"1. Arrival - warm and welcoming
2. Reception - The front desk and immediate area are very opulent and look amazing with comfortable seating and areas to relax with adjoining bar area
3. Gardens - wonderful (but beware hidden among the green spaces are mosquitos who will enjoy the buffer provided by the unwary.
4. Room 4169 (double) and 4257 (twin) the rooms are tired and especially the ensuite facilities. In 4169 the shower was in need of some TLC and could do with an update. The rug in the room had what looked like red nail varnish ingrained and should be replaced. Ensuite in 4257 similar. Towels are also tired and those supplied had numerous frayed edges. Summary - some updating required
5. People - the housekeeping staff especially Othman (block 4) who was looking after us was first class. Could not do enough and was tireless. Worked hard keeping our room clean and fresh - Thank you Around the many wonderful pools the pool team again were very helpful and friendly. But as with all holidays some were nicer than others.
6. Bars and Restuarants - we found the service a bit hit and miss in the bar and veranda. Lots of staff and sometimes it worked and other days, well it was quicker to go to the bar and sort yourself out. Not the service we were hoping for.
In the buffet restaurant we had the pleasure of Amr who was a manager and seemed to live there. He introduced us to the grill outside and it was a star attraction offering a great selection of grilled meats and fish. Throughout the many occasions we were in the buffet the service was excellent only bettered by the choice and quality of the food on offer. We loved the selection. We tried the Japanese, Sea food and Lebanese restaurants. Each had its own positives and negatives. We had one great meal in Hama and second which was not so good. And the service outside the buffet restaurant we also found to be variable. Overall, a super selection of well prepared and good quality foods.
7. Pool area and beach - there is no shower at the beach. At least if there was we didn't find it. There was one at the end of the pier if you went in the sea. But nothing closer. The nearest was a walk towards the pools whihc had showers. Around the pools there were plenty of beds, but it was off season. I suspect when the hotel is busy there will be a scrum for the beds. Nice coverings on the loungers making them comfortable. Beware the tiling around the pool. When wet its very slippy indeed! Service around the pool was good and the team helpful and friendly. If you like to dive or snorkel the end of the pier is the place to good. Fab; loverly reef, clean and clear water and plenty of fauna and flora to see.
8. Bar furniture / Crockery - some of the white chair backs were heavily soiled with sun cream / body lotions making the backs look rusty and not every appealing to sit on. Perhaps to improve the chairs should be regularly washed to remove residues. We were also amazed at the numbers of cups we had to return which were cracked and broken, causing hot liquid to leak through. Same with tea pots. Not sure why but in a hotel of this standard there should be a greater inspection of the crockery before use, especially where hot liquids are involved.
9. Overall atmosphere - my wife was a little uncomfortable as nearly all the staff are men. There are some women but they are few and far between. For many people it is not an issue but for my wife it did make here feel uncomfortable with so many men. Personally, I was less aware but its feedback and would mean it unlikely we would return for another holiday.
10. Summary - The hotel was really nice with hard working staff albeit with some tired fixtures, fittings and towels. There was a block undergoing refurbishment so perhaps the hotel is going through the next cycle of renewal. Would we return: it was one of the best we have visited and stayed at. Superior food for sure. But sadly, we would not revisit due to (a) the dyfunctional airport at Sharm and (b) the lack of women on the staff.
Final observation: While there we noted the general manger making his rounds. He made his presence felt in a positive way and had a good eye for detail. His team should however be more proactive and pushing for excellence. The example being the dirty chair backs, and lots of broken / cracked crockery."
