Reviews of Halomy Hotel, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

A WARNING TO ALL LADIES PLEASE...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss K Barker

Comments:

A WARNING TO ALL LADIES PLEASE READ PLEASE READ PLEASE READ PLEASE READ PLEASE READ



This review must be taken as it is intended, my friends and I recently visited the Halomy for a girls week away. We selected this hotel based on reviews and took their advice going bed and breakfast rather than all inclusive (this was indeed the best option).



The location could not have been better, the views are spectacular, the accommodation basic but adequate and most importantly clean. Breakfast slightly unusual but at the same time very Egyptian.



The staff in the most part were great particularly Mohammed who organises the parasailing etc . . . DO NOT GET HIM CONFUSED with MASSAGE MOHAMMED AKA Ricky Martin. MASSAGE MOHAMMED preys on the ladies, from the first day he was constantly in our faces (three single ladies away on holiday!), when all we wanted was some peace and relaxation.



After days of persistence he got one of us to have a full body massage which turned out to be a big MISTAKE. Without going into unnecessary detail he was rubbing more than his hands against her body, in addition to some what can only be described as explicit legs massage moves. We have officially complained to the hotel management however felt it necessary to warn people as this man is still working at the hotel as we later discovered.



Do not let this deter you from staying at the hotel however under NO CIRCUMSTANCES would we recommend using the massage service with MOHAMMED, it was the only down side to our break away.



Sharm is great fun with lots to do and a great night life, the Camel bar is not to be missed we hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Returned yesterday from a week...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2007

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Ms B  Richards

Comments:

Returned yesterday from a week at the Halomy, our second visit, we stayed for a week in Oct in 2006.



All in all you get what you pay for, as others have said the rooms are kept very clean, the staff are friendly, the location is stunning. It's not the Ritz, but it's not Ritz prices either. It is pretty much in need of a lick of paint and a bit of TLC, more so that last year but having said that the staff in general couldn't be friendlier and more helpful.



I would recommend this hotel to anyone who has travelled about a bit and is realistic about what to expect for their money. You also need to be reasonably fit to manage the steps up to it from Naama Bay itself. If you swim to the right from the beach there is a lovely pinnacle with a huge variety of fish on it to snorkel though beware - we watched two Titan trigger fish having a bit of a battle - amazing!

My boyfriend and I got back from...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Miss D L Francis

Comments:

My boyfriend and I got back from this resort on Monday 1st July 2007. I have got to say that first and foremost this hotel has the best location in Naama bay, with amazing views and incredible private beach for the best snorkelling in the area.



I have to admit, also, that what you can see snorkelling you can see diving from our experiences. But that’s not to say that the diving was not worth it, it definitely was.



The food is as everyone describes, so I would highly recommend that you don’t go All Inclusive to this hotel, Naama is cheap to eat out anyway. The menu was very repetitive although you make do with what you paid for.



It isn’t that the food tasted bad, just the same every day (chicken, beef, rice, sauté veg, and soup).



Drinks are served in small glasses and it is a bit tedious having to go up to the bar more regularly, signs of frustration show in the faces of the staff also.



The staff are not overly friendly and felt myself being nicer to them than they were to me, even by the end of the week they were still asking for proof that we were AI customers and they had served us every day. They give you a plastic wristband, which after much diving and swimming gets a little damaged after a week!!



The location does come at a price, the amount of steps leading up to it can be a problem, so those who need accessible resorts please bare this in mind.

Our room was at the top of these steps on the right hand side (room 116) right by the security office, so top marks for level of security.



All in all for the cost of the hotel, it was good value for money. I would rate it a 3 star.



The rooms were very clean and cleaned every day. Leave a tip for the cleaner and he will leave a nice surprise in return. Showers were fine, and ladies there are hairdryers but take your own you will not regret it!



The Halomy Hotel is good for families and couples but I would not return to this hotel. However, I had an amazing time and brought back incredible pictures and memories.

