I unfortunately had only 2 nights at this lovely hotel in Siwa. Upon arrival in the village, Mohammed who works at the hotel, transported us the short distance from the bus stop to the hotel (we had travelled from Cairo to Marsa Matruh and then another bus from there to Siwa).

Check in took no time at all, we were given a large double room that was both comfortable and spacious. There is a small seating area separate from the main bedroom and a shower room (no bath). Shower was excellent - though hot and cold taps were both hot water!

The only downsides to this hotel were the lack of air conditioning (can't always be expected especially with the simplistic design of the hotel) and the bed was a bit hard, but bearable!)

Mohammed was more than happy to show us around the area by donkey, which was excellent! From the hotel it takes no time to visit the surrounding areas, though if you would like to explore the sand dunes etc I would perhaps stay in Siwa for at least 5 days with a night in the desert (we met a couple who intended to stay in Siwa for 3 days and ended up staying for 2 months!)

Breakfast was included in our rate and was served on the roof; more than adequate and always fresh! I can't comment on lunch and dinner as we ate at Abdi's on the main road for every meal with the exception of breakfast!

Overall the hotel was excellent and perfect for our visit - I would definitely return - especially as there were plans to build a swimming pool!

This was one of the few hotels in Siwa (and Egypt generally) that you could book online. While they were showing their age a little, the rooms and fittings were really atmospheric and the stone bathroom was beautiful. The linen used were really nice but the bed could have been a little more comfortable. The room itself was really large and included a nice area to sit. The TV wasn't working, however they did offer for us to change rooms if we wanted. Unfortunately they were mid-way through changing wifi providers and so didn't have internet but it was easy enough to find an internet cafe in Siwa. The breakfast was one of the best things about staying - a great change from bread and olives. It was served on a beautiful cafe area. We also had dinner there one of the nights in lovely room with a nice fireplace and had different food than the common Egyptian staples most other restuarants would serve. We were leaving early on our last day there so they brought us a breakfast hamper to have in our room before we left because breakfast wouldn't have started

Shali Lodge has been for me a great inspiration; the design of the rooms are the result of an exceptional talent. I don't think I've ever made so many pictures of a hotel room. The hotel has a very professional staff and the restaurant on a lovely roof terrace has the best kitchen in Siwa. Shali Lodge=a big winner.

Stayed 4 nights at the Shali lodge as part of a personalised tour, with my mother. The accomodation was clean, quiet and quaint in a good way.

Despite being both at the height of summer and at the end of Ramadan we were treated with the utmost courtesy and served delightful local meals. The location, so close to the centre of Siwa allowed us the pleasure of seeing Siwa both during the day, and after sunset, which was a wonderful contrast.

All staff spoke sufficient English to manage basic business, and the manager spoke good English.

Beds were clean and comfortable, the rooms were cool and very tastefully decorated in traditional style. Quite happy to listen to the call to prayer from the 5 mosques within a short distance from the hotel, and gained certain amusement from the commentary afforded by donkeys on and off most of the day.

Did not use internet connection (was really trying to have a good holiday), but was given information about its existence.

You really know your food is locally produced when you have the pleasure of meeting the wife of the manager who was making the flatbread :-)