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| Holiday-Truth Readers Reports |
elaine from hertfordshire travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
thomson
on a family holiday.
There were 5 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2008 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff | | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Just back from Sonesta beach. Had a really great holiday. It was very hot but plenty of umbrellas around the pool for shade. There are 3 major problems at this hotel Italians, Russians and the biggest of all the food.
the food was all pasta, rice and vegetables.
We ended up eating out the last 4 nights of a 2 week stay as we couldnt stomach it anymore. Also the Italians think they own the place to the point of taking other peoples toast out of the toaster to put there in and pushing to the front of the queing people.
One Italian even took the handling tongs out of my daughters hand while she was trying to get a croissant! and as for the Russians they are just rude, ignorant and greedy.
Also the thing to watch is the all inclusive options you can only have beer, wine or cocktails that are locally produced no other spirits you can only have crisps from the beach bar and only ice cream from certain pool bars at certain times we sat at the oasis pool and you had to pay for ice cream there.
If you wanted to eat at the bar that is on the beach (it has its own private beach)you had to pay. Also do not book the fish night it is awful.
Click here for more information on this hotel, resort and region
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Pat & Karen from Belfast travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
Thomas Cook
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2008 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This is not the original hotel we had booked, Thomas Cook had moved us to this hotel as a recommendation in place of the one we paid for and described it as like for like. This is NOT a 5 star hotel as booked, this is not even a 4 star hotel it really boarderlines 3 star. The only thing that is 5 star are the garden areas which are well maintained 24 hours per day and the staff who all work very hard and long hours.
Food/drink
We went on all inclusive basis which was very disapointing the food was very repetitive and catered more for our european friends, pasta rice, pasta rice. They have theme nights each night one of them being british...... the only british thing on the menu that night was lancashire hotpot!!!!!! The drinks are very limited and served out of plastic glasses, never have I ever been to a 4 or 5 star hotel and had to drink from a plastic glass!!!! One night i decided to have a cocktail drink, then another and another and another, with no effect i just put this down to watered down spirts....no......I went to the bar myself and asked for a cocktail and could i have a nice one please only to be asked would i like an alcoholic one?????? i had been drinking fruit juice cocktails all night, if you don't ask for an alcohol cocktail you don't get one. If you want a drink from a glass you can go to Ali Babas cafe on the roof and pay for it although it is very pleasant. They have water dispensers at the bar but always ask for a bottle of water but 99% of the time you will not get them after 10pm.
Cleanliness
The cleanliness of the rooms, where do i start........ yes your room is cleaned every day (well someone comes in) you have fresh towels each day and toilet roll replemished as needed but i would advise anyone to bring some along as you WILL need it. We were in room 711 and was shocked at the standard and cleanliness of the bathroom, there are approx 4 inches from the toilet rim to the wall, to take your place on the throne is very uncomfortable you have to sit on the loo sidewards, the towel rack is above the toilet so if you are tall and male you are guaranteed a black eye we had to tie a towel around the edge just to remind us it was there. We had complained to our rep and the hotel offered us to view another room. Yes the room was very pleasant but it was a 20 minute walk from reception and it was 30 degrees at night and in the 40's in the daytime just too far away for us also there was building work going on outside the room (new tennis courts)just not suitable and there was no other room available so we had to stay put. This caused problems on day 4 as we both got sick along with the rest of the hotel with the dreaded stomach upset apparently everyone gets it, really bad stomach cramps, gut pains and of course diaoreaha. Just go to the pharmacy across the road from the hotel and ask for the yellow capsules the are about £5.00 a box and worked well for us. i don't believe it was from the food in the hotel as i watched the staff taking temperatures of food and there wasn't a fly in site apparently the main cause is the air conditioning, the pharmasist explained it as we are like chickens in an oven and taken out and put straight into the freezer then taken from the freezer and back into the oven this causes bacteria and that is why we get sick.
Location
The location of the hotel is OK if the weather was cooler (44 degrees when we were there)far to hot to walk in but you can get a taxi outside the hotel for 10LE (£1)into namma bay but coming back it will cost you at least 50LE (£5)
Hotel Staff
We found the hotel staff very pleasant the boy that cleans (????) your room always asking is everything alright (waiting for a tip) the towel boys keeps your towel cards and puts you towel out every morning, very handy but(waiting for a tip)the bar staff telling the men how lucky they are to have a beautiful women (waiting for a tip) the restaurant are always very pleasant and don't expect anything, we always ate the in same restaurant in the hotel (they have several) and being creatures of habit always set in the same area, we had very attentive and pleasant staff these men don't expect anything they do work really hard, we gave two men in particular a tip as they deserved it and although it was only £5 each (for two weeks service)the gratitude was amazing they really didn't expect it. We had watched their supervisors reaction to this and went to the restaurant that night to find they had been moved to another area?????
Entertainment
Diabolical, for an alleged 5 star hotel this was dreadful again catered for our euorpean friends as everything was in either italian or russian very little english was spoken so how on earth could you watch it and it was more geared towards children. Although we had no children with us we met people that did so how could an english speaking child even understand what was going on??????? Our only saving grace was the television in our room which has about 4 english speaking channels, two of which are movie channels that in my opinion showed very good films this was handy when we got sick and couldn't go out of the room.
I would not recommend this hotel to anyone, it is definatley not 5 star and will never return to it even if it was free.
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meg from south shields travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
thompsons
on a family holiday.
There were more than 6 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2008 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: Hotel clean and our rooom got cleaned every day cannot fault how clean they are, but the food was horrible since we went there we have been bad for 14 days with pains in stomach and diarrhoea, can not beleive how many people were bad there, some of them had to get a doctor in as they where so bad. It had to be food or drink that did this, you could never get a coffee or tea in mornings trying to get a waiter was beyond a joke as they never had tea of coffee machines there at all.
There was no entertainment for adults at all it was only for kids.
