Sierra Resort

1 reader found this review helpful

Hotel was unprecedented. The service was first class and the staff were very pleasant and willing to do anything for you. We went there for our honeymoon and it was very hot the whole time we were there. The pool is spotless and cleaned every evening, the food is cooked in front of you while you help yourself and the shops are just outside the hotel. The rooms are cleaned every day and fresh towels delivered with fresh bottled water put in your room fridge whenever you need it. Beach towels are provided every day and the poolside bar is out of this world and I recommend the Sinai special cocktail.
We went to Narma Bay for shopping and experienced the shop keepers enticing you into their shops saying English phrases like "have a gander" or "have a butchers", it was hilarious listening to this. My advice is nothing is fixed in price except in supermarkets where items are scanned electronically, everwhere else haggle. I brought a D&G watch that started at 1200 LE [Egyptian pounds] but managed to get him down to 800 LE about 80 pounds.
We flew out to Cairo to view the pyramids and what a sight that is, I'll say one thing and that is WOW! If your going to Egypt then you MUST visit the pyramids - it is an awesome thing to see. We went inside the second pyramid but regretted it. We were warned it was not for the chlaustrophobic, we ignored this and went inside. After 20 seconds of starting the descent we were met with very high humidity, extreme heat, and a VERY enclosed space with people coming towards you. I would not do that again. When we reached the end of the descent into the pyramid we found a small room about 30 metres by 15 metres with bare walls and a concrete tomb.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Egypt but if I could change anything I would give the airport a decent shakeup as their seems to be no organisation at all with 4 flights i had with them, the airports let Egypt down with several holiday makers inluding me getting wound up with incorrect information on the screens. You also need to be aware that our diarrhoa medication does not work over there trust me! There are however plenty of pharmacies with good English speaking chemists willing to help. Oh when washing ensure water does not go in your mouth, brush your teeth with bottled water, be careful with ice in your drinks, question salad as to what it's been washed with.
A taxi to Narma bay was quoted at 100LE but we haggled it for 50LE several times. The drivers on the roads are nuts, but i suppose thats the same everywhere. There were police everywhere with guns which i'm not sure if it made me feel safe or scared me into thinking attack was imminent. These police will not bother you and after a while you just ignore them. If you like I have an attractive wife then you can expect for sure around the market areas hassle. I frequently had Egyptian guys making comments on how lucky and blowing kisses, in England I would for sure of knocked someone out for making blatant remarks lke that but you have to step aside yourself and ignore it. [teeth gritted].
If you want any more info I would gladly answer by email to [--]
Before you travel you will read contradictory information saying you do or don't need a visa, TRUST me you need one if you dont want hassle in the airport. I read the Egytian consulates web site and it says you don't need one but YOU DO! I had to apply for one in the airport which only took about 10 minutes and cost 8 pound each.

We were warned before we went to eygpt about the "over friendly" nature of the natives but thought we would at least be safe in the resort.
It was myself and my sister both in our twenties so a bad idea, i wouldnt go again without a male body guard!!
We must have been asked at least 10 times a day how old we were if we were sisters or if we were twins! The staff were all male and some of the sleaziest i have ever come across. On holiday you want to be left in peace not constantly hassled and asked if you have a boyfriend or if you want one, especially by staff who are meant to be professional!
Not to mention that they constantly try to rip off the british, with no prices on anything and £3 for a kitkat!
We even called a maintenance man to fix a broken shower and he wouldnt leave our room!! we ended up hiding in the bedroom until he was gone!
The hotel offered no entertainment whatsoever so very easy to get bored here, once you step outside the hotel there is nothing to be seen, no path so you have to walk on the road and we couldnt even do the 2 minute walk to the shop without being beeped at and shouted at by taxi drivers!!
A waiter also spilt a drink all over my leg and then proceeded to try and rub it dry himself!! something that would get a very bad reaction if it happened here in the UK!
On the positive side the food was nice and the weather was brill, but the constant hassle ruined it for us and we just couldnt wait to come home. Although they are investing alot of money into Sharm el Sheikh the culture will unfortunately always be the same.
Rest assured we will never be going back there.

This hotel was very good in looks and the good thing about this hotel was you can use the savoy hotel beach and facilitys which is 5 minutes walk.
I think this holiday was a waste of money for me because the beach was 20 minutes walk, the pool was very small and the rooms where very dirty and smelly and was not 5 star standards.
The staff was very un helpful , the food was same every day .
in the morrning when we went for breakfast the staff used to bring us cold tea and wont clean our table, they where very lazy and un helpfull.
The food was very cheap made and had no taste to it.
there where other visitors in the hotel from another cauntry and they where making so much noise and was very arogant towards us and i felt very un safe in the hotel.
the pool bar had cheap drinks and same every day .
I would not recommend this hotel to any one at all,

We found the food very repetitive and unappetising; Birds tongue soup was a particularly memorable dish!
We took my daughters 12 year old friend with us; she dislocated her knee on the second day of our holiday when she stumbled on a ridiculously high kerb. We had a nightmare trip to a very unhygienic hospital where a total stranger from the local market demanded $250.00 for her treatment. Her knee was put back into place and she had a full leg cast on for the rest of the holiday.
There was nothing to do in the evenings except drink the unpleasant local drinks and try to avoid the rude and ignorant Russian tourists.
Both my partner and I developed serious diarrhoea which we still had when flew home a week later; we are awaiting the results of tests.
Overall I would not recommend the Sierra Hotel, or Egypt as a holiday destination.