Just got back from Halomy hotel...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2007

Tour Operator:

Panorama

Submitted By:

Mrs B Flaherty

Comments:

Just got back from Halomy hotel what can I say about the Halomy that you haven’t already heard?



The hotel is really good if you want a relaxing holiday lounging by the pool as we did.



The steps into Naama Bay weren’t a problem at all five minutes at a strolling pace and you were at the bottom chatting to the guy who organises the boat trips!



The food at the Halomy wasn’t the best thing about the hotel but we never went hungry. We were half board but would book bed and breakfast next time we ate in the bay most nights, the Mexican at the Naama Bay hotel was great with karaoke and TV whilst you eat!



The hassle from the traders was nowhere near as bad as you may have been told, give them a smile and just say no thanks if you don’t want to see what they have to offer.



Overall the Halomy has got the best location in the whole of Sharm the views are excellent.



The staff around the pool are great couldn’t do enough. Can’t believe how long they work each day. Michael at the bar was super, after the first day or so he remembered what you liked to drink and always had a smile. Too many names to remember, but they were all fantastic.



Try the henna tattoos. Memo will do it again for you for free before you go home to make sure you get your money’s worth and a tattoo to show your friends.



Overall a brill holiday we would go back to the Halomy tomorrow. Enjoy your holiday at the Halomy Hotel we definitely did.

Me and my boyfriend arrived home...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2007

Tour Operator:

Med Hotels

Submitted By:

Miss C Revill

Comments:

Me and my boyfriend arrived home from Sharm last week, we had a fantastic time and will definitely be going back. We will stay at the halomy as we felt that it was very good value for money. Although next time we will not go all inclusive as we didn't think that was worth it.



The food at the hotel was edible and sometimes nice, it is so cheap to eat in town and so much nicer. I think next time we will just do bed and breakfast. Also all inclusive only includes fizzy drinks, no fruit juices and finishes at the bar at 11pm. We were out most day’s scuba diving and snorkelling so missed lunch at the hotel but lunch was always provided on the boats.



The staff at the hotel are very good, always willing to help and very friendly. Tip little and often.



The hotel is clean which is the main thing and the view makes up for any bad points. A few people were complaining about different things when we were there but I think as long as you don't expect the Ritz and just take it as it comes it is a lovely place. When I was looking at different hotels around Sharm I didn't see one I would rather stay at, all in all I think the halomy is great value for money.



Things I would recommend:

Scuba diving is a must even if you have never been before!!

Snorkelling at the private beach (or rock) is amazing!

Quad biking in the desert (ask Mohammed to sort it)

Camel ride in the desert (again ask Mohammed)

Day boat trip to Thiron Island (that probably spelt wrong)



Also make sure you ask around for prices before you buy or book anything. Some things we thought were really cheap turned out to be much cheaper somewhere else! And if any of the shop keepers in town asks you to sign his guest book in his shop don't go unless you want to buy something!! You have been warned!



Old Sharm is very cheap but I wouldn't go back, as you walk down the street you will get hassled constantly which does get extremely annoying. The people will be friendly but please remember they only want your money!



Go and see Gimmi down the stairs on the way to town. He can book exertions for you much cheaper and they are great. We only found him two days before we left but next time we will use him from the beginning. (At the bottom of the stairs and to the right)



Before we went we read all of these reviews about the hotel and lots of people were complaining about the steps to town. I don't know what we were expecting but when we saw them we laughed at the fact that people were complaining about them. Anyone that is healthy with any level of fitness will have no problem what so ever! I came away from that holiday having lost weight not gaining any!



Hope this has helped! Enjoy!

I stayed at the Halomy Hotel in...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

May 2007

Tour Operator:

on the beach holidays

Submitted By:

Mrs S Hewitt

Comments:

I stayed at the Halomy Hotel in May 07 with my partner and 8 yr old daughter. We really liked the hotel. We was nervous as to how good it was after reading many reviews but was very pleased with what we got for our money.



The staff were extremely friendly and made my daughter very happy. The breakfast wasn’t the best (and I’m not fussy) but it was edible. I’m pleased I wasn’t all inclusive.



