Sol y Mar Makadi Marine Hotel, Makadi Bay, Egypt
Hotel Information
Recent Price: £78
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
The atmosphere at the Sol y Mar Makadi Marine is relaxed and welcoming whilst the furnishings and facilities provide all you need for a comfortable stay. With glass chandeliers and luxury fabrics in deep red, green and gold, the decor here is highly attractive and welcoming. loading...
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Sol y Mar Makadi Marine Hotel Reviews
" If you look on other sites reviewing... "
Submitted By: Mr R Menzies
If you look on other sites reviewing this hotel, you may be put off slightly by negative comments. Don't be. This is one of the best holidays we have had. The hotel is small but not crowded, the food is good in the restaurant (we did not try the eat out option as food in hotel was good enough). There are always sun beds available by the pool and on the beach, even if you do not get out until 11 or 12 in the morning. All the staff were friendly and helpful for the two weeks we stopped there. I can recommended a trip to the Spa for a massage (Adam & Eve) just to have a laugh at your partner in a nappy!! The only down side we found was that the beach was a little claustrophobic, with the wind breaks being too close the the sun loungers. If you are travelling with Thomson try the quad bikes in the desert, they are such a laugh.
The snorkelling trip to the Island is a good day out but I do not think it offers value for money. This is certainly a hotel we would go back to without hesitation.
The snorkelling trip to the Island is a good day out but I do not think it offers value for money. This is certainly a hotel we would go back to without hesitation.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" my husband and i have just returned... "
Submitted By: Mrs V Hunt
my husband and i have just returned from spending our 40th wedding anniversary at the makadi marine, we couldnt of spent it any where better! it was our third time at the resort our second at this hotel.the staff are wonderful, from the maids to the management, they couldnt do enough for you.the staff presented us with a cake on our anniversary and then danced with us the rest of the guests joining in! We are already making plans for our next visit hopefully October this year. All tho the food is catered mainly for the russians (they make up ninety percent of the guests) you can always find something to suit. Iwould strongly advise a trip to Matmya island it truly is out of this world.
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" my husband and i stayed at this hotel... "
Submitted By: J Munro
my husband and i stayed at this hotel and all i can say about miss nicholls review of this hotel is simply did she stay at the same hotel as everyone else, the accomodation is very clean and spacious, the staff are friendly and helpful, the pool isnt huge but its lovely, no problems getting sunbeds, the dining room isnt too big and we never had to que for anything, i drink vodka and tonic and it was fine, the beer, (self service so again no ques) was fine the same as you get anywhere abroad, my hubby did suffer with an upset stomach ,but i often put that down to people not drinking enough water in egypt, i try all foods including salads, rice all meats etc and i have never been ill yet, but i do drink an awful lot of water, this hotel seems to havemany return visitors,and to me that says alot, i would go back again tomorrow , i have stayed in egypt 3 times,tunisia 4 times ,mexico, dom rep, i wont go on but, this hotel is as nice as most we have stayed at it is well worth a visit
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Well... for a start this was the best... "
Submitted By: Miss M Batty
Well... for a start this was the best hotel I have been to. This was also my second time this year at the same hotel.
I do not agree with the comment which Miss Nicholls added, yes we do all have different views, but maybe she should take a holiday in England, if she is not satisfied with the exceptional standards of the Makadi Marine!
The food which is served at the Makadi Marine, is superb, not traditional English food, yes, but it is still exceptional. The food is different and not what I expected but is still enjoyable and there is a lot to chose from. There is also lots of variety when it comes to dessert time, plenty of buns for all tastes.
The staff at the Makadi Marine, are so polite and welcoming, they are also friendly and are happy to help you with anything. The reception staff are very polite and especially the bar staff!
The animation team are extremely entertaining, they are always pleasing the guests and are very friendly. They put on shows in the evenings and they have daytime activities for you to participate in, which is always fun!
To visit Egypt you generally have to be a open minded person, and be aware that many shop owners will 'pounce' out at you, but they are only trying to sell there stock, and make a living. The prices do vary from day to day and they always change it, but they have to make a profit somehow!
Makadi Marine is a superb hotel, the rooms are spacious, with air conditioning which is needed in the summertime. The staff are exceptional and the pool is lovely!
Makadi Marine is a must!! Believe me, I have been twice this year and I have another holiday booked there for two weeks in August 2008! I can not wait!!
I do not agree with the comment which Miss Nicholls added, yes we do all have different views, but maybe she should take a holiday in England, if she is not satisfied with the exceptional standards of the Makadi Marine!
The food which is served at the Makadi Marine, is superb, not traditional English food, yes, but it is still exceptional. The food is different and not what I expected but is still enjoyable and there is a lot to chose from. There is also lots of variety when it comes to dessert time, plenty of buns for all tastes.
The staff at the Makadi Marine, are so polite and welcoming, they are also friendly and are happy to help you with anything. The reception staff are very polite and especially the bar staff!