There was loads of Italians and Russians there.
There are a few things that aren't all inclusive when you go to the beach you can not eat there you have to go back to hotel to eat, you can get free drinks on beach but nothing else, they have a beach bar but you have to pay to eat there.
The beach its self is all full of rocks,
The drinks are like parrafin never had a good drink all the time we were there.
Some of the staff were nice but some didn't like the English at all.
Overall I wouldn't let any one go to this hotel at its not nice at all we couldn't wait to get back home I've never said that before.
As we all stayed at the Tropicana Garden Palms last year it was brill we didn't want to come home.
i would never go to this hotel ever agian and I wouldn't recommend any one to go there.
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mandi from bridgwater travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
portland direst
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2007 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: well what can i say just come back from the sonesta beach and had a fablous holiday i would definliy recomend it.
rooms
we sayed in the double double family room which is for italians and thompson guests only.they cost an extra £28 a week and are well worth it as the other rooms are much smaller.our room had a dressing room, bathroom, bedroom, sitting area, and small bedroom. the bed was massive and rock hard,but we soon got used to it.our room boy was a trainee called mohamed and he was brillient,nothing to much trouble.the rooms were cleaned every day and bedding change regular.we had a lovely views of the garden
food
can only comment on breakfast as we were b&b. lovely, great chioce and if you want eggs, mr egg man will cook you fresh omelettes and fried eggs worth queing for, tho you dont wait that long.
we did eat a couple of times at the pool side bar, no fault with the food just limited in chioce so we eat out by the beach.(oonis bar)
pools
we spent most of our time at the catus pool lovely and queit. where as the main pool outside our room was noisy and full of italians,didn't go round any of the other pools some looked quiet, some noisy.
the complex is massive it took us 7 mins to walk from our room to recepition,
towels are provided and if you tip the towel boy he will save your sun beds for you.we never bothered as we were up early every morning and done it our selves. thou the last 2 days the towel boy changed and the new one keep bothering us trying to get us to let him save sun beds, so he could have a tip. he was also putting towels on sunbeds not in use so people had to ask which ones were free and then tip him.
bars
lobby bar is nice to go and have a drink in before you start walking into na'ama bay that the took us 20mins to walk from lobby bar to na'ama bay.
albas roof top cafe is lovely to go to and watch the sunset you can have tea, coffee, beer, soft drinks and even smoke the waterpipe.
the staff are all very friendly and make you fell welcome and we had a laugh with a lot of them.
would we go back most definitly.
we would be happy to go back every year.
out and about.
we felt very safe over their.and every night we walk along the prom into na'ama bay great place really worth the walk in. didn't get that much hassle but we did keep off the side streets.
can't fault the food never had a bad meal but can recoment viva, amd restrant italianos.
most lunch times we eat at oonis bar is it had air con and wasnit that far to walk just on the beach.
we are looking foward to going back we might even see you there.
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Derwentrocker from Lincolnshire travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
portland
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2007 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Tut Tut, I am sorry but some of these reviews on here are amazing, picky, and really some of you do not know what you are talking about. I do hope my review will answer some of the messages i have been sent and also a truth telling experience.
I am a regular at this hotel, they know me well, we have just come back on the 27th August 2007, and was there 6 weeks ago in July in which i wrote a review as well.
Firstly so many reviews on here are getting mixed up with the Sonesta Beach and casino, and the sonesta club. The Sonesta club is the sister to the sonesta beach is very tiny, but occupied by a lot of English and young children. It is a bout a 15 minute walk across the peace road(like a dual carriageway), through the back of the casino into the sonesta beach, you then have a 15 minute walk to the beach through our complex. So many guests at the sonesta club didnt like it, the rooms are very small, and its a bit of a trek.
Ok, to tell you about the rooms and to give you the correct information that so many of you are getting wrong.........
There is a big difference between normal standard family rooms and the double double family rooms.
Firstly.......all the low numbers eg, room 133, up into the 500s etc are classed as family rooms, they are located around the pool nearest reception. Yes we stayed in them in July this year, yes we had a little problem with ants, but if any of you have a tongue then mention it to the housekeeper, who i might add will spray the rooms with ant killer every day, they will also keep the air conditioning on as well all day. The air con isnt brilliant i must confess, but as i said you can keep it on all day at no extra costing to you.
Reguarding a review written saying that they only had 2 chairs and that there was 4 in the party, why didnt you ask the housekeeper for more?? We were in room 133 before and we had a problem with the toilet flushing, but it was fixed straight away.
So a tip, if you book your holiday with thomson/portland it is standard to get a smaller 4 persons room, BUT if you upgrade through their brochure or on their website then upgrade the £28 pp per week and go into the blocks of thousands, eg, ours last week was room 1105, and it is huge and cold, rooms 2000 block are all up by the cactus pool, this pool has got to be the quietest of them all. Yes the rooms are spacious, you have a hallway, a bathroom, a walk in cloakroom, a huge bedroom with a 7ft bed in and down two steps into the living room with two sofas and tv and fridge, then another room off it with another bed. So this is what is termed as a 4 persons double double family room, any rooms less than a thousand are smaller rooms. These smaller rooms are also used by first choice, Kiouni and longwoods. It is mainly the Italian guests and thomson who are allowed the larger double double rooms.
I hope that helps and clears up any confusion when booking, just remember you HAVE TO PAY A SUPPLEMENT, no supplement then you're stuck with economy family rooms.
Any complaints go to reception, be reasonable, someone attends to your problem within minutes.
In the pools i have never seen shoes worn, the ones i am assuming a traveller on here was referring to are sea shoes which you can wear for the purpose of the sea on the corals and in the swimming pool. All pools are spotless and are cleaned every night, and the sun-beds. There are 6 pools scattered and hidden around the complex, the Italian one is the biggest, but noisiest, the best one is the quietest and that is the cactus bar right up near the 2000 block, there is also tennis courts up that end, yes it is further to walk, but if you look you will find short cuts, look around the complex on an evening when it is cooler.
