miss. I tried to find fellow travelers on the forum, some became interested, but everyone was frightened by the long road (it’s about 400 km to the hotel from Hurghada, and there are no direct flights to Marsa Alam now, the airport is generally closed). Therefore, I went with my old friend (an ardent fan of the sea) and her daughter (not a big fan, I had to drag into the sea almost by force).
Flights, transfer
The flight to Hurghada was on schedule (Join Up did not have any surprises this time). And back he presented a pleasant surprise: the flight was supposed to take place at 4 o'clock in the morning, but was postponed to 6 o'clock in the evening, so we were given another half-day of rest. There was no one except us at this hotel, so they organized a personal transfer by car (brand new KIA). The road is good, the traffic is minimal, the driver drove 120-150, we got there in a little over four hours, so I got my well-deserved 10 euros.
We went back by minibus, but it was also just us, the transfer took about 5 hours, but the time flew by pretty quickly (the road home always seems shorter).
The hotel and service
During our stay in the hotel, there were only 27 people (half local) in 200 rooms. We even tried to count them for fun, but we got no more than twenty. There were even fellow countrymen - two couples from Ukraine and one Russian. No more than three people came into our field of vision at the same time. That is, we can say that the entire hotel was at our disposal: in the pool, on the beach and in the sea there was no one except us (maximum 1-2 more people). The choice of dishes in the dining room is modest, but everything is delicious. For breakfast, mostly scrambled eggs, fruit mix (apple and melon). Lunch and dinner: from meat - fish, chicken, beef; garnish: rice, potatoes, stewed vegetables or pasta. For the first three types of soup. Dessert: watermelon, pies, croissants.
Supplement - no problem.
We are not gourmets and came here not to overeat, so we had enough of everything, everything went well with our Ukrainian cognac. Drinks (sprite, fanta, cola) are bottled, so the quality is good. The coffee is delicious too. The waiters were excellent (they are poor guys now have mere pennies) so they received good tips. Room cleaning: for the two dollars left, the cleaner not only washed everything, cleaned it to a shine and laid out a pattern of flowers on the bed, but also changed the curtain in the shower, washed and hung up to dry a T-shirt that was left to sour in the sink (it’s good that you didn’t leave your panties ), and put bunches of flowers on the table near the mirror, on the bedside table and in the bathroom. It was very nice.
Tours
At the reception, you can take a trip to the bay of Sharm el Luli, Hamata, Sattaya (the port is literally a few kilometers from the hotel), as well as motor safari. We bought in the bay of Sharm el Luli (Egyptian Maldives) for 30 euros per person.
We were satisfied: white sand, beautiful reefs, a variety of fish. The weather was windless, so we swam comfortably. If you take this tour, make sure you leave early. Because after 10-11 they begin to bring tourists, the sea is full of people and it’s no longer interesting. And so we managed to swim alone (well, there were a couple more people). Then locals arrived on two buses, it was not overcrowded, and we had to retreat. All Muslim women bathe fully dressed, and some even with a covered face and black gloves. I also took a motorcycle safari, I was alone. This is standard for me: I like to drive an ATV through the evening desert.
Sea
Now about the most important thing - the SEA - for the sake of which they come here, and we came here. I won’t write much (everything is described in detail in the last two reviews). Special thanks to Anna_x103 for posting the maps in the review. Thanks to them, we clearly understood what, where and how.
We were lucky with the weather, the wind was weak, and it was always possible to swim near the outer reef (one day it was even completely calm). The reef is gorgeous, the underwater fauna is very diverse. There are also many interesting things in the inner lagoons. I swam first in them, then through the shallows I swam into the open sea and returned back along the pontoon. On the last day of rest, the sea finally gave us a pleasant surprise: we saw a one and a half meter beautiful moray eel. She swam slowly along the reefs for a long time, as if she was specially posing for us. The video was posted, however, it was not shot very well (a child filmed it). In a local store for $ 15 we bought a phone case for underwater photography, it justified itself. At least one time was enough. True, bloodthirsty fish-surgeons live near the steps of the pontoon, which, guarding their territory, sometimes pinch your heels. Because of this, my companions were afraid to go into the water for a long time.
But then we bought coral slippers, and the problem was solved.
Rest
For a change, we decided to follow in the footsteps of some members of the forum and swim to the famous Banana Reef, which is near the Lahami Bay Resort. We walked there along the mangroves by the sea. The hotel was still closed then, we thought that we bought without problems. We already wanted to go into the sea, but the guard saw us and went to the reception. In order to avoid problems, they called him and explained the situation. Then another one came, then two more. A whole council gathered, discussed something for a long time, called somewhere. Then they gave me the phone and someone (as I understand it, their main manager) said that the hotel is closed if you want to swim - 50 euros per person. Guys, are you really, Sharm el Luli bay costs 30! We walked for so long, we had a child with us, well, let's swim for an hour, and we didn't take any money with us. But in no way. Take money with you and come back tomorrow. No thanks. And we went back. This is how it turned out to be a bummer.
