"A long honest review at our resent 3 week stay. I have been to this hotel many times into the high teens first visit over ten years ago. And this visit with my family is one of favourites yet. And before the she’s a loyal ram guest she only posts to give praise no last year I sat with Mr Tariq and Said and had a open and honest conversation into how the hotel has changed over the years and how some of these changes was not for the best in my opinion. I voiced this fedback and Mr Tariq said If you come next year you will see the changes and you will see I am listening. We decided to arrive this time over Christmas and new year and WOW credit where it’s due as we are quick to critic and then not praise. Mr Tariq and his team stuck to all their promises and we arrived this time in shock in honestly but more importantly couldn’t wait to get our holiday started.
Having arrived I emailed the hotel and requested a room / area we would like If possible. Once arrived to the hotel we was greeted to the biggest smiles,hand shakes and welcome back. This was from the security, the porters (who was so efficient to take your luggage tag it and make sure it was ready to go to your room) The whole reception team was so warm and welcoming. The girls at guest relations came over and straight the way said we have your room sorted. Then reception asked us to take a seat whilst they got our bands / room cards ready. Honestly considering how many guests was checking in (December 23rd - Christmas period is notoriously busy) the whole process was quick,smooth and really relaxing. Every single person started our holiday off to the start we hoped for back in England.
The rooms these to me personally was amazing. We was allocated the room we wanted just a floor higher so we knew what to expect. The rooms, are so large,light and airy. There is a aircon in each room that gets really cold so perfect for the days you come back from the pool hot and bothered. The bed, pillows and bedding are so comfortable this hotel really hasn’t scrimped on the bedding or linen. The balconies are large . All come with chairs and tables. Which is perfect for us and so comfortable i enjoyed every morning sitting on the balcony with my coffee and in the afternoon watching the sun set.
Our cleaner Belal worked really hard he greeted us every morning with such a warm smile, he even took his time teaching our son Arabic and reminded him every morning of the previous day words, he’s came home still remembering so many of the words Belal taught him. Our room was always clean. Always a good amount of towels and toiletries. Which are fab by the way!
We used the laundry service and as always was FAB! Collected at 9am was delivered back at 4pm. All washed,ironed,folded immaculately.
The food. This is the one that I often see gets critiqued a lot. Personally I found this year the best for food, again being really honest it was not the best at times. But this year it was amazing all the different options . Can the food get a little repetitive? Honestly it was repetitive as you want it to be and how much you’re willing to explore the options available. The days we eat within the hotel we all managed a different meal option every night. From a roast to bbq chicken salad and rice. The food was presented beautifully. The taste was great. It was all well seasoned and cooked. My husband raved about the beef wellington! The Egyptian bread freshly baked is something I’m going to keep thinking about at home. The bbq stations WOW. We visited the white elephant twice again exceptional. The staff the food the service. It really is back to the old white elephant days (if you’re a frequent old RAM guest you will know what I mean ) my son loved the lunch at the beach bar. I feel whatever has changed weather that be the chefs,headchefs,catering it’s changed for the better and these guys need the credit they deserve as without them we would all go hungry. For the amount of guests especially Christmas and new year periods, the different nationalities they have to cater for they honestly do it so well .
The only let down in the buffet halls all are hassle and bussle with certain holiday makers not knowing what a queuing system is. Seemingly pushing and shoving into the line and proceeding to push and barge whoever and whatever in there way out of it. And the endless filling plates with especially strawberries not giving a damn of the concept there are others that would like that item of food. Then endlessly wasting so much food on the tables.
Again the waiting staff greet you with a smile will immediately find you a table and have your drink orders within 5 mins of walking into a restaurant. They are constantly cleaning tables,floors and making sure guests have all they need.
Drinks- This is where last year I had the biggest criticism for. The drinks was AWFUL now in this hotel the alcohol has never been the greatest but last time diabolical. This is one if the areas I voiced to Mr Tariq. Praise praise praise the drinks are so much better! The vodka is actually drinkable. Yeah there are no syrups but I was provided some and THANK YOU to mr Tariq and Mo for going out their way in order to get strawberry syrup. I am not a big drinker at all but wow what a holiday to have my evening strawberry daiquiri / blue lagoon holiday made! So thank you. Also Metro also sell syrups so if you are wanting them go there they are really cheap and the bar staff will happily make you cocktails using them. The mojitos in the sports bar still amazing.
