My girlfriend and I traveled with Thomas Cook for an 11 day stay in mid September, After reading reviews we were expecting good things and we were not disappointed. Transfer was on time and check in was about 20 minutes. We were shown to our room which was huge, clean and nicely decorated, with a very good view. Our luggage joined us about an hour later. Room was clean daily and towels were exchanged as we required.
We ate in each a la carte restaurant once during our stay, and each one was excellent. The food in the main buffet was not good for me, although my girlfriend enjoyed. We both got upset tummies (me twice) but the medication from tia heights (£10) did the trick. On the last day of our stay we have been told that taking one tablet every morning would of prevented illness at all.We will know next time:)
The staff in the around the world restaurant and shop next to it gave to much attention to my blond partner and put her off going back there.
We did a few trips, sand buggies being our favorite. Also did the day trip to luxor, which was enjoyable although very hot.Plenty of water- essential!!. Vanessa was very helpful when we had to cancel a trip through illness .We got 50 % of our money back.
trips cost:
luxor £66
sand buggies £37
cairo £95
quad bikes £25
paradise island £50
The beach and pools were fairly crowded although we always managed to find a bed. There is five swimming pools.All of them kept spotless.We enjoyed especially the main pool with a swim- in bar witch is close to restaurants and entertaining centre .We didnt experience any ignorance and pushiness from Russians, Germans and any other nationalities.Everybody was nice and polite.
We were not hassled by staff, hard sell on massages at one point but nothing major.
Entertainment was fairly poor, enjoyed the stunt show but nothing else.
Had a walk to makadi bay shopping center but left after 2 minutes as the shop owners were just too pushy, although they were the same every shop we went.
Tried snorkeling which was fantastic, especially at the hotel next door.
Overall had a great time a few minor negatives but nothing to spoil the holiday.

We travelled with Thomas Cook from Manchester,the flight was on time.5hrs 20 going out,5hrs 40 coming home.Its all a bit stressfull with immigration,you feel like catlle as you are herded about in long lines to pay "arrival tax" The sign above the desk says 16$ but you are actually charged 19$ when you get to the desk.When you make it outside to the coach you are just about to put your cases in the hold when some guys take them from you and want tipping for moving them 3ft.The drive to the hotel takes 30 mins.All there is out of the window to look at is just miles and miles of dessert.The kids were all looking out of the window wondering where we had bought them to! On arrival our welcome was lovely.We were greeted with an "welcome home and a drink.We had e-mailed prior to arriving asking for rooms in block 14,15 or 16 and we were given rooms in block 14 which was lovely and central with a fab view of the gardens and pool.

We went to our reps meeting the next day and Vanessa was nice.Very informative and didnt keep us any longer than 30 mins.Some senior memebrs of staff lines up and introduced themselves to us explaining their jobs which we thought was a nice touch.

The buffet restaurant is just manic.We only ate in there 4 nights as we booked a la carte meals for other nights.The Asian,med and Italien were all fantastic meals.The bedouin tent was an expericance.It was hot in the tent though.The food was nice but be prepared to be get up and dance! We tried the Around the world buffet for breakfast as it was calmer than the main one but were put off as there were a lots of birds and flies on the food in there.they make you omlettes and pancakes at both buffest which were big favourties with us.

I would say that 80% of the guests are Russian,the French and English make up the rest.We never directly had a problem with the Russian guests but just seeing how they treat the staff was bad enough.They have no manners what so ever.And more than once i had to resist the urge to pin them down and make them say please and thankyou instead of just grunting.I would say the hotel food was catered for the Russians and not with us Brits in mind.

The pools are beautiful and you are spoilt for choice which one to use.We counted 6 pools! Mohammad at the family pool bar is a lovely guy and always had time for a chat.The pizza's at the poool bars are very tasy.The cocktails are lovely with lots of choice.We loved how staff came round to clean our sun glasses,offer you fresh lemon/lime juice and cakes,fruit keabs while you were on your sunbeds!

I only got one insect bite which is probably due to the fact they spary the hotel grounds at dawn and then again at dusk.It gets dark at 5.30pmAnd they dont like you to be in the pool after that time.

We didnt like the shopping at the hotel.The people were pushy and would not give you a price for what you wanted until the last second then moan when you dont buy it.They are expensive as they pay a premium for being at the hotel and are passing that on to you.My best tip would be to wait until you get to Hurgarda airport on your return home.They have many shops there selling all types of gifts with reasonable prices and staff who dont hassle you.

