Reviews of Tropicana Rosetta Hotel, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

My partner booked our holiday to...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Mar 2008

Tour Operator:

travel republic

Submitted By:

Miss S Ahmed

Comments:

My partner booked our holiday to Tropicana Rosetta via Travel republic for 7 nights. I used Holidaywatchdog to read reviews about the various hotels in Sharm El Sheikh and found the reviews about Tropican Rosetta to be acceptable. I wasn't sure about the class of hotel it was as various sights were rating it differently some as 3 star and some as 4 star.

When we arrived at Sharm El Sheikh we were able to get our transfer to the hotel without a problem but when I got into my room which was at the far end of the hotel... a long walk I have to say I was disappointed with the room. We had asked for a double room and found that we were given a twin room. The room looked cleanish.



On checking the bathroom I have to say I was unpleasantly surprised. The walls looked dirty and grimey and the toilet was dirty. The shower curtain didn't look like it had been changed for some years which wasn't reassuring.

Our room was next to a vent which was loud and churned out a horrible smell of food. Although the hotel displayed 4 stars I do not believe it is worth that more a 2 star if that.



We had requested breakfast with our holiday package and I was looking forward to breakfast the next morning. I was very disappointed with the breakfast on offer. No toast or cereal... just croissant and some other bits and pieces. The bread they have is like a hard piece of wood that u break ur teeth biting into.



As you've probably guessed I wasn't at all pleased with the hotel. The staff were polite and that's about all I can say.



As for the excursions we went horse riding and quad biking. With the horse riding the compnay did not provide any head protection so although I enjoyed the experience I was scared I'd fall of the horse and hurt myself. The quad biking was excellent. A lot of dust but a must do activity.



We went to Cairo to see the pyramids. You can either go by coach which will take about 6 hours or you can do what we did which is go by plane which takes 45 minutes. we arranged this excursion through a company called wings. The sights were beautiful.



Overall I would say Egypt is a nice place to visit and enjoy the views and beautiful weather but choose the accomodation wisely.

just returned from my first trip...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Feb 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr L Griffiths

Comments:

just returned from my first trip to egypt stayin at the tropicana rosetta hotel . could not of wished of a better hotel all staff are very freindly. rooms are very clean and spacious and well looked after.the pool area was well maintained and pool assistant was very helpful. we only had breakfast in the hotel but the the choice we had was excellent. meals in namma bay were very good and reasonably priced with things for everyone.we would recomend this hotel to anyone tryin egypt for the first time.we enjoyed it so much we are goin back in august.

My partner and I stayed here...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jan 2007

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Miss N Kidd

Comments:

My partner and I stayed here last year and found the Tropicana to be not only a warm friendly place but clean too. Everytime we left our room or returned, we always saw a member of staff with a mop or brush in their hands, cleaning or watering the plants and they always had a ready smile for you. Staff were helpful. The tour operators were fantastic. If there were any complaints (mainly refunds on tour excurtions) then it was dealt with quickly and efficiently. I went on a diving course but unfortunately had to quit due to an inner ear problem at the time and the First Choice operator soon gave me a refund on what I was owed. Also, we were to go on a boat trip but due to extreme windy weather one day it was cancelled by the Captain's orders.



We went Bed &Breakfast and found the choice to be vast. There were several european breakfast's, as well as cereals and hot foods, the choice is yours. There is a little kiosk as you walk in the hotel that sells Egyptian jewellry, my partner bought me a Cartouche in 18 karat gold with my name and to this day I love wearing it, as I have never seen anyone else with one yet. You can also have a goddess's name on the other side of the cartouche eg: Cleopatra, Isis etc....



The pools (and there were at least 4 that we knew of) were clean and well maintained. Get there early for a sun lounger, as people tend to put towels on them before breakfast. As you walk into the hotel the foyer is unbelievable. The floors are marble, as are the pillars and it really feels like you are stepping into the Hilton Hotel. Our room cleaner, was amazing. He was friendly and always kept our room spotless, without ever being invasive. He even tided our clothes that we left scrunched up on the bed. We did leave him a great tip which he was very humble about recieving. (Do not leave tips in the room, as we heard that the supervisors check the rooms on check out mornings and share with other cleaners. Not fair if only one of them does the work).



