General Tips — page 5

Do you need to wear your resort wristband in Egypt, and what if the hotel forgets to give you one at check-in?

At some Egypt resorts, wristbands are not always given at check-in and guests may need to ask for them at reception. Travelers report that going without one can be fine for a while, but staff may ask for it at the main entrance or during checks, so it’s safer to get it sorted early.

1 source · 94 days ago

Is the Oasis hotel in Madinat Makadi a good choice, and why do so many guests return?

Based on chat feedback, the Oasis hotel in Madinat Makadi is considered a strong repeat-stay option, especially popular with German guests. One traveler mentioned going there for the third time, and returning to Madinat overall about a dozen times.

1 source · 93 days ago

Red Sea or Egypt’s North Coast: which is better for a beach holiday?

Choose the Red Sea if you want snorkeling, diving, and rich marine life. Egypt’s North Coast is better for white-sand beaches and turquoise water, but the underwater life is limited, waves are more common, and the season is shorter.

3 sources · 93 days ago

Which is better for a family holiday in Egypt: Sentido or ROB?

Families in these reviews tend to prefer Sentido for its calmer atmosphere, better service, and newer-looking pools. ROB is described as busier and noisier, especially on the beach and in restaurants.

1 source · 94 days ago

Do resort hotels in Egypt have evening entertainment and an adults' disco, and what is the program usually like?

Most Egypt resort hotels offer daytime activities and an evening show, but the quality varies a lot: some have invited dancers, tanoura and fire shows, while others only run a simple dance program that ends around 10:30 pm. Some hotels also have a separate club, though it may be small and not very comfortable.

2 sources · 90 days ago

Does this resort in Egypt have an adults-only (18+) area, and where is it located?

Based on guest reports, the adults-only 18+ area appears to be built but likely not open yet. Travelers describe it as being on the right side of the beach when facing the sea, while separate 18+ accommodation blocks are also being built behind the villas.

1 source · 94 days ago

Where can you spot manta rays in this bay in Egypt, and is there a confirmed shore entry point to the sea?

Travelers say manta rays are not limited to one exact spot and may move around the whole bay. In this discussion, nobody shared confirmed photo or video of the exact shore-entry point, and sightings near PR were also reported as very rare.

1 source · 30 days ago

Egypt hotel choice: what’s the difference between Garden and Beach sections, and which one should you book?

In Egyptian resorts, Beach usually means rooms closer to the sea, while Garden is typically farther back near landscaped areas. The best choice depends on the resort and your priorities: easy sea access, room quality, food, entertainment, and what’s around the hotel.

2 sources · 66 days ago

Do you need to tip hotel reception in Egypt if you already booked and paid for a sea-view room?

If your voucher already says sea view, ask to see the room first and check that it matches your booking before offering any tip. If the room category is unclear, confirm the details with your travel agent or local representative.

2 sources · 94 days ago

Are cockroaches or other bugs common in Egypt hotels, and can insects get into your room from the balcony?

Based on traveler reports, cockroaches and bedbugs are not commonly seen inside hotel rooms in Egypt, but large outdoor beetles that look like cockroaches may come in if the balcony door is left open. Many guests keep the balcony shut anyway because of both insects and hot air outside.

1 source · 96 days ago

Is it safe and comfortable to swim or snorkel at Red Sea beaches in Egypt when the yellow flag is up?

A yellow flag at Red Sea beaches in Egypt usually means swimming is allowed with caution, and many travelers report comfortable snorkeling from the pier with weak current and good reef visibility. Shore entry depends on the beach: some areas have waves and natural rock slabs, so a large beach, pool, or waterpark can be a better backup.

2 sources · 95 days ago

Do you need reef shoes at hotel beaches with coral reefs in Egypt, such as Monte Carlo Sharm Resort?

Reef shoes are often not essential if you enter from a jetty and swim straight into deep water. They can still be useful on small shallow beach sections, but many travelers manage without them or just use Crocs.

1 source · 46 days ago

What kind of hotel entertainment and evening shows can travelers expect at resorts in Egypt?

Egyptian resort hotels usually run daily entertainment programs: yoga, aqua aerobics, volleyball, and foam parties during the day, plus belly dance, tanoura-style skirt dancing, fire and light shows, karaoke, and themed parties at night. The schedule varies by day, but there is typically something happening every day.