The animation team are extremely entertaining, they are always pleasing the guests and are very friendly. They put on shows in the evenings and they have daytime activities for you to participate in, which is always fun!
To visit Egypt you generally have to be a open minded person, and be aware that many shop owners will 'pounce' out at you, but they are only trying to sell there stock, and make a living. The prices do vary from day to day and they always change it, but they have to make a profit somehow!
Makadi Marine is a superb hotel, the rooms are spacious, with air conditioning which is needed in the summertime. The staff are exceptional and the pool is lovely!
Makadi Marine is a must!! Believe me, I have been twice this year and I have another holiday booked there for two weeks in August 2008! I can not wait!!
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- Date of Holiday:Dec 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" This hotel is very comfortable. The... "
Submitted By: Mr S D Jackson
This hotel is very comfortable. The staff and the service provided is excellent.
The only reason that I have not given this a 10/10 grading is because the food was indifferent. There was no problem with the quantity, what was lacking was quality. For instance, chicken was on the menu at every meal, but it seem that Egyptian chickens only have legs and wings; there was never any breast meat.
Similarly, on the occasions when either lamb or beef were offered, only the poorest cuts were served. Food was also never hot, merely warm, or, sometimes barely lukewarm.
Having said all this I would still be prepared to stay here again; it was a really enjoyable holiday and we were well looked after by the hotel and its staff.
The only reason that I have not given this a 10/10 grading is because the food was indifferent. There was no problem with the quantity, what was lacking was quality. For instance, chicken was on the menu at every meal, but it seem that Egyptian chickens only have legs and wings; there was never any breast meat.
Similarly, on the occasions when either lamb or beef were offered, only the poorest cuts were served. Food was also never hot, merely warm, or, sometimes barely lukewarm.
Having said all this I would still be prepared to stay here again; it was a really enjoyable holiday and we were well looked after by the hotel and its staff.
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- Date of Holiday:Nov 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" I have just returned from a week at... "
Submitted By: Mrs J Dunn
I have just returned from a week at Makadi Marine. The weather is just perfect at this time of year - hot until about 3pm and sea temp lovely.
The food was buffet style and very typical of others I have experienced in Tunisia, Greece etc, in that it caters for a wide range of tastes. You can find something to suit as long as you have an open mind to other country's cuisines.
The beach is very good and has its own coral reef, so make sure you get out there with your snorkel and flippers!
Rooms are spacious and very clean.
Entertainment team were a bit too quiet for me - I like to be forced a bit more, but this seemed to suit most people. Plenty to do if you looked for it.
Trip to Mahmaya Island is a must! Beautiful day out.
If you are looking for a week to chill and enjoy good service and hotel, then try the Makadi Marine - I will be going again.
The food was buffet style and very typical of others I have experienced in Tunisia, Greece etc, in that it caters for a wide range of tastes. You can find something to suit as long as you have an open mind to other country's cuisines.
The beach is very good and has its own coral reef, so make sure you get out there with your snorkel and flippers!
Rooms are spacious and very clean.
Entertainment team were a bit too quiet for me - I like to be forced a bit more, but this seemed to suit most people. Plenty to do if you looked for it.
Trip to Mahmaya Island is a must! Beautiful day out.
If you are looking for a week to chill and enjoy good service and hotel, then try the Makadi Marine - I will be going again.
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- Date of Holiday:Oct 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" What can I say? The flight out and... "
Submitted By: Miss M Nicholls
What can I say? The flight out and the flight home with Astreus Airlines was exceptional.
The rest of the holiday was hell! Some would say that airline food is cheap and basic, however, it was 5 star gourmet compared to what was served at the Makadi Marine!
First off, the dining area is far too small for so many people wanting to eat. There is nothing civilised about eating at this hotel...basically it's a 'free for all' and get what you can fresh before the 2nd, 3rd or 4th tray of food is brought out - the food gets drier, harder and colder - to the point of being totally inedible, (assuming it was edible to begin with)!
If you were Russian, German or Czech maybe the Bird's Tongue Stew - AND NO, THIS IS NOT A TYPO! - Or black eye soup would be to your taste, (this was served 7 times no less), and the Russian Goulash seemed to be another favourite of the hotel to serve with potatoes that were as hard as the day they were pulled from the ground.
The fish was battered whole with fins and tails protruding, and if that wasn't appealing enough, when you cut into it, even its head was battered, eyes and all. Now I'm sorry, but that's not my idea of battered fish, or maybe I'm just not primitive enough - I just don't know.
Aside from the lacklustre potatoes offered, rice was the only other option, both lunchtime and dinner - but please don't get too excited - when I say rice, I simply mean boiled white rice...cooked with far too much salt. I did say on a few occasions..” I'm a celeb...get me out of here" lol, although it was seriously no laughing matter.
Breakfast was basically the best meal, if best is the right word. Here you had a choice of bread, pastries, overcooked boiled eggs, (the yolks were black), 2 egg omelette, (undercooked and runny in the middle), or soggy pancake that was gone is 2 bites!