The beach, only a ten minute walk, was clean. It had an aerobics workout session on the beach for those who are far to energetic (and mad) the music was modern and not too loud or invasive. Snacks were available from stewards walking around but not pushy. Water sports were always available as you walk along the main pathway or even on the beach.



Na'ama Bay was busy and full of life. There are various types of food bars, eg: Chinese, Indian etc and not too badly priced. Alcohol was a little expensive but not overly so. There was a british bar there (can't remember the name) and we watched a few rugby and football matches there, again very friendly and English. Downside, no Cider! Nowhere in Egypt sells it!!! Beer aplenty though.



Other downsides, although not really many, but some to be aware of.



Our first night there, we were niavely talked in to entering a shop to look at picture prints and it was very difficult to leave as they try very hard to push you into buying things. Be forceful with the word "NO". You will constantly be hassled to either eat or drink in their restaurant/pub/lounge area or to buy their wares. (shop around and haggle, its great) You should never pay more than half of what they originally state. We bought a set of mask and fins each and the guy wanted us to pay nearly £100 and we got him down to about £20 per set (that was as we left the shop after trying to haggle). Know your currency and what it means in English pounds, that way you stand less of a chance of getting ripped off. Also the Egyptians (to their credit) know a few languages and will try talking to you to suss where you are from, (they didn't know Manchester, surprisingly).



All in all, we had a fantastic time and would fully recommend the Tropicana Rossetta and would go back there again. The weather was also fantastic. If you are a sun worshipper, you will go home in January with a very healthy tan, unless you are a waterbabe, then forget the tan and love the fish.



My very first experience of diving and snorkelling were out of this world. My first dive (which didn't last long) I saw a beuatiful Lionfish, as well as many parrot fish and several other many fish. My partner (whilst snorkelling) saw a Moray eel and we both saw angel fish, clown fish and many more. The water was lovely and warm, aside of one day when it got very windy and you couldn't see yours toes 3 inches in.... hey you've got to have at least one bad day anywhere, a bit of wind is nothing, (unless you're on a boat or a lift) lol.



Try the excursions, they are reasonable and a lot of fun, we also did the quad bikes. We had a great time with the quads, the bedowin tea you get halfway through was gorgeous (and free) and we bought the video at the end about £20, which is always a great souvneir to watch when you get home.



All in all, we would fully recommend this hotel and resort to couples, singles and families. There are activities for everyone. Not overly expensive but not cheap either. For our first and not last experience of Egypt, it had everything we wanted from a holiday and so much more......

Very good actually best hols...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jan 2007

Tour Operator:

MyTravel

Submitted By:

Mrs K Jackson

Comments:

Very good actually best hols ever been on, beautiful place lovely people very friendly no one bothers you no hastle, very good water park and you cant beat the bay at night, food is bril and very cheap. booked to go back in jan every year, The hotel was very nice and clean staff very friendly, beaches gorgous and the snorkling out of this world.

Well we booked this...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2006

Tour Operator:

Lastminute

Submitted By:

Mr Pd Nicholson

Comments:

Well we booked this accommodation after reading mixed reviews on various sites. Took the plunge and we thought the apartments were very nice.



It was clean and very well maintained. There was always someone eager to clean the rooms every morning and they did a stand up job. We were in the 3 star part of the complex and it was very nice.



We had a big pool that was shared between not too many people and you had plenty of room round it for your beds. It was just right to relax.



The holiday itself was quite different but in a good way. It was certainly eye opening to see the different culture that they have in Egypt. My girlfriend was used to it having lived in Saudi Arabia a number of years ago.



This hotel is located perfectly to be a little away from the bars and restaurants but it’s only a 5 minute walk down the main road to get on the stretch. Perfect location. Especially after seeing where the all inclusive resorts were that we dropped people off at before reaching our hotel!