1 source · 51 days ago

How hot is Egypt in July, and can you sleep comfortably without air conditioning?

Egypt is hot in July, but the dry air and breeze make it more manageable than humid destinations for many travelers. The toughest heat is usually limited to a few midday hours, and you generally shouldn’t expect open windows to keep the room cool at night — air conditioning helps.

1 source · 95 days ago

Where is the pontoon sea entry by the lagoon in Egypt, and do you need water shoes there?

The pontoon sea entry is about a 7-minute walk: if you face the lagoon, go all the way to the left. Wear water shoes for the walk; people usually take them off before swimming, and the spot is shallow, calm, and good for snorkeling.

1 source · 95 days ago

Can you swim to Siwa Spit in this bay in Egypt, and are there any swimming restrictions?

Recent traveler feedback says swimming in the bay itself is generally unrestricted, but access to Siwa Spit from the beach can be blocked by a guard. If you specifically want to reach the spit, travelers suggest approaching from the water rather than trying to walk in from shore.

1 source · 73 days ago

What are the common downsides of staying at an all-inclusive lagoon resort in Egypt?

Recent traveler feedback says lagoon water is often best only early in the morning and gets dirty by midday. Guests also report boat engine noise and cooking smells from around 6:00–7:00 a.m., while local bar alcohol may only be served until 7:00 p.m. and can sometimes be watered down.

1 source · 95 days ago

Are the online photos of the beach at Aladdin / Paradise Resort in Hurghada up to date, and what does the area by the pier look like now?

Recent feedback suggests many online beach photos of Aladdin / Paradise Resort are outdated: older images don’t show the current umbrellas on the pier, and the low tide looks stronger than it usually is. In reality, the beach is not as wide as some photos suggest, with about 3–4 rows of loungers and yachts often moored to the right of the pier.

1 source · 95 days ago

In Egypt resorts, how long does all inclusive last on arrival and departure days, and when are wristbands given or removed?

At Egypt resort hotels, all-inclusive wristbands are usually given after registration and often immediately on arrival, even if the room is only available after 14:00. On departure day, food and drinks typically end at the 12:00 checkout unless you pay for late checkout or an extra half-day.

1 source · 11 days ago

Can you book a city sightseeing tour in Egypt if you're not arriving on a cruise?

Yes, city tours are available in some Egyptian port destinations, but they are often timed around cruise ship arrivals. If no suitable departure is available, travelers recommend exploring on your own and checking schedules directly with local tour companies in advance.

2 sources · 96 days ago

Can you use the rides at Neverland in Egypt if you only booked the show and are wearing a hotel wristband?

Reports are inconsistent: some visitors wearing visible hotel wristbands were limited to the show only, while others used all the rides without any issue. If you're going to Neverland mainly for the rides, access may depend on the staff checking that day.

1 source · 96 days ago

Can guests of Aladdin Beach Resort use the bars, pools, and entertainment at Ali Baba Palace in Hurghada?

Yes. Recent guest reports say Aladdin Beach Resort guests can generally use the Ali Baba Palace grounds, including the daytime bar, pool area, kids' play zone, and evening entertainment. Access appears to be shared between the two sister hotels.

1 source · 96 days ago

Is it noisy to stay at or next to a Rixos resort in Egypt, and can you sleep well at night?

Reports are mixed: some travelers say loud evening music and parties from the Rixos side can make it hard to sleep even with the doors closed. Others say the stay is fine if neighbors are quiet, though slamming corridor doors can still be noticeable.

1 source · 20 days ago

Do hotels in Egypt usually have Russian TV channels or sports channels like Match TV for watching football?

Recent guest reports from an Egypt hotel say room TVs include at least 3 Russian-language channels, including TNT and a movie channel. There is no confirmed report that Match TV is available, so ask the specific hotel in advance if you need live football coverage.

2 sources · 96 days ago

Where can you reliably spot clownfish from the pier at Sentido / Reef Oasis Beach in Egypt?

Clownfish are most often seen to the right of the pier, in the last coral lagoon, where they stay near their host anemone. The key landmark is the reef area between Sentido and Reef Oasis Beach, with ROB being the seafront section.

