Aqua Blu Resort, Hurghada, Egypt
Hotel Information
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
The Aqua Blu Hurghada Hotel is the sister hotel of the neighbouring Albatros Resort and is located directly behind Primasol Beach Albatros. The Aqua Blu Hurghada Hotel is located 700 meters from the beach, 15 minutes from the airport and twenty minutes from the city centre. loading...
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Aqua Blu Resort Reviews
" Amazing Holiday All Around "
Submitted By: margarethustin
After arriving at the hotel we were overwhelmed at the magnificent reception and decor of the front of house and into the hotel itself.
The facilities were fantastic , rooms were spacious and spotless with clean laundry of bedding and towels everyday. The staff were fabulous and very courteous and catered for all our needs around the clock.
The pools at the hotel are fantastic with the heated pool ready for any weather and with one of the pools hosting a wave machine gives great fun for all ages.
Around the swimming pools beds are never a problem as there are always plenty avaliable with cushions and towels provided.
Childrens entertainment is fantastic which is hosted in a number of languages.
If you are lucky enough as we were to meet Mr Hany the head of hotels he will ensure that your stay is perfect.
Staying at this hotel is a perfect getaway as not only are the hotels faciliities superb but you can also make use of the adjoing hotels facilities restaurants at no extra cost.
Food at the hotel is plentiful and cooked to perfection and catered for all nationalities and with the kids corner there is always something for the little ones. The bbq hosted outside on a sunday evening is well worth a visit.
The beach is within easy access with the free shuttle bus from the hotel.
Now we have had a fantastic holiday we shall be returning in the near future.
Mr & Mrs Hustin
The facilities were fantastic , rooms were spacious and spotless with clean laundry of bedding and towels everyday. The staff were fabulous and very courteous and catered for all our needs around the clock.
The pools at the hotel are fantastic with the heated pool ready for any weather and with one of the pools hosting a wave machine gives great fun for all ages.
Around the swimming pools beds are never a problem as there are always plenty avaliable with cushions and towels provided.
Childrens entertainment is fantastic which is hosted in a number of languages.
If you are lucky enough as we were to meet Mr Hany the head of hotels he will ensure that your stay is perfect.
Staying at this hotel is a perfect getaway as not only are the hotels faciliities superb but you can also make use of the adjoing hotels facilities restaurants at no extra cost.
Food at the hotel is plentiful and cooked to perfection and catered for all nationalities and with the kids corner there is always something for the little ones. The bbq hosted outside on a sunday evening is well worth a visit.
The beach is within easy access with the free shuttle bus from the hotel.
Now we have had a fantastic holiday we shall be returning in the near future.
Mr & Mrs Hustin
Advice: A upcoming resort a must see
Activities:
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Feb 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:JetlineTravel
" Even The Russians Couldn't Spoil This Holiday "
Submitted By: mike64
My girlfriend and I have recently returned from a Wonderfully relaxing 11 night stay at this hotel / resort. Usually I do not write reviews but given the great food, friendly staff and well presented hotel / resort I felt it was worth a few words to positively promote this hotel / resort for potential future tourists; as I was slightly concerned after reading some in my opinion unfair reviews before our holiday. Yes the tourists are predominantly Russian and German and there was much early 'towelling' of sunbeds (as in most hotels around the world) and GRANTED many of the Russians (on the whole but NOT all) are overly ignorant and rude to both tourists and staff alike but hey apart from that what a SUPER PLACE !!! Pools and pool areas - there are quite a few pools, some heated some not and all clean and well maintained and even one pool with some great slides. Entertainment - the staff work exceptionally hard both during the day and evening events for those wishing to participate. Rooms - very clean and more than sufficient for sleeping in. Food - considerably better than many AI we have experienced over the years. Unlike many AI hotels which offer salads and a range of meats each day coated with different sauces this hotel prepared and cooked their wide range of dishes each day to a much higher standard than the norm !! OK not 5 star but for the reasonable rates charged and lets face it 11 days in the guaranteed sun for about £450 you are not going to get 'Le Cordon Blue' cuisine. If you want 5 star go somewhere where you have to pay for it. The staff were marvellous and if you take the time to learn even simple words like 'please' and 'thank you' in Arabic you will be rewarded to see the staff smile and reply accordingly; for even this basic courtesy by tourists to communicate is really appreciated. So that's it, if you want a comparatively inexpensive holiday in guaranteed sunshine at this time of year with more than enough to eat, keep you entertained and help you relax, this hotel / resort TICKS ALL THE BOXES !!! We most certainly would return there. MikE & Nicola.
Advice: Great Weather
Activities:
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Nov 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:A1 Travel
" ok here we go, you want the low down... "
Submitted By: Mr B Keenan
ok here we go, you want the low down good and bad read on.
This Hotel is rated 4* in my opinion this hotel deserves the star rating, remeber that every country is different, and the 4 * rating is in relation to the country you are in and not the uk starr rating.
First of all The Bed rooms: BIG spacious but a small bathroom, Cleaned every day with new sheets. Girls believe me if my wife can sleep in them then it is recommended.
Restuarants, the main restaurant, well there is two, we stayed in the Aqua Blu Hotel block 6 so we ate in the hotels main restuarant. Advice don't listen to those who take their times going out for dinner, get there at opening time for evening meals 7pm to 7:30, you will get a nice table, hot food and a good choice.