There were also a choice of cold meats though nothing English, and the same for the 3 cheeses offered, but considering these were just on the counter for over 3 hours unrefrigerated, you were dicing with death to even consider eating them...the same was for the yoghurts offered...in a large glass bowl without refrigeration.
I could go on and on about the food offered at this hotel, which by the way, according to the rep was the best in Makadi Bay!! But I think you can get a good enough idea from what I've said. Oh, by the way...the dine around option...forget it...expensive and just as lacklustre, and the drinks are expensive. About £8.00 each for main course only, then price of drinks on top...a complete con!
I will say one more thing about the food - the all inclusive package advertises late breakfast and late dinner - this is just a small selection from what is offered in the main restaurant after it is closed. It's covered in cling film and put on a table by the Pool Bar - no refrigeration - just left to sweat under the cling film in the heat - tasty!!!
Some might read this and say...no way.. But as I'm sitting here now.. God help me.. It's the complete truth. I've still got the stomach bug to boot!
Oh.. Nearly forgot to mention the drinks! The fruit juices were seriously watered down, (and you can bet they didn't use bottled water) - you couldn't have got merry, let alone drunk on the lager if you consumed a whole keg, and the inclusive spirits were limited to rum and ouzo.
Bottled water wasn't included in the all inclusive package either - and depending on what mood the supermarket owner was in you could pay anything from 50p to £2.50 per bottle - no kidding.
And talking of the supermarket - buying anything from there was daylight robbery. Example :- 2 small packets of 'local' choccy digestives - 1 kitkat chunky - 1 bag of peanuts and 1 back of 'local' crisps...guess how much they charged for that?
£14.00 ENGLISH MONEY after conversion.. I couldn't believe it.
The pool area was ok, a lot smaller than the brochure photos make it appear.
The animation was complete rubbish - basic and boring - my son was too young to join in the archery, (which was one of the things that attracted me to this particular hotel) - you had to be 18 - information of which was not in the brochure or online. Cripes, at 13, he wasn't even allowed to use the pool table as that had the minimum age was 14!
The evening entertainment was loud and badly put together.
The beach...oh my days...talk about sardines at dawn! And that was the time of day you had to get there with your towel to get a sunbed. Definitely not enough, and so crammed in you could feel your 'neighbours' breath on your neck.
The hotel reception never, never, ever had change of any currency when you needed to pay for something, so it always cost you a lot more.
The supermarket and shop owners always gave Euros or Sterling as change, but insisted on being paid only in Egyptian Pound - so you ended up with loads of money you couldn't use again as the bank only changes notes - no coins! It’s a complete farce.
Whilst the rooms were clean, they too were very basic. No in-room facility for a cuppa. The mini bar was totally overpriced so stay clear, and for God's sake...DON'T USE THE TELEPHONE - 2 short calls to the UK, totalling 9 minutes cost me $105.00 on checkout. The trouble is, there are no public phones in the resort so if you're out of credit on your mobile, and you have no alternative but to pay the extortionate charge as I did.
My son used the internet several times.. Again, the price on the cards seemed to change depending on which member of staff was on shift. It ranged from£6.50 to £11.00 per hour.. Incredible. Oh, and you have to use the time you have bought within 24 hours otherwise the card becomes obsolete.
The hotel management don't have a problem with henna tattooists, or other tacky vendors pestering you around the pool all day. Even when I complained, nothing was done to eradicate the serious pestering, (bordering on bullying of the more younger girls).
Going to the Bank was also like running the gauntlet - the shop owners are like those little trap door spiders - they wait for you to get so close then pounce on you - chasing you as far as the next shop where in turn that owner would take over.
As for the Airport.. Well.. I'm not even going to get started on that one - only to say it was the most terrifying and uncomfortable experience I have ever had - and I consider myself to be a very well travelled person. Even the guard frisking you at the security checkpoint wanted money before he let you pass. You had to pay for the loo roll in the toilets - NO...I SAID I WASN'T GOING TO START ABOUT THE AIRPORT!!!!!
I have been on holiday abroad many, many times and to some dire resorts/ hotels/ apartments etc.
But I'm a great believer in the saying, "you get what you pay for". However.. I paid £2,300 for a 2 week stay inn supposed luxury and paradise for myself, my 13 year old son and my 4 year old daughter. There was nothing of the sort during this holiday.
People...Thomson should be ashamed of themselves for sending any English family to this resort.
My honest opinion....stay away from Makadi Bay.
And... That’s all I have to say about my holiday which I returned home from yesterday, (12th October 2007) with serious stomach problems. And I sincerely hope this review is printed because it is my personal true and honest opinion.
The rest of the holiday was hell! Some would say that airline food is cheap and basic, however, it was 5 star gourmet compared to what was served at the Makadi Marine!
First off, the dining area is far too small for so many people wanting to eat. There is nothing civilised about eating at this hotel...basically it's a 'free for all' and get what you can fresh before the 2nd, 3rd or 4th tray of food is brought out - the food gets drier, harder and colder - to the point of being totally inedible, (assuming it was edible to begin with)!