The breakfasts are lovely, never stayed all inclusive as in my own opinion its a waste, there are beautiful restaurants on the complex and in and around Naama bay and down the promenade. I personally enjoyed eating at the Oonas bar, the pomodoro in Naama bay, the Ghazzala, the Jolieville hotel with the entertainment and the jolieville upstairs (up the escalator).
Reguarding a report on here about the reception, we were extremely fast getting in, if you have to wait its proberly due to the fact of the popularity of the hotel, a lot of guests stay here and august was full. If you have to wait they give you a drink and give you free fruit on arrival. Just chill you are on holiday, why stress?
Now the Doctor, because i have IBS, i always see the doctor, hes never there but his assistant is from 9am in the morning, sometimes he isnt there so ring the reception, they will tell you the times he will be there, the doctor lives in the old town of sharm, so it takes 15 mins drive. Contrary to what reviews have been written the doctor does not and will not come to your room!, you go to him when the clinic sign is on, if he isnt there, its because he is at the sonesta club, maybe an emergency. The doctors are highly qualified and would not fob anyone off, they charge £35 sterling for whatever pills, injections you require. I had two injections and 3 lots of pills and my diahorrea and cramps went after 2 days. Now reguarding illness....
DO NOT SUFFER : - with diarroea and cramps, the air conditioning and too much sun and the summer months always cause this if you are prone. You can go over the peace road outside of the front of the hotel to the Omar pharmacy, they may give you streptoquinn and antinal, this is for the gut bacteria and diahorrea. This should work, but if it doesnt go to boots buy buscopan over the counter or in boots itself and that will clear up the cramps - diarrhoea has to be cleared up in resort, dont take Immodium, this doesn't work!, probotic drinks do not work in Egypt. Drinks at least 2 big bottles of water a day and drink sprite. Sprite gets rid of a lot of the gut bacteria.
I always go to the doctor as the above i am immune to now, but each medicine above will cost you about £7 each, so my theory is, it is cheaper overall to go to the doctor, as it is one price untill you are better. The doctor is a lovely man and will help you. If you go to sharm in the autumn winter months then it is very unlikely you will get travellers diarrhoea, its because of the air con and sun and dehydration. If you get sick you are dehydrated and drinking far to much beer etc.
The beach isn't brilliantly big, but there are a lot of sun -beds, and an array of water sports, it is safe for younger children, and the boats that do come in are for the water sports or the glass bottom boats. The boats do not go near the buoys are it is their dead line and too shallow, they give you warning a few mins before they get to the jetty, so no problems.
The Oonas bar we know everyone, Latoyah is the boss and speaks excellent English, also Joseph who speaks fairly good English and a-gassi, and Mohamad the bar man and Kareen who speaks little english but does a mean cocktail of the shisa pipe. Mohammad also works in the spice shop next to the Oonas, its a good well stock shop and no bartering is required, all prices on it, and they are not pushy. We buy the water from the Oonas and eat at lunch and sometimes eat on the roof bar of an evening from sunset to sun rise. Great for meeting friends and chilling, shisa pipes are really cheap.
Food is extremely cheap in naama bay, for two adults anything from £14 between us for starter and main and drinks.
If you want more nightlife then hard rock cafe after 11.30pm comes well alive, but be warned alcohol thats imported is extremely expensive, about £6.00 for a malibu and coke.
The camel bar and bus stop have music and there is TGI fridays and a few night clubs.
It is a resort, but has the egypt feel to it.
The sonesta beach resort we like because of the hospitality, the fact it is colonial and looks Egyptian, where as the hilton, and the marriots etc are just hotels, which are the same everywhere you go. At the end of the day it is a hotel room, but if you are not happy with the room number, they will move you, just ask.
I am going back with my family next june 23rd 2008, so if you are around, pm me and we can all meet up on the Oonas roof top bar, amazing views, that will then be my 5 th time to the Sonesta and wont be the last.
If you would like honest answers please pm me, i will answer all pms that are genuine.
10/10 as usual
Michelle & Sam
Lincolnshire.
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Derwentrocker from Lincolnshire travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
Portland
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2007 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Well this the 3rd visit to this hotel and i have wrote reviews on all, the hotel is possibly more a 4 star than a five, mainly because some do need painting and upgrading furniture, but to be honest it wasn't a problem for us. The hotel was exceptionally clean and tidy, and the staff make you staff fabulous. There is a bit of painting going on in the hotel rooms, so this will be better all round for guests visiting.
I would never go A1 basically because there is so much food out in naama bay, i wouldn't want to be restricted basically because its great to head out of an evening.
The rooms are spacious and have good air conditioning, they are cleaned every day. breakfast seemed to have everything, but the main hi-light being the eggs that are cooked for you.
We heard the hotel entertainment, i didnt see it, but sounded ok.
The hotel is situated at the north end of Naama bay, it has its own private beach and an array of water sports. Quad biking is a must, we loved it.
We are going back to this same hotel in Aug 07 and again in June 2008, by that time, it will be our 5 th visit. So you can see, we love this hotel.
10/10
Michelle x
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hilary from llandudno travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
self booked
on a friends holiday.
There were 3 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 04 2007 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: When we arrived we were efficiently checked in and taken to a suite, it was huge the double bed could of fit four people easily. We asked to move as it was on the far side of the resort near the big pool. Our room boy was gutted we were already having a laugh with him, the staff were brilliant. Our second room was massive but not as big but nearer reception, restaurant etc. It had two single beds then stairs down to two more single beds that were cleverly crafted into the walls bib balcony, and very clean.
It was about 15 min walk along the prom into Naama bay not stayed here before and have been to Naama 7 times it was ok we only paid £100 for the hotel on b&b 10 nights and it was more than worth it
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Chandler from Hants travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
Thompson
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 04 2007 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Excellent hotel, very clean, loads of choice for breakfast. Nice walk into Naama Bay.
