Hotel Grand Sharm Resort

The Grand Sharm Resort is situated on the coast in Hadaba, or Ras Um Sid as it is known locally. It enjoys a spot away from the main roads and is therefore fairly tranquil. It is just five miles from Naama Bay and 13 miles from the airport. The beach is just under a mile from the hotel.

If you want a room with a view, then request to be placed in one of the blocks to the back of the hotel complex as these offer stunning views out to the Red Sea and are also close to the new small swimming pool. Not to be confused with the Royal Grand Sharm just next door!

The Grand Sharm has 128 rooms in three different categories: standard, family and apartments. The standard rooms, which all enjoy a sea view, are very basic with very little in them apart from a simple dresser and a small table and chair, however they are well kept and perfectly clean. The bathrooms too, which all have a bathtub, are acceptable, although some could do with be spruced up a touch. Family rooms comprise of a double and twin room, both brought alive by matching bed linen and curtains featuring a butterfly and dragonfly theme. Each has its own ordinary bathroom with bathtub and both are perfectly clean. The living room is homely and has a television and seating area around the coffee table. There is a small kitchen in case you feel like cooking yourself although you might want to give it a wipe over before making use of it. The apartments are all situated around the main pool and have just one bedroom with an old kitchenette and only a shower it the bathroom. Every single room has either a terrace (many with a small area of grass, often overgrown and dry) or balcony as well as all the basics like safe, hairdryer and fridge or minibar. VIP packages include bathrobe, slippers, toiletries and a fruit basket.

The entrance to the Grand Sharm is one of the more modest in Sharm, although that is not necessarily telling on the hotel's overall quality. The small lobby has a seating area just to the left as you walk in with the reception facing you at the end of the hall. The hotel has two swimming pools. The main one, Laguna, is surrounded by accommodation blocks but they are not so close that they block the sun, even as it is dipping. The surrounds are quiet, with no music except for the cheers of water polo players. It is in the main pool that the kids' pool is also found. The other newer pool, which is heated, has a fantastic sea view as well as chill out music making for the perfect place to unwind. There is a bar too which descends into the water. The terrace just next to the pool is used during winter for lunches and to the other side of the pool is a rather precarious looking kids play area. Both pools have generous amounts of space for sunbathing and plenty of sun beds are at your disposal. While the hotel does not have a wellness centre, it does offer massages around the main pool and there is a beauty salon on the premises. Wednesday and Saturday nights are karaoke nights while on Monday there is an oriental dance show. On days where no show takes place, the disco bar, with its terrace with mountains views, stays open until late. If you're feeling active then you can choose between table tennis, tennis, basketball, pool or volleyball (on the beach). Wifi and PCs with internet are available at the cost of 20EGP for 30 minutes and a limo service is also offered (prices at reception). There is a pharmacy and bank on the premises. The hotel is generally well kept and in good condition with the architecture typically Egyptian with large arches which frame the windows and doors. Although the place is very green, some parts are overgrown and dry and some bright flowers wouldn't go amiss to liven the grounds up a little.

The main restaurant, Fontana, is a little like a cricket pavilion inside and is fresh and airy. The international buffet changes every two weeks and is of a reasonable quality in Sharm standards. Kebab King is an extension of the main restaurant and there is another snack bar on the beach. The lobby bar called Whispers is one of five at the Grand Sharm and has a small terrace just next to the entrance building. Both swimming pools have bars, the larger of which at the main pool has a beautiful wooden trellis covering and bougainvillea plants creeping up its side making for a pleasant setting.

Seeing as the Grand Sharm Resort is not situated right on the coast, you'll need to take a minibus to get there, but these are free of charge and make regular return journeys throughout the day. The coral beach, which is shared with a number of other hotels, is divided into two, with upper and lower parts. Despite being very quiet, the quality of sand is not fantastic and it can get pretty windy. The two areas, however, are completely flat and there is a direct access to the water as well as jetties for diving. There are enough loungers (a little old) and parasols for the number of sunbathers and a snack bar on the beach can meet modest needs. The water, as elsewhere, is extremely clear and is a good area for diving.