Tips, dont put every thing on your plate, choose a different dish every noight and you wont get bored., We saw many people throwing Burger and chips along with Spag bols on their plates (would you do this at home) Probably not.
You also get a free meal in selected restuarants so use that to try other food.
Drinks, all inclusive but served in small plastic cups, a safe idea being that you are surrounded by poolsand mostly through the day in bare feet. But lads be prepared you will have to get your selves 4 cups at the same time if you want a pint.
Pools, Excellent, you have a wide choice from Wave pool, normal swimming pool, to 4 flumes. Down side with flumes is some times there is not enough water flowing down them so you end up stopping during the ride, but its fun neitherless.
Entertainment, now i can aggree that every where you go you get crap entertainment. or perhaps crap is to harsh perhaps basic is better to say.
At the Aqua blu it is basic but simple so your children understand, which it is really for them isnt it. I have two boys aged 2 and 8 both really enjoyed it. Only down fall is every sunday is karaoke in the night club, so all childresn enetertainment is hosted here to. Not part of your all inclusive, so if you want a drink you have to pay for it. So top tip if yopur going to do an excursion do it on a sunday.
Wach out. You will get mobbed by not sellers but by the hotels own private restuarants, they will bother you every day. You must tell them straight no if you mean no.
out side the hotel is a row of shops, again they will try and entice you in, especially the perfume shops. it is ok but even with a hagle youll get ripped off compared to the town prices. Dont fall for the trck about oh your english i love english people please come and sign my book to say i have met you, because before you know it ladies youll be wearing all sorts of perfume, And bombarded with fruit and a drink and walk out spending nearly £25. uk pounds on something not even Prada.
The hotel accross the road also has a couple of slides but you can not use there bar, but you do get some lovely food at the beach restaurant, which includes your ai drinks.
The beach is beautiful and the red see is to die for,Crystal clear water warm and you do get to see Nemo if you look carefully.
Well my overal opinion is that this hotel caters more for Germans and Riussians but if you let the staff know your english they will spoil you, Why cause were allies really. Sharm is the area for the British tourist. We were 1 of 14 familys in the hotel for our two weeks who were english and they will translate every thing for you. Staff were absolutly perfect All men, but really did care. If you go see Sultan in the foye bar and tell him Little Brady sayes hello, Sultan When we were their was expecting his first baby, and is a lovely man who will talk to you and your kids.
Well would i go back to this hotel YES YES YES, if my wife loes it it must be upto scratch, as she is one fussy lady, but i wouldnt change her for the world.
Thinking about going to Aqua Blu, Well go it will be money well spent.
Are we going back Yes in Aug 2009
Want a cheaper holiday than all the rest, we book ours through Travel councillors .co.uk
Bye for now
This Hotel is rated 4* in my opinion this hotel deserves the star rating, remeber that every country is different, and the 4 * rating is in relation to the country you are in and not the uk starr rating.
First of all The Bed rooms: BIG spacious but a small bathroom, Cleaned every day with new sheets. Girls believe me if my wife can sleep in them then it is recommended.
Restuarants, the main restaurant, well there is two, we stayed in the Aqua Blu Hotel block 6 so we ate in the hotels main restuarant. Advice don't listen to those who take their times going out for dinner, get there at opening time for evening meals 7pm to 7:30, you will get a nice table, hot food and a good choice.
Tips, dont put every thing on your plate, choose a different dish every noight and you wont get bored., We saw many people throwing Burger and chips along with Spag bols on their plates (would you do this at home) Probably not.
You also get a free meal in selected restuarants so use that to try other food.
Drinks, all inclusive but served in small plastic cups, a safe idea being that you are surrounded by poolsand mostly through the day in bare feet. But lads be prepared you will have to get your selves 4 cups at the same time if you want a pint.
Pools, Excellent, you have a wide choice from Wave pool, normal swimming pool, to 4 flumes. Down side with flumes is some times there is not enough water flowing down them so you end up stopping during the ride, but its fun neitherless.
Entertainment, now i can aggree that every where you go you get crap entertainment. or perhaps crap is to harsh perhaps basic is better to say.
At the Aqua blu it is basic but simple so your children understand, which it is really for them isnt it. I have two boys aged 2 and 8 both really enjoyed it. Only down fall is every sunday is karaoke in the night club, so all childresn enetertainment is hosted here to. Not part of your all inclusive, so if you want a drink you have to pay for it. So top tip if yopur going to do an excursion do it on a sunday.
Wach out. You will get mobbed by not sellers but by the hotels own private restuarants, they will bother you every day. You must tell them straight no if you mean no.
out side the hotel is a row of shops, again they will try and entice you in, especially the perfume shops. it is ok but even with a hagle youll get ripped off compared to the town prices. Dont fall for the trck about oh your english i love english people please come and sign my book to say i have met you, because before you know it ladies youll be wearing all sorts of perfume, And bombarded with fruit and a drink and walk out spending nearly £25. uk pounds on something not even Prada.
The hotel accross the road also has a couple of slides but you can not use there bar, but you do get some lovely food at the beach restaurant, which includes your ai drinks.