Entertainment seemed to be geared for the Italians, of which there were many.
Very nice beach for snorkeling.
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Frenchy from Bury travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
Thomsons
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 02 2007 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel is in a five star grounds with fantastic swimming pools one is straight and long suitable for swimming lengths. It has it's own private beach in an ideal location.
The hotel room I stayed in was three star accommodation but do not let that put you off it was clean and had anything you could wish for, the location and grounds are well woth it i will go again. Looking at the price it was far cheaper than the other 5 star hotels so you get what you pay for no complaints.
The breakfasts were excellant.
The entertainment was average but then the resort is lively enough. If you are a family group with young children I would advise somewhere else.
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Andy from Newport travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
Thomson
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 02 2007 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We stayed at the sonesta beach between the dates of 15/02 - 1/03/07 and found the weather to be great, the temp' in the day was mid to late 20's with the odd day in the low thirties at night however it did get a little cold and you will need a light jacket or cardigan.
This was our second time to namma bay but the first to this hotel and in all honesty the cleanliness and the attention to detail of the gardens and grounds was second to none.
We stayed in room 2702 it was fantastic absolutely huge and more importantly right next to the heated pool (the cactus pool). We had about a 5-10 minute walk to the reception area (breakfast restaurant)and another 5 minute walk to the beach this was no problem at all.
There were several places to eat within the Hotel grounds and although we did not try them all the ones we tried were great especially the Italian (La Gondalla).
There was entertainment within the hotel the usual stuff dancers one night singers the next however there was alot of Italians and they had there own entertainment elsewhere with in the complex.
The hotel staff were great and considerate and did everything to make your holiday as enjoyable as could be. The hotel is situated the opposite end to where all the shops and bars can be found but a pleasant half hour walk along the promenade passing many restaurants-drinking facilities brings you into the main area.
The beach I would rate 7-10 but the snorkeling 10-10, there are plenty of water sports to keep the kids happy, We had a fantastic time a great place to go during the winter and we would go back.
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Carole from herts travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
Thomson
on a friends holiday.
There were 4 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Although this hotel is given a 5 star rating, we would give it only 3-4.
We couldn't fault the rooms. We were given 2503 which was a huge family room with separate dressing room and 2 smaller bedrooms and a sitting room. We didn't need all the space as we were only 2 adults to a room. the bed was huge!!!
I cannot fault the cleanliness and we only stayed b&b but the food we did have was fine.
The only gripe we had was that everything seems to be geared to the Italians. Even so far as when we sat to watch their evening show we were told that it was for the Italians only and not British! That annoyed us a bit.
The pool areas were ok but tiles were very slippery when wet and we all had a fall at some point.
As we were leaving they started ripping up the walkways in front of the main restaurant and pool and there was workmen in droves along with huge cement mixers. They did say that the work was for a sewage problem and would last only 10 days but where the heavy lorries were coming up from the beach area, the whole walkways and sunk and subsided so I would think there will be disruption for a couple of weeks.
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Claire from Kent travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
Thomson
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: After reading a few reviews on the Sonesta Beach I was a little worried as they were very mixed, however I was pleasantly surprised.
At first I was a little bothered by the fact that our room was one of the furthest from the reception (room 2522). In fact I timed it and it took 7 mins from room to reception! Thinking that the trek would soon get very tiresome walking to and fro just to get anywhere (including having breakfast) we asked at reception to be moved to a room nearer the main pool/beach etc. The reception staff were very pleasant and told us that our room was "much nicer" as it was a newer build, but that we could look at a room nearer the beach/reception etc and decide for ourselves if we wanted to change. This we did and promptly decided to stay where we were! The room was much smaller and decidedly less welcoming!
As it turned out we got used to the walk and after finding out that the cactus pool (one of several pools in the complex) was only about 2 mins from our room we were quite happy. Being the beginning of August we thought we'd have lounger trouble, but there were always plenty of loungers. No-one seemed to get up to reserve them. We spent about 3 days of our holiday at the hotel beach in the morning/early afternoon, where again, we always got loungers (which were free, as was hotel towel hire!) We then went back to the cactus pool in the afternoon which was great as there were so few people there. Plus the swim up bar was great after a morning snorkelling at the beach. The cactus pool also has a shallow pool that you can sit in and relax when the sun is too hot to lay in! We spent 4 hours in there one day chatting to another couple and came out like prunes! Mind you we did get a good tan!
One of the major good points about this hotel is the fact that it has it's own bit of beach, where several hotels in sharm don't. As Naama bay beach is segregated into plots owned by hotels I'm not sure what you would do if you stayed at a hotel without a bit of beach.
All in all we really enjoyed our holiday here. It was our first holiday without the kids and was much better than we expected. Although I would rate the hotel at probably a good 3* rather than the 4*/5* they claim, it was a lovely place to stay, and we would definitely consider staying at this hotel again. In fact I am looking at re booking to go back to sharm as we had such a lovely time, and there were so many good things about this hotel that I'm not sure about booking a different hotel as I might be disappointed!
One last thing to say is that the day trip to Cairo by air is a must. It was a lovely trip and probably our most memorable part of our whole holiday.
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Derwentrocker from Lincolnshire travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
Thomson
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2006 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This is my second visit to this hotel, and my report can be seen further up the page.
We stayed in a family room with Thomson for the second year running. The family rooms are spacious, and we were very lucky to have a freshly painted room and opposite the huge pool, which most years have been commandeered by the Italians. The best rooms are the 'double double family rooms' with its own living room area, these are the biggest on resort. The standard family rooms are big also, but just a snippet smaller. This time around, we were in room 2302, a block away from the other. Thomson get the biggest rooms here at the Sonesta Beach, other operators go here, but they allocate you with tiny rooms. Please bring your own kettle etc as they do not provide one, there is also a mini bar in the room fridge, water costing one English pound.
