Hotel Review
Grand Rotana, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
THE BACKGROUND: The Grand Rotana Sharm El Sheikh is an impressive five-star resort and spa with a range of amenities that reflect the upscale standards of comfort and efficiency on which Rotana has built its reputation.
WHERE IS IT? Set on a sea-front plot in the stunning Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt’s leading holiday region, the resort is 8km from Sharm International Airport and 7km from Na’ama Bay. Sharm is in the National Park region of Ras Mohamed in the Southern Sinai.
THE HOTEL: This is a big hotel with 526 rooms, impressively designed and laid to out make great use of the space while also creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The resort offers the extensive range of facilities expected of a five-star.
THE ROOM: Our room was of a good size and stylish without being opulent. There was a great bed and a spacious bathroom. Facilities included full air-conditioning, high- speed internet (also in the resort's public areas), safe, mini bar, tea- and coffee-making facilities and satellite TV. The balcony overlooked the beautiful Red Sea.
THE RESTAURANTS: The hotel has three restaurants and four bars. Restaurants include an Italian, a superb Indian/Thai outlet, and a creperie, close to the beach and with outstanding views. There are daily themed menus in the main dining room. All restaurants have superb staff, consistently friendly, humorous and helpful.
THE FACILITIES: Watersports are among the favourite activities here including world-class scuba diving and snorkelling. There is also a zen spa for a little pampering and a fitness centre for those who want to work out. Children are catered for at the kids' club and the resort also offers a children’s café and dedicated children’s pool.
HIGHLIGHT: This hotel certainly has one of the best swimming pools ever - huge and interesting, with an adrenaline-inducing water slide! There are countless, very relaxed areas for sunbathing from seats around the pool to those all along the very extensive sea front.
THE COST: Thomas Cook Signature is offering six nights B&B from £539pp, a saving of £86 between May 1-July 31.
THE DETAILS: Shark’s Bay, Sharm El Sheik, South Sinai. T: 0020 (0) 69 3602700 F: 0020 (0) 69 360 2711
The Verdict
Exceptional
Pass
Loved It!
Farce
Hard to beat for a truly relaxing yet fun holiday. The hotel is a great place to chill out and the nearby town is full of glitzy and good quality shops and restaurants and is also well worth a visit.
Martin Steady
Managing director, BMI Publishing