The beach is beautiful and the red see is to die for,Crystal clear water warm and you do get to see Nemo if you look carefully.
Well my overal opinion is that this hotel caters more for Germans and Riussians but if you let the staff know your english they will spoil you, Why cause were allies really. Sharm is the area for the British tourist. We were 1 of 14 familys in the hotel for our two weeks who were english and they will translate every thing for you. Staff were absolutly perfect All men, but really did care. If you go see Sultan in the foye bar and tell him Little Brady sayes hello, Sultan When we were their was expecting his first baby, and is a lovely man who will talk to you and your kids.
Well would i go back to this hotel YES YES YES, if my wife loes it it must be upto scratch, as she is one fussy lady, but i wouldnt change her for the world.
Thinking about going to Aqua Blu, Well go it will be money well spent.
Are we going back Yes in Aug 2009
Want a cheaper holiday than all the rest, we book ours through Travel councillors .co.uk
Bye for now
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:TRAVEL cOUNCILLORS
" I went through Olympic Holidays... "
Submitted By: Mr M Batek
I went through Olympic Holidays company and was a bit disappointed when I came to Primasol Beach Hotel and there was no booking for me.
After 30 min they sent me to next hotel Aqua Blue. Finally I was happy about it but what a mess in paperwork and poor English of receptionists!
Hotel is very nice, no bad word against it. I recommend to everyone, especially for children. It’s new one, very nice, many different swimming pools with chairs, lots of slides, very nice dining room, and lounge in Egypt style.
Food was a bit crap, but probably same as in all Egypt. There was plenty of food, but something like rice and chicken that was hungry at time alive.
Definitely food needs improving. I mean quality. Some people are afraid of diarrhoea. I saw plastic gloves on cook's hands and had no problems while in Egypt or after.
Staff attitude was quite good, but sometimes depending on your nationality. I noticed Arabs like Germans most.
Entertainment was very, very good. Really funny, almost every evening, something that suits everyone. Club for kids, leading by girls from Germany and Russia. I wish they were my mothers, if I had children I'd leave them in kids club.
Lots of activities and you could use swimming pools in both hotels. Absolutely fantastic gardens, decorations in Arabic style. I wanted to travel over Egypt but was so comfy in hotel that I stayed only there.
As I said two things needs improving and it's quality of food-I'd expect it better for 4 or 5* hotel, and attitude of staff and their languages knowledge.
Otherwise paradise on earth.
After 30 min they sent me to next hotel Aqua Blue. Finally I was happy about it but what a mess in paperwork and poor English of receptionists!
Hotel is very nice, no bad word against it. I recommend to everyone, especially for children. It’s new one, very nice, many different swimming pools with chairs, lots of slides, very nice dining room, and lounge in Egypt style.
Food was a bit crap, but probably same as in all Egypt. There was plenty of food, but something like rice and chicken that was hungry at time alive.
Definitely food needs improving. I mean quality. Some people are afraid of diarrhoea. I saw plastic gloves on cook's hands and had no problems while in Egypt or after.
Staff attitude was quite good, but sometimes depending on your nationality. I noticed Arabs like Germans most.
Entertainment was very, very good. Really funny, almost every evening, something that suits everyone. Club for kids, leading by girls from Germany and Russia. I wish they were my mothers, if I had children I'd leave them in kids club.
Lots of activities and you could use swimming pools in both hotels. Absolutely fantastic gardens, decorations in Arabic style. I wanted to travel over Egypt but was so comfy in hotel that I stayed only there.
As I said two things needs improving and it's quality of food-I'd expect it better for 4 or 5* hotel, and attitude of staff and their languages knowledge.
Otherwise paradise on earth.
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- Date of Holiday:Apr 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Olympic Holidays
" I agree with all the other reviews.... "
Submitted By: Mrs A Hoyte
I agree with all the other reviews. We were moved to the Aqua Blue from Primasol Beach, as we hadn’t booked a family room and they said the room they had to offer was too small, so we moved.
We weren’t disappointed at Aqua Blue. Did think they could have had more children’s meals at the dinner at night but nice meals.
Yes they did have free ice cream but you had to find the ones that were by the bars in the freezer. A big plastic tub and plastic cups {kids only} the other ice-cream in the lobby in the cones you had to pay bout 75p for.
There was a singer in the lobby at night and some people danced but we found it was really smoky in there so didn’t stay long.
We went overnight to Cairo which was well worth the money £108 adult, children half the price. It took 8hrs by mini bus to get there. Went to loads of temples, museums, pyramids, sphinx, was an experience, prepared to be hassled by people selling things and getting you to have your photo taken with them and then charging you.
At the hotel the animation team weren’t very good they seemed better at the Primasol beach hotel and at night it was worse, I was embarrassed for them. I was expecting entertainment like you get in Spain which is very professional but HEY we weren’t in Spain, maybe they will cotton on someday.
All the staff were really nice and friendly to all of us, as we were to them. Hope this helps.
We weren’t disappointed at Aqua Blue. Did think they could have had more children’s meals at the dinner at night but nice meals.
Yes they did have free ice cream but you had to find the ones that were by the bars in the freezer. A big plastic tub and plastic cups {kids only} the other ice-cream in the lobby in the cones you had to pay bout 75p for.
