Access to the hotel is via the main street of Naama Bay and then down along King Abdullah Street just past a couple of other hotels. There is a large area in front of the hotel with seating and a fountain as well as the hotel's only shop selling snacks, beach supplies and souvenirs. The low-ceilinged lobby pays tribute to North African craftsmanship with a mix of styles of furniture, lamps, wall hangings and objets d'art. It is a cosy, homely space with the reception on the right as you walk in and the bar directly across from the entrance. Safe boxes are available at the reception (none in the rooms) and there are a couple of PCs in one corner for surfing the net (25EGP for 30 mins, although wifi is free of charge). If you fancy getting stuck into a book then just help yourself from the range of titles just next to the computers. The hotel has just one swimming pool which is surrounded on all four sides meaning the sun disappears prematurely each day. There aren't too many loungers around the pool (largely because most people are on the beach or diving) but they do have a few wonderful cabanas allowing you to drift off to sleep in the warm weather (and to the chill out music diffused at a reasonable level) without fear of getting burnt. If you wake up feeling all stiff then just a few feet away is a massage table to loosen you all up. Both a kids pool and a diving pool are situated just close to the main pool. The hotel has neither a wellness/fitness centre, but it does organise activities for guests every day except Sunday which take place at different venues around the hotel or Naama Bay and could be karaoke, a disco, salsa or bar crawls-it all depends on the group of guests. A cash machine is available to guests and, if need be, a clinic too, shared with a neighbouring hotel. The property is not huge by any means and feels a lot more personable than most others. The public spaces are pleasant and clean and there's a positive feeling all round.
Amy Adejokun
Section editor
