Do you need to tip hotel reception in Sharm El Sheikh to get a better room, and is the old building or new building better?

A guest who stayed at the hotel multiple times, including two weeks ago, says she never tipped reception. The room is assigned strictly by booking category, not by request at check-in. Only downside once was a room farther from reception, but it had free in-room Wi-Fi as a bonus.

Another traveler asks whether tipping is needed at check-in (and how much), and which room category to request — especially confusing after hotel renovations when booking a standard room.

A guest who stayed in the old building (room 42) describes it as dated but not run-down — no real complaints about the condition.

Another traveler asks how outdated the standard rooms are and which building is better to choose when booking — or if it even matters.

A traveler asks whether paying extra at reception when booking a standard room results in an upgrade to a higher category, such as Deluxe.