There was a singer in the lobby at night and some people danced but we found it was really smoky in there so didn’t stay long.
We went overnight to Cairo which was well worth the money £108 adult, children half the price. It took 8hrs by mini bus to get there. Went to loads of temples, museums, pyramids, sphinx, was an experience, prepared to be hassled by people selling things and getting you to have your photo taken with them and then charging you.
At the hotel the animation team weren’t very good they seemed better at the Primasol beach hotel and at night it was worse, I was embarrassed for them. I was expecting entertainment like you get in Spain which is very professional but HEY we weren’t in Spain, maybe they will cotton on someday.
All the staff were really nice and friendly to all of us, as we were to them. Hope this helps.
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- Date of Holiday:Feb 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Med Hotels
" Hotel Aqua Blu and sister hotels... "
Submitted By: Mr M King
Hotel Aqua Blu and sister hotels Albatross and Albatross Beach have loads of swimming pools only a couple of them heated. The others were freezing and nobody was using them but it was the end of January.
Also it has 4 waterslides and a further 2 in the beach albatross, these are good fun we had two 12 year old boys and they loved them. The garden areas are really nice and clean and well maintained.
The room was good we had a family room which had 2 rooms and a kitchen area with a fridge and a nice bathroom with a shower that worked fine.
All in all it was very clean modern and comfortable. It was a bit noisy early in the morning as it was near where all the hotel deliveries were made, but all in all it was fine.
The staff can be a bit rude to kids and woman but I guess this a cultural thing, just don’t let them get away with it and you will be fine. Not many English people there, but hey I liked that, lots of different nationalities especially Russians and eastern Europeans but everyone can speak English so your fine.
The food was good and plenty of choice although we stayed for 2 weeks and it was starting to get a bit repetitive and definitely no English breakfasts, but we could always find something to take our fancy.
The pool snack bar serves chips at lunchtime and also there is a restaurant at the beach, which is a 10 minute walk or a free shuttle bus ride.
We went to the beach most days and there was always something being cooked on the barbie. Loads of sun beds and wind breaks and a nice beach, although you must use sandals to walk in sea as it is very rough on the feet.
The snorkelling is good as there is lots to see on the coral reefs, fishes of all types and colours and the sea is much warmer than the pools.
The only thing I didn’t like was the animation team, we thought they were really very poor. Nothing for our boys to do organised games etc.
The evening entertainment was a joke it was the worst I have ever seen, only once did they have a proper act ( a fakir).
But all in all I thought it was a very good holiday but it depends how much you pay. We paid 300 pounds for 2 weeks all inclusive with flights and you cant grumble at that.
Its definitely not 4 star but its clean foods ok and beach is nice, so if that’s what you want go there. Would I go there again? No life’s to short, like to try other places.
Would I recommend it? Yes providing you don’t pay too much for it.
So if you do go I hope you have a good time, we did.
Also it has 4 waterslides and a further 2 in the beach albatross, these are good fun we had two 12 year old boys and they loved them. The garden areas are really nice and clean and well maintained.
The room was good we had a family room which had 2 rooms and a kitchen area with a fridge and a nice bathroom with a shower that worked fine.
All in all it was very clean modern and comfortable. It was a bit noisy early in the morning as it was near where all the hotel deliveries were made, but all in all it was fine.
The staff can be a bit rude to kids and woman but I guess this a cultural thing, just don’t let them get away with it and you will be fine. Not many English people there, but hey I liked that, lots of different nationalities especially Russians and eastern Europeans but everyone can speak English so your fine.
The food was good and plenty of choice although we stayed for 2 weeks and it was starting to get a bit repetitive and definitely no English breakfasts, but we could always find something to take our fancy.
The pool snack bar serves chips at lunchtime and also there is a restaurant at the beach, which is a 10 minute walk or a free shuttle bus ride.
We went to the beach most days and there was always something being cooked on the barbie. Loads of sun beds and wind breaks and a nice beach, although you must use sandals to walk in sea as it is very rough on the feet.
The snorkelling is good as there is lots to see on the coral reefs, fishes of all types and colours and the sea is much warmer than the pools.
The only thing I didn’t like was the animation team, we thought they were really very poor. Nothing for our boys to do organised games etc.
The evening entertainment was a joke it was the worst I have ever seen, only once did they have a proper act ( a fakir).
But all in all I thought it was a very good holiday but it depends how much you pay. We paid 300 pounds for 2 weeks all inclusive with flights and you cant grumble at that.
Its definitely not 4 star but its clean foods ok and beach is nice, so if that’s what you want go there. Would I go there again? No life’s to short, like to try other places.
Would I recommend it? Yes providing you don’t pay too much for it.
So if you do go I hope you have a good time, we did.
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- Date of Holiday:Jan 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Well what an awesome holiday!... "
Submitted By: Mr P M Conti
Well what an awesome holiday! Couldn't have been much better. I am an Australian living in Germany. I booked the 'typical' German all inclusive holiday with my German wife for the 1st time and was indeed impressed. We stayed in Aqua Blu from Dec 1 to 11 and the weather was sunny and 24/23 everyday, around 15 at night.
It never rains here although being near the sea is breezy at times and in the shade with the breeze can be cool. At night a thin jacket and pants are required!
