Sonesta Pharaoh Beach Resort Hurghada

went to htl for 10 days, bad start, put in annex at the sde of main htl complex , rung reception told it would cost us 160euros to upgrade into htl complex, complained to rep next morning and he got us a room on ground floor overlooking the pool, you have to get top floor room in complex to see the sea as its quite far from htl.
food inthe karnak restraunt is plentiful but limited choice we found ,the italian rest upstairs you can have one free meal per week if all inclusive, we went but found it more egyptian than italian,you can have a free meal in the fish rest on the beach, but only used it for buffet lunch whilst sunbathing,their were plenty of sunbeds at the pool and beach, but if you go high season get up early, cleanleness is top class throughout,make sure there is complementry tea/coffee making set in your room,we had to phone recption for ours.
you will be pestered to death by the massage team (around the pool and on the beach) which is inside the indoor pool complex
we had two sessions costing £105.00 first was £70.00 for the 2 of us then talked into another session for £35.00 and one free, beware?

we went on the shuttle bus to hurgarda town one evening 17.00 to 1930 cost 2euros each and was shocked how third world it was we stayed on the road where we were dropped off then went to see the marina and when we got down the back street it was distgusting rats running allover,
we got back to the pickup point fast, plenty of hassle from the shopkeepers but just say no firmly they will leave you alone,
didnt go on any trips but if you want to explore use htl guides they are cheaper and are the same companys the tour opperator use we went on the htl DIVE IN boat which is on the beach had a good day out with meal provided start at 8.00am back at 16.45 had 2 dive sites over coral and stop on giftin iles for 1hr.
overall we found it to be a well run htl but the guest are mainly 90% russian then uckraine italian french and a couple of brits.

Really good hotel. Stayed in a little bungalow-type thing. One single gripe was that eldest daughter paid full price but had to share a fold down couch with her sister. Excellent staff. Friendly. Hotel spotless. Plenty of loungers. Great pool.
Excursion to Luxor - one day - well worth it with kids. Food in restaurant very good; poolside restaurant less so. Not much in the way of shops in immediate vicinity of hotel and those in the complex are pricey - the hairdresser is open to negotiation! Hurghada old centre rather run-down. Very aggressive shopkeepers - other wise Egyptian people very friendly and helpful. Left at 5 in evening and hotel gave us another room after check-out to freshen up. Much appreciated.
Animation/activities good and not too loud. Plenty to do. Hotel has own coral reef just off the beach. Hotel beach also very good. Would thoroughly recommend this hotel - had a great time.

My wife and I, we were at the Melia Pharaoh Hotel from 19 to 26 march 2006, with Reisen Netto / Kuoni Tour Operator.
The hotel was very good. The rooms are maybe not at 5* European standard but are nice and well cleaned every day.
The food at the Karnak Restaurant (buffet) is exceptional, with a different "theme" every day, and every day there is a choice of different local specialties.
The hotel's staff is very friendly and helpful, like all the Egyptians we've met.
We did a whole day snorkeling trip with the Dive In Company and it was fantastic. Even without any snorkeling experience, we enjoyed the trip thank to the perfect assistance and security assured by the Dive In staff.
The sea and the coral reef in front of the hotel are very nice and you can see a lot of colored fish.
I will of course suggest this hotel! We had a GREAT time there!