My better half and I stayed here in May 2011 - I reviewed the hotel after that stay. We really did like the hotel and consequently stayed there again between 25th November and 9th December 2011.
I'll try not to repeat my earlier review - apologies if I fail.
Arrival at Hurgada airport was slightly chaotic. We'd arranged a transfer beforehand but finding the agent and then the driver was not as easy as it should have been. Also, some itinerant grabbed one of my cases and indicated I should follow him to our transport. He'd no idea, simply after a tip.
Arrival at the hotel was great however. Sat down in reception less than 3 minutes before a waiter appeared asking what we'd like to drink. As we were on the "all-inclusive" package (I believe everybody is) we had a wide selection of drinks available to us including wines and spirits - but only "house" wine and local spirits. To be honest, my wife thought the white was not as palatable as that offered in May - I disagreed.
When we walked to our room (you are generally escorted there by a reception staffer) our cases were already waiting for us.
Everything I posted in my May review remains the same. Service, attention to detail, staff friendliness. There were some differences however:
Far fewer Russian guests this time. We were informed that they tend to opt for other hotels in the area rather than the Makadi Beach. Unsure why but certainly not complaining.
As before, not too many Brits. I guess we were a select bunch of eight compared to several hundred German guests. In our first week we were told there were 700 staying at the hotel and it was "quite full". The second week and it reduced to 300-400. I did notice the decline in numbers but during the first week we'd NO problem whatsoever in securing a sun lounger in our perfect position. So don't be worried by the supposed "crowds". Most Germans prefer the beach and that never seemed crowded either.
The weather, whilst cloudless for 13 of the 14 days is not as warm in Nov as May. The sun rose at about 7am, cleared the outlying buildings by 8am and was warm enough to sit out by the poolside at 8:30am
It was quite hot between 11am and 3pm but not to the point that I'd need shade. The late afternoon can be cool after the heat of the day and by 4:15pm the sun was setting behind the main reception buildings. A perfect time to take a dip in the upper pool next to the poolside bar. This upper pool is heated (30c max but generally about 27-28), the lower pool is freezing at this time of year.
There's a "dull" time between 5pm and about 6:30pm. There's a flat-screen t.v. in the room but limited English-speaking channels. BBC World, Aljazeera (best for news - not as biased as BBC and more informative and certainly less jingles and self-advertising - bet your act together BBC - rant-over). One movie channel provided wall to wall movies in English but sadly, often at times not best suited to our evening dining.
We purchased the internet connection package - 3 days for $48 with 3 more days free. So quite expensive. It was "down" quite often so after three days I complained and the hotel simply wiped the charge and took back the password card. Whilst I applaud their service approach it would have been better to have internet access.
The gardens were as spectacular as May. Still colours galore and Hamdi's topiary is worthy of a place at the Chelsea flower show. As ever, he's prepared to take the time to show you his work - the guy epitomises the Egyptian friendliness.
Food quality was extremely high and the main buffet choice exceptional. I would however have appreciated a variation of the offerings at the poolside "Terrasina" lunchtime restaurant and the beach-side lunch and dinner venue. Same menu as May and unchanging over a two week period. That said, we never ate in the same location more than twice in a row.
To summarise, this is an ideal location for the weather even in late November and early December. Having looked at the nearby hotels and talked to some guests who have been to other hotels in addition to the Makadi Beach I am more convinced this is the best of the bunch. We will undoubtedly return to this hotel.
- Iberotel Makadi Beach Bay
- Iberotel Makadi Beach Hotel Bay
