Yet another Egypt thread

[Spacehopper]

I have 10 days holiday to use before mid March and the entertainment officer (aka 'er indoors") has decreed that we shall be going to Egypt so I can go diving, 'er indoors is not a diver. I didn't have to drop any hints either . Having done some research we have almost settled on Sharm [1] possibly diving with Emporer Divers. We are stuck on a hotel though and the boss has suggested that I consult the oracle that is YD.

So what would be a comfortable hotel reasonably close to the sea if is is not beachfront. We're not looking for the cheapest end of the market but on the other hand we are not looking for gold plated taps etc.

Is all the boat diving day trips or are half day trips/shore diving available. I don't mind an early start.


[1] We're not fixed on Sharm so if anyone has any other suggestions they would be welcome. 'Er indoors is not a diver so I guess I will be diving 50/60% of the time and sightseeing/relaxing for the remainder.

Gareth

[uwila]

Explorers have some very cheap deals going right now. Try the Hilton Waterfalls - 4*, but you do get a lot of Russians there who are sometimes a bit pushy when it comes to waiting for the lift etc. There's a tiny beach and a very decent house reef if you don't want to go out on a boat (they even carry your kit back if you want )

Explorers The Diving Holiday Specialists | 0845 644 7090 | Redsea

went there a year ago in December and it was very good.

Chris

[Sparky]

The only hotel I've stayed in is the Eden rock hotel (admitedly for only one night as it's where you stay after coming off the livaboards) it is on top of the hill overlooking Naama bay it is within walking distance of the shops, harbour for the day boats and the beach, but is just nicely far away you don't hear the music from the bars etc the only draw back is the walk into town is down lots and lots of steps ok going down but tiring coming back up.

Eden Rock

[Georgina]

Have you considered El Gouna? Only 35 minutes north from Hurghada airport.

See El Gouna

I recommend diving with the Dive Tribe at the Movenpick Hotel. Sheraton Hotel is also very good. El Gouna is a privately owned town built around lagoons, beautiful marina, very safe, no hassle if your wife is wondering around alone. Easy to get about with shuttle buses and shuttle boats LE15 for a weekly unlimited use ticket. Excellent restaurants and bars. Plenty of non-diving activities. El Gouna girls always meeting for lunch, your wife is welcome to join us or for a bellydance exercise class if they are running!!

Search previous posts for El Gouna to check it out on Google Earth.

[steveharriss]

I'll second the El Gouna option. We stayed at the Rihanna 3 corners which was mid-range. There was only us and 2 other English families there but I consider that to be a bit of a bonus!

Movenpick would be my choice if I went again.

[Richie]

Originally Posted by Spacehopper

I have 10 days holiday to use before mid March and the entertainment officer (aka 'er indoors") has decreed that we shall be going to Egypt so I can go diving, 'er indoors is not a diver. I didn't have to drop any hints either . Having done some research we have almost settled on Sharm [1] possibly diving with Emporer Divers. We are stuck on a hotel though and the boss has suggested that I consult the oracle that is YD.

So what would be a comfortable hotel reasonably close to the sea if is is not beachfront. We're not looking for the cheapest end of the market but on the other hand we are not looking for gold plated taps etc.

Is all the boat diving day trips or are half day trips/shore diving available. I don't mind an early start.


[1] We're not fixed on Sharm so if anyone has any other suggestions they would be welcome. 'Er indoors is not a diver so I guess I will be diving 50/60% of the time and sightseeing/relaxing for the remainder.

Gareth

We have used the Hilton Dreams 4 times now.
It is a 3 minute walk to Emperor Divers, 5 minutes from the beach via its sister hotel Hilton Fayrouh and 10 - 15 from the centre of Na'ama bay.

It is 5* but TBH there is sod all difference in price between 3* and 5* in Sharm in Uk prices,

Good hotel, by and large; great staff , service, rooms and food is better than OK.

Emperor is good and we have used them 6 times but last visit (7/07) there was a definite push on for the optional 3rd dive which pushed the cost up a bit. Still great service, attitude and staff. - Nadia even persuaded our 15 yr old to do his OW

Well worth a look IMHO - , everyone has their favourite hotels but we'll be going back sooner rather than later.

[aquayle]

Too cold for you in Tenerife then??