If you were Russian, German or Czech maybe the Bird's Tongue Stew - AND NO, THIS IS NOT A TYPO! - Or black eye soup would be to your taste, (this was served 7 times no less), and the Russian Goulash seemed to be another favourite of the hotel to serve with potatoes that were as hard as the day they were pulled from the ground.
The fish was battered whole with fins and tails protruding, and if that wasn't appealing enough, when you cut into it, even its head was battered, eyes and all. Now I'm sorry, but that's not my idea of battered fish, or maybe I'm just not primitive enough - I just don't know.
Aside from the lacklustre potatoes offered, rice was the only other option, both lunchtime and dinner - but please don't get too excited - when I say rice, I simply mean boiled white rice...cooked with far too much salt. I did say on a few occasions..” I'm a celeb...get me out of here" lol, although it was seriously no laughing matter.
Breakfast was basically the best meal, if best is the right word. Here you had a choice of bread, pastries, overcooked boiled eggs, (the yolks were black), 2 egg omelette, (undercooked and runny in the middle), or soggy pancake that was gone is 2 bites!
There were also a choice of cold meats though nothing English, and the same for the 3 cheeses offered, but considering these were just on the counter for over 3 hours unrefrigerated, you were dicing with death to even consider eating them...the same was for the yoghurts offered...in a large glass bowl without refrigeration.
I could go on and on about the food offered at this hotel, which by the way, according to the rep was the best in Makadi Bay!! But I think you can get a good enough idea from what I've said. Oh, by the way...the dine around option...forget it...expensive and just as lacklustre, and the drinks are expensive. About £8.00 each for main course only, then price of drinks on top...a complete con!
I will say one more thing about the food - the all inclusive package advertises late breakfast and late dinner - this is just a small selection from what is offered in the main restaurant after it is closed. It's covered in cling film and put on a table by the Pool Bar - no refrigeration - just left to sweat under the cling film in the heat - tasty!!!
Some might read this and say...no way.. But as I'm sitting here now.. God help me.. It's the complete truth. I've still got the stomach bug to boot!
Oh.. Nearly forgot to mention the drinks! The fruit juices were seriously watered down, (and you can bet they didn't use bottled water) - you couldn't have got merry, let alone drunk on the lager if you consumed a whole keg, and the inclusive spirits were limited to rum and ouzo.
Bottled water wasn't included in the all inclusive package either - and depending on what mood the supermarket owner was in you could pay anything from 50p to £2.50 per bottle - no kidding.
And talking of the supermarket - buying anything from there was daylight robbery. Example :- 2 small packets of 'local' choccy digestives - 1 kitkat chunky - 1 bag of peanuts and 1 back of 'local' crisps...guess how much they charged for that?
£14.00 ENGLISH MONEY after conversion.. I couldn't believe it.
The pool area was ok, a lot smaller than the brochure photos make it appear.
The animation was complete rubbish - basic and boring - my son was too young to join in the archery, (which was one of the things that attracted me to this particular hotel) - you had to be 18 - information of which was not in the brochure or online. Cripes, at 13, he wasn't even allowed to use the pool table as that had the minimum age was 14!
The evening entertainment was loud and badly put together.
The beach...oh my days...talk about sardines at dawn! And that was the time of day you had to get there with your towel to get a sunbed. Definitely not enough, and so crammed in you could feel your 'neighbours' breath on your neck.
The hotel reception never, never, ever had change of any currency when you needed to pay for something, so it always cost you a lot more.
The supermarket and shop owners always gave Euros or Sterling as change, but insisted on being paid only in Egyptian Pound - so you ended up with loads of money you couldn't use again as the bank only changes notes - no coins! It’s a complete farce.
Whilst the rooms were clean, they too were very basic. No in-room facility for a cuppa. The mini bar was totally overpriced so stay clear, and for God's sake...DON'T USE THE TELEPHONE - 2 short calls to the UK, totalling 9 minutes cost me $105.00 on checkout. The trouble is, there are no public phones in the resort so if you're out of credit on your mobile, and you have no alternative but to pay the extortionate charge as I did.
My son used the internet several times.. Again, the price on the cards seemed to change depending on which member of staff was on shift. It ranged from£6.50 to £11.00 per hour.. Incredible. Oh, and you have to use the time you have bought within 24 hours otherwise the card becomes obsolete.
The hotel management don't have a problem with henna tattooists, or other tacky vendors pestering you around the pool all day. Even when I complained, nothing was done to eradicate the serious pestering, (bordering on bullying of the more younger girls).
Going to the Bank was also like running the gauntlet - the shop owners are like those little trap door spiders - they wait for you to get so close then pounce on you - chasing you as far as the next shop where in turn that owner would take over.
