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Egyptian sun
We chose Egypt, instead of the Canaries, because we felt that the good weather was guaranteed as we went mid October - and we weren't disappointed. So, upside:- good weather late in the year; nice people; interesting places to visit. Downside::- deduct at least 1 star from the hotel rating ( 5 = 4, 4 = 3 etc); you will get the runs; they drive like maniacs; everybody pays a
different price fot the holiday, sometimes vastly different. WHY??? We were told the price was higher because the hotel was full - it was in fact half empty, so we weren't chuffed! Booking a holiday is like getting your car repaired - it's hard to tell if you're getting ripped off or not!
Before I forget, and this is not racist by any means, our resort was very popular with the Germans. More English people would have helped, if you know what I mean.
Stay like a King at Makadi Place
Just got back from a fantastic holiday at the 5star Makadi Palace in Hurgahada.
We have always booked with the same tour operator, but this time decided to have a change and so went with Co-op travel and we were not disappointed. Right from the first call the staff were very helpful and contacted me at a time that was of my choosing Thank you CO-OP.
We flew out from Manchester and arrived at Hurgahada Airport in the evening, anyone who has been to Egypt will know that airport immigration is chaotic but we were through quickly (you need to take sterling or dollars to pay for a visa) the tour operator reps were onsite and very helpful to get us through the airport and on our coach as quickly as possible.
We were on the coach for about 30 minutes before we drove up to the Makadi Palace drive which was lined with up lighted palm trees and a large water fountain. First impressions were wow. The frontage of the Hotel was impressive as well with large arch shaped double wooden doors.
Luggage was removed off the coach we were checked in and in our room in 15 minutes not bad for 195 guests that needed to be checked in.
Our room was a junior suite with king size bed and balcony overlooking the enormous 8000 sq meter swimming pool, all the accommodation in the Makadi Palace are suites.
The room and hotel was spotlessly clean by the time we unpacked and put the suitcases away it was 11.30pm so we went for a walk around in the balmy heat we managed to get a drink and wandered over to one of the five restaurants and got a buffet meal which was great some guests turned up later then us and they to got a meal the staff were fantastic even at 12.30am they were greeting guests with smiles and cooking on demand.
The weather was fantastic all week long, the pool was always tempting there were staff everywhere but they never bothered you they would bring your drinks, either at poolside at the beach in the restaurants but would never ask for tips their service deserved a tip everyday. The hotels grounds were immaculate, a shop was available onsite it is fixed price so no need to haggle the prices are so much cheaper then outside.
The best thing about this holiday and why most people go to Egypt is for the Red Sea and all the treasures it contains. Take a short stroll over the shallows and then go into the dark blue waters you see coral reefs and every type of coloured fish you can imagine as my son said “It is as if God had felt tip pens and the Red Sea was the colouring book” just put your head in the water and gaze on the wonders of nature the sea temperature was like bath water, I spent many an hour snorkelling and am hoping to take my PADDI for the next time I visit hopefully next year. No problem with upset tummy. I would recommend the Makadi Palace in a blink of an eye to everyone and the Red Sea Resort Group they have other Hotels in the Brochure all as high standards as the Makadi Palace. I could go on writing about this resort but must stop now.
In short go here and go diving or snorkelling, be open to new experiences and enjoy a different culture, food and way of life, you only live once so look at what the deep blue is keeping a secret.
Thanks co-op and thanks Red Sea Resorts
Sattar Family Bedford England.
Fantastic Sheraton Miramar and El Gouna
Arrived at around 6pm....to be greeted with a cool drink and a cool towel wonderful and refreshing. Straight away sorted out with a room of our choice, as we wanted to be in the 8000 block, and as a Starwood Preferred Guest this was possible.
Buggy around with cases with a quick-guided tour. Into the room..... wow what can I say it was fab....big doomed ceiling lovely and clean...lovely view....and we had asked for two beds....and there was. Also we were given towelling robes. Every day we got a free bottle of water, newspaper, and a free tea and coffee delivered to the room.... once again courtesy of Starwood.
We were on b&b and breakfast is super there is and I mean is.....anything your request....loved the freshly squeezed orange must have had at least three every morning!. You will not be disappointed.
We spent most of our days round the pool my choice as I am not a good swimmer and the sea was a little choppy. Usual water arobics and water volleyball which my partner loved. Plenty of lovely comfy sunbeds as many towels as you needed and great drinks service. But the best of all in 40degs a lovely breeze, this was all week and was wonderful. Ate lunch in the pool restaurant. Super had great lunches from salads to Spag bol, Pizza and fries. Not expensive around £15 pounds for main, bread, and drinks.
Air con in the room is a must .....and its so lovely to go back to a cool room.
Ate out at Marina which is a must to visit, it was quiet except for Fridays and Mondays gala nights. But always managed to get in to eat.
We ate at La Scala Italian - good - Pier88 which is our favourite.... steaks to die for and so reasonable. You must visit lovely staff and owner.
We also went to downtown called at Boxers and the landlord (sorry have forgotten his name) is a good bloke and keeps a lovely clean bar, he also is very knowledgeable about el gouna do visit.
We ate at the White Elephant Thai. Very good and Athena - Greek also very good. I personally prefer the marina. We went everywhere in the tuk-tuks they are great fun we loved them....and had fun with the drivers.
Well my partner did get an upset stomach - and we were really careful....but followed the rule and had bought Atinal so he was only off for 24hrs.
Do try the lagoon boat trip...its is a fab way to see all of El gouna.
Well we had wonderful Holiday and would go back tomorrow....but will have to wait till Nov.
Alison
