Hotel Sol y Mar Sham Suites

Located towards the very end of Nabq Bay, it is in a relatively quiet area where resorts are sprouting up quickly. It is a second line hotel and therefore is not on the beach but a shuttle bus runs to the neighbouring Mirabel Park beach.

The hotel, opened in 2009 has been finished to a very high standard. A Sol y Mar hotel, it belongs to the owner of several hotel chains such as Jaz and Iberostar. The owner, the talented businessman, Mr El Sheti, has also recently bought the German chain, Steigenberger as well as one of the leading travel companies in the world, Travco. The special touch is in the high standard finish of the hotels which is especially true of the Jaz hotel chain. Also in Sharm el Sheikh, the Jaz Mirabel Beach, Jaz Mirabel Park, Jaz Mirabel Club, Jaz Belvedere, and the Bab el Shams which is soon to come. The Jaz chain is by far one of the best in the area. Not only are the hotels beautiful but the facilities are varied and the food is of a good standard, all of which makes for a pleasant experience. For full details on the chain, click here.

Upon arrival the hotel doesn't look much with its small driveway and pale pink entrance hall, but once inside through the lobby and out into the pool area it is extremely pleasant, especially because this is possibly the smallest hotel in Sharm el Sheikh. Small but extremely restful, this is a veritable little haven of peace. There isn't much going on here and it can feel a little isolated from the rest of the area but this acts as a good motivation factor to get out and explore the area. If however what you are after is an activity-packed, booze-filled holiday, Sol y Mar Sham Suites is not for you.

The rooms are extremely simple yet very stylish. Decorated by the owner's wife, the furniture is contemporary with a touch of Egyptian taste. The bed linen is of good quality. As the hotel is new, everything is spick and span. All the rooms have a balcony or terrace and are equipped with (old generation) televisions, fridges (filled upon request and at an extra cost). The bathrooms all have showers and soap comes in a pump attached to the wall, so if you like your toiletries, bring your own. Otherwise the hotel also rents out studios as well as family rooms.

The hotel has a main restaurant which is stylish and pleasant. There is no all-inclusive system here; the restaurant is à la carte. There is also a snack bar on the terrace by the pool.

The beach is shared with the neighbouring Mirabel complex which is owned by the same company. The advantage of the beach here is the shallow water which is good for children and beach dwellers wishing to sunbathe while staying cool. There is also beach volley.