Reguarding water......i would recommend you buying it from the Oonas diving restaurant, which is open for everyone and is really cheap for food and drink. Water here costs 50p..but buy it in the day to take to your rooms because at night security search your bags and tell you off for taking water onto the campus. security do not search ruck sacks etc in the day.
Tummy upsets - I always get this, but if you do get the trots and cramps, go to the local chemist in your town, buy over the counter Buscopan and Diaoraltye sachets. That will put the salt back into your bodies and the buscopan is for cramps and works. Go to the pharmacy in resort and ask for Antinal - this is an antibacterial agent to kill gut infections.
Now back to the hotel report - The rooms were cleaned to a high standard each day, beds changed daily, and clean towels, we always left a tip. If you have a room with single beds, they will push them together and it make a 7ft bed, massive.
The cleanliness of the outside was good, i didn't go in the pools, but some guests told me that they were beginning to look dated and shabby. How and when they clean the pools, i have no idea as i never saw them do it, so cannot comment.
You can watch the world cup from your own room if going at that time. If the station isn't tuned in, ring reception and they send a TV man out. You can watch it mostly everywhere and the Oonas bar has it on, next to the Sonesta hotel.
I quite like the location of the hotel, it is the far end of the promenade next to Naama Bay centre. taking a scroll would take approx 20 mins, by taxi 5mins. On route you will pass several nice restaurants and shops. The promenade is very tidy and clean, and security are outsides of all hotels, you feel completely safe.
The hotel staff are very friendly, and helpful, and speak good English.
The food hasn't changed at all from my last report, so for more of an incite to food and what there is, please read that. I cannot comment on Half board food, but on speaking to other guests found it repetitive and expensive compared to Naama bays prices in restaurants. For example, in the Sonesta Beach hotel, for half board you pay £14 sterling per person, so a couple is £28, without drinks. In the bay, it is roughly £14 total price for two, which includes, a starter, main dish and 4 drinks. Those prices were based on the Pomadero restaurant, and is a fabulous restaurant.
I never would recommend anyone going A/1 in resorts, either the Sonesta or anywhere, even on a budget because you pay double and the food is the same every other week, and is sometimes luke warm.
Entertainment in the hotel we saw, but never went to, it looked ok, something to watch whilst eating your meal, but cannot comment further, also the Italians had entertainment going on in their own language. Restaurants on campus are very good, so try them if you can, there are several and an casino.
Of course i will be coming again, already looking for a good deal as i write:)
If you do get a small room by another travel company especially Kioni, ask at reception and if they can, they will change you.
The hotel wasn't full as half is sectioned off for refurbishment, it is pot luck if you do get a fresh room thats painted.
Enjoy your holiday 10/10 again.
| | |
Nikki from Reading travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
Kuoni
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 04 2006 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Arrived at Sonesta Beach after spending 3 nights in Cairo, what a lovely hotel that was, and we wish we had stayed there. Going to the Sonesta was a come down from the Sofitel in Cairo!
I asked for 5 star but with the Sonesta it's more like and 2/3. Kuoni say it's a 5 are they blind.
On arrival we asked for a ground floor room and reminded them of the email I sent previously and why I needed it but I got a first floor room that took me 20 mins to walk to the reception and restaurant so I complained and reminded them again of my disabilities they moved me straight away.
I found the language barrier very hard! We was given our new room again first floor I'm now starting to think are they stupid or what don't they understand about me finding it hard to climb stairs? We stayed there and called our rep, thought we might get more luck out of him. After looking round the room we found the shower head was tied up with a carrier bag, the toilet constantly run, there was broken tiles and the dust was amazing. Flies are also a problem here and found loads of the squashed over the walls and mirror.
Our Kuoni rep was useless he didn't understand a word of what I said, he was Egyptian!
We cleaned our room ourself after I video'd it to send to Kuoni.
We did in fact enjoy the holiday in the end. Sharm itself is lovely. The beach was small and cramped even for April.
We found it hard to get a sun bed a bit silly really for the amount of guests Sonesta holds. The pools was very nice I counted 6 while I was there, the main pool by the restaurant I found a bit dirty and in need of a clean.
The food was served around the pool in the evening and was buffet style didn't think this was very good, as, the amount of flies and birds about that constantly hang around you, we did in fact eat out most evening didn't find the food very nice!
We also noticed that there is not many English people at this hotel more Russians and Italians than anything!
The weather was lovely in the 30's every day, the fish was amazing the resort was great but shame about the Sonesta I will be most definitely coming back to Sharm but not this hotel!!
| | |
nick Jones from denbigh travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
Thomson
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 04 2006 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Stayed in Sonesta beach after week on Thomson spirit, wish I could have stayed on board!!
Rooms are ok for a 3 star, but this was supposed to be 4+, rooms were a good size, bathrooms were poorly designed, very brown water even before a shower. Our room-711, only 5 metres from pool and so quiet with no kids there, they were in main pool bars ok, treated like royalty, if you were Italian,!!
Food was not very good but was that because we had been on a cruise before we arrived.
The gardens were an absolute joy to walk through, well kept and well stocked, why they could not do the same for the rooms.
Few days before we left found out Brit newspapers were sold across peace road. Try to cross that road and arrive back in hotel in 1 piece is quite an achievement. Good luck.
| | |
Brisco from Sheffield travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
Thomson's
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 03 2006 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This was our second visit to this hotel - we love it that much.
The hotel has 7 Pools. We were in room 708 so the nearest pool was within 5 metres of our veranda.
The hotel staff cannot do enough for you. They guy who cleaned our room was fantastic. 1 day we came in and he had left us a "surprise" - a lovely spray of flowers. Another day he came rushing to us with a small tapestry. Nothing was too much trouble for him at all.