It is in a perfect location and we had a room with a fabulous view. It would benefit from some up-dating but it was clean, relaxed and friendly and I would defiantly go again. But I would not recommend this hotel to anyone in a wheel chair or anyone with toddlers needing pushchairs as there are 112 steps to go up and down to get into town. This wasn’t a problem to us at all.



The snorkelling in the area is absolutely wonderful. My partner did his paddy diving course while we were there and loved every minute of it. I would love to still be there. The weather was hot hot hot!

The Halomy is a fantastic place...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

May 2006

Tour Operator:

Olympic Holidays

Submitted By:

Mr John Aynsley

Comments:

The Halomy is a fantastic place to stay! There are many reasons why and here are a few! I have stayed here twice! And I am going again in may 2007, already booked!



The staff are friendly and polite, the views are great and it is really well situated.



You are a five to ten minute walk from the main hub of life in Naama (saves money on taxi fare) although for those of us who are a little unfit, coming back up the steps is something to do slowly and definitely not around midday!!



The food is good value for money, although a little repetitive in the main restaurant. However they have themed nights, where you can indulge yourself in Italian, Mexican, barbeque or Egyptian food, outside.



There is also live entertainment most evenings and always a relaxed atmosphere. Belly dancers too!



Excursions can be arranged but shop about, as the tour operator isn't always the cheapest. Use the dive centre there they are excellent. Said is a smashing chap and knows his stuff.



Other friendly staff include Mohammed x2 Mustafa and the managers to name but a few!



The shop is handy when it’s open! Lol



The private beach is nice, snorkelling great and there is a bar. Can't wait to go back!

There were six in our party five...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Mar 2007

Tour Operator:

onthebeach

Submitted By:

Mrs V Parsons

Comments:

There were six in our party five whom had never been to Egypt before. We booked it as a cheap winter holiday and on checking the weather at that time of year we thought go for it we all needed some sun!!.



As soon as we stepped of the plane the sun hit us as did all the cabs after our money. The cab was something that would not be granted road worthy in uk but hey this was Egypt and after a good laugh at their antics to get all our luggage and us in [ that’s all six of us ] we arrived at our hotel the halomy in sharm el sheik.



We had our luggage taken to our room and on stepping out onto our balcony the amazing view over the bay all lit up was great. The hotel is set up on a cliff over looking narm bay and there are about a 100 steps very wide but not very steep steps down to the road leading in to town which is about 6 minute walk.



You soon got used to the steps and they never caused us a problem. The hotel complex is very clean if not a little run down. You can sit on the many levels on sun beds which were plentiful. The pool was great lovely and clean and plenty of room. There were also ledges that had comfy chairs and sun beds over looking the sea and bay all very nice.



You could see amazing fish and snorkel around the little coves down a few steps from hotel. The staff were very friendly and helpful and everywhere was kept clean and tidy. It was a very relaxing quiet hotel just what we needed. Out and about not far from hotel there were shops and shops and shops and plenty of bars and places to eat all very reasonably priced. We all had a great time and cannot wait to go back again next year. The weather was also glorious

The Halomy Hotel is in an ideal...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Mar 2007

Tour Operator:

Olympic Holidays

Submitted By:

Mr I Mackenzie

Comments:

The Halomy Hotel is in an ideal location, where the staff are extremely friendly and very helpful. Its main let down for me, was the food. When we arrived initially, the standard of food was pretty low, which put us off for a couple of days.



In fairness, the food did get better during the course of the week but the choice was limited. We were all inclusive, and the staffs' insistence on serving us small glasses of beer and soft drinks as opposed to giving us the full bottles was annoying. The rooms were basic, but clean. The showers were pathetic - cold and nowhere near enough pressure.



However, as mentioned, the staff were helpful and very friendly. My girlfriend caught a bug whilst there, and they showed real concern and gave us advice on what medication to buy (there's a pharmacy down the steps) and on what food to eat. Again, the location of the hotel was second to none. The view across the bay is fantastic.