1 source · 96 days ago

Can you bring your own drinks or alcohol into hotels and beach clubs in Egypt, and is ultra all inclusive alcohol actually worth it?

Many beach clubs and hotel areas in Egypt check bags and may not allow outside drinks, so bringing your own bottles is often restricted. Even with ultra all inclusive, imported alcohol is frequently unavailable and local drinks can be poor quality.

3 sources · 96 days ago

Are beach bars free at all-inclusive resorts in Egypt, and which bars can guests use?

Yes, at the resort discussed, the beach bar, pool bar, lobby bar, and other on-site bars are free to use. Guests can also access bars in buildings 4 and 5, except for the WB TRAVEL bars.

1 source · 96 days ago

Where are the jacuzzis and pools in the resort: Castello area, spa, adults-only pool, or Posh Club rooms?

Recent guest reports say jacuzzis are available in several parts of the resort: at least 3 spa pools with jacuzzi features, a round outdoor pool with jacuzzi near Castello about 15 meters from the main pool, and another jacuzzi at the separate adults-only pool. The messages do not confirm that every Posh Club room has a private jacuzzi.

1 source · 96 days ago

Can you swim from the beach at Red Sea resorts in Egypt when the jetty is closed, and what gear do beginners need?

Yes, at many Red Sea resorts in Egypt you can still swim from the beach even when the jetty is closed, and there is often enough depth even at low tide. Water shoes are close to essential on coral entry, and non-swimmers usually do best with a buoyancy vest and a full-face mask.

1 source · 36 days ago

What time should you reserve beach sunbeds at Egyptian resorts to get a front-row spot?

At busy Egyptian resort beaches, front-row sunbeds are often taken very early: by 6:00 around 90% may already be occupied, and by 7:00 both the first and second rows can be full. If you want a front-row spot, plan to arrive before 6 am.

1 source · 65 days ago

Which Sharm El Sheikh hotel is best if you want both a good house reef and an on-site waterpark?

Based on these traveler comments, the house reef is clearly better around Pickalbatros Palace / Sunrise Remal, while Charmillion is more of a waterpark choice. If you want a strong reef-and-slides combination, Charmillion may not be the best fit.

1 source · 11 days ago

At Egypt Red Sea resorts, do you need to reserve beach sunbeds early, and is sea access from the shore or only via a pontoon?

At this type of beach, there’s no proper deep-water entry from the shore, so swimming is mainly via 2 fixed pontoons. Front-row loungers are usually taken by about 8:00, but second- and third-row beds are still often available, so it’s hard to end up without a sunbed.

1 source · 97 days ago

What is the sea temperature in Egypt right now, and is the water deep enough for swimming from the beach?

Recent checks show the sea is around 29.5°C from the pier, typically 26–28°C at the beach, and about 26°C at depth. Swimming conditions near shore depend a lot on the tide: sometimes the water is high enough, but often it stays only knee-deep close to the beach.

1 source · 13 days ago

Can you access deep water and reef snorkeling/diving directly from the shore in Egypt?

Yes. At many Red Sea beaches in Egypt, the reef edge drops off close to shore, so you can reach deep water quickly from the beach. Snorkeling and diving are often offered right on the same beach, but entry conditions depend on the shoreline, currents, and whether there is a jetty.

1 source · 30 days ago

Is the White Island trip in Egypt suitable for kids and non-swimmers, and what mask should you use for snorkeling there?

The White Island trip in Egypt does not always mean a fully exposed white sandbank: the sand is often partly underwater, and you may need to swim to reach the best sections. Near shore it is usually very shallow, so kids and non-swimmers can stay in the shallows; a full-face mask is fine for surface viewing, but a standard separate mask and snorkel is better for diving down.

1 source · 43 days ago

Can you upgrade a standard hotel room at check-in in Egypt, and what do higher room categories usually include compared with a standard room?

Travelers report that room upgrades in Egypt are often arranged at reception, and hotels frequently renovate only selected room categories. It’s best to confirm the exact room category in advance rather than assume a standard room will match the renovated ones.

1 source · 97 days ago

How much does a PADI Open Water Diver course cost in Egypt, and what is usually included?

Based on traveler feedback, a full PADI Open Water Diver course in Egypt cost about $500. That price included certification, online theory, 4 days of training, and shore dives.