My wife and I have just returned from 2 weeks holiday at the Sierra hotel, Sharm el Sheikh.
I went there primarily for a diving holiday with the Oonas dive club there and really only thought I would use the hotel as a base, about which I would have been happy if it was just a good, clean, and friendly hotel.
Well I have to say that we were amazed by the total holiday experience. The accommodation was really superb with excellent air conditioning and a very good maid service. 2 one litre bottles of water were provided each day and there was a half size fridge in the room - a definite bonus.
Alcoholic drinks were provided at all the bars and were well known brands not local Egyptian spirits as we had been led to believe by the tour operator.
The food was excellent and even the much maligned local red wine was far better than I had expected. It would be well able to hold its own with many an English restaurant house wine.
Some form of food was available all day long and until 22.30 - who could ask for anything more. To anyone with a sweet tooth the deserts were to die for - top marks to the catering staff for the range and quality.
The staff at the Sierra were the most attentive I have ever come across. So helpful and polite and if one tried to speak a little Arabic they were so pleased. All in all I would say that our holiday was one of the best we have ever had and cannot rate the hotel too highly.

1 reader found this review helpful

Excellent time!
My boyfriend and I are just back on Thursday from 2 weeks at the Sierra. It was fabulous. All staff very friendly indeed would go out your way to help you if need be.
Food a bit repetitive after 2 weeks but you can get a MacDs delivered to the hotel (cheap) or go out to Naama Bay to Hard Rock Cafe TGIs Little Budda or Pizza Hut etc which we did a couple of times £10 each roughly for starters and main and drinks so not too bad. Or go to Mohammed the PIZZA GUY at the back corner of the restaurant - his pizzas are yummy I lived on that and pasta which was not too bad!! Better than pizza hut I would say.
We met people there who had been 4 times and they also love the service they get. If you tip your cleaner at the beginning of the holiday - you will get lovely towel displays in your room - which I thought was a nice touch.
Rooms cleaned to a high standard every day and new sheets and towels daily so no need to take your own. You also get a towel every day by the pool so no beach towels required either. Just remember when swapping the towels to get your wee card back otherwise you may be charged for taking the towels at the end of your stay.
The phone in the room can be used to call home at £1.80 a minute and also between rooms for 0.50 EGP if you meet people and phone them
The pool and garden areas are very clean and cleaned every day by gardeners and pool attendants. Give the pool guy a tip and he will reserve your towels every day too.
Entertainment not always good but we did join in a couple of times with the bingo, best couple contest, and the dancing comps. Only after a few drinks though!! The animation team did try to get you to do Salsa dancing, volleyball, aqua gym, stretching etc during the day which was good but not every day sometimes you just want to relax - just politely say your just here to relax and they will not annoy you. They will just come and chat to you!! They are all very friendly indeed.
We went to the Savoy club which is free on a Sunday and Tuesday for the Sierra but you need to pay for drinks so just get tanked up before you go then go down and make a fool of yourself on stage. A Stella was about £2.00 and vodka was dearer about £6
Taxis into Naama bay are 40EGP on the way there but they like a bit more on the way back we usually gave them 50EGP both ways!! No more!! Just be firm!!
Went Quad Biking twice it was fab!!! Went at the 5pm one but it was dark and couldn’t see the views so we got a discount for the one at 3pm which was much better!! Take old clothes with you and trainers if you do this as mine are still full of dust after being washed!
Also did snorkelling down the beach which was my first time and fab!!!
Got the Honeymooners paradise in the SPA it was so worth the money - relaxing
£120 per couple!!
Also went to Cairo (recommended by air) it was £159 through Thompson but look at reception for other prices with other companies as Odyssey was £140 - This is a must to see you get taken to other places including the pyramids so well worth the money. Apart from the shopping centre trip as it was Ramadan when I went none of the shops were open. Mango, Benetton etc etc which was a pity!!
Cairo itself is an experience traffic wise!!
Behind the hotel are some shops and an internet cafe £1.50 for half an hour. Shops most of them with the same stuff in them.
A bit of noise from building works going on but only if you are in link 3. The noise of the airport runway was not too bad you did get used to it after a while.
Once you check out you don’t need to pay extra for your drinks and lunch etc just keep your band on until you go home. Oh and if you have extra money left get a taxi to the airport quicker than going round for 1 hour collecting everyone else!!! Just keep moving through the airport till you come to duty free as there are a few checks to be done!!
Money you can use English, US Dollar, Egyptian money and Euros!! We took a mixture but don’t convert any here until you get over as it’s a better rate in Egypt!!!
Would recommend this hotel to anyone I know!!
Have fun - we did .