There are 113 steps down to Na'ama Bay, which keeps you fit and means you can reach the main strip in little more than 5 minutes. The small beach, which the hotel owns is excellent. You can lounge down there to your heart's content and it is an excellent place for snorkeling. They have a bar on the beach as well.



If you ever go, look out for Memo and Mohammed - the resident tattooists and masseurs! They're a persuasive pair! They're good guys and they'll certainly add to your Egyptian experience.



All in all, I'd say the Halomy is a decent hotel with a good family-run spirit about it. It's got its faults but if you'd ask whether I'd go back, I'd say yes.

Just about to book to go here...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2006

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

tigergambit

Comments:

Just about to book to go here again, having been in 2005 and 2006.



I concur with most of the comments although some of the negative ones seem a little churlish - what do you expect at this price?



Main good points:



- Location - easy walk into Naama bay, but far enough not to be noisy.



- Beach/snorkelling, as advertised in the brochures not a sandy beach but a truly fantastic reef, ideal for snorkelling.



- Staff are great, very friendly and helpful.



- Masseur, Mohamed is good and talks the talk, but Ahmed is the better masseur if you want a harder sports type massage. I had a problem with a stiff neck after the flight and he sorted it very quickly at 10.30 at night!! Very talented guy.



- Diving centre, we all did the PADI course last year. A bit less than half the price of doing it in England and you can do it in warm water. Sayed is a bit aloof but a really nice guy when you get to know him. Walid was tremendously patient with us (we'd never done it before) and helped all of us through the course.



Two of the kids were under 11 so quite an achievement. Really nice to go out on the boat for the day. Use this guy even if you're not staying at the Halomy. Very reasonable and very safe. Cost around £200 for 4 days plus the $30 registration fee when you pass.



Average: Some of the paths are uneven and the steps would make it difficult for under 6s.



The food is OK if somewhat repetitive. Breakfast is great.



AI vs. Half Board. We went half board the first year and AI last year and didn't notice any difference in the service. Having said that we aren't big drinkers and weren't abusing it. AI must be worth it just for the convenience with teenagers.



TOP TIPS: Drink plenty of carbonates (Coke is particularly good if you like it) as they have the required electrolytes to stop you dehydrating.



Do not only drink bottled water, as this just flushes the salts out of your body and dehydrates you. Lager is also good! (In moderation). Do not drink liquids which are super cold. Eat plenty of crisps.



DO NOT leave your air con on when you are not in the room as going from 40 degrees to 10 degrees shocks your body and will make you ill.



We didn't do this the first year and had mild stomach problems. Stuck to these rules last year and had no problems. Our friends wouldn't listen and were ill. If you are ill drink lots of flat unchilled coke.

Location was good not far from...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jan 2007

Tour Operator:

Olympic Holidays

Submitted By:

Mrs S T

Comments:

Location was good not far from the centre of Naama bay.



All inclusive not as good as others had been to in different parts of the world.



All inclusive in this hotel was not what it seems. You have to pay for extra things that should have been included.



No hairdryer, even though it says one is included in the brochure. Tour rep was useless arrived late every time.



Hotel was very clean and staff very friendly. Old Sharm is very good for shopping; get better deals than in the bay.

When we arrived the first...

Overall Rating:

3/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Dec 2006

Tour Operator:

Olympic Holidays

Submitted By:

missholiday2006

Comments:

When we arrived the first evening Christmas Eve we were offered two cocktails drinks, thinking that these would be complimentary - we were charged 5 pounds per drink that's English pounds not Egyptian!



The first night we arrived we were waited on hand and foot only to be charged a whopping amount for our bar bill, this came to over 50 English pounds - very disappointing and I feel that we were being ripped off on our first night! After that we were continually ignored in the Restaurant when we wanted to order drinks etc.



The food was terrible, we ending up eating out every other night as we got the same Breakfast and Dinner everyday - no variety at all, so we spent around 10pp to eat out at better restaurants within Sharm.



We advised the Restaurant Manager of this after the first week, but after a day of changing this, it went back to terrible low standards by the end of our holiday.



