Tropicana Grand Oasis Resort

1 reader found this review helpful

Probably not the best hotel I've stayed in. Would I recommend it..? No. If you like sitting around a very large swimming pool and snorkelling then this is for you. On arrival it looks impressive and the staff are very friendly (albiet a bit too annoying around the swimming pool trying to sell you massage's), please Tropicana management reduce or stop this. It's true, not a British hotel, but it's good to meet other nationalities, this is Egypt and not Little-Britain.
One major problem and worth considering before booking, there is no evening entertainment. Well that's not not entirely true, there are some but certainly not worth seeing. You have three choices, sit in the reception area where there is a bar (poor), go to Naarm Bay (you will get hassled but Hard Rock Cafe very good) or stay in your room, not really three great options.
We did try the main resturant and it was sub-standard. I would strongly recommend the English Resturant, although not English food but the service is much higher. The scuba-diving is fanstastic and really the only reason why I would return. Please be sensible, do not eat cold or warm food or drink the tap water. The water is yellow, so a bath is out of the question. We met other holiday-makers, also in their 20's and the girls did feel uncomfortable and the hassle you receive in Naarm Bay is a real problem. If you are young and blond, just say no firmly, do not look at them and do not stop to talk. Sounds drastic and not what you expect from a holiday, but you are in an Arab country and as long as you abide to these words of wisdom you will have an enjoyable holiday.

Please do not book this hotel, worst we have seen for some time, we asked to be relocated within a couple of hours of arriving. Food was cold, the dining room was like a works canteen and up loads of stairs, definitely a no go area if you have walking problems. Went to have a shower and the water was deep brown even after letting it run for 10 minutes. The hotel was also under the flight path and really smelt of engine fuel, to say its a three star plus, we were really disappointed.

The rooms, food and hotel and pool staff were excellent. The location to the airport was too close you might as well have been on the runway. The smell of aviation fuel is at its height at night when it becomes sometimes unbearable.
The whole place was filled with Russians the most greedy and arrogant people. The amount of food they waste would feed a small country. The Russians can have it I'm off to the Caribbean.

It was my first time to Egypt and didn’t know really what to expect, Landed and got into the airport, the cab drivers go wild and start fighting for your custom. We got into the oldest dodgiest car you have ever seen, they drive like nutters, and there is litter all along the desert, which spoiled it I thought.
Got to the hotel by the skin of our teeth, and at first it looked great, huge reception area, very clean and tidy, shops and the bar.
On the down side we were offered a massage, by an Egyptian lady by the pool, so my girlfriend and her sister and there mum and Gran went, afterwards we met up and she said the man giving her a massage tried it on by rubbing to close to her groin area, to which I was furious, we told the manager and was assured he would be dealt with, but what a nightmare. Warning do not get the massage!!!!
I would go somewhere else next time, as the food was very poor, I couldn’t eat it and felt sick when I got back.
We had a good time around the pool though, there was always a bed available, and the beach is 2 mins down the hill.
The snorkelling was great, the fish there are fantastic, and it’s like swimming in a huge fish tank.

Fantastic hotel, very clean and well looked after. Staff were very helpful, couldn't do enough for you. Pool area was spacious, lots of sun beds, always clean.
The beach was lovely, great snorkelling. The rooms were large with big bathrooms, kept clean and tidy every day. Facilities were also very good. Free shuttle bus to Naama Bay was very handy and went 5 or 6 times throughout the day.
The only downside to us was the food. The buffet was alright, not a huge amount of choice and not always particularly well cooked food. We never had a bad meal there but neither did we have a really good meal.
We tried the Italian restaurant once, it was awful! The only other thing was the location; to see or do anything more you had to go to Naama Bay.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the hotel - we had a fantastic fortnight there. We would also go back to Sharm el Sheikh but probably stay in a hotel nearer to Naama Bay.