A good holiday. Also saw the pyramids. Cairo is a bit of a dive though! Don't stay over there. You wouldn't want to go out!

Me & my boyfriend (aged 19...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2007

Tour Operator:

www.otbeach.com

Submitted By:

Miss K Hemming

Comments:

Me & my boyfriend (aged 19 & 21) stayed at the Tropicana Rosetta 17/04/07 - 02/05/07



Great hotel & spacious clean rooms. Pool was clean & warm (we only ever used the 1 next to reception as we found this to be the best).



Located on a busy main road but it's only 5 min walk into Naama bay town centre. We used to cross over and walk through the Hilton hotel (have a couple of drinks in the pirates bar - happy hour in there nearly all the time)...then walk along the beach front to bars/nightclubs etc.



Food basic (about 30 Egypt £s for pizza = £3) & beer quite expensive (27 Egypt £s = £2.70). It does get cheaper the closer to town you get & I would recommend going out early ish (bout 7pm) to get the benefit of all the happy hours



We bought our own flippers & snorkel (150 Egypt £s = £15 - which was a good price) but the hotel's beach is about 10 mins walk away. Once you cross over the main road turn left (right takes you into town) then down an alley way & once on beach front walk down to left for bout 5mins. It is worth the walk as there are less jellyfish & more colourful, tropical fish to see



The beach is lovely & warm with loads of entertainment. Volleyball & aerobics, music is played all day long but not too loud



I would definitely go back to Sharm (Naama bay) again & would stay at the Tropicana Rosetta.

I have stayed for diving breaks...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2007

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mr A Barnwell

Comments:

I have stayed for diving breaks at the Rosetta before; it is a very good functional hotel right next door to Emperor Divers.



The staff are extremely helpful, will use again.



The food was fine, the room good and clean.

The hotel is fantastic; my...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2007

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mrs RP Gilbert

Comments:

The hotel is fantastic; my husband has stopped at the Hilton and the Dorchester in London and didn’t have service as good as this hotel.



The breakfast selection was out of this world and we were stuck for choice every morning as what to have, that was until we were taken ill.



Yes we were taken ill and for nearly the entire fortnight of the holiday.



The Customer Relations Manager tried to be very helpful and kept bring us medicine from his "doctor friend", but what he failed to tell us was we could have gone to see the doctor on the hotel site.



When we finally did find out about the doctor on site all our problems were resolved within a couple of days.



If we had of seen him sooner we could have enjoyed the holiday, as it is we didn’t.



I would recommend not having the outdoor meals offered at this hotel as we suspect this was the problem.



The people are generally lovely, helpful, and friendly and if you are firm with them then they accept your refusal.



We would dearly have loved to bring home the cleaner that cleaned our apartment, Sarl, he was wonderful and so sweet. Tips are very gratefully accepted as they only earn £45 per month and work 18 hours a day.



Try to learn a few basic words of the language as they really appreciate the effort. The fish are amazing, although the beaches are extremely busy so I doubt the lovely corrals will be there much longer.



The town has loads of western fast food chains, even a Hard Rock Cafe.



We will not be going back but it might have been all different had we not been so ill.

This was my first holiday abroad...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Dec 2006

Tour Operator:

Triton Travel

Submitted By:

Miss B Smith

Comments:

This was my first holiday abroad with my kids 10 & 6 and we had a fantastic time.



The people are really friendly not pushy friendly. The weather was gorgeous and we did a lot of things while on holiday such as going to Cairo on a bus to the Egyptian Museum, down the Nile and then a walk around The Pyramids.



We also went on the Quads out in the desert.



The food was really lovely especially the sweet things, very well made.



To get around cheaply use the Mini Buses which are only 1 Egyptian pound. To buy anything always barter, I got some lovely things.



I met some lovely people on holiday not only the Egyptians but English as well, and Italians.



