In April 2012, I travelled with Red Sea Holidays to Sharm el Sheikh for 4 days.
We stayed at the Grand Hotel which is situated in one of the quieter areas of Sharm el Sheikh and like most of the other hotels in the resort offers accommodation on an All Inclusive basis. During my brief stay I also visited other hotels owned by the Red Sea Hotel Group, the Sharm Plaza, Sharm Resort, Ghazala Gardens Hotel and Ghazala Beach Hotel, all of which offer the benefit of a free late checkout.
If you prefer to be within walking distance of entertainment and nightlife the Ghazala Gardens Hotel and The Ghazala Beach are both ideally located in the lively Naama Bay area with its vast choice of restaurants, bars, cafes and nightclubs or alternatively choose a hotel in the Sharks Bay area close to the trendy Soho Square with its boutiques, bars, restaurants, entertainment (even ice skating) and hourly light and fountain show.
Overall Sharm el Sheikh is an ideal location for a week of guaranteed winter sun and fantastic snorkelling (however, access to the sea is generally via a floating pontoon in order to protect the coral and your feet). Although the majority of hotels are displayed in brochures as 5 Star, with a couple of exceptions, they are not really the same standard as 5 Star hotels in other parts of the world.
Useful tips when booking a holiday to Sharm el Sheikh
If you are not a confident swimmer choose a hotel where you can walk directly into the sea – these are usually situated in the Naama Bay area.
As flights back from Sharm el Sheikh are generally in the evening, choose a hotel that offers a free late check out facility.
Bring Sterling £1 coins for tipping the hotel staff – A pound to the Pool boy at the start of your holiday will ensure that you are looked after with sunbeds and towels for the duration of your stay!
Sterling is also required for Egyptian visa currently £15.00 per person available on entry, which will be required if you are planning any excursions or boat trips outside of the main coastal strip of Sharm el Sheik.
Visit the bazaars but be prepared to be hassled if you show any interest in buying anything.
As the Egyptian currency is very dirty and I recommend you take sterile hand wash with you.
Zoe Isherwood – April 2012-Birstall 0116 2676006