I chose this based upon the fact it had 3 restaurants as well and the main one.
The airport is fine we go through quick, the toilets are shocking they don't flush and have no loo paper and my partner said there was a man in males asking for money.
Got to the coach for transfer and a guy was lift bags from the floor to coach and had hand out asking for money.
Short transfer to hotel which has a grand entrance and high security and quick efficient check in.
We checked in and were told our bags would be taken to our room, we managed to get lost so a member of staff took us to the room but again wouldn’t leave until he was tipped, the bell boy who dropped off bags also stood until he got his £1 tip so be prepared take a bag of English pound coins.
The rooms were a bit dated but clean and we were right near the pool which proved to be a god send as there in no toilets around the pool area.
Some of the rooms by the beach are quiet a walk to the pool and restaurant, especially in the heat.
I found the food really bland, the same stuff almost served every night I know people have said they liked it but we seemed to live on bread and pasta.
Visited the Italian which was by the way a few seats outside this is ok but very small portions and they really rush you. The oriental was nice we got Kebabs and they were served on a mini BBQ on the table and the staff were great, that was nicest meal we have in hotel.
There is food put outside (dolphin bar) all day we ate from there and we were ill had runs and stomach pains this continued most the holiday so we were put off the food because of this. Went through 3 packets of Imodium so stock up. This is why a room next to the pool was great as the nearest loo was upstairs in hotel and when you got to go, you got to go.
The beach is a man made but is pretty again the toilets are quiet a walk from the beach and the beach bar. We also seen a rat down there at night time!!
Night time a lot of English people tend to go to the beach bar as it’s the only place the Italian animation team weren’t about.
Speaking of them, they were so loud they played the same game same time to same music every day, around 3pm just when it all goes quiet and people start napping along they come and blast the music and shout at each other down the microphone, they were so annoying. Even in the restaurant they were shouting across the room at each other.
The drink was foul the red wine and lager were OK for a day or so but I struggled to drink much as it was awful, the vodka burnt my throat although they did do a nice cocktail called casino. I did have to try man and they don't mind if you leave the ones you don't like.
Went to the welcome meeting with Thomsons reps they stuck us in a boiling hot room and went on and on about the trips for an hou,r and seemed to have very little local knowledge.
Went on the quad biking trip this was fab well worth the £25 we were out from 4.30 till 8pm take some long trousers and a back pack or bum bag and an old top and sunglasses. You get covered in dust and buying the head scarf is a must, even though you do look silly.
They take you through the dessert you whizz passed the camels then you go to a little hut and have drinks. It was fab the best part of the holiday.
The hotel runs free bus to Naama bay so we visited in need of some decent food really, went to Hard Rock cafe this was great the staff danced to YMCA and other songs every hour which was funny to watch. Food was dead cheap massive portions and the cocktails were fantastic.
There was loads of shop but we didn’t really have time to look. There's taxi drivers hanging about everywhere asking if you need a taxi and be warned they don't drive with their head lights on at night and only flash to let you know they’re there not to let you across the road as I learnt!
All in all had good time was relaxing but I think the runs and dickey tummy spoilt it there's nothing to do on a night time in the hotel so go a bit board. Had I paid more than £340 for a week I wouldn’t have been best pleased.
Or and on your last day they take your all inclusive off you at 12 so if like us you don’t leave hotel until 3pm you have to starve and have no towel.

We have just returned from a one week stay / cruise holiday which we both thoroughly enjoyed. Staff are first class at this hotel and could not do enough to help you. If you prefer excellent service and are on AI at no extra cost you must book up to go to the either the Fish , Oriental or the Italian restaurants.
All drinks are included, you do not get huge portions but the atmosphere, food, service is first class. Also attend the special Thomson Gala Buffet which is held in the Beach Restaurant which was also excellent. Hotel rooms are spacious and very clean, as is the hotel public areas and the well kept gardens.
The snorkeling from the hotel pontoon is great, I swam with about 25 different species of beautiful coloured fish, it was like swimming in a tropical fish aquarium fantastic!
There are some supermarkets and shops which are about 15-mins walk away were you can buy amongst other things good quality cheap snorkeling equipment.
The only down side was the evening entertainment which was aimed at the Russian, Italian guests however it is that bad it is really funny. There are free shuttle buses to Naama Bay which is about 20 mins. away or a taxi is approx £5.00 agree fare before going, a trip on Glass Bottomed boat costs £4.50 plus a drink for about 1.5 hours this again was great! Old Sharm is well worth a visit for a real feel of traditional Egypt this takes about 35 mins in taxi.
All in all an exceptional holiday hotel.