As for the Airport.. Well.. I'm not even going to get started on that one - only to say it was the most terrifying and uncomfortable experience I have ever had - and I consider myself to be a very well travelled person. Even the guard frisking you at the security checkpoint wanted money before he let you pass. You had to pay for the loo roll in the toilets - NO...I SAID I WASN'T GOING TO START ABOUT THE AIRPORT!!!!!
I have been on holiday abroad many, many times and to some dire resorts/ hotels/ apartments etc.
But I'm a great believer in the saying, "you get what you pay for". However.. I paid £2,300 for a 2 week stay inn supposed luxury and paradise for myself, my 13 year old son and my 4 year old daughter. There was nothing of the sort during this holiday.
People...Thomson should be ashamed of themselves for sending any English family to this resort.
My honest opinion....stay away from Makadi Bay.
And... That’s all I have to say about my holiday which I returned home from yesterday, (12th October 2007) with serious stomach problems. And I sincerely hope this review is printed because it is my personal true and honest opinion.
-
- Date of Holiday:Oct 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" This hotel was a 2nd part of our... "
Submitted By: Mrs V Morley
This hotel was a 2nd part of our honeymoon holiday (1st part Nile cruise - excellent). Upon arrival the hotel looked cleaned and well kept. The room was comfortable and clean.
The facilities were good and surrounding area was in a good location.
The problem we found with this hotel was:
The food was either luke warm or cold and catered for mainly the Russians and Germans. The food variety was poor, good job that the hotel had a "dine around" scheme for the last 4 nights we ate out at the Indian (try the vindaloo!!!!), fish restaurant twice and the Chinese (delightful - fried ice cream its different).
If it wasn’t for the food then we could gladly go back.
The facilities were good and surrounding area was in a good location.
The problem we found with this hotel was:
The food was either luke warm or cold and catered for mainly the Russians and Germans. The food variety was poor, good job that the hotel had a "dine around" scheme for the last 4 nights we ate out at the Indian (try the vindaloo!!!!), fish restaurant twice and the Chinese (delightful - fried ice cream its different).
If it wasn’t for the food then we could gladly go back.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" The Makadi Marine is one of several... "
Submitted By: brinh123
The Makadi Marine is one of several hotels that comprise the Madinat Makadi, a development in Makadi Bay. The resort itself is in an isolated patch of desert 40 minutes bus journey from Hurghada Airport. The Makadi Marine is part of the Sol - y - Mar chain.
The Makadi Marine is a four star hotel and this rating is well deserved. The fixtures and furnishings are all very good quality, marble, stone and wood. The rooms are clean and each day there is a different arrangement of towels on the bed from flowers to swans. There is a liquid type soap dispenser by the sink in the bathroom, and another in the shower. The rooms have TVs with some German, French, English and Arabic stations. The English channels include Sky News, BBC World, Euro News and National Geographic. One of the Arabic channels shows cartoons (e.g. Tom and Jerry) that are not language specific. The hotel caters mainly for families and there are a lot of children there. This can make some areas of the place a little noisy especially by the pool. For those who want to relax, read, sun themselves and dose by the pool then this hotel is probably not for you: If you want to not have to worry about your kids and let them loose then it probably is.
The private beach has loungers and wind screens. It was a little crowded, but there is always space. Too many people ignore the signs and take bread to feed the fish. Do not do this. Not only is it against Egyptian law it damages the environment by harming the fish's ability to hunt for food.
The pool area has plenty of loungers, and is home to the 'animation team' a team of people who organise the pool games, aqua aerobics, games, etc. They also play music by the pool, all day. The music is loud enough to be heard over a Walkman playing music and also loud enough to render a talking book played on a Walkman inaudible. Sometimes if you're too close to the animation team the noise of the footballs being bounced around and kicked is more irritating. This is the main problem with the Makadi Marine, but every hotel in the complex seemed to have its own animation team. At one point I turned the speaker around to face the animation team's hut. This helped for a while, but they soon turned it back up. The best day is Monday when the Makadi Olympics (competition between all the hotels in the complex in volleyball, archery, etc.) as all the animation team are away all day with the games and they leave the music on reasonably quiet. The pool itself was too cold to swim in, the children staying there didn't seem to mind.
There are three bars: a pool bar (Tropicana) the beach bar and the Blues Bar. The pool bar has a beer tap, Coke, Fanta and Soda machine and water dispensers that you can help yourself to. The beach bar has water and fruit juices that you can serve yourself. All three bars are also staffed for serving of cocktails, wine and spirits.
The main restaurant has beer, wine, soft drinks and water on tap for you to serve yourself. The trick with the beer is to pull the pump on full, allow it to flow for a second then slide the glass under the flow of beer. The staff will show you how to do this and end up with a glass of beer rather than a glass of froth. The food was fine. Plenty of fresh bread, salads and dressings. The main courses are typically rice and pasta with chicken, beef stews, potatoes. It's all buffet service. There's a grill with fried liver and mini burgers some nights, take care as the burgers are not always cooked through. The hotel caters mainly to Russians which is evident in the food which while not being bad is not to everyone's tastes. For breakfast there are hard boiled eggs, omlettes, cereals, fruit and bread. There's a toaster (you need to pass the bread through twice or three times) the waiters are polite and very helpful. If you get bored with this, you can use the 'dine around' option. For 10 Euros you can eat at one of the restaurants outside the hotel. The oriental restaurant (Sofra) is fantastic. Lovely starters, fresh Egyptian bread and stunning kofta served on your own 'mini barbecue!' We didn't try the deserts as we were too full from the starter and mains. There's also a Fish, Chinese/Thai, Italian and Indian you can choose from. There's a pamphlet explaining this in the rooms and reception will help you too.