First time in Egypt - lovely country and friendly staff.
The excursions not suitable for small children.
Sierra Hotel right next to runway so very noisy from planes. Clean hotel, lots of pools. Daytime activities limited. Night-time entertainment very poor and always late starting(10.15pm).
Children's club poorly run and nothing in there except good air conditioning. Children's disco from 9-9.30pm but non-English songs. Lots of Egyptian, Israeli, Russian holiday makers who take over and very rude.
Room clean and staff very attentive and friendly although like to be tipped.
Food nice,edible but very repetitive on daily basis, nothing for kids except pizza. Oh and McD's in Naama Bay who deliver,thank god!!
Naama Bay half hour on bus but very busy and lots of hassle. Little intimidating with small kids.
Would go to Egypt again but NOT Sierra Hotel. Brochure says you can use Savoy but don't mention you have to pay for drink and food, can't use pool either. Nearby beach very corally so children can't paddle or play.Good if you like diving/snorkelling. Nothing else there.

A nice hotel but the quality and variety of the food was very poor. There were a number of people who suffered from severe vomiting and stomach problems during our stay. My wife missed 5 days of the holiday due to illness and the cost of medial treatment was costly.
The pool and leisure facilities are good and the people are friendly, there is also a strong culture of tipping and I would recommend that you take lots of small denomination notes to give as tips to the, concierge, the waiters, the pool attendants etc etc .
The meals served on the grill nights are absolutely terrible and the quality of the evening entertainment is also very poor . I would not recommend this Hotel and would at best give it 2-3 stars.

After paying a lot of money for our two week Thomson holiday we had certain expectations of what a 4+ hotel would offer (we consider ourselves well travelled and far from snobby!)
The first thing on arrival at the hotel that we noticed were the grounds outside the hotel unfinished (or were they!). Rubble and broken tiles with loose wires poking out of the ground were unsightly. On entering reception, we found it very dark (although midday) and everything brown, threadbare rugs on the floor, dirty fabric arm chairs and dark wood furniture. All of which we thought could be Egyptian style and we need a bit more time to take in the atmosphere of the place.
We had paid for a pool view of which they have a massive central pool in the middle of the hotel grounds. When shown to our room we were amazed to find the room was overlooking a small pool no bigger than a paddling pool (no joke) next to some lovely building works.
The family room we had paid for had three beds (there are four of us) and was very small and extremely basic. We got shown another room (the only one left we were told) that had distant pool views and three beds! They tried to give us a camp bed that we have seen in Argos for 7.99 and after the discussion 'you are having a laugh', they built a bed in our room.
Food very nice.
Swimming pool, nice to look at but floor slimy, lots of people swimming in pool with full clothing on.
Lots of shabby finishes to the hotel like loose wire sticking out of the ground lights hanging off the wall kiddies play area horrible. Peoples dirty plates left outside the rooms all day. Our balcony loose. No tiles around the pool area, painted peach concrete.
The entertainment was the worse we had ever seen.
The beer was lovely! The bar staff very friendly. Hygiene of what we saw was terrible and chatting to some other families they felt the same.
Hence trying to see "how it goes" for the first time ever we moved out of the Sierra into another hotel Reef Blue Oasis, which was stunning and we can’t wait to go back.
We paid nearly £4,000 for this holiday and we were very disappointed even the kids 11,8 were more than happy to leave.
We did have one laugh though. As we were waiting for a taxi to leave the Sierra hotel to the new hotel, my husband sat on an arm chair in reception and as he got up to leave the arm rest on the chair came away in his hand!!

General: This was my first time in Egypt, and I would definitely go again I had such a wonderful time.
I’m only 18; I went with my boyfriend who is 22 (and our two friends who are the same age). We never got bored, if you want to relax then here is a good option. There is so many excursions to do if we knew we would have stayed another week.
Staff: The hotel staff are amazing, everyone is very polite and they love the English!! (They think that we are rich) There is reps who want you to join in the activities there also very polite; we made friends with a lot of them
Rooms: I read in someone else’s review that their bathroom had mould on the tiles, I find that very hard to believe.
The rooms are cleaned to a brilliant standard everyday and we had a knock on the door every morning at 9 to see if they can come in and clean which obviously shows they are always on schedule.
Room service was very prompt also. The only thing I can comment on were the showers, they were like a dribble on your head I don’t think that’s the hotel though, think that is Egypt’s water supply in general.
Food: I was worried about the food I’m a fussy eater, and I read that it was cold! I ate better than I do in England. Although I admit it was repetitive by the end of the week I was fed up with the same thing.
Entertainment: Was ok ... same singers every night but they were ok they were Russian but only sang English so it wasn’t bad. There is a club at the Savoy which is 2 min walk away but its extremely expensive £600 Egyptian pounds for a vodka and coke (about £6)
Overall: A really good holiday recommend to anyone!!