The rooms are very basic but cleaned on a daily basis which you get at all the Hotels in Sharm, however I think that Sharm needs to catch up with the rest of the Med and start thinking about cleanliness a little more - it is pretty filthy and every toilet I visited was disgusting I would rather do my business in the desert!



The diving is good however, I found myself dodging a few plastic bags and litter in the sea whilst snorkeling, so if Egypt doesn't start picking up the rubbish I think they will suffer in the long run where tourism is concerned. When I went in 2003 it wasn't like this?



I think Olympic's standards have dropped. I feel that Olympic Holidays has let us down on this occasion.



If you want basic then stay at the Halomy Hotel, that's all I can say really apart from the views are good.



I don't think that I will return to Egypt now, this has been my second visit and standards throughout Sharm has really dropped.

Just returned from our 2nd visit...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2006

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Dr K Chang

Comments:

Just returned from our 2nd visit to the same hotel, not really a hotel, more like apartments, as we thoroughly enjoyed it last year, apart from some of the staff, little has changed.



Rooms are kept very clean on a daily basis, beds made and towel art if you are lucky, 2le a day tip for the cleaners is greatly appreciated, it goes a long way to top up their £12 per week wages (amazing eh?)



Our gripe this year though was definitely the food, don't expect bacon 'n' eggs, sausage 'n' mash or anything else to remind you of home cooking. The food is not aimed at the British pallet, all fresh and well cooked but everyday, both lunch and tea was rice, chicken, beef and salad, tedious after 3 days let alone 14.



The Halomy is situated overlooking Naama bay offering lovely views of the mountains to the left, the bay ahead and Tiran island to the right,( Saudi just beyond, but not visible).



The town is only a 5 minute walk but expect it to take you slightly longer to return if you aren't to fit as there are 113 steps to climb ,coming back, a taxi can be taken from the top of the town, don't pay more than 20le, they will try to get 25 or 30, stick to your guns.



Nightlife in the Halomy is non existent unless you are happy to sit at the bar all night, that is one drawback, although they have started a seafood party, 3 types of fish, a bit of rice 'n' stuff from the restaurant and a bit of entertainment.



Also a pharonic night with 2nd rate entertainment, both these evenings are extra, about £6 each. Overall you will enjoy your stay, the staff are very friendly and helpful, visit saladino in the silver shop and go snorkelling down the steps at the hotel.

We were quite worried about...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2006

Tour Operator:

Olympic Holidays

Submitted By:

Miss M G

Comments:

We were quite worried about staying at Halomy as it's only a 3 star, but it was fantastic.



The rooms are spacious and clean. The food is lovely, and the staff are fantastic. Halomy's private beach provides fantastic snorkelling. We took a day trip to Ras Mohammed from Halomy's dive centre, which provided even more fantastic snorkelling.



I have no reservations about recommending Halomy, and would definitely stay there again.

This was the second time that I...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2006

Tour Operator:

Med Hotels

Submitted By:

Miss S Atkins

Comments:

This was the second time that I had traveled to Egypt, and I must say that after my first experience in 2004 I did not think that would enjoy it! But I was wrong, this hotel was fantastic, the staff were great, the location fab and all around my week in Egypt was Brilliant!



The Halomy is based on a cliff side, there are over 100 steps down the cliff side and into the resort/beach! I was quite worried the first day as I new that I would be visiting the town everyday, but to be honest you get used to it and but the 3rd day it was fine! The nightlife/shopping/restaurants are only a 5-10 minute walk from the hotel, which is really good as most hotels you have to pay out for taxi's!



I went half board to this hotel, but really you only need ed and Breakfast, I went to Sharm with £150 to spend and came back with £30, we eat out every night and even done a bit of shopping, so this is a brilliant place to come when you are on a budget!



All in all, I would definitely recommend the Halomy to any customers looking for a nice relaxing, friendly atmosphere, with nightlife and shopping just a 5minute walk away. I wouldn’t however recommend it to families with small children, those with walking difficulties, and also those who like big white sand beaches (although the snorkeling is great).