Outside the Makadi Marine is the 'Souk Makadi'. There are about 60 small shops selling all kinds of souvenirs like alabaster, camels, t shirts, shisha pipes and tobacco. You will need to haggle. A small complete shisha pipe cost 40LE but they started way above that. I paid 100LE for two pipes, two tobaccos and charcoal. There is also a supermarket where you can buy goods 'fixed price'. They sell some souvenirs and also food like cereals, biscuits, coffee, tea, water, milk, snacks and lots more. They'll take Euros, Dollars and Egyptian Pounds (LE) but have limited quantities of change. You might pay with a 50LE note and get euros in change. Also in the Souk is the El Shisha Cafe. You can get a smoke of a shisha pipe for 15LE (£1.50) I recommend the Strawberry. The pipe lasts anywhere from 40 minutes to 90 minutes. Tip well and you'll get a good one!
Had it not been for Extra Divers, we would have gone mad as there's not much to do there. Extra Divers were fantastic. Especially Aziz! Thanks for the great advice and help. Also, go see Sharky the Donkey at the dive centre and give him an apple! We are already PADI AOWD certified so just did some boat dives. Nitrox is free for Nitrox certificate holders which came in handy for deep wreck dives.
Overall, the hotels are lovely, well staffed and maintained. The food is good and plentiful. The main problem is the over-loud animation team that can ruin a nice day by the pool, too many kids, and too many rude Russians. Go check in with Extra Divers just down the beach and make some bubbles.
The Makadi Marine is a four star hotel and this rating is well deserved. The fixtures and furnishings are all very good quality, marble, stone and wood. The rooms are clean and each day there is a different arrangement of towels on the bed from flowers to swans. There is a liquid type soap dispenser by the sink in the bathroom, and another in the shower. The rooms have TVs with some German, French, English and Arabic stations. The English channels include Sky News, BBC World, Euro News and National Geographic. One of the Arabic channels shows cartoons (e.g. Tom and Jerry) that are not language specific. The hotel caters mainly for families and there are a lot of children there. This can make some areas of the place a little noisy especially by the pool. For those who want to relax, read, sun themselves and dose by the pool then this hotel is probably not for you: If you want to not have to worry about your kids and let them loose then it probably is.
The private beach has loungers and wind screens. It was a little crowded, but there is always space. Too many people ignore the signs and take bread to feed the fish. Do not do this. Not only is it against Egyptian law it damages the environment by harming the fish's ability to hunt for food.
The pool area has plenty of loungers, and is home to the 'animation team' a team of people who organise the pool games, aqua aerobics, games, etc. They also play music by the pool, all day. The music is loud enough to be heard over a Walkman playing music and also loud enough to render a talking book played on a Walkman inaudible. Sometimes if you're too close to the animation team the noise of the footballs being bounced around and kicked is more irritating. This is the main problem with the Makadi Marine, but every hotel in the complex seemed to have its own animation team. At one point I turned the speaker around to face the animation team's hut. This helped for a while, but they soon turned it back up. The best day is Monday when the Makadi Olympics (competition between all the hotels in the complex in volleyball, archery, etc.) as all the animation team are away all day with the games and they leave the music on reasonably quiet. The pool itself was too cold to swim in, the children staying there didn't seem to mind.
There are three bars: a pool bar (Tropicana) the beach bar and the Blues Bar. The pool bar has a beer tap, Coke, Fanta and Soda machine and water dispensers that you can help yourself to. The beach bar has water and fruit juices that you can serve yourself. All three bars are also staffed for serving of cocktails, wine and spirits.
The main restaurant has beer, wine, soft drinks and water on tap for you to serve yourself. The trick with the beer is to pull the pump on full, allow it to flow for a second then slide the glass under the flow of beer. The staff will show you how to do this and end up with a glass of beer rather than a glass of froth. The food was fine. Plenty of fresh bread, salads and dressings. The main courses are typically rice and pasta with chicken, beef stews, potatoes. It's all buffet service. There's a grill with fried liver and mini burgers some nights, take care as the burgers are not always cooked through. The hotel caters mainly to Russians which is evident in the food which while not being bad is not to everyone's tastes. For breakfast there are hard boiled eggs, omlettes, cereals, fruit and bread. There's a toaster (you need to pass the bread through twice or three times) the waiters are polite and very helpful. If you get bored with this, you can use the 'dine around' option. For 10 Euros you can eat at one of the restaurants outside the hotel. The oriental restaurant (Sofra) is fantastic. Lovely starters, fresh Egyptian bread and stunning kofta served on your own 'mini barbecue!' We didn't try the deserts as we were too full from the starter and mains. There's also a Fish, Chinese/Thai, Italian and Indian you can choose from. There's a pamphlet explaining this in the rooms and reception will help you too.