And we, naive, thought that as a last resort we would give the guard $ 5 and swim to our heart's content. But it was not there.
We went back on land. Near Wadi Lahami bought a little. I decided to go out on the track to try to stop a ride (some practiced this way), but the locals from the village dissuaded the divers. They said that the cars were unlikely to stop, strongly recommended to go on foot. We decided not to risk it, especially since it was getting dark, and went along the shore. Just arrived for dinner. Well, nothing, although the final goal was not achieved, but we walked around, saw mangroves with their living creatures and flocks of huge crabs on the beach near the diving village.
Epilogue
The vacation was a success, we got what we wanted: the sea, complete relaxation without dripping on the brain (constant “how are you? ”, Offers of various services, etc. ). The first race, when you swim in the sea in a relaxed way and are not afraid to hurt someone or get a flipper in the face. In one of the reviews, someone did not recommend going now.
And on the contrary, I recommend going right now (of course, who prefers just such a format of recreation). We were lucky, we bought the tour before the introduction of information, there was no unnecessary trouble. Yes, and while visas have been canceled, they saved $ 75, which is also nice. By the way, when we were driving back, the guide said that after the introduction of the tests, the tourist flow dropped sharply. The first time he has no tourists from Ukraine at all. So the prices will definitely go up.
It seems to be everything.
It took 2.5 hours to get to the hotel from the airport with stops at other hotels. Be aware that guides and drivers call this hotel among themselves Lahmi Azur. When I was looking for my bus and called Wadi Lakhmi, until the guide came up, the drivers could not figure out where to take me.
Thank God you don't have to go to meet the guide. This is a hotel for hard-nosed sea lovers.
Arrived at the hotel at 7:15. The hotel does not accept check-in. We were immediately taken to breakfast, after which they immediately gave the keys and took us to the room. In the room, be sure to ask the escort with you to open and close the safe, so as not to call someone later. In my safe, you had to press a button in a special way. And while the maintainer did not show, nothing worked.
Luggage brought in 5 minutes. Room 1627 with sea view. The furniture is new. The shower is very good, with a side.
Only liquid soap and shower gel. Bring your own if you need to.
The fumigator was not needed. The building is located next to the dive center. To the sea 50 m.
HOTEL FEATURES
1. Hotel with SOFT food - that is, without alcohol. Because of this, vouchers are 120 dollars cheaper (3000 UAH). Nice savings with great conditions
2. You need at least a little knowledge of English/German/Italian. Or download Google translator on your gadget. Without a language, it will be difficult to solve the problem if it appears.
3. A huge plus of the hotel - You can swim ALWAYS AND EVERYWHERE. Even when the red flag, even when the waves. The employee at the pier will try to forbid (such as a strong wind), but when you start to prove to him that you want to snorkel, he simply says that you accept responsibility and at the same time writes down the room number.
4. A huge plus of the hotel is the STAFF. Previously, I thought the best staff at 3 corners of Fairows. Wadi Lakhmi Azur is much better.
They help you in everything, on their own initiative, they don’t even wait for a request from you. A couple of examples:
- She came from Sataya with three bags - a snork bag, a bag with a towel and the necessary little things, a bag of mangoes. Already on my way to the room. The manager came and took all the bags and brought them to the room. I freaked out. Here is the service!
- At 6 am, putting a towel and things on the sunbed, sailed away for 3 hours. Went out for breakfast. After I go up to the sunbed, the beachboy says something excitedly. I didn’t understand a damn thing, I thought I was swearing. And he ran and brought the mattress, straightened the towel. Said, "No problem. " Apparently he was worried that things were lying for so long, but I was gone, I thought the shark ate))). Usually I am absent for 1.5-2 hours in the morning, but here it was almost 4 hours away.
5. If you are a woman and arrived alone, then you will definitely be accommodated in a new three-story building. Don't even try to ask for something else.
They argue that the new rooms are of an improved type and in the building there are security and cameras on the floor, like they are worried about our safety.
6. The restaurant does not have air conditioning. Everyone eats on the terrace of the restaurant. There are fans that do not help much in the heat. And if breakfast and dinner are comfortable, then at lunchtime, the heat is 35-40 degrees, and it is very difficult to eat. However, you know that again in a swim for 1.5-2 hours and you will be hungry in the water, you have to stuff food. That is, lunch on vacation is not a pleasure, but a test)))
When I was leaving and the manager asked if I would come again, I said no and described the problem with the restaurant. The manager said that you should have just ASKED TO TURN ON THE AIR CONDITIONER inside the restaurant, and not endure the torment !! ! So just ask to turn on the air conditioner and have fun while eating)))
7. You can always swim in the pools. I didn't swim, I just saw Germans or Italians hang out there at night.
NUTRITION. Very good.
Not great when 5 types of meat and 2 types of fish. But just very good, fresh and high quality. 2 types of meat and one fish were always (except for breakfast), not to mention other dishes. Just good quality food
BEACH. SEA.
There are always sunbeds. Bring mattresses. Towel card with your room number.
Very comfortable stairs - descent from the pier. Near the stairs there are boxes for shoes and small things.