The sea is so clear and you have the fish come right near you if you stand still. One place you must go is Fantasia which is like a palace with an open air show of horse man, dances and big Sculptures of all the Egyptian wonders.



With the history of Egypt told with light effects, and then we went into another part and watched belly dancers, Delawishes which spin and spin and spin. It’s all outside, so wrap up well as it gets cold at night.



The Hotel was lovely, very spread out so a lot of walking but I didn’t mind this.



It has 4 pools but they are all very cold but I did go in for a swim in 3 of these.



The room was nice it had its own balcony. Mind when having a bath or wash as hot water is very hot if you don’t control it.



I intend to go back to Sharm as I loved everything about the place.

Have just got back from staying...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Mar 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mrs HJ Lee

Comments:

Have just got back from staying in the Tropicana for one week, like everyone else I had read the reviews and was a bit wary of what to expect. Couldn't have been more surprised.



Despite Thomas Cook losing our luggage, we had a fantastic holiday in this hotel. The staff are some of the most friendliest I have met and also extremely helpful.



Yes you get hassled walking into Naama Bay at night but we just had a laugh with the people and said no thanks, they were fine.



The breakfast laid on by the hotel has been criticised by a number of people but short of putting bacon out, everything you could want for breakfast was there including cereal and pancakes for the kids and eggs, however you want them done for the adults. Be warned though, it is best to get there before 9 o'clock as this seems to be the busiest time for breakfast.



We used Gafy beach during our stay (the other Viva Beach was for people that liked swimming only), snorkeling off the beach was out of this world. I would also advise people to haggle with the tour guides on the beach for the same trips your rep can offer you but for half the price. We went on a Bedouin Night Trip with Thomas Cook and it cost us £120, had we booked with 'Mario', on the beach, the same trip would have cost us £53.



On arrival we were upgraded to an apartment from 2 rooms, the climb was 137 steps but well worth it! The room was basic but had 3 bedroom and 2 bathrooms. For all those moaning about their room, who goes on holiday to stay in the room? You only use if for sleeping and washing, what more do you want?



Would definitely recommend this hotel to other families, though I would be wary of taking really small kids as there are a lot of steps! We will definitely be going back again.

We stayed in the Rosetta for 2...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2006

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Miss R Hazell

Comments:

We stayed in the Rosetta for 2 weeks and I was a little hesitant after reading some bad reviews but it was fine.



We found the hotel to be comfortable and very clean. The 'bed boys' as they call the house keeping staff were very helpful and friendly as were the reception staff.



However, we did have quite bad service at the pool and reception bars; our orders took a very long time to arrive and we had to remind them to bring us our change.



The food in the restaurant wasn't great but as we were B&B it didn't matter as we ate out every day.



Overall, we felt satisfied with the hotel for what we had paid for the holiday.

The Rosetta is an 'older' hotel...

Overall Rating:

4/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Dec 2006

Tour Operator:

Med Hotels

Submitted By:

Mozzie

Comments:

The Rosetta is an 'older' hotel and looks it. Some of the rooms are very drab and uninspiring, though they are refurbishing, others are very light and airy though basic.



Breakfast, well what can I say - it's the usual holiday 'feast'. It depends what you expect, the usual pastries and cereals, 'sausage' no bacon. Surplus eggs you can have them any which way scrambled, fried, boiled etc. the rest was very bland.



Just about ok for a week but got fed up towards the end. Hardly any fresh fruit and what there was, wasn't in my opinion worth bothering with.



It is an ideal base if you are exploring. It is close to the town of Sharm (just across the road and a short walk) be careful crossing as cars stop for no one.



There are several pools - none are heated so in December they were freezing - you would need to be very brave and hardy to take a dip in them!



The weather was warm to hot at this time of year but got cool after about 3.30pm (was heating controls in rooms - but no actual heat). Some nights were quite cold so 'layers are advisable to those who feel the cold.



The Rosetta has no access to a beach there is a public beach but I wouldn't recommend it - it is very long, narrow, sheltered bleak looking. I would use the Delta Sharm Beach you pay le 25.00 (£2.50) but worth it if you want to sunbathe or snorkel for the day.