Security - We were here in January 2005 - before the bombing, and we felt safe then. This year it was noticeable not just in the hotel but all around Na'amma Bay the addisiotn hotel and police presence, making me personal feel even more safe.
Food - We were on a B& B basis. The made to order omelette's are to die for - they'll fry your eggs just as you like them as well. You were spoilt for choice at breakfast.
What amazed me this and last time was how cheap the food is. I wouldn't go on any other basis than B&B.
Ignore the Reps - the bank in the Hotel offered the best exchange rate and you didn't have to risk life & limb crossing Peace Road.
I dare anyone not to enjoy the Sonesta Beach Resort.
| | |
Jo Rickaby from Ipswich travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
Hayes and Jarvis
on a friends holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2005 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: My friend and I stayed for a week in this hotel and to be honest were very sad to leave as we felt so comfortable here. In fact I would say this is pretty much the perfect hotel for a number of reasons. The grounds are superb and there are a number of pools guaranteed to suit every taste. We were able to find a sunbed with ease every day - no matter what time - although the beach area did get very crowded as everyone was wanting to make the most of the stunning snorkelling and marine life that makes Sharm the fabulous resort that it is.
In terms of cleanliness you will be hard pressed to beat this hotel. Yes our room was also a bit on the shabby side and was the only thing to let the hotel down but how long do you spend in your room?? Note however that each room is cleaned every day and you have fresh bedding and towels also daily. There is adequate air-con and a fridge to keep your drinks cool so in essence what more do you need? Hot water was a wee bit lacking dependent on time of day you chose to use it but again we certainly didnt find that it caused us any real problems. The room itself was lovely and quiet and we were able to sleep soundly with no disturbances so again, what more do you need?
We booked on a Bed and Breakfast basis and the ample buffet style breakfast served us perfectly. Food was fresh and plentiful and on a couple of occasions we decided to eat within the complex at night as well - both in house and at the various restaurants located on site. Again these were excellent and could not be faulted so whether you chose full or half board you wont be disappointed.
Staff are all male due to the culture. They do not hassle the guests and we found them to be an extremely polite and friendly race. They remain discreetly in the background at all times so again we could not fault them.
Yes we would most certainly visit this hotel again and have vowed one day to return for a longer holiday.
| | |
Derwentrocker from Lincolnshire travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
Thomson
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2005 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Hi everyone, I make no apologies for the informed report i am going to make, hopefully it will give a true picture of the above hotel.
.....................................................................................................May 23rd 2005 - June 6th 2005, date of travel.
From the airport, just off the "Peace Road" we ventured through the front entrance of the Sonesta Hotel, the beach and Naama bay are at the rear of the hotel, so do not have kittens when you arrive, and think nothing is there.
We were met by very friendly staff, who were organised and photocopied our passports, gave us some sticky labels for our luggage, and the porter took them all to our individual hotel room.
From reception to our hotel which was opposite the Italian live entertainment show and the large pool they laid to declare theirs, we came across our room.
Description of our room. (Room number 1105)
.......................................................................
We opened the room door and thought we were in the wrong place, it was huge for just the two of us. On entrance, a hallway, to the left is a bath and shower, hair dryer, sink etc. To the right is another room with a double wardrobe, dressing table and seat, large mirror, old fashioned bench seat which was nice and carved. Come out of that room and turn right into, a huge bedroom with a 6ft bed, either side a bed side carved table with telephone. Also present was a glass carved wood table.
You then go down 3 brick steps to the lounge, where upon two wooden sofas, a side board and TV are present. Another room off this lounge goes into another bedroom about 10ft x 8ft. A/C was good.
There is also a 'box seat' under the window for yet another bed/mattress if necessary. 6 people can actually stay in this room, there is tones of space. All walls are which and extremely thick, you cannot hear your neighbours as it is like being in a semi. They are Colonial in style, a fridge is present, a bit old, but it works fine, the tv channels have almost every nationality on them, watched Euro sport the most with the tennis. We had another door which lead onto a double ground floor patio with beautiful landscaped gardens, it was our own special garden, and very quiet area.
The downside to our room
.........................................
If i had to be really picky, and it wasnt a problem to us, but it maybe to future guests is the furniture could do with a upgrade, and the bath tiles could be brightened up, but I feel they are like this because it adds to the character of the room.
Small lights although romantic were a pain sometimes as putting your make up on, was difficult to see properly, they are dotted all over the place. Space in this 'family' Thomson room was fantastic I would recommend it.
When we departed to go home, we couldnt keep our room on as the hotel was full, so we had a shower free of charge in the shower room. Basically this was a room for two persons, and really tiny, so my advice is, ask Thomson or the hotel via email for a family room, because if there were two of you, it is most likely your room would be this small.
Good points
..................
Very quiet, except the Italian entertainment programme in the day, no noise at night, no shouting, banging of doors because as I have already mentioned, the walls are very thick. All rooms in the Sonesta are different sizes, so if you have a preference, ask before you come to Egypt.
The Reception
......................
Air con very present in here, lovely, drinks and little snacks can be bought here, and this is where you will find your rep whoever you go with. There is also a board which displays the daily temperature in the shade. There is a toilet in reception. The staff speak fairly good English and will do the up most to help you.
Bank
........
Yes there is a bank here and to be frank, a very good exchange rate, better than banks a long the Naama Bay strip. He opens most of the day, but sometimes 'disappears' !!!
Currency in General
...............................
We were advised by Thomas Cook travel shop to take Egyptian LE and $ (Dollars)....
Please just take Egytian LE as they do not like Euros or $ very much, all prices in Naama bay are in LE, some beach trips maybe in Euros, buy why they do this I do not know, but when we booked one, we just paid in LE, no questions asked.
Advice
...........
Please only take minimal LE to Egypt when flying over, about £300 sterling, the rate in the UK is rubbish, when i changed mine it was 8 LE to the £.. I had to get it at least up to 9 LE. In resort we got a good rate about 10.68 -10.78 LE to the Pound approx.
