Amy Adejokun
Section editor
The Domina Gardenia Plaza is an ideal resort for guests looking to sunbathe around a pool and even then there are so much nicer places to stay at within the same price range. With its beach 25 minutes away, a serious lack of atmosphere and a need for refurbishment, this resort is at the bottom of our list.
Located in Montazah Bay, the Gardenia Plaza is 10 minutes from the airport. The hotel is a second line hotel and therefore is not on the beach.
The two floor accommodation buildings are fairly pleasant although inside, the rooms are fairly dark and tattered. The décor, like in many hotels in the area is fairly non-inspiring and more functional than aesthetic. All 424 rooms have either a balcony or terrace as it is customary for most hotels in the area. All rooms have showers and none have toiletries so bring your own. For large groups, there are two or three bedroom studios to rent.
Upon arrival, the guest enters the lobby which is a little small and dark especially during shuttle bus pick up times to the beach (times vary, so it is best to ask the hotel about times upon arrival). The hotel grounds are fairly modest and consist mainly of concrete with dry lawns, which in comparison to other hotels' lush green vegetation looks arid around the resort's four pools. The floor around the pools are uneven in some places so do take care.
There is a main restaurant which looks fairly clean, light and spacious where a buffet is on offer at every meal. The food quality is moderate. The restaurant staff is very friendly. The resort also has two à la carte restaurants, seafood (which smelled of old frying oil when we visited) and barbecue, which is extra.
The beach is a real let-down to this resort. Guests will find the beach in Sharm el Mia Bay which is close to the Old Market. Aside from being 25 minutes away by shuttle bus, there is a long walk from the road side to the actual beach. The beach is very narrow; the water is shallow and not particularly good for swimming. The beach is not very clean either. The sandy area is also crammed full of sun loungers in rows, making the beach feel very crowded. Furthermore, entrance to the beach is not secure, rendering the beach not as private as one might wish.
The resort opened in 2000 and in many areas looks like it could do with a refurbishment. The hotel beach is approximately 25 minutes away from the hotel towards Naama Bay. There is a shuttle bus to and from the beach; times tend to vary so it is best to ask the hotel about the bus frequency. There are water slides which look like good fun for kids at one of the resort's pools. The resort's entertainment is similar to that of most hotels in the area - a show every evening at the amphitheatre, loud music blaring round the main pool and a kids' club. There is also a female-only pool for ladies wishing to have a little more intimacy.
sauna, wellness, Turkish bath
tennis, fitness, gym, sports, horse riding
Although it appears to be a little old at first glance, this unpretentious hotel has many facilities to satisfy its customers and its beach has a very good spot for scuba diving.
Perfectly maintained, this hotel facility offers luxury and refinement. With its shaded gardens, many fountains and outdoor jacuzzi, it is the ideal place to relax.
This hotel enjoys a good location near the city centre and provides quality services. It is an ideal choice if you are looking to stay near the bustling life of the centre while enjoying the peace and quiet once you are back in your room.
The third creation of the huge Domina group, this establishment has some magnificent rooms. For those who like the idea of staying in a holiday village but won't be counting on the presence of a kids club.
Smaller than most resorts in the area, the Al Diwan is a pleasant establishment to spend a few days. It does feel a little isolated from the rest of Sharm el Sheikh and the music around the main pool can be a bit loud even in the rooms. The accommodation, although functional needs renovating.
The Sierra Savoy is the Savoy's version of a resort. Although fairly modern and well maintained, guests should not expect a luxury establishment. The site is fairly small so most of the nightlife happens in neighbouring Soho Square which makes for lively evenings during busy periods.
The Peninsula is full of stylish details and is just as well suited to holidaying couples as it is to business travellers. It is well worth considering if you want plenty of space.
A very well organised resort with extremely pretty gardens containing pleasant water features, and villa-like accommodation buildings giving the establishment a village feel, despite the rooms and bathrooms needing a renovation. The beach is a short walk away across the gardens and the sea is ideal for snorkelling although it can get a little crowded. The highlight of the resort is the wonderful views of the Red Sea from the beach Fatima Restaurant.
Perfectly maintained, this hotel facility offers luxury and refinement. With its shaded gardens, many fountains and outdoor jacuzzi, it is the ideal place to relax.
Fully equipped, this hotel offers exclusive comfort in a pleasant setting. Ideal for a week of relaxation.
The Jaz Belvedere Hotel is easily one of Sharm el Sheikh best quality resorts. With its beautiful interiors and very well maintained exteriors, the Belvedere is more of a hotel than a resort. Directly on the beach, the hotel is small enough to retain intimacy and large enough not to feel claustrophobic after a week. The Belvedere is definitely one of our favourites.
This gargantuan complex is quite simply in a class of its own. You can take any aspect of the hotel, its rooms, its spa, its eateries, its views or its staff and you'll find everything is top draw. If it is top of the range you are after for in Sharm then you can't go far wrong in choosing the Royal Oasis, perfect for couples and families looking for the very best in service and facilities in a setting to die for.
Quiet and pleasant, this hotel is ideal for couples and diving fans. However, it is poorly adapted for a family-style vacation due to the absence of a kid's club.
An all-round good quality hotel compared to most hotels in Sharm el Sheikh. The extension of the Hilton Shark's Bay is neat and well maintained and is separate from the original part of the resort. There is also nothing Egyptian about the place; one could be anywhere in the world. This part of the hotel lacks in atmosphere but is relaxing and guests are guaranteed a fairly good quality room.
One of the classier outfits in Sharm el Sheikh, the Royal Grand Sharm offers the complete package to guests looking for that little bit extra from their hotel. Perky staff, a beautifully kept environment and convivial atmosphere make this a natural choice for both couples and families. This mid- to high-end establishment is extremely comfortable and is recommended wholly by Easyvoyage.
The Oriental Rivoli is without doubt one of the classiest hotels in Sharm el Sheikh. Its sumptuous decoration must be the finest in the resort and all of its services exude quality, from its staff to its food. Best suited for couples or groups of friends, due to its lack of animation or a kids club, it is the perfect place for relaxation, reflection and rejuvenation. Recommended whole-heartedly by Easyvoyage!