Outside the Makadi Marine is the 'Souk Makadi'. There are about 60 small shops selling all kinds of souvenirs like alabaster, camels, t shirts, shisha pipes and tobacco. You will need to haggle. A small complete shisha pipe cost 40LE but they started way above that. I paid 100LE for two pipes, two tobaccos and charcoal. There is also a supermarket where you can buy goods 'fixed price'. They sell some souvenirs and also food like cereals, biscuits, coffee, tea, water, milk, snacks and lots more. They'll take Euros, Dollars and Egyptian Pounds (LE) but have limited quantities of change. You might pay with a 50LE note and get euros in change. Also in the Souk is the El Shisha Cafe. You can get a smoke of a shisha pipe for 15LE (£1.50) I recommend the Strawberry. The pipe lasts anywhere from 40 minutes to 90 minutes. Tip well and you'll get a good one!
Had it not been for Extra Divers, we would have gone mad as there's not much to do there. Extra Divers were fantastic. Especially Aziz! Thanks for the great advice and help. Also, go see Sharky the Donkey at the dive centre and give him an apple! We are already PADI AOWD certified so just did some boat dives. Nitrox is free for Nitrox certificate holders which came in handy for deep wreck dives.
Overall, the hotels are lovely, well staffed and maintained. The food is good and plentiful. The main problem is the over-loud animation team that can ruin a nice day by the pool, too many kids, and too many rude Russians. Go check in with Extra Divers just down the beach and make some bubbles.
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- Date of Holiday:Oct 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" I have just returned from 2 weeks in... "
Submitted By: Mrs M Newton
I have just returned from 2 weeks in Makadi Marine and found the hotel very clean, staff very friendly and efficient. It has plenty of sun beds both at the pool and at the beach and could always find one at any time of the day.
On the down side the food is awful, not kept warm enough and caters for the Russians (very spicy food, very repetitive menu and not catering for English). Even some of the Russians did not like the food. Their ideal of a theme night at the restaurant is different costumes worn by staff but no change to the menu. Russians represent 90% of the guests at the hotel. A large number of the guests are going down with stomach bugs which are very hard to get rid of (Imodium does not work on this bug) probably due to food not kept at the correct temperatures.
Evening entertainment could be improved. Same thing every week. Hurghada town is about 40 minutes ride away if you want to do a lot of shopping (although there are local shops within Makadi Bay).
Two day Luxor trip by coach was worth going to see the sights although the light show at the temple was not as impressive as made out to be. The trip by coach takes 3 and half hours once you reach the convoy escorted by armed guards across the desert. Was told by other guests that the trip to the island is well worth going on but if you book it at the beach it is half the price of Thomson prices and just as good.
On the down side the food is awful, not kept warm enough and caters for the Russians (very spicy food, very repetitive menu and not catering for English). Even some of the Russians did not like the food. Their ideal of a theme night at the restaurant is different costumes worn by staff but no change to the menu. Russians represent 90% of the guests at the hotel. A large number of the guests are going down with stomach bugs which are very hard to get rid of (Imodium does not work on this bug) probably due to food not kept at the correct temperatures.
Evening entertainment could be improved. Same thing every week. Hurghada town is about 40 minutes ride away if you want to do a lot of shopping (although there are local shops within Makadi Bay).
Two day Luxor trip by coach was worth going to see the sights although the light show at the temple was not as impressive as made out to be. The trip by coach takes 3 and half hours once you reach the convoy escorted by armed guards across the desert. Was told by other guests that the trip to the island is well worth going on but if you book it at the beach it is half the price of Thomson prices and just as good.
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- Date of Holiday:Oct 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" It was mine and my partners dream... "
Submitted By: Miss S Craswell
It was mine and my partners dream holiday we were so excited to go to Egypt. The hotel was paradise and the staff were absolutely wonderful! However 24hrs after arriving my partner fell ill and was in unbelievable pain!
It was found out a week later it was gastroenteritis and that 50% of the hotel had gone down with it! Our rep failed to mention this when we arrived so our holiday was ruined! A week into the holiday my partner was treated by the on site doctor.
He started to feel better but didn't completely recover till after seeing our GP a little while after returning home! We were both devastated and upset!
It was found out a week later it was gastroenteritis and that 50% of the hotel had gone down with it! Our rep failed to mention this when we arrived so our holiday was ruined! A week into the holiday my partner was treated by the on site doctor.
He started to feel better but didn't completely recover till after seeing our GP a little while after returning home! We were both devastated and upset!