Disabled Guests
........................
Fantastic, this is the first place i have been to where everything is flat, the hotel has marble ramps all over, surrounding areas outside of the hotel is great, all flat with good pavements, a lot of guests when we were there had wheelchairs/pushchairs.
Food
----
We were on B & B, and were pleased we did, anyone in our opinion who goes half board or A/I is missing out on so much, why? because food and choice has so many options. The food at breakfast is normal to any other Country, eg, Cereals, Fruit Juice, fresh omlettes, fried eggs cooked by the Chef, bagels, all assorted breads and jams, pancakes, fruit, fried potatoes, grilled tomatoes, boiled eggs, tea, coffee, milk etc. We saw the evening meal which has an assortment of meats and veggies, bread, fruit etc. It is samey and repeated the second week, in line with other hotels. Eating out is cheap, for two of us, costs less than £20 sterling and that is included with two drinks each as well, and a 3 course meal. Going out for an evening meal is a pleasant experience and so much fun.
I would recommend this hotel because everyone in it is fantastic, we tipped the cleaner of our room £3LE each day which isn't much, or $2 a day depending, he was most grateful as Italians don't tip, or so he says.
I loved this hotel, it is spotless, and with 7 pools to keep clean is hard work, we didn't use the pools but found them to be clean, managed well and safe from spilt tiles, the water cleaned every night. The English tend to use the larger pool by reception.
This hotel I would go again, we went over to the Sonesta Club the sister to this one and didn't like it as much, it was very cramped, and where as the Sonesta Beach had signs telling you where everything was, the Sonesta Club didnt, the pool was small as well. So we were very pleased by this choice. The men at the hotel are working all day and night and are brilliant.
10/10 and yes we shall be back.
Thank you.
Michelle xx
| | |
Charlie from Norfolk travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
Longwoods
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 01 2005 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Great hotel for January - not full - so plenty of room everywhere. It has around 600 rooms and 7 pools, although they are not all for general use. It has its own desalination plant, water clean and always hot. We had 2 rooms by the main pool which were very nice, 6ft+ bed and also a single which was situated so it could be used as sofa if you didn't need an extra bed, bathrooms need refurbishing (pink tiled walls, grey tiles on floor, green suite) as they are a bit tatty but not really a big problem. Shower only. Wardrobe, desk, shelf unit (all built in) TV coffee table. High domed ceiling so kept room cool, outside patio area. Plenty of electrical points but no tea coffee facility. If I went again I would take a travel kettle etc as the tea / coffee is quite weak at the hotel. Hotel and pools kept very clean, didn't come across anything on site (incl. pool areas etc) that was desparately in need of repair, there are new parts being built but we were totally unaware of any work going on. Only noticed there were new parts when we walked past the new buildings. Staff all friendly and helpful. Internet Cafe if you must!
Didn't think much of the entertainment, useless singer, same songs most nights, but unless you are partaking of the buffet you don't have to take any notice. We tried the buffet twice (different theme every night) Pasta night was OK - International night was not. Breakfast was a veritable feast- best croissants I have ever tasted, + eggs, cheese, meats, cakes, fruit etc. We stayed for 2 weeks and didn't get bored with it. I expect that it would be too busy in say, August, but as long as you don't all want to eat at 9.00am its fine. The Italian restaurant was very good - cost about the same as the buffet but excellent food and service. The other restaurants which were open at lunch time are ok but they all sell the same food, so can get boring. Cost us around £15.00 for 4 at lunch (with drinks) - buffet is around £10 each so its not worth going half board as it would cost more, and would be too repetative. The Oonas bar at the beach end of the site is very good value (£1.80 for spag bol). Alcohol is very expensive so take your own, although the Sakara beer is fine (around £1.80 for 500ml)
Good location for us - close enough to walk to Sharm along the prom, and far enough away from the noise of the beach front bars. One of the best snorkelling reefs just off the beach. We didn't actually use the beach much - Italians are too noisy - but found a sun bed ok when we wanted one.
We had 2 teenagers with us, they kept themselves amused, no boredom. They made use of the gym at the Sonesta Club, which is further away than we thought and a very busy road between, went horseriding, snorkelling and camel riding as well as swimming. The bedouin evening was a disaster but the hotel placated us with a free glass bottomed boat trip, so we didn't mind.
Taxis readily available - just ask the door secutity staff.
Buy some mosquito spray for your room as they like to come in at night (dark at 5pm) and spray whilst out for dinner. You can buy it from the pharmacy in Sharm.
| | |
lipstick from Newcastle travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
Thomson
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 11 2004 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: I e mailed the hotel before arrival, to ask for a nice room, and we got it! Upstairs, quiet and clean. Bathrooms a little old, but spotless. Minibar, and tv, small wardrobe space, quite a large room, with domed ceiling.
Staff polite and helpful, pool tokens given for towels.
However, some people were made unwelcome by the Italian entertainment team in the main posh pool at the rear, and they were told that the entertainment was closed, even though it went on until 1.30 in the morning.
Pool areas are grubby, with chipped cement, but the loungers and pool itself are cleaned regularly. Pools are freezing, despite weather being 22 and upwards.
Breakfast was like meal times in prison, russians stealing cutlery, coffee pots, and food for later. Poolside snack bar was good value and great food and srvice.
Beach too crowded and disappointing, I named it Sardine Bay, not an inch of sand to sit on. Tide was low, and lots of injries to peoples fingers and feet on the coral.
Buffet at dinner was okay, if a littel repetative in the second week. Meals by the pool, but it was getting very windy to sit out, and not much lighting. The hotel are erecting a marquee and bar over the pool for Xmas, and construction was underway when we left.
Cabaret every night, next to where they serve dinner - unavoidable. Singer cannot carry a tune in a bucket.
