Ras um el Sid

We were given the key to our room, and when we got to the room to change before eating, the cases were outside the door, with a porter waiting for us. The room itself was spacious with a very big king size bed, and a sofa which had been pulled out to make another bed. Thankfully it wasnt a small unstable looking sofa but rather was the size of a queen size bed and was made up properly with crisp white sheets and a duvet, although I was right when I decided it wouldnt be needed.

Also in the room was a desk with stationery and general information about the hotel and the area, a mini bar, tv, telephone and some bedside tables. There was plenty of storage space, so once the clothes had been put into the very large drawers and the two double wardrobes, we were able to put the empty cases into the big chest. So, everything was neat and tidy and there was no need to have things half unpacked because of lack of storage space.

Just off the bedroom was the bathroom , which again wa large and although it didn't have a bath, there was a large walk in shower. The toiletries were changed daily, and there was always a plentiful supply of clean white towels

After a short transfer of about 20 minutes from the airport, we got the the gates of the hotel, and after the usual showing of ID, we went in. First impressions were good. The lobby was large and impressive with a fountain in the middle of the room, and an impression of marble and airiness. Check in was a simple procedure, and whilst we left our cases in the lobby, we were shown round the hotel. It being night time, there were people sitting on the terraces and in the main dining area eating or taking advantage of the entertainment, the food and the very pleasant weather.

There are 3 pools, with one being heated and as such very hot! One of the pools is specifically designed for children, and whilst it was large and had a pool bar with seats at the bar, the actual water level came no higher than my waist, so it was great for little ones. It is linked to the deep pool by a bridge, so it is all very easy to walk around. Around the pools are plenty of sun loungers and sun shades, with plenty of space between them. Towels are given out by the staff as long as guests have collected towel cards from reception, and these can be changed daily.

There was a full range of entertainment at night which was advertised on the board every day. For children there was a mini disco at night and through the day, a free club was available, although we found this to be unnecessary because so much was happening by the pool- aqua aerobics, salsa dancing, pool games; it was never intrusive though, and I never felt obliged to join in.

We were all inclusive, and a range of food and drinks were available from breakfast at 6.30 am until midnight.

Also available at no extra charge was the spa and gym, which was well equipped, although massages and beauty treatments had to be paid for. The only down side to all of this were the staff wandering around the pool durng the day offering the treatments and trying to get guests to book some treatments.

The service was excellent, with the staff in the bars and the dining areas being helpful and polite at all times of the day.

Breakfast was eaten on the terraces and tables were already set with tea and coffeee pots. Breakfast consisted of cold meats, cheeses, pancakes, cereals and cakes.

Lunch and dinner had a wide selection of dishes including European and traditional Egyptian cuisine. The food was all freshly laid out for every meal, and outside on the terrace, there was always a pizza oven going straon as well as a barbecue.

The hotel was close to a new shopping centre, which was still in the process of being built. Whilst there were no night clubs and loud bars, there were several quiet bars in the shopping area. Night time entertainment consisted mainlywithin the hotel, and included traditional dancers, magic shows and singers.

The beach was man made, and was well set out in small areas with plenty of loungers. To access the diving guests walked along the jetty past the coral reef, and then snorkeeling could begin!