Upon entering the hotel you can see it is one of the best in Hurghada. Always clean and they are always painting over something that seems to be perfect. The service is 1st class. The attendants speak most common languages, although I found that most spoke German the best, then English, Russian, Italian, French, and so on. That saying you wont have a problem speaking English here!
They accept euros including coins when paying for something. We didn't have to have Egyptian pounds although there is an exchange service in the lobby and an ATM in the adjoining hotel (Albatross).
We had a twin room on the 3rd level in building 7. We were pretty much the furthest away from the lobby but near the other resort. We simple pushed the 2 beds together to make it a double. Room was cleaned daily and was always cleaned properly. The power points in the room are euro 'Schuko' points like in Germany, plus Egyptian 2 pin power points that also fit euro 2 pin devices. There is a TV in the room that only had 2 English channels, BBC and an Arab channel that played English films with Arabic subtitles. There were more German channels plus other languages. We tipped our personal room cleaner a few times and he was grateful (only 50 cents). He never stole anything but if unsure there is a safe service in the lobby that costs about 2 euro a day. Every room has a balcony with 2 chairs and a table. The only problem with the room is the shower doesn't have enough pressure, but still works ok. We didn't have problems with the shower being cold. There is also a small fridge in the room where we kept our water.
Remember to drink the bottled water provided for you at the restaurant. Its free if you book all inclusive, otherwise 2 euros every time! All inclusive was worth it when you factor in the water bottles, and drinks. I found the food great. Of course it is different but there was always something I loved. Potatoes were delicious plus the fried chicken, spaghetti, fresh eggs/omelet’s (breakfast), fish... Basically around 8 hot dishes for all meals, plus around 20 salads and 15 desserts. Drinks were self serve Pepsi variety dispensers. Alcohol was local, such as Gordons Dry Gin and John Walker Black Label. Beer didn't taste good after 2 days so add a little cola and voila! Whiskey was ok, vodka was like petrol. You can buy Heineken for 2-3 euro, but hey... Plus you can buy brand name alcohol. There is only 1 restaurant to eat in and dinner was usually full. You could eat from 0600 to midnight! Plus drinking until midnight.
There is a small disco at the front of the hotel where the shops are. Entry is free. The pools looked fantastic and had a romantic feel. One was heated but not the wave pool. They turn the waves on about 3 times a day but nobody was in there! Hey it is December! There are also 2 bars at the pool (not in them) plus a bar in the lobby. We generally hanged out at the adjoining hotel Albatross. We found the atmosphere better. With all inclusive, we were allowed to use all the facilities of both hotels, including bars and lunchtime snacks at the pool (hot chips!).
Facilities included a tennis courts (we had our own equipment), basketball/football court, 4 water slides (not very fast!), plus various activities that the 'animation team' organizes. Things like bocce, volleyball, water polo, darts, aerobics, and afternoon theatre, etc. They were friendly and from various countries.
We did do some extra activities such as quad bikes in the desert, snorkeling and an Egyptian night. The 1st time we laid at the pool, people will come up to you trying to sell there activities. They are friendly but it can be annoying as it does take time for them to explain what they are offering. The best of them was Arafa and Osama (or Sam!). They both work in the Albatross Hotel near the reception. With Arafa we booked a snorkeling tour in the Red Sea. For 35 euros you get an 8 hour trip. The snorkeling gear provided was excellent - the goggles water tight! They take you on a large boat 1st to an island to relax on the sand. We snorkeled of the beach and saw our 1st Clown fish - Nemo! Then off to another island to snorkel next to a reef - fantastic! Then we ate on board. Then off to another island to snorkel and then another island an back. The sea water was ok, a little cold but worth it.
With Osama we bookd a quad bike tour in the dessert. The lasted for ages. The quad bike tour was about 1 hour around sand. The bikes were fast but we had to stay in line which made the tour slow and somewhat boring. I ended up overtaking people now and then which the tour guides didn't like (the trick is to make sure they don't see you!). Then we jumped into a Toyota Troop Carrier and drive into the mountains across the desert. The ride was a bit bumpy (well the desert is not just smooth sand!). We visited a tiny village. Then back to the base camp for another small kart ride - boring! Then a short camel ride, wind sailing was cancelled due to no wind?! And then dinner. After dinner we saw a snake show and dancing shows which we saw on the Egyptian night. All this for 45 euros.
The Egyptian was pretty good. It is at the Albatross hotel. For 12 euros you get the traditional gown, plus typical Egyptian food and then entertainment. 1st up belly dancers, then came a guy who spins around for ages (worth seeing!). He dances while spinning for at least 10 minutes.
I guess that’s everything. If we wanted another holiday in winter and wanted warm weather we would definitely come back to this hotel. Friendly staff makes for a great atmosphere. Just be aware of shopping. It can take an hour to buy something in a shop because they want to talk to you the whole time. Haggle with them to get a good price.
Go there and enjoy!
It never rains here although being near the sea is breezy at times and in the shade with the breeze can be cool. At night a thin jacket and pants are required!
Upon entering the hotel you can see it is one of the best in Hurghada. Always clean and they are always painting over something that seems to be perfect. The service is 1st class. The attendants speak most common languages, although I found that most spoke German the best, then English, Russian, Italian, French, and so on. That saying you wont have a problem speaking English here!
