I stayed at Mexicana last week as was holidaying with my mum. We went all inclusive and it was really cheap.

The first surprise was when they told us upon arrival that there were no twin rooms available so we had to take a double. The good news was - the room was huge and gorgeous with a lovely balcony and just by the big pool. The bed was a king so not a problem.

Then we lost our hot water and got it back on the 3rd day..

The food was great. I ate 3 times a day but everything was really healthy so I lost a kg! Steamed and fresh veggies, chicken, fish, dressings - really good! The desserts were not that great. Btw - no tummy probs.

The local beer was great but the wine was awful.

Staff was very friendly and talkative but I think their opinion of tourists is sort of a milking cow vision and they try to get as much money out of you as possible.

The last day was what ruined the whole stay. We had to check out at noon but the flight was at around 9pm. The all inclusive ended with the check out - this meant that we were let to the lunch table but were not allowed to take any beverages (including water). Also we had to pay for the drinks by the pool and the waiters "forgot" to return the change. When I asked, they said that there was none..it happened twice. I wouldn't have minded to give a tip but it's extremely rude to take it themselves.

So the last day left a bitter taste to it all but nevertheless - if I go back I would probably consider the same hotel. I would only ask for a late check out or book the room for an additional night.

Just returned from a week at this hotel, and have only good things to say.

Like many others, having read the reviews, we tried to keep an open mind on arriving in Egypt. We booked a taxi through the hotel via e-mail before leaving, and they charged us 150 egyptian pounds, which is 15 GBP. Although we didn't think this was a bad price, you can get it cheaper with the taxi drivers at the airport - so if you can face the haggling straight after your flight, do that. On our return we approached a taxi driver outside the hotel and agreed a price of 80 egyptian pounds (8 GBP). Also remember that when you enter the airport on your return in a taxi, they need to pay a toll of 10 egyptian pounds, so keep a 10 handy to pass to him.

We arrived at the Mexicana in darkness, and were very pleasantly surprised at how friendly and helpful the desk staff were. The front desk manager, Mohammed (although not recognisable by the name, they all seem to be called Mohammed or Ahmed!), checked is in quickly and instructed us to leave our bags for the porter to bring. He showed us round the hotel and the grounds, explaining opening times of bars etc, and then showed us to our room. We had no small change on us for a tip, so we gave him a few english quid, which he seemed happy with. The bellboy arrived 5 mins later, and we gave him another few quid!

The bar service was quick, friendly, and efficient, and we had no complaints at all with this during our entire stay. We were on a B&B basis (having read the reviews, we thought that best!) and we had no problems with the breakfast at all. We had omelette and toast everyday (which we have at home) and there were a choice of cereals, along with some "weirder" options such as ratatouille (for breakfast?!), roast potatoes, and mashed beans (!).

The rest of the food we can't comment on, as we ate out every night, but we did hear people complain about it. The food at the pool bar is nice and we thought reasonably priced, but do ask for it to be well done. I think as we were "paying customers" rather than AI, we got a bit better treatment - we were served at our sunbeds, never had to fetch our own drinks or food, and the pool boy reserved our beds for us every morning in our favourite spot. We did see that the AI customers did not get this.

Naama Bay - whilst lovely, it was not for me. I don't like to be hassled, and whilst I expected it to some degree, nothing prepared me for what turned out to be "running the gauntlet" every night. Seriously, most would not take no for an answer, and then called me rude for ignoring them. We couldn't win. That said, once you were past the hotspots of the taxi rank or the bus-stop, it calmed down and we were able to walk at less than breakneck speed. The camel bar has a lovely atmosphere on the rooftop although drinks a little pricey, and most of the other bars were equally nice. We ate at a different place every night but would strongly recommend the Little Buddha. If you are craving a nice steak - this is the place to get it!!

All in all - the Mexicana is a lovely peaceful hotel (there is no entertainment at night - that much is true). We found it to be very clean, the staff very helpful, and would definitely stay here again. Our room was very big and cleaned everyday, and the cleaner did not intrude when not wanted. I would recommend this place to my friends without any hesitation. My top tip would be not to go AI and you will not have any complaints - it's a few quid in a taxi to Naama Bay or there is a free shuttle bus at 9pm - all the restaurants are reasonably priced and you can get wonderful meals down there.

Do not go all inclusive, the food although edible, was totally boring, we were served chicken wings twice a day for 10days. Never any fish. Breakfast was the best meal of the day, with plenty of variety, cereal, fruit, meat, cheese, salad, english breakfast, bread, preserves, and yogurt. The complex is beautiful, clean, lovely gardens, excellant rooms, beds linen and towels changed every day. The pools were spotless and the towel service great. Facilities such as games ( for adults and children) none - all inclusive drinks - very mean with the alcohol - and the staff not willing to increase amount on request - the evening all inclusive bar was up 30 steep steps (not for the elderly) this bar had constant disco music, which the staff would not turn down. The bus service to the beach was advertised (in the brochure) as every 10mins, no, this was every hour. The coral beach bus stop was at least 500yds away from the beach, and we had to walk down hill - then down 10steep steps with no hand rail, on to a crowded beach. You are not allowed to even paddle here and the staff constantly were blowing whistles and shouting. Of course it was back up hill to the bus stop, and I found this quiet steep. The sandy beach, was lovely but the massage lady is very persistant, and very annoying. There are only two restaurants near this hotel, a pizza place and a great cafe 'picassos' run by an English lady. there are 4 super markets, two very near the hotel, other than that it is a run down part of town. Although I loved the gardens of this hotel, I have difficulty walking and the uneven surfaces, number of steps and narrow walkways were a nightmare. look closely before you go the Sharm, there are much better places, we will return to the resort but definately not this hotel.

My family have just returned from a weeks holiday here. It is a good hotel and is very clean the staff are very friendly and helpful. However the food is very basic, eatable but not very appealing. Also as we were all inclusive we still had to pay for our drinks on new Years eve, the charge for each item was costed at London prices not Egypt prices even though it was only their local drinks that we had.
It is very cold at night and the outside pool (without any heating) is very cold.
Ok for a weeks stay but wouldn't go again to this hotel.