Hotel Sol Cyrene

The Sol Cyrene is located 7 km from Sharm el Sheikh International Airport. The hotel is facing Tiran Island which has one of the most famous coral reefs and is surrounded by spectacular views of the mountains of Sinai desert. The beach is just 400 meters from the main building connected by a promenade or shuttle bus.

The Sol Cyrene Hotel is part of the Spanish hotelier chain Sol Melia as is the neighbouring hotel, Sol Charm (see our review). When we visited there were still some areas under construction (for example behind the kids' club and by the pools close to the beach) which is an eyesore. The gym looks fairly clean and is free for guests to use. The spa is well maintained although it is a little dark and needs a little spruce up (facilities here are at an extra charge). The guests here are mainly English and Italian.

Opened in 2007, the hotel has been well maintained. It is close to the quiet street which deserves the hotels in Montazah. Through the lobby there is the main pool surrounded by well-kept gardens and the white three floor accommodation blocks. The main building looks however a little imposing which goes against creating a relaxing atmosphere. The outdoor terrace looks pleasant and well maintained. The hotel comprises of 207 rooms overlooking the sea, pool and garden. The hotel has five pools altogether; there are two within the main hotel complex, a separate kids' pool and two pools by the beach which is a rare feature for hotels in the area. The hotel is built in such a way to make the guests feel alone as opposed to sandwiched between neighbouring hotels. It is therefore a pleasant hotel to spend a holiday despite it being fairly basic.

The accommodation blocks are not particularly attractive being rectangular and having three floors. For friends or families connecting rooms are available. Every room has its own private balcony or terrace. The rooms have all the basic mod-cons such as individual control air-conditioning, direct dial telephone, TV with satellite channels, a mini fridge (filled upon request and at an extra cost). The rooms are spacious as are the bathrooms. The décor is uninspiring. The bathrooms have a selection of own-brand toiletries and all are equipped with bathtubs. Most rooms have good views but 10% so the guest must specify the view upon booking.

The main restaurant looks clean and well organised. Meals here are fairly pleasant and varied. The restaurant has a buffet system. The food is of a fairly good quality - the desserts are especially tasty. The restaurant staff is also very friendly.

The beach is just a couple of minutes away from the main hotel complex via shuttle bus. The walk to the beach isn't long either and is straightforward. The beach is not organised in rigid lines of sun loungers which makes the atmosphere a little more casual although it can feel a little cramped. The beach is however sandy and the waters are stupefying. Closer to the water the beach can be a little rocky however. The beach here is ideal for everyone: shallow enough for kids to play without parents worrying too much about safety, the jetty isn't too long giving good direct access to the coral for snorkelers and there are also small lagoon formations which are good for swimming.