Some of out family did a sand buggying trip with Thomas Cook.They were picked up from the hotel and taken to Hurgarda.After riding through the dessert they were taken to a bedouin tent.You need to buy a headscarf to ride the buggys to protect your face from the sand,so if you are thinking of doing this trip it may be worth taking one with you.Other trips included quad biking.This was done at the back of the hotel and was a two hour trip.

Some of our family went on the banana boat which can be booked down on the beach.Its 10$ each.They also have little boats they put on the back off the speedbpat and pull you around the bay.You dont fall out of these and are better for younger kids.They are priced at $15 each. The camels on the beach are $7 each for a 10 min ride up the beach.You can pay to go on longer and go up into the dessert at the back of the hotel if you wish.

The beach at the Sunrise is a let down.There is no sand,just a hard brown floor.There is slightly more sand towards the sea edge and towards the hotel to the left.Fort Aberesque.We soon found out that next door's hotel had a lovely beach and the snorkelling was lovely.There are a lot of reef's to snorkel round.The sea is beautiful and clear.One of the best i have been to.We never had a problem getting beds around any of the pools or beach.People do put their towels out early like anywhere you go,but there is no need to do that as you will get beds easily.

The other let down for me was the entertainment.They have this great ampitheatre and could do so much with it but the shows were of poor quality.When they had outside dancers in like the chinese or brazilean night dancers it was enjoyable to watch.The problems start when the hotel entertainment staff do a show,this usually involves doing a dance around the stage dancing and spitting water at each other(i kid you not!) or dragging people out of the audience to participate in a cringe worthy show.Be warned, stand at the back if you dont want to go on stage as the satff do not take no for answer! In the Victoria pub they have snooker,ping pong and darts.You can book your time slot to make sure you get a turn as it gets busy.Hossan the member of staff in there is lovely.One of the only people at the hotel who speaks perfect english.

One member of our party had a tummy upset within 24hrs of being there.We went next door to the hotel Tia Heights.They have a pharmacy upstairs.We bought tablets for £5 and worked within hours.Nobody else had a problem.

And lastly the staff.... 90% of the people who work here are lovely.A little too familiar at times but its harmless enough.The other 10% clearly dont enjoy their job and are abrupt with you.Two of our party had to complain to the managment about the rudeness of the staff.This wouldnt put me off returning though or reccomending this hotel to anyone.

We do a couple of this type of holiday each year - normally staying in 5* all inclusives. This is our first time to Egypt. This is the worst of this type of hotel that we have stayed in, in recent years. However if you like huge impersonal hotels, then this one is for you.
Lets start with the positives
The whole hotel was clean and well maintained. Rooms are well serviced and a good size.The speciality restaurants were all good. What the Bedouin restaurant lacked in the food area it made up for in its atmosphere. The Asian and the Italian were excellent - well worth the 30 minute queue in the morning to book!! Clean, large pools.Plenty of sunbeds.Gardens - well maintained, although watered with what smells like sewage water!! Weather is excellent. Snorkling is great off Fort Arabesque next door - get up early and go before breakfast - well worth the effort.
Negatives
The main restaurant is a disaster!!! Food is poor and usually resembles some type of indiscernible slop. They do cook fresh omlette, eggs and pancakes in the morning and there is plenty of choice of breads and sweet cakes. Evening dinner has fresh pasta and carved meat but generally poor.
The area is far too small with not enough staff to cope with the hoards of Russians who eat as though it will be their last meal!! Seating in the covered outside area is far more pleasant than sitting in what feels like a utilitarian canteen inside the restaurant.
Staff in the buffet restaurant are poor, but in honesty there are not enough of them.
Husband and I both got upset tummies - but bought the local medicines and that sorted things out really quickly - we didnt feel ill - just inconvenienced!!
The beach is small and very crowded.
Entertainment is on a par with other hotel entertainment.... !! The animation team were all very nice.
We did have a good week - but I would not go back to this hotel - it needs to increase its staffing and carry out some customer service training & improve its dining facilities to gain a true 5 star status

Had a few reservations about holidaying in Egypt but was pleasantly suprised !

This is a lovely hotel and we had a great room in block 12 that was cleaned every day. The grounds are well maintained and lots of relaxing places to sunbathe. If you want to find a quiet spot like us thats no problem as there are several pool areas.

The staff are excellent, extremely friendly and can't do enough for you.

Fantastic weather everyday (1st week in Oct) which is perfect for a winter break.

I would recommend the Al a Carte restaurants and dining in the Rest of the World restaurant (no need to book) as an alternative to the main one which can be a little hectic. Food was of a good standard with a varied choice.

Did end up with the Egyptian upset stomach which was a slight blip on the overall experience but didn't ruin the holiday. Go prepared !