You get the usual pestering when going out and about but it’s bearable.



I would definitely recommend Sharm for young and old, singles and families - there is something for everyone. Sharm town is what you want it to be lively, quiet, relaxing. You can just about get any sort of food you want from MacDonald’s to haute cuisine.



I would recommend the Tropicana Rosetta for anyone looking for basic accommodation close to the amenities - though it was not for me.

Hotel was spotless. The staff;...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2006

Tour Operator:

Olympic Holidays

Submitted By:

Mr S Jolly

Comments:

Hotel was spotless. The staff; brilliant. The weather; amazing. Swimming pools; chilly. Sharm/Naama Bay; outstanding. Breakfast; crap. But there are plenty of other places to eat which are top notch and at a low price too.



For what we paid the hotel (about £90pp for a week b&b) was brilliant. Quite large so a lot of walking from one place to another but otherwise great. When we arrived late on a Sat night we were a bit intimidated as there is a big cheesy neon sign outside the hotel advertising its night club the 'black house'.



Not quite sure what goes on in there and I'm not sure I want to know! But once you learn your way around and meet the staff things were great. The private beach is close, though be warned is owned by another hotel which is also a health resort. So you may have to put up with a few Russian ladies.



The shop keepers in Sharm are amusing, but the novelty of their hassling you wears thin after a couple of days. There’s only so many times you can hear them call their goods as cheap as 'Asda Price'! Or that I must have paid 50 million camels for my girlfriend, and does she have a sister.



But if you are polite and just consistent with the no thank you they will leave you in peace. Certainly never felt in danger or out of place once, everybody is very welcoming.



Red Sea diving is superb as well. The dive centre at the hotel is very good, though does have the usual 'PADI snobiness' but is certainly a very reputable place. Though we did see more tropical life snorkelling off the beach than diving!



Sharm is well worth a visit. I am definitely going back. Just not with excel airlines. You will think rush hour on the London underground is 1st class travel after flying with them! But they got us there :)

My wife and I have just spent 2...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mr R Easter

Comments:

My wife and I have just spent 2 weeks at Tropicana Rosetta 12th October 06 and we really enjoyed it. If your room is at the top end of the hotel you will have basic rooms, very clean and kept clean.



You will have the best pool out of the 4 the hotel has and the staff are "top of the range" There are a lot of steps or use of a ramp, both are steep. There was a good selection of food at breakfast, omlettes, fried boiled or scrambled eggs, fruit etc. Everyone is very friendly and helpful, nothing is to much trouble. You can reach the seafront 3 minute walk and ten minutes to walk to Naama bay.



I never met anyone who was not satisfied with the hotel and i met several people who have been to this hotel more than once. This was our first time but we are determined we will go back to this hotel.

I've just returned from Sharm,...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2006

Tour Operator:

Med Hotels

Submitted By:

Not Specified

Comments:

I've just returned from Sharm, stayed at the Tropicana Rosetta. Very nice hotel with very friendly staff. Rooms clean daily. Food not too bad, not a lot of English food, but to be expected staying in a foreign country.



There is a mini market on the complex which is well stocked. The complex has 5 pools to suit everyone, including kids play area. Weather very hot, need plenty sun cream. Negative part of hotel, is too many steps.



Namma Bay just a short walk away from hotel. Cleo water park just up the road from hotel, recommended day out.£15 for the whole day. If you want a bargain and a good giggle, take a taxi to old market, you can haggle a price on everything, including the taxi ride. A negative part of shopping in Sharm, is the shop sellers hassle you to go into their shop to see the goods, be warned if you go in, you’ll be there for hours. Best to say NO THANK YOU.



A camel ride out in the desert at sunset is a must, same for snorkelling or diving in the red sea, the marine life is out of this world.



I enjoyed my stay in Sharm, and will definitely return 1 day, and will stay at the Tropicana again. Hope you enjoy your trip