1 source · 97 days ago

How deep is the water from shore to the buoy line at Egyptian beaches?

These messages do not give an exact depth in meters; travelers are specifically asking how deep the water gets from shore and near the buoy line. In practice, depth varies a lot by beach and tide, so you need to check the exact hotel or beach spot in advance.

1 source · 62 days ago

Which room block is best to request at an Egypt Red Sea resort hotel, and what should you expect at check-in?

Guests report that unless you have a premium or privilege booking, you may be placed in older or more remote blocks, and room issues often need to be pushed at reception. That said, a non-main-building room can be more practical for divers, while very remote blocks such as building 34 were described as inconvenient.

1 source · 98 days ago

What is the best time to snorkel a reef in Egypt for good visibility, sunlight, and more fish?

For the best light, snorkel the reef before noon, since after around 12:00 the shoreline can cast shade over the reef. Travelers also note that fish are often easier to see at full low tide, while very early mornings like 7:00 can look gray underwater.

1 source · 69 days ago

Which resort buildings and room types in Egypt are best for sea views and direct access to the pool and beach?

Based on traveler feedback, the best choices are Building 18 for Deluxe rooms facing the sea and active pool, and Building 10 for Junior Swim Up rooms near the beach access. The right-side building by the pool is also praised for combined sea-and-pool views.

1 source · 1 day ago

What mask is best for casual snorkeling in Egypt, and is it safe for a beginner to enter the water from a pier if they are afraid of fish?

For casual snorkeling in Egypt, almost any mask will work, but a separate mask and snorkel are usually better than a full-face model. If you cannot swim, are scared of fish, or plan to enter from a pier, it is safer to avoid going alone and choose a supervised outing or organized excursion.

1 source · 98 days ago

Can you reserve sun loungers on Egyptian resort beaches and how does it work?

Officially you can't reserve sun loungers, but guests still claim them with towels and belongings. At Palma and El Palacio beaches there are usually enough free loungers, though you may need to drag some from the pool area.

1 source · 98 days ago

Can you keep your all-inclusive wristband after checkout in Egypt?

Wristbands are not usually cut off at checkout, but using them at other hotels is not officially allowed. Some guests simply remove them before returning the room key.

1 source · 99 days ago

Do resort hotels in Egypt usually have kids’ animation and mini disco, and is the evening entertainment worth it for adults?

Based on traveler feedback, Egypt resort hotels usually offer kids’ animation and a mini disco, with evening shows for guests. Adults can also join entertainment programs, including paid nightclub outings for about 20.

1 source · 5 days ago

Is it worth paying more for a luxury 5-star resort in Egypt to avoid sunbed shortages and buffet queues?

Travelers say that standard 5-star resorts in Egypt often still have issues with sunbed availability and queues. Better service seems more likely in very expensive luxury resorts, but many still choose based on price, flight schedule, and room category.

1 source · 99 days ago

Where can you find a quiet, less crowded pool area at an Egypt resort?

If the main pool feels crowded, travelers recommend the Parkland area: its relax pool is usually almost empty. It’s a better choice for a quieter pool day than the main central pool area.

1 source · 11 days ago

Are Egypt resort beaches crowded and noisy, and can you usually find a quiet spot away from the animation?

Based on traveler reports, even Egypt resorts with animation often still have quiet beach areas: there are usually enough loungers, little noise from kids, and most music and activities stay near the pool. When the hotel is only partly occupied, the beach and restaurants feel uncrowded.

1 source · 34 days ago

What is the beach experience like at this Egypt resort: are there enough sunbeds, can you swim comfortably, and is it quiet or noisy?

Recent reviews say the beach is small and often overcrowded: sunbeds are usually taken by 7:00 am, staff may find one for $1–2, and a bungalow costs about $10. The beach gets loud during the day with animation and vendors, though some repeat guests still come back for the sea, especially in late October to early November.

1 source · 69 days ago

What pools, activities, and room amenities can you expect at this resort in Egypt?

Guests report that the resort has 3 pools, including a saltwater pool and a quiet relaxation pool, plus several restaurants and daytime activities. Rooms are spacious, with basic toiletries provided and a standard minibar setup.

2 sources · 66 days ago