1 reader found this review helpful

Tropicana Grand Oasis -Sharks Bay
As per norm for a beach hotel in Sharm it is on a slope, with four blocks of rooms, there are also some villas nearest the beach. There is the Pool bar, Sand Beach Bar, and a soft drink's bar on the beach, as well as the Lobby bar.
The bar staff are friendly. The drinks do not appear to be of as good a quality as those last year at the Hilton, but measures quite large and new drinks appear before the first is half drunk. The staff is very caring for their customers and special alternate drinks appear when you have Egyptian tummy.
Food
There are three dining areas;
The main dining room
The Italian restaurant (Mamma Mia), /Snack bar (The Dolphin),
The Beach restaurant which is the Oriental & Fisherman restaurant at night
All have one big hygiene problem birds. Which the staffs are aware of but do nothing about, and allow them to eat the food at the serveries
Breakfast
Sausages not bad, Omelettes/pancakes freshly cooked, Cereals - good choice, Filter coffee/tea free, fair choice of other foods large cake selection
Snacks
Pasta, Meatballs, Salad, Mini pizza,
Lunch
Good choice of meats and vegetables
Plenty of fruit, freshly cooked pasta, Filter coffee/tea free
Dinner
Ice cream is extra to AI!, as is fresh juices, espresso and cappuccino.
Good choice of meats roasts and in sauces and pies are excellent vegetables not many on offer but well presented, freshly cooked pasta and a large cake selection
Drink
Espresso and cappuccino extra
Imported spirits expensive as expected
Measures of local spirits very generous but don't taste right, Rum is best local spirit
Beer served in glasses from draught and is very gassy.
All inclusive different for different countries
Italian -no alcohol
Russian/Polish /Czech no wine in bars but with meal
UK/German no ice cream
Pools
Freeform pools + kiddies pool clean but not heated colder than the sea
Gymnasium
Basic 2000 equip + free weights, Equipment tired
Personal trainer an ex Mr Egypt friendly and helpful
Sea
Usual entry via pontoon. A very alive reef, lots of fish. Variable current normally left to right, but does change. Reef has pinnacles on both sides of the pontoon, the one on left has marker buoy as top is about half a meter underwater
Usual problem of people walking on the coralline shelf
Diving
Werner Lau school on site very friendly and relaxed quite a family atmosphere
Dive courses available at very good rates
Excursions
Local hotel based organiser cheaper than Thomson reps
Thomson support
"Welcome meeting” as usual hard sell of dearest trips. Still have Dolphinella on list despite all complaints for last few years. No local information given except for presence of a few shops 10-minute walk away and about the public beach near the jetty at Sharks Bay, Nothing said about tummy upsets just a passing reference to the "Health and Safety” leaflets. Some information about taxis regarding cost but not taxi safety.
Naama Bay
Accessible by free hotel bus service that is free all day. Yet, Naama Bay doesn't seem as busy this year shopkeepers still trying hard to get you to buy but not as hard as last year, and prices not as cheap.

