I have recently been to Egypt on an Educational with Anatolian Sky, I was away for 7 Days, spending 2 nights in Luxor, 2 Nights in El Gouna and 3 nights on the M.S Nile Premium for a cruise along the river Nile, whilst visiting a number of different hotels.
M.S Nile Premium Cruise
I spent 3 nights on the M.S Nile Premium and thoroughly enjoyed my time on board, the boat was clean, tidy and furnished to a very high standard. There is a large bar area where the on-board evening entertainment was held. All the members of staff were very helpful and polite throughout my stay. We were on a full board basis so I got to experience Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on board and have to say that the buffet style catering was to a very high standard with the Kitchen staff dishing out freshly cooked foods throughout and the restaurant staff were very efficient without getting in the way.
Evening Entertainment was also very good, not only could you sit back, relax and enjoy the acts on show, but the Egyptian entertainers are very keen to get everyone involved so have your dancing shoes on!
Sherry Boat Nile Cruise
I also had a tour and lunch visit around the Sherry Boat and was genuinely impressed, the boat was built quite a few years before the M.S Nile Premium however it had been maintained very well and was still in perfect condition, the layout was fantastic and the rooms were adequate too. However without doubt the best thing about the Sherry boat was the food, this really was 5* dining and everyone thoroughly enjoyed their lunch.
Overall I would 100% recommend the Nile cruise as it is an experience I will never forget!
Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa
This hotel was a favourite among the group, with a 5* Spa area and luxurious pool and sunbathing area. On top of the high standard hotel rooms there were a number of private hotel suites fitted with private spa rooms and Jacuzzi, all sharing a private pool. The Main swimming pool was something special with fitted sun beds in shallow water with a poolside bar where you can sit and drink away the day whilst cooling off in the pool.
Old Winter Palace
The Old Winter Palace is a beautiful hotel where every single room is unique in both size and style. It is a palace that has been renovated into a 5* hotel that attracts many of the rich and famous. The Old Winter Palace is situated at the front of the stunning gardens that surround the hotel that are perfect for a quiet afternoon in the shade of the trees. There is also a large private swimming pool at the back of the gardens.
Al Moudira Hotel
A unique tranquil hotel a short distance out of Luxor on the west side of the river Nile, perfect for a few days of total relaxation, each room is totally different to the next and there is a sunny pool and sun bathing area. Although the hotel was only opened in 2002 it has been built in such a way as building would have been built years ago with a traditional, rustic but clean feel to it. The hotel was built by a jewellery designer and she has shown her creative talents in abundance throughout the build of the hotel.
Sonesta St. George Hotel
The Sonesta St. George Hotel is situated in the centre of Luxor, it is full of character with very modern rooms and bars. We were lucky enough to have lunch there and it was a real treat, not only was the food fantastic but the views were stunning, the restaurant is situated a few floors above the pool area and looks straight out over the pool and the river Nile. The staff were also very friendly and efficient.
Steigenberger El Gouna Hotel
I stayed in the Steigenberger hotel for 2 nights and was totally blown away by the resort and facilities. The pool is a lovely size and the hotel has a private beach with water sports, also across on the small island there is a small restaurant that guests can use, also there is a high quality spa. Without doubt the main attraction to the hotel is the incredible golf course that surrounds the hotel, the full 18-hole golf course offers a challenge for all ages and standards. There is also a Shuttle bus that runs every 15 minutes from the reception of the hotel into the town of El Gouna that cost 5 Egyptian Pounds but you can use it as much as you like through out the day, busses run until 3AM in the morning and the town is full of lively bars and restaurants where drinks are much more reasonably priced than the 5* hotels. The rooms were both modern and spacious all with lovely views, the food was also to a very high standard with a choice of dining inside or outside.
Movenpick Resort & Spa
The Movenpick Resort Hotel is a large resort that shares the same golf course as the Steigenberger hotel, it also has a very high standard spa area with gorgeous pool and private beach areas. The rooms are all very spacious and are currently in the process of being renovated.
Intercontinental Hurghada Resort
The Intercontinental is a well laid out hotel in the resort of Hurghada, it boasts a totally separate spa section to the hotel, which has been furnished with all the normal spa treatment facilities as well as a large gym with plenty of different machines to choose from. All of the rooms are of a good size and are furnished to a high standard. There is also a small disco club for people that like to party but rest assured, although it is situated within the grounds of the Hotel, it is far enough away so that no other guests are disturbed my the noise or other guests.
Hilton Hurghada Resort
The Hilton Hurghada has a lovely reception area with a large pool area going from inside to out so as in the winter months guests can still enjoy the outdoor pool but in the warmth of the hotel. The large glass windows and roof let a lot of lights in and makes the reception and pool area look stunning. It also has its own private beach just a short walk from the rooms and outdoor restaurant. The rooms are clean and are furnished to a good standard.
The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh
The Oberoi was a very popular hotel among the group I was with, each hotel room was in its own building with private sun terrace and some have there own private swimming pool. Fantastic Spa facilities and gorgeous grounds with paths leading to each individual complex, all just a short walk away the main restaurant and pool areas. The hotel had a really nice relaxed feel to it and the staff were very helpful.
Sheraton Soma Bay
The Sheraton is a beautifully positioned hotel right on the sea front, with a massive swimming pool and a tremendous view out of reception over the swimming pool and out to the Red sea. Really well laid out rooms, with views either out to see, or over the Egyptian countryside.
Casscade Hotel
Mine and most of the people on the trips firm favourite, totally isolated from any other hotels, it is surrounded by a truly breathtaking golf course and it boasts the best spa facility I have ever seen, a Jacuzzi the size of a tennis court and a private pool to the rest of the hotel, the spa also has its own healthy bar that offers healthy food and drinks only.
The rooms are very spacious and all have lovely views looking out over the red sea, pool area or golf course. The golf course is stunning and you must have a handicap to play on it or you must be accompanied by one of the professionals. The Oberoi was definitely the best hotel I saw whilst in Egypt.
Intercontinental Abu Soma
Beautiful hotel with a stunning reception area, 4 story high ceilings with a small bar situated on a large fishpond all featured in the main reception area of the Intercontinental Abu Soma. We were fortunate enough to have lunch at the Intercontinental where the food was lovely. It was a large restaurant to seat lots of people so finding a table wont be a problem. The swimming pool is really well laid out with separate sections for adults and children, with water sports and waterfalls there is plenty to keep people of all age groups entertained. The rooms are spacious and well furnished.
Sofitel Karnak
I spent 2 nights at the Sofitel Karnak in Luxor and thoroughly enjoyed my stay there, the restaurant offered good food and a good service. The rooms are a nice size with a private terrace, and well spaced out with only two floors so noise is not an issue. There is a well situated little chill out bar right next to the Nile which is open until the last guest goes to bed where you can enjoy the views of the west bank of the Nile whilst enjoying a drink or two. The staff were very friendly and helpful.
I would happily send a client of mine to any of the hotels that I visited in confidence that they would be looked after, treated well and most importantly enjoy their time in Egypt.
Jamie Lombari – 17th November 2009