Hotel Horizon Sharm Resort

The Horizon Sharm is located in Nabq Bay, an area which is less touristy than Naama but one which is currently undergoing major development work (it is, in fact, the second-largest resort in Sharm). Nabq Bay is a twenty-minute drive from the international airport and is an area of growth where hotels are concerned, differing from Naama in that it is more elegant in style and less disparate than the buildings found in the centre of Sharm. A free shuttle service runs daily between the hotel and the nearest beach.

The hotel is proud to offer good value for money, despite its lack of any distinguishing features. Having opened in 2002, the Horizon Sharm hotel does have an access ramp leading up to the first floor, which isn't always ideal but nevertheless means that the hotel can accommodate guests with reduced mobility. Alba Tours is one of the notable tour operators working with this establishment.

This is a circular hotel complex designed in the style of a "tourist village", as is the case for most of the establishments in Sharm El Sheikh. A terrace with a parapet which is really too low extends right across the upper part of the establishment, offering views right across the village. There is also a swimming pool which is open from the morning until sunset, but it offers little in the way of facilities for families and children.

There is an Internet corner in the reception area and guests are entitled to an hour's free connection per week. At the entrance to the hotel you'll find a coffee shop, which is included in the all-inclusive option along with the massage area and jacuzzi, and there is also a theatre where various minor performances are put on from time to time.

The decor in the hotel's 120 guest rooms is rather rundown and first impressions are far from positive. Cleaning seems to be rather slapdash and the decor is basic, which does nothing to help improve the sloppy impression you get from the surroundings. Room service is available on request for a fee (you will find two bottles of water in the refrigerator upon arrival) and the room's other amenities include a safe and air-conditioning. There was, however, a very strong fragrance invading our room when we arrived and the room was really too small to handle it. You'll find nothing in the way of hospitality products in the bathrooms and there is only just enough room for the shower. The toilet is not separate and there is no bidet. You can enjoy views right across the village from the balcony. All-inclusive stays are available from ?70.

The hotel's main restaurant serves a perfectly decent buffet and is open for all three meals of the day. Breakfast is served from 7:00am to 10:00am and is supposedly international, though it does seem more geared towards an English clientele (cold meats, eggs and bacon with relatively little in the way of western pastries). Lunch is served from 1:00pm to 3:00pm and dinner from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.

We don't have any particularly fond memories of the 700m-long beach here. Having said that, all of the facilities are there, including loungers and parasols, and excursions can be organised for those who fancy scuba-diving out at sea.