Is it worth paying extra for a sea view room at a budget hotel in Egypt?

The price difference between a garden-view and sea-view room was around 3,000 RUB. The traveler booked sea view and then downgraded to pool access on arrival — it's easier to downgrade than to upgrade on the spot.

Building 6 is close to the sea and a short walk (or golf cart ride) from reception. The reef near the pontoon is partly dead but improves further out, with rich marine life: mantas, rays, moray eels, lionfish, tuna, and Napoleon wrasse. Shaded beach spots were available even when arriving at 10 AM. Seafood is served on Wednesdays and Sundays. A 7-minute walk away is Soho Square, with shops, cafes, bowling, discos, and a budget pharmacy (Omar-Omar). On-site animation is minimal — morning yoga and dancing, a modest evening show; no in-hotel disco.

Late checkout can be arranged until 18:00 for delayed flights. Wristbands are cut off when room cards are returned; children may be allowed to keep their wristband temporarily so they can have dinner before departure.

The sea view upgrade cost roughly 6,000 RUB extra on top of the tour price — the traveler felt it was worth it and had no regrets.

At Moreno hotel, tipping $20 at check-in plus a printed TopHotels letter helped secure room 1924 — top floor, center building, with sea and pool views.

The room condition at this budget hotel was poor: unpleasant bathroom smell, black mold-like buildup in the shower, crumbling sealant, ants on the nightstands. Linens were clean but old and pilling. The AC was very loud.

The hotel beach is very small for the number of guests — crowded like a packed resort. Sun loungers are packed tightly together with no privacy. You need to claim a spot by 7:00 AM or there won't be any left.

A serious hygiene issue: yachts moored near the beach discharge toilet waste directly into the water on the right side of the beach. Fuel slicks are also visible there. Swimming on the right side is not recommended.

Food quality is decent for a budget hotel: meat, chicken, fish, varied daily fruits, and grilled dishes at dinner. The downside is long queues — 25–30 minutes for beach snacks, and you must arrive at the restaurant by 18:30 to get a table.

The hotel pools are clean. The best time to use them is around 16:30–17:00, when crowds thin out and free loungers are easier to find.

Leaving $1 per day for housekeeping resulted in fresh towels, trash removal, and towel art. Floors appear not to be mopped or vacuumed — wearing sandals indoors is advisable.