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Stayed at this hotel for two weeks... "
Submitted By: Mrs D M O'Grady
Stayed at this hotel for two weeks with my husband, 4 children, sister, brother in law and there 2 children and couldn’t think of a single thing that wasn’t 1st class.
Was a bit concerned that children would be bored as there ages range so much 16,14,13,11,11,7, but needn’t have worried as they were absolutely having a ball.
Every single member of staff were fantastic with them. Rooms so spacious and immaculately clean. Food was lovely facilities second to none. Island tour from beach hut was fantastic the best excursion we’ve ever done on any holiday we’ve ever been on and such good value. The crew on boat were 100% they really made it such fun.
But most of all the best thing about this hotel was the staff can’t praise them enough especially gabar and mostifa in the restaurant they were so welcoming kids loved them. Would highly recommend this hotel to anyone for total luxury and friendliness and will certainly return in 2008.
Was a bit concerned that children would be bored as there ages range so much 16,14,13,11,11,7, but needn’t have worried as they were absolutely having a ball.
Every single member of staff were fantastic with them. Rooms so spacious and immaculately clean. Food was lovely facilities second to none. Island tour from beach hut was fantastic the best excursion we’ve ever done on any holiday we’ve ever been on and such good value. The crew on boat were 100% they really made it such fun.
But most of all the best thing about this hotel was the staff can’t praise them enough especially gabar and mostifa in the restaurant they were so welcoming kids loved them. Would highly recommend this hotel to anyone for total luxury and friendliness and will certainly return in 2008.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Budget Travel
" Very clean and friendly complex,... "
Submitted By: Mrs Jj Abbott
Very clean and friendly complex, everything at hand, entertainment day and evening, beautiful beach, hand for excursions,
Buffet style restaurant, open from 7.30 till 10pm each day. There were two bars one by the pool with a seated shaded area and an indoor bar with balcony overlooking pool, this bar also had wide screen television which was very handy for watching the world cup which was on at that time.
The beach also had several bars and also offered lunch time snacks (hot and cold). The beach had comfy sun bed and straw umbrellas and privacy screens.
Buffet style restaurant, open from 7.30 till 10pm each day. There were two bars one by the pool with a seated shaded area and an indoor bar with balcony overlooking pool, this bar also had wide screen television which was very handy for watching the world cup which was on at that time.
The beach also had several bars and also offered lunch time snacks (hot and cold). The beach had comfy sun bed and straw umbrellas and privacy screens.
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" We stayed here for one week from 26th... "
Submitted By: Mrs A Parry
We stayed here for one week from 26th May to 2nd June 2006. What a fantastic place, beautiful room, lovely pool, lovely beach, nothing too much trouble for anyone! The staff are second to none, knowing just what you want before you do.
The rep was great, really friendly (Dave you know I mean you!) Fantastic trip to Cairo for the day, flew into Cairo, met by our guide who was great. Saw the Pyramids at Giza, the Sphinx, the museum in Cairo (fantastic) Very hot long day but worth every minute.
Hotel staff always asking if you want anything, your having a lovely time, even a letter from the hotel area manager thanking us for choosing to stay, a really lovely touch to the end of the holiday. Couldn’t recommend it enough. If you are looking for peace and relaxation this is for you.
The rep was great, really friendly (Dave you know I mean you!) Fantastic trip to Cairo for the day, flew into Cairo, met by our guide who was great. Saw the Pyramids at Giza, the Sphinx, the museum in Cairo (fantastic) Very hot long day but worth every minute.
Hotel staff always asking if you want anything, your having a lovely time, even a letter from the hotel area manager thanking us for choosing to stay, a really lovely touch to the end of the holiday. Couldn’t recommend it enough. If you are looking for peace and relaxation this is for you.
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- Date of Holiday:May 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
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Every effort was made throughout the whole holiday to ensure we enjoyed ourselves and we did - thoroughly! The room was spotlessly clean and had a lovely view over the pool with a huge balcony/terrace area. There was plenty of wardrobe space although there could have been a few more coathangers but that's just nit picking. The guy who cleaned the room must have been on some sort of Towel Art course cos every day we got another towelling masterpiece.
After reading various reviews, we stocked up on Immodium and hoped for the best as far as food was concerned but, we needn't have worried. The food was excellent and varied every day and it was always hot rather than warm. We took the local advice and drank plenty of water and equalised the room/air temperature when we went back to get changed and we had no problems whatsoever.
The majority of guests were either German or Russian but variety is the spice of life and everyone got on well. The Russians definitely know how to have a good time without getting drunk!
We sunbathed on the beach because there was a lovely cooling breeze down there (it was 40+ each day) and the on beach facilities were very good. In the evening it was nice to be able to walk around the town without being hassled, very un-Egyptian!
All in all, we could not have had a better holiday once we arrived at the hotel however, First Choice should stop penny pinching and either put on a larger plane or take a few rows of seats out of the existing ones. I'm sure most people would willingly have paid another £40-£50 each to be able to travel in comfort.
We will be going back next year and - I suspect - for many years to come.