This is clearly an old resort, originally built to be able to handle masses. The walls are concrete (read: you can hear the neighbor snoring), the outdoor pools are cold, opposed to the on-site literature number 3 (the brochure states 6), the indoor pool is a nice touch - too bad it won't let the sunlight or the warmth inside...
The buffet food is unedible, mostly overcooked items without any spices, mostly vegetarian. Be prepared to pay up to $3 US for a cup of cappucino or a breakfast orange juice (these two taste real good, but this is supposed to be an all-inclusive resort). Do opt for the Italian restaurant, however - the same kitchen makes great tasting foods more to the international than a real Italian kitchen, but the service is first class - real waiters smiling and swiftly servicing all your needs.
The reception is another poblem area, the people there simply lack guestkeeping skills. You can expect 5-10 minutes waiting for the concierge if he has company of other employees. He won't be disturbed either when you ask for invoice for outregous claims - a lost towel card + an accidentally ordered $3 orange squeeze will set you back $37 US - in our case, he gave us an invoice showing 186 Egyptian pounds (equal to ~ $6 US).
The place has potential, a major overhaul to the rooms & facilities, the buffet restaurant taken over by the a la carte staff (and cook), and the full replacement of the reception team could do magic. Alternatively, re-positioning the hotel to a 3 star all inclusive resort and cutting prices by 70% could also do miracles.
- Dreams Beach Hotel Marsa Alam
- Marsa Alam Dreams Beach