Settling bills is easy, and cheaper than it should have been, according to my rough tally!
Brochure describes hotel as being 20 mins away - I make it more than 35 if you use the promenade, and there seemed to be more rooms than described.
It is now Russian season, and every hotel is filling up fast, for the next 3 months. Would go back to Sharm, but to a hotel nearer the centre.
Didn't bother with the a la carte as it was italian themed - spaghetti all the time.
| | |
T Wiseman from Essex travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
Kuoni
on a singles holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2004 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Described as first class but more 3 star. Would have been a nice hotel once but now in serious need of maintenance. First room given was unacceptable but hotel did change it and we were given a very nice room, let down by the old and dilapidated bathroom. Most of the staff were extremely friendly which one gets used to in Egypt but some did rather let the side down. Breakfast was a bun fight and we had to wait for a table. Only tried the evening buffet once and were immediately glad we were not half board. Prices for both soft and alcoholic drinks were quite expensive even by UK standards. I would not return to this hotel again and would not recommend it.
| | |
Carol Lancaster from Warrington travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
Thompson
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2004 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We were advised by friends who had stayed at the Sonesta previously to go bed & breakfast as there are plenty of choices of restaurants in and around the resort. However we did eat in the hotel on numerous occasions and food was of a very high standard - our favourite being La Gondola (Italian) which was 5 star service. The waiters made a real fuss of you & the service was equivalent to that of a top class London Hotel. There was also a saxaphone player who added to the atmosphere perfectly - a very romantic evening!
The hotel grounds were stunning, the gardens well maintained & pool areas clean with plenty of sunbeds to go around - the pool areas were never full or overcrowded(probably because there were 7 in total). The hotel location is perfect as its in a quiet location but only a 10/15 min stroll along the beautiful promenade to the busy Marina Street. The hotel staff couldn't do enough for you & I found the Egyptian people to be the nicest people I've ever met - they are very interested to learn about England as the majority of tourists are Italian or Russian & they thoroughly enjoy chatting to you & trying to pick up new words & phrases. We will definately be going back again and again.
| | |
Linda from Cwmbran travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
Thompsons
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2004 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Could find no fault with breakfasts, live cooking station for eggs .... just had to say how you wanted them. Good choice of cereals,rolls,etc. Guests who stayed half board were disappointed with the quality of the evening meal and this was discussed with the manager who took on board comments made. I was advise bed and breakfast as we ate out at a different restaurant every night for less than the half board supplement and enjoyed every meal.
The palm tree part of the resort was excellent, unfortunately the part where Thompson guests were situated was not up to the official rating.
The pool areas need refurbishment and a thorough cleaning.
Location was excellent, right by the beach and a leisurely 10 minute stroll into the Centre.
The day time entertainment was beach based, unfortunately, the team were italian who spoke no English.
Full marks to the hotel staff who were extremely polite and could not do enough to help you.
Once refurbishment has been completed I would certainly return to this hotel.
| | |
Alison Carter from Doncaster travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
Longwoods
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: A very large hotel on the edge of Naama bay. A 5 minute walk to the hotel restaurant, which seating both indoors and out. The waiters quick and efficient, but lacked the friendliness we have seen and experienced in other Egyptian hotels.
Our family room was very large, with 2 put you up beds, which would have been ok if the mattress's had not have been so thin. Room was very close to one of the smaller pools which was great as no one really ever sat around it, so most days the kids had the pool to themselves.
The pool attendant was really friendly. He would lay out your towels and even give our youngest swimming instruction.
The walk to the very small beach was about 10 mins. We only went here once. The sunbeds were all taken by 10.00 and the entry into the water was rocky underfoot.
We would walk into Naama bay about 15-20 mins along the promenade and have free use of another hotels beach and facilities due to My husband and son using there Scuba diving school. This was a much better option as the beach was large with plenty of vacant sunbeds at any time of day. The sandy beach led out to a small reef which was great for snorkeling and very safe for younger children.
The food in the hotel was excellent. Something for everyone. It was buffet style and eat as much as you like. The only negative was the prices they charged for the drinks.
The nightly entertainment consisted of Russian girls dancing in next to nothing, which my 14 year old loved! The routine was repeated every week, so you did get fed up of the same music and dances.
Naama bay at night is vibrant and quiet lively. We loved it and would definitely return.
| | |
David from London travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
Thompson
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Sonesta Beach is not what it says on the tin, it is in fact a tired old hotel that is being renovated which is something the tour operator does not tell you imho it is struggling to be 4 star at the moment, rooms are ok but serious lack of wardrobe space, general finish is very poor, hotel itself is laid out quite well plenty of pools x 6 n space to relax n swim but again the pool side areas are in serious need of updating broken tiles, old worn out sun beds, pool sides were generally in need of a good clean up each evening
Breakfast was ok dining area look really well with a good choice of foods
Staff were great couldn't fault them, they are let down by the hotel
| | |
Bone from Portsmouth travelled to Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel with
Thomson
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 01 2004 | rated the Sonesta Beach Resort Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We stayed Bed & Breakfast and we were glad with our choice as other people in the hotel on half board complained about the evening meal. Eating out in the resort was very cheap with an excellent choice. Breakfast was so busy that we gave up after a few days.
The hotel was very clean and tidy.
Our room was very large with a seperate sleeping area for our 16yr old son. One of the better rooms we have stayed in during our holidays abroad. The bathrooms were very dark and in need of decoration. Ladies, take your own hairdryer as the one in the bathroom broke every night!
The hotel staff were fantastic.
The location of the hotel was fine for us as we enjoyed the 20 min stroll to the resort centre every night for the exercise.
The one thing that lets this hotel down in a big way is the entertainment, it is almost non existant and the singer was awful. We had to go out of the hotel every night for something to do.
We would go back but only if they improve the entertainment in the evenings.
However the New Years Eve gala dinner was superb, best new year we have ever had.
| | |
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