They accept euros including coins when paying for something. We didn't have to have Egyptian pounds although there is an exchange service in the lobby and an ATM in the adjoining hotel (Albatross).
We had a twin room on the 3rd level in building 7. We were pretty much the furthest away from the lobby but near the other resort. We simple pushed the 2 beds together to make it a double. Room was cleaned daily and was always cleaned properly. The power points in the room are euro 'Schuko' points like in Germany, plus Egyptian 2 pin power points that also fit euro 2 pin devices. There is a TV in the room that only had 2 English channels, BBC and an Arab channel that played English films with Arabic subtitles. There were more German channels plus other languages. We tipped our personal room cleaner a few times and he was grateful (only 50 cents). He never stole anything but if unsure there is a safe service in the lobby that costs about 2 euro a day. Every room has a balcony with 2 chairs and a table. The only problem with the room is the shower doesn't have enough pressure, but still works ok. We didn't have problems with the shower being cold. There is also a small fridge in the room where we kept our water.
Remember to drink the bottled water provided for you at the restaurant. Its free if you book all inclusive, otherwise 2 euros every time! All inclusive was worth it when you factor in the water bottles, and drinks. I found the food great. Of course it is different but there was always something I loved. Potatoes were delicious plus the fried chicken, spaghetti, fresh eggs/omelet’s (breakfast), fish... Basically around 8 hot dishes for all meals, plus around 20 salads and 15 desserts. Drinks were self serve Pepsi variety dispensers. Alcohol was local, such as Gordons Dry Gin and John Walker Black Label. Beer didn't taste good after 2 days so add a little cola and voila! Whiskey was ok, vodka was like petrol. You can buy Heineken for 2-3 euro, but hey... Plus you can buy brand name alcohol. There is only 1 restaurant to eat in and dinner was usually full. You could eat from 0600 to midnight! Plus drinking until midnight.
There is a small disco at the front of the hotel where the shops are. Entry is free. The pools looked fantastic and had a romantic feel. One was heated but not the wave pool. They turn the waves on about 3 times a day but nobody was in there! Hey it is December! There are also 2 bars at the pool (not in them) plus a bar in the lobby. We generally hanged out at the adjoining hotel Albatross. We found the atmosphere better. With all inclusive, we were allowed to use all the facilities of both hotels, including bars and lunchtime snacks at the pool (hot chips!).
Facilities included a tennis courts (we had our own equipment), basketball/football court, 4 water slides (not very fast!), plus various activities that the 'animation team' organizes. Things like bocce, volleyball, water polo, darts, aerobics, and afternoon theatre, etc. They were friendly and from various countries.
We did do some extra activities such as quad bikes in the desert, snorkeling and an Egyptian night. The 1st time we laid at the pool, people will come up to you trying to sell there activities. They are friendly but it can be annoying as it does take time for them to explain what they are offering. The best of them was Arafa and Osama (or Sam!). They both work in the Albatross Hotel near the reception. With Arafa we booked a snorkeling tour in the Red Sea. For 35 euros you get an 8 hour trip. The snorkeling gear provided was excellent - the goggles water tight! They take you on a large boat 1st to an island to relax on the sand. We snorkeled of the beach and saw our 1st Clown fish - Nemo! Then off to another island to snorkel next to a reef - fantastic! Then we ate on board. Then off to another island to snorkel and then another island an back. The sea water was ok, a little cold but worth it.
With Osama we bookd a quad bike tour in the dessert. The lasted for ages. The quad bike tour was about 1 hour around sand. The bikes were fast but we had to stay in line which made the tour slow and somewhat boring. I ended up overtaking people now and then which the tour guides didn't like (the trick is to make sure they don't see you!). Then we jumped into a Toyota Troop Carrier and drive into the mountains across the desert. The ride was a bit bumpy (well the desert is not just smooth sand!). We visited a tiny village. Then back to the base camp for another small kart ride - boring! Then a short camel ride, wind sailing was cancelled due to no wind?! And then dinner. After dinner we saw a snake show and dancing shows which we saw on the Egyptian night. All this for 45 euros.
The Egyptian was pretty good. It is at the Albatross hotel. For 12 euros you get the traditional gown, plus typical Egyptian food and then entertainment. 1st up belly dancers, then came a guy who spins around for ages (worth seeing!). He dances while spinning for at least 10 minutes.
I guess that’s everything. If we wanted another holiday in winter and wanted warm weather we would definitely come back to this hotel. Friendly staff makes for a great atmosphere. Just be aware of shopping. It can take an hour to buy something in a shop because they want to talk to you the whole time. Haggle with them to get a good price.
Go there and enjoy!
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- Date of Holiday:Dec 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:1 2 Fly
" As the Aqua Blu is a new hotel, I... "
Submitted By: Mr J D West
As the Aqua Blu is a new hotel, I couldn't find any reviews of the hotel before we went, apart from one website set up to lambast the hotel by someone who'd had a bad experience, so it was with some trepidation that we booked a last minute week there.
We were very pleasantly surprised by the high quality of the hotel and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to others. It certainly looked better than other hotels we saw in the resort.