Came to the beach at 6:30 hotel time. The first day came at 5:30. Made a swim in the direction of the mangroves. In my opinion, it shouldn't be so early. The sun is not high yet. Corals are gray, do not play with colors. Beauty begins with sufficient light, after 7:30-8:00
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CORALS IN MARS. Was in Shams, 3 corners of fairuz, Sunrise, Mubarak, Abu Dabab, Sharm el Luli. Really the corals are the most beautiful here. Some corals seen for the first time. In terms of living creatures - a lot, but "not under the nose. " Even simple Nemo fish were at a depth of about a meter and a half.
By the way, only one couple on the entire coast. Apparently the waves do not allow the fish to rise to the surface. Napoleons almost every day, but at a depth of a meter to 5 meters - you can’t hug)))
Very decent lagoons. Two moray eels live there, a crocodile fish, a barracuda comes in, we saw a shark (I was not lucky with the shark), not counting the rest of the little things - lionfish, boxfish, triggers, etc.
Turtles only on the outer reef. Somehow in one day I met with six turtles, first 2, then three, after dinner another one.
If you swim to the left from the pier, then it is interesting to the unfinished hotel - beautiful corals, urchin fish, etc. There is no point in sailing further. I swam to the pier of an abandoned hotel, in my opinion, Zobargan is a waste of time and effort.
Summary. The hotel is a must for sea lovers. And whether to repeat - decide for yourself.
Video:
https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=fAKWlKM7onI
https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=e9zLp-Jy-N4
https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=Apt2XqQJ5z0
Hotel
A lot has been written about the hotel, both good and not very good, we liked absolutely everything, otherwise we wouldn’t go a second time. The hotel is definitely for sea lovers with an active position, it is NOT suitable for families with children, for people for whom comfort, food, and animation are very important, since there is no animation in principle. The hotel rooms are old, but everything works, and if something didn’t work for someone, the administration reacted instantly and eliminated everything. There are two bottles of 1.5 liters in the room. water replenishment daily, two were not enough for us and we asked for another one and they began to bring us three bottles daily, there is a tea set.
Meals at the hotel according to the SOFT AI system, all alcohol is paid, the food is normal, the assortment is not large, but everything is always fresh, meat, fish have always been. The hotel is very simple, small, the green area is always looked after. Two pools, good coffee is brewed near the central pool.
Beach
On the beach, the sun loungers are old, but all intact. There are always a lot of free places, as part of the tourists leave for Hamata for kiting or diving. There is a bar with drinks on the beach, after 10:00 you can have a snack with pastries and tea, which we did after long swims or a morning trip to a neighboring bay, since we didn’t get breakfast. There is a shower on the beach. A very comfortable pontoon, in the center of the pontoon there are convenient descents into the lagoons. Convenient compartments for shoes and small things.
Sea
The sea, this is what is magnificent here, both to the right and to the left of the pontoon. We entered the sea with the very sunrise and did 3-4 hour swims.
We were lucky with the weather 11 out of 14 days were calm weather without strong waves. The reef is very lively, but also very different if you compare the December trip with the trip in June. Brackets, whitetip sharks, blacktip sharks, Arabian angel, hawksbill turtles, starfish, milkfish, plataxes, barracudas, Giant trevally, guitar stingray, comb-tailed stingray and the rest of the Red Sea set, very beautiful coral architecture, especially to the right and to the very next bay behind the mangrove grove. Some corals are seen for the first time. 4 swims were made in the bay, 2.5-3 hours in time. The bay behind the mangroves is simply gorgeous, green turtles, various rays, comb-tailed, ringed, guitarists, pink whiptail, African headtail. On the southern reef of the bay there are plataxes, blunt-nosed pompano, trevally, giant trevally.
The main inhabitant of the bay, of course, is the Dugong, of course, meeting him is a great success, we managed to meet him three times in two trips.
The northern reef of the bay is gray and not worth attention. We always walked from the hotel to the bay, on average 45 minutes, we took water with us, we hid it there and it’s easier to go back with some water, it’s easy there in the morning, but it’s very hot back, so if you are not prepared for such a load, it’s better not to repeat , you can also take a taxi, but there is a chance that they won’t let you in, or, as it was with the guys from Moscow, they broke them for 35 euros per person, so we didn’t take risks and calmly came and left. Also, the Banana reef swam twice, the outer wall is alive in places very beautifully, and the inner half-dead, the hotel's house reef is more interesting and more alive.
The only thing we were not lucky with was that the water is very muddy compared to winter due to plankton. We went for a walk in the mangroves, went inside through the water, many interesting species of birds, nests of Osprey sea hawks.
Maybe I missed something, this is my first review)
Personal impressions are very positive, to recommend a thankless task, but we will visit this hotel with great pleasure.
Photos taken with cameras Sony A6000 and Canon PowerShot D30.
Mostly athletes are kite surfing, their village is nearby, diving, and a relaxing holiday on the beach, there is no one on it, as everyone leaves for skiing and diving))
Maria