Review of 'Royal Plaza Sharm El Sheikh'
02 April 2007
Arrival/departure:
I used a cab from the airport, but recommend you use your agent or the hotel to arrange the transfer. Taxi drivers (even with haggling) are extortionate as you've got no other way into town. The check-in was quick and a porter carried my bag to the room. Everyone was very pleasant, helpful and spoke enough English. Check out was quick and they arranged me a good value taxi. It felt safe, with guards on the doors with metal detecting doors.
Location:
An easy walk of 200m to the centre of Na'ama bay, 600m to the beaches. Perfect for someone wanting to dive being only 2-3 minutes walk from most dive clubs and the night time entertainment. Didn't need a transfer bus or taxi all week. Central hotels will be worse for noise and late returning guests, this is not quite central hence a lot quieter. If you want total peace get further out from Na'ama bay.
Room:
Twin en suite with balcony surrounding the pool- they nearly all are, some with a patio by the pool. Large comfortable beds with nice, light simple decor. Plenty of storage space. En suite was nice and large but the shower prone to covering the floor. The cleaners were efficient. Safe box in the room too was ideal. The only downside (which I'd expect with all hotels) was the pool filter going all night, loud morning prayer sounds and a few noisy guests returning late - but this is Na'ama bay - expect it as its a lively resort.
Food/facilities:
Pool and bars look great but I didn't use them. There is a gym too. The breakfast and evening meal were more than ample and in large buffet format with huge choice of mostly Middle eastern/Egyptian food. Couldn't really fault this, though I suspect a lot has been tempered to the tastes of the large amount of eastern European guests. The buffet didn't vary from night to night though did have a lot to choose from including a pasta, salad and pancake bar. Clean, hygienic, well presented and no ill effects! If you don't like it the restaurants are 2 minutes walk and include Western chains.
Other guests:
Mostly pleasant. A lot of Russians, quite a few British and other westerners. Not many young children mostly middle aged and older couples and families quite a few younger couples and groups but overall not too noisy. Not everyone’s cup of tea but I didn’t need to mix with other guests.
Overall:
I would stay here again if on another dive holiday or wanted to be in Na'am
Glen Irving, Sheffield, England
Solo Traveller