The hotel consists of a main entrance building, with 12 three storey accommodation blocks, each of about 40 rooms, arranged around three swimming pools, one of which was a wave pool and one was heated.
The wave pool wasn't switched on, though the fountains and waterfall were, but as the water temperature was rather cold in the unheated pools in December I can understand them not switching on the wave system as nobody was in the water. The heated pool was much nicer to swim in!
The interconnecting Albatross Resort hotel had more pools and 4 pretty good water slides.
Our room was clean and spacious, with a fridge and balcony, plus en-suite shower room. We had an extra (full size) single bed in the room for our 5 year old but there was still plenty of room. The balcony had two chairs and a table and overlooked the pool with views across to the inland mountains.
Only slight negative was the shower which cycled from freezing, to warm to scalding every two minutes. However I've stayed in much worse hotels in other countries and paid a lot more. We met another family who'd booked a 2-6 person room and got a two room suite with a mini kitchen which sounded really good.
Tokens are issued for a pool / beach towel each which you can collect and return each day. The resort was quiet, partly because it is so spread out and partly because the late night disco is in a club which is reached by a shuttle bus.
The all inclusive rate included all meals and local alcoholic beverages, but not ice creams. It was always possible to find something enjoyable to eat, but it is not a British menu, so rice and pasta are more plentiful than potatoes.
Often there would be one or two desks producing extra dishes, such as an omelet, pasta with sauces, or barbequed meat. Salads were plentiful and interesting and the sweets were of the sticky cake variety, often with coconut in them.
Our 5 year old daughter is a very fussy eater and yet we managed to find something for her. The soups offered looked bizarre and we didn't try them. You also have the option of eating at the snack bar in the adjoining Albatross Resort hotel or at a restaurant on the beach at the Albatross Beach Hotel where chips and pizza were available.
The beer was fine and the local gin and tonic was interesting i.e. tasted like nothing I'd tried before, but I quite liked it.
The beach itself is about a 10 minute walk away, though the Albatross Resort, across the road (with a man to stop the traffic), then through the grounds of the Albatross Beach hotel. As all three hotels are owned by the same group, there is some sharing of facilities, but meals are generally taken in your own hotel apart from the snack bar / beach restaurant mentioned above.
We tried a few of the excursions and the only thing I would warn is that the Medhotels rep is almost completely wrong in his descriptions. Thus a 50 minute jeep drive into the desert to meet a Bedouin tribe with belly dancing, snake charming etc. (£23 each, children half price) turned out to be an hour and a half drive over the most incredibly bumpy, uncomfortable, terrain imaginable to a small settlement of Bedouin with, very little to offer except a camel ride, and seeing how the tribe managed to live in such an inhospitable place.
We loved it, except for the journey, but if you are after the fake tourist version - give this one a miss. The trip to Luxor (a very cheap £50 per person, children half price) was amazing, but the 3 1/2 hour journey was nearer 5 1/2, which made it a very long day.
We saw Hatshepsut's Funery Temple; Valley of the Kings; were sold alabaster ware (very reasonable); motor boat across the Nile; horse drawn carriage to a restaurant (okay meal included) and then to KarnakTemple, before a visit to a Papyrus shop (expensive). I would definitely recommend this trip if you haven't been to Luxor before.
Do remember not to drink the tap water (or even brush your teeth in it) and expect to get an upset tum at some stage (my wife escaped it and our daughter had a very mild dose). Whilst the hotel has their own remedies, if you take your own, you can swallow them when trouble starts which seems to nip things in the bud and avoids interrupting the holiday.
We didn't try the diving or glass bottomed boats, but there are lots available.
Other observations would be, bring lots of change for tipping pound coins and 50p pieces for example, as low denomination Egyptian notes were hard to come by. The bank desk in the hotel gave better exchange rates than in the UK.
Whilst lazing by the pool you will be approached by employees trying to interest you in excursions and massages in the health suite. Treat them kindly, they are only trying to earn a living and are very polite (by Egyptian standards) and will chat and make you laugh, all in faultless English.
The Egyptians are very fond of children, which rather bothered our very shy daughter, but by the end of the week she was warming to several of the characters on the staff. One of the waiters had even bought her a cuddly toy as a present.
One other thing, there were 26 Brits and 800 other races, mainly Russians and Germans, though I gather the deal the Egyptian government made with Russia is coming to an end, so there will be a more even balance.
So I would certainly recommend the hotel for a holiday. We felt well protected by security staff and police during our stay.
It is however a very foreign country compared to say the Costa Del Sol, so don't expect a warmer version of Blackpool!
We were very pleasantly surprised by the high quality of the hotel and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to others. It certainly looked better than other hotels we saw in the resort.
The hotel consists of a main entrance building, with 12 three storey accommodation blocks, each of about 40 rooms, arranged around three swimming pools, one of which was a wave pool and one was heated.
The wave pool wasn't switched on, though the fountains and waterfall were, but as the water temperature was rather cold in the unheated pools in December I can understand them not switching on the wave system as nobody was in the water. The heated pool was much nicer to swim in!
The interconnecting Albatross Resort hotel had more pools and 4 pretty good water slides.
