We stayed at the Sensatori Sharm El Sheikh from 6th - 20th July 2011. We had a swim up, sea view room in Block 1 (No. 1109).
Arrival at the airport was fine, there was a rep waiting for us outside for Sensatori guests only, and we were straight on the coach and on our way to the hotel, which is only 15 minutes away.
The rep on the coach was really helpful and gave us all a welcome pack and a short form to complete to speed up check in.
On arrival at the hotel, we were met by extremely helpful porters who took our cases from the coach, we were escorted inside and straight to check in, given a cocktail each and had our room key within 1 minute. We then went back out to where the cases were, and a porter drove us to our room in a little buggy, telling us all the way that in the sea view swim up rooms we would be treated like 'kings and queens' and that the owner of the hotel always stayed in one of those rooms!
When we got to the outside of the room I was blown away by how close we were to the beach and how beautiful it all looked - bear in mind this was at 10pm so it was dark, but it still looked amazing even then and I couldn't wait for morning to come!
The porter then carried our cases into the room, and came in to show us all the facilities and how everything worked. He could not do enough for us, which is exactly how all the staff were for the whole 2 weeks we were there!
After a very comfortable nights sleep in an enormous bed, we looked outside to find the most beautiful view, and the hottest weather we have ever experienced! Thank goodness for the air conditioning in our room, which although a little bit noisy (aren't they all?) made the room lovely and cool at all times.
Our room was fab, as I have already said the location was amazing and I highly recommended a Block 1 swim up room. The other swim ups had steps up to their pools meaning your sunbathing area was limited and looked quite shaded.
The room itself had everything you could need, and more. Bottles of water left every day, the most attentive cleaner who made little animals out of towels, even a baby on our last day! The bed was huge and so comfortable, and everything was clean and modern.
The buffet restaurant had such a huge choice. If there was nothing in the self serve areas that took your fancy, fresh dishes cooked to order were available such as pasta, fajitas, pizza as well as lovely meat skewers, roasts and stir frys. The puddings were fantastic, so much choice!
The Tiran Diner was another favourite, right on the beach, but cooled by big fans in each corner, the staff were so attentive here and could not do enough. Fab burgers on a lunch time, also a great grilled chicken dish here. On an evening the menu changes and you have to book, but it's well worth it - fajitas to die for!
The Italian 'Casa Bianca' was also fantastic. Hard to believe it was included in the AI option, as the steak I had was huge and cooked to perfection. I had this twice and was not disappointed. If you're going, you must eat at this restaurant!
We didn't eat at any of the other restuarants so can't comment, except to say we were put off the Stone Grill because it was so hot on an evening, and we'd heard that cooking your own food on a boiling hot stone in front of you was just too much heat, which we didn't fancy!
All the bars were great, The Cue (inside pool & snooker bar) was a great place to escape from the sun for an hour during the day. So cool in here and not usually busy. This is also where the computers are located.
The Piano bar was a big favourite. Lovely and cool inside, beautiful outside area with great views across the whole bay. The best place to be in the evening and had the most amazing bar staff, in particular Hussein who could not have done more for us. Drinks are brought to you without asking, they remember what you like and will make anything you ask for (and keep it within AI).
The Lobby Bar was a great place to cool down during the day and again had great views.
The Adult Bar is a hidden gem right at the far end of the complex near the adult pool. Here the AI cocktails are different and I recommend a Tom or John Collins!
The Sports Bar is lovely for a break from the sun if sunbathing on the beach.
The whole hotel complex is clean, tidy, very well maintained and beautifully decorated. We stayed at Tenerife Sensatori last year which was more luxurious, but you can tell that they are heading this way in Sharm, it's just a new hotel & things are yet to be done, but it doesn't take anything away from the experience and makes it exciting to go back and see what's changed!
I also went to the Spa a few times, such lovely staff and great location looking out across the bay. I had a pedicure and a foot massage (which was a bit more like torture haha but I should have read the description properly!).
Finallly the beach was so beautiful, white sand, clear sea with the most amazing fish and coral, lovely wooden cushioned sunbeds. waiters brining drinks as often as you'd like, really wonderful, like paradise.
All in all this is a beautiful hotel in a very beautiful location. If you're not happy here, then I doubt you would be happy anywhere!
A few tips:
Don't shop in the hotel it's very expensive, if you walk to the end of the hotel complex by the Block 1 swim ups there is a row of shops including a supermarket
The Tiran Diner has a different menu in the evening, there isn't a sample menu in reception as there is with the others so we didn't find this out until week 2
Tip the staff, their wages are low and they work non-stop and cannot do enough for you
The 'as real as it gets' tribute acts are amazing, do not miss them!
You can ask for bottles of water from any bar, no need to buy it
We never queued to book our restaurants - if you're happy eating at 9pm you won't have to queue, just go to a terminal when passing