Reviews of Renaissance Golden View Beach, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

This Hotel represents a...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2005

Tour Operator:

Longwood

Submitted By:

whitegold

Comments:

This Hotel represents a benchmark for those of you who just wish to relax in a pleasant environment.



Some points "Against"



I'm sure that some family groups may find the lack of "Entertainment" a serious fault, although there was a very tall, slim, and charming young person who circuited the Pool every day with the announcement: "Toooniyet ees Rrruusshian Niyet" or alternatively "Toooniyet - beeellllleye danzserrr" (you have to imagine a pronounced Russian accent to make this anecdote work) She would then flutter her magnificent eyelashes, and sashay off to the next group of sunbeds. Unfortunately the show does not really amount to much, in either guise, although it does serve to while away an hour or so, if you are really desperate for something to do.



No disco (well some eminem and suchlike from the speakers around the show stage/ top pool /patio area, but not very loud) In reflection, perhaps this should be one of the Plus points.



I suspect the Kids Club / general appeal for Families with 4.4 children might not be up to much. We visited in term time, and although there was a very smart looking crèche, complete with a team of uniformed nursery assistants, the whole ethos of the place was more focused towards Couples, possibly with very small children.



Over a fortnight's stay the food offering can become a little repetitive, although with four separate Restaurants, you can at least move around from place to place. The Italian Steakhouse is slightly overpriced, but remarkably good.



I notice the 100+ steps from Lower Lobby to Beach level, have been mentioned in other reviews, however what no-one has yet mentioned is the free Golf-Buggy rides that are provided on request, for the less active. I always enjoy a few flights of stairs in Holiday resorts, helps to keep the blood moving....



It's about 10 minutes by Taxi / Free hotel Bus either to Naama Bay, or about the same to "The old Port". There are a few shops within 10 minutes walk, near the infamous "Alf Leila wa Leila".



Points "For"



Service is excellent, I've been to some far more Luxurious Hotels, which would easily be put to shame by this relatively new operation. It was very difficult to fault the staff in any aspect of their work. There is obviously a separate debate to be had in regard to the effect that tipping may produce, especially towards the end of ones stay, but in general the Marriot staff were everything that is required; courteous, efficient, polite, friendly, and always greeted their guests with a smile. It's noticeable that even the Gardeners are polite.



Plenty of space for lounging / sunbathing. Although the occupancy was about 50% while we were there, the spare capacity of sunbeds and "Beach" space could have coped with a full house very easily.



The general standard of rooms, facilities and environment is very clean and well designed, although not gold plate and white marble. It evokes a comfortable feeling, and that's a great asset in creating a good holiday.



There is a Diving Centre on site, operated by an Italian company called Dive In. I completed my PADI AOW here, and I can thoroughly recommend them. It's also worth mentioning that the Snorkelling from the "House Reef" i.e. the Sea immediately in front of the Hotel is very good. Before this holiday, my wife was at best a reluctant deepwater swimmer, who struggled with a swim mask, and definitely couldn't use the snorkel. By the time we were due to leave, she was a competent Snorkeller, spending hours admiring the wonderful sea life, which is only a few yards from the Hotel rooms.



One tip for anyone staying here: Get up before dawn, walk down to the beach and watch the sun rise; have a swim, by then it will be time for breakfast. (The swim is optional, but the sunrise is compulsory)



I shall be going back to Sharm again this autumn, and will very probably be staying at the Renaissance.

Hotel very grand compared to...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Dec 2005

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs G Jones

Comments:

Hotel very grand compared to others we visited in Sharm. We stayed over new year period, was absolutely lovely. Staff fantastic. The New Year's eve party was a credit to the hotel management and staff, who worked hard all night, over 800 people in a marquee, fabulous food and great entertainment. Drinks very limited and expensive (wish I would have taken some champagne as it's impossible to buy!).



Rooms very good, like apartments with separate bedroom, bathroom and kitchen area. All have sea view.



Any cons? Lots of steps - a total 118 steps from beach