Our room was clean and spacious, with a fridge and balcony, plus en-suite shower room. We had an extra (full size) single bed in the room for our 5 year old but there was still plenty of room. The balcony had two chairs and a table and overlooked the pool with views across to the inland mountains.
Only slight negative was the shower which cycled from freezing, to warm to scalding every two minutes. However I've stayed in much worse hotels in other countries and paid a lot more. We met another family who'd booked a 2-6 person room and got a two room suite with a mini kitchen which sounded really good.
Tokens are issued for a pool / beach towel each which you can collect and return each day. The resort was quiet, partly because it is so spread out and partly because the late night disco is in a club which is reached by a shuttle bus.
The all inclusive rate included all meals and local alcoholic beverages, but not ice creams. It was always possible to find something enjoyable to eat, but it is not a British menu, so rice and pasta are more plentiful than potatoes.
Often there would be one or two desks producing extra dishes, such as an omelet, pasta with sauces, or barbequed meat. Salads were plentiful and interesting and the sweets were of the sticky cake variety, often with coconut in them.
Our 5 year old daughter is a very fussy eater and yet we managed to find something for her. The soups offered looked bizarre and we didn't try them. You also have the option of eating at the snack bar in the adjoining Albatross Resort hotel or at a restaurant on the beach at the Albatross Beach Hotel where chips and pizza were available.
The beer was fine and the local gin and tonic was interesting i.e. tasted like nothing I'd tried before, but I quite liked it.
The beach itself is about a 10 minute walk away, though the Albatross Resort, across the road (with a man to stop the traffic), then through the grounds of the Albatross Beach hotel. As all three hotels are owned by the same group, there is some sharing of facilities, but meals are generally taken in your own hotel apart from the snack bar / beach restaurant mentioned above.
We tried a few of the excursions and the only thing I would warn is that the Medhotels rep is almost completely wrong in his descriptions. Thus a 50 minute jeep drive into the desert to meet a Bedouin tribe with belly dancing, snake charming etc. (£23 each, children half price) turned out to be an hour and a half drive over the most incredibly bumpy, uncomfortable, terrain imaginable to a small settlement of Bedouin with, very little to offer except a camel ride, and seeing how the tribe managed to live in such an inhospitable place.
We loved it, except for the journey, but if you are after the fake tourist version - give this one a miss. The trip to Luxor (a very cheap £50 per person, children half price) was amazing, but the 3 1/2 hour journey was nearer 5 1/2, which made it a very long day.
We saw Hatshepsut's Funery Temple; Valley of the Kings; were sold alabaster ware (very reasonable); motor boat across the Nile; horse drawn carriage to a restaurant (okay meal included) and then to KarnakTemple, before a visit to a Papyrus shop (expensive). I would definitely recommend this trip if you haven't been to Luxor before.
Do remember not to drink the tap water (or even brush your teeth in it) and expect to get an upset tum at some stage (my wife escaped it and our daughter had a very mild dose). Whilst the hotel has their own remedies, if you take your own, you can swallow them when trouble starts which seems to nip things in the bud and avoids interrupting the holiday.
We didn't try the diving or glass bottomed boats, but there are lots available.
Other observations would be, bring lots of change for tipping pound coins and 50p pieces for example, as low denomination Egyptian notes were hard to come by. The bank desk in the hotel gave better exchange rates than in the UK.
Whilst lazing by the pool you will be approached by employees trying to interest you in excursions and massages in the health suite. Treat them kindly, they are only trying to earn a living and are very polite (by Egyptian standards) and will chat and make you laugh, all in faultless English.
The Egyptians are very fond of children, which rather bothered our very shy daughter, but by the end of the week she was warming to several of the characters on the staff. One of the waiters had even bought her a cuddly toy as a present.
One other thing, there were 26 Brits and 800 other races, mainly Russians and Germans, though I gather the deal the Egyptian government made with Russia is coming to an end, so there will be a more even balance.
So I would certainly recommend the hotel for a holiday. We felt well protected by security staff and police during our stay.
It is however a very foreign country compared to say the Costa Del Sol, so don't expect a warmer version of Blackpool!
-
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Lastminute
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We went there for 11 nights and let say we would defo go back, the hotel is lovely and food was fine we did not get food poising after all we read on the reviews, apart from the hang overs but thats our own fault.
The only thing that i would say is that theres not much entertainment for young couple and we got alil bored at night but if u were in a family or large group it would have been better.
The staff are lovely and spoke good english and they are always smiling, Yes there are alot of russians and germans who i thought were rude to the staff but were fine to us and they did not put us off.
however i do recomend using the doctor out there i had a bloked ear from the pool and had to have my ear serigned at 206 euros wich was a shock so do not use the doctor unless u really need to.
I would recomend buying ur gifts when u get to the airport before u leave as there much cheaper and have prices mark.
the only thing that i did not like as a women was u could not just walk into a shop and look u get harrassed and they will charge u stupid prices for everything.
While we were there we booked a trip which was well worth the money. we got toke to the desert were we had an hours go on the quads then 10mins on the spider cars then camel and horse rides then we got to to a remote village about 40mins away and get to see how they live then we get taken back for a live show and dinner the whole trips is around 5 hours and well worth 30 euros per person.
Anyway i would recomend this hotel to anyone.
Good for: Beach