No problems getting to Manchester Airport quick and easy despite extra security.
Once on the plane first a crew member had to be replaced due to illness. Then there was a problem with the forward galley. This meant we were an hour and a quarter late taking off. All through the flight the pilot kept us extremely well informed and also made up half an hour, some of that was due to a passenger becoming seriously ill.
The Hotel
As per norm for a beach hotel in Sharm it is on a slope, with four blocks of rooms, there are also some villas nearest the beach. There is a pool bar, on the beach a soft drink's bar and a full bar (Sand Beach Bar), as well as the Lobby bar. The bar staff are friendly but a lot of them appear to be unhappy with the hotel.
The drinks do not appear to be of as good a quality as those last year at the Hilton, but measures quite large and new drinks appear before the first is half drunk. The staff are very caring for their customers and special alternate drinks appear when you've got Egyptian tummy.
Food
There are three dining areas;
The main dining room,
The Italian restaurant (Mamma Mia), /Snack bar (The Dolphin),
The Beach restaurant which is the Oriental & Fisherman restaurant at night.
All have one big hygiene problem, sparrows, which the staff are aware of but do nothing and allow them to eat the food at the serveries.
Breakfast
No fruit
No beef bacon
Sausages not bad
Omelettes/pancakes freshly cooked *****
Cereals - good choice *****
Filter coffee/tea free ******
Fair choice of other foods
Snacks
Pasta, Meatballs, Salad, Mini pizza, *
Lunch
Good choice of meats and vegetables
Plenty of fruit
Fresh pasta
Filter coffee/tea free
Dinner
Ice cream is extra to AI! as is fresh juices, expresso and cappuccino. Good choice of meats roasts and in sauces and pies are excellent, vegetables not many on offer but well presented.
Drink
Expresso and cappuccino extra
Imported spirits expensive as expected measures of local spirits very generous and don't taste right, the Whisky tastes like Tequila. Rum is best local spirit. Beer served in glasses from draught and is very gassy. All inclusive different for different countries. Italian -no alcohol. Russian/Polish /Cezh no wine. UK/German no ice cream.
Pools
Freeform pools + kiddies pool clean but not heated colder than the sea.
Gymnasium
Basic 2000 equip + free weights
Equipment tired. Personal trainer an ex Mr Egypt friendly and helpful.
Sea
Usual entry via pontoon. A very alive reef lot's of fish. Very slight current normally left to right, but does change. Reef has pinnacles on both sides of the pontoon, the one on left has marker buoy as top is about half a metre underwater. Usual problem of people walking on the coralline shelf.
Diving
Single dives work out at £41 the courses £41.80 with €30 certification fee, so Course a very good option as each dive is instructor accompanied. Dive School (Werner Lau) VERY up to date for health problems and supportive.
Excursions
Local hotel based organiser cheaper. My wife went on a Quad bike trip on Friday 1st week and parasending on Thursday 2nd week.
Thomson Support
"Welcome meeting” as usual hard sell of dearest trips. Still have Dolphinella on list despite all complaints for last few years.

No local information given except for presence of a few shops 10 minute walk away and about the public beach near the jetty at Sharks Bay.
Nothing said about tummy upsets just a passing reference to the "Health and Safety” leaflets.
Some information about taxis regarding cost but not taxi safety.
Naama Bay
Accessible by free hotel bus service that is free all day. Yet Naama Bay doesn’t seem as busy this year shopkeepers still trying hard to get you to buy but not as hard as last year, and prices not as cheap.

I think this hotel has had a pretty bad deal from people who have reviewed it so far. I read some reviews and admit I got a little worried from the reports I read, this is why I felt I needed to review it.
Sharm el sheik is quite charming a little unfinished but I think it all adds to the charm of the place. The hotel is spotlessly clean and there was no creepy crawlies what so ever. In fact when I went to Cairo I was amazed at the amount of flying insects about, I had not seen any in Sharm el sheik.
The catering may not be perfect but we had a choice of 3 different restaurants if you book them you will be able to find something to suit. The desserts were beautiful and my husband and I were treated like royalty by the hotel all week.
Rooms were cleaned on a daily basis as was the sheets if you required (or requested) it. The whole hotel is made of marble giving you a sense of opulence, and I felt the staff could not do enough to help us.
The only thing I would advise giving a miss is Sharm town where you are literally bullied and badgered into making purchases.
Overall a wonderful quiet holiday, plenty to do if you like the water or shopping Naama Bay is fantastic, and only about five pounds to get to, recommended.