Monte Carlo Resort in Egypt (Sharm/Hurghada) - which room category to avoid and what to know before booking?

With small tips for waiters (typically US$2–5), they may start bringing the drinks you want directly to your table the next day.

The resort is usually uncrowded, with available restaurant tables and beach loungers. The beach bar serves Fanta, Sprite and Stella beer in cans; cola can also be requested in a can.

The room minibar contains two each of juice, cola, Fanta and Sprite, and is restocked every four days.

Skip the Classic room category: old wooden windows let in little light, making the room dark like a basement.

The only beach toilet is at the dive center near the third beach. To get water in a real glass instead of plastic, tell the waiter upfront you're drinking it there, not taking it away.

Classic rooms are worn out: old plumbing, sagging doors, and old TVs (only one Russian-language channel comes through).

There are no toilets right on the beaches; the snack bar is up by the pool. Beer and cocktails are served in paper or plastic cups.

Wear water shoes when entering the sea — you can hurt your feet on the rocks. The coral reef area is fenced off with not much marine life. Not ideal for elderly guests since the path to the beach involves a steep climb back up.

On the plus side, every room has a sea view, and it's a good pick for a quiet family holiday without frills; Wi-Fi covers the whole property, though it can drop out at the beach.

Rooms are spacious and the vibe is relaxed rather than party-focused, with a solid stationary pier. Food isn't top-tier but there's always some kind of meat and occasionally seafood; breakfast juices are advertised as fresh-squeezed but actually come from cans (not powdered, at least).