The fresh orange juice in the breakfast room UNREAL! It’s a MUST I didn’t want to pass that on as it’s that’s good and don’t want it to all go with the cat out the bag on how good it is but it really is something else. There was other fresh juice options on other days I think it was watermelon but I did not try that one.
Snacks. So they now have the new refurbished Columbus bar what a IMPROVEMENT! The coffees the different tea options! The endless fresh cakes,biscuits,pastries oh wow I feel like I’ve put a stone on from the amazing biscuits. All items made by hand by the chefs,all fresh. The room so large. Plenty of seating. Its light what a improvement and the perfect chill area. Ahmed in there is exceptional always greeting you with a smile. He always remembers your drink within a second of stepping into Columbus your coffee is there ready and waiting such a great service. It’s a pleasure seeing him still after all these years. He’s a credit to RAM and the coffee shop.
ice cream - Strawberry,vanilla,chocolate,mango at lunch -pool bar
Then the evening bottom bar.
Gym - WHY IS THIS NOT BEING SPOKEN ABOUT?!?
Last year the gym was AWFUL tired ,dated and beyond basic. It had never been updated. In the 15 years of me coming. There was only limited weights.The equipment was practically unusable. Fast forward a year WE HAVE A NEW GYM. All new gym equipment. New machines,new accessories everything brand new apart from the treadmill and bike but it’s fine they work and do the job. WELL DONE AND THANK YOU FOR UPDATING!! The only thing you could benefit from is hand sanitiser as it’s always empty and some wipes so equipment can be wiped down after using. And new workout mats but what an improvement in a year!
Entertainment This visit the animation team have been the BEST team in the 14 years we have witnessed. Every single member is so interactive to all guests. They really go above and beyond and the energy they give is infectious well done to such a good animation team. Tito and kimo WHAT A CREDIT! These boys need protecting at all costs to ensure they don’t go anywhere! They are amazing. So good with the guests the kids and always always approach with a smile and a chat they work so hard as do the whole team. And I think Reuben will be a great addition. He’s energetic full of life and it’s lovely having an English voice/ person in the animation team. GREAT ADDITION . The animation team work hard cater for all guests, all nationalities and ages and they do it so well. I do feel like a few patio heaters especially in the December months would be great and really beneficial as it can sometimes get cold outside watching the entertainment.
CHRISTMAS & NYE All the times we have been this year was the BEST. Well done to the hotel staff,chefs,animation,bartenders,everyone it was truly spectacular. The atmosphere,the music,the decor. Last year I know a few uk guests. Was complaining it was all Russian / international music all night. This year the hotel must of listened and took these comments on board as it was fabulous. The music was perfect for ALL guests. The entertainment was incredible. The dancers, the singers, thank you for giving us a Christmas and new year we will remember forever. You really did outshine this year RAM well well done to all.
Staff We personally find all the staff hard working,smiling and really would do what they can to make your holiday happy and smooth. I know I have seen that it’s becoming a you have to tip for a good service culture. Myself we have not found this. We do tip but that’s because we are already getting a good service and feel the workers we interact and come across with truly deserve it.
Gardens & Grounds- This can sometimes be overlooked. The gardens the grounds are immaculate. You will find no rubbish anywhere. Not so much of a leaf out of place. All the flowers,grass,trees everything are manicured to perfection. The grounds are so well maintained. The paint everywhere is immaculate. No where is tired. The staff make the hotel stunning. Well done to you all. This does not go unnoticed.
Overall Would we come back? ALREADY BOOKED along with 4 other couples to come back December for Christmas new year. There is no way after all the changes,all the Improvements, the recommendations / the fact that management LISTENED and took on board last years fedback how can you not go back to a hotel that clearly has all guests interests and want to look after guests at the front of their minds. This hotel staff,management truly do go out of their way to make your holiday. They really will do anything and everything to make your holiday special.
Again this review of my own thoughts and opinions it maybe not yours but we are all entitled to our own reviews,thoughts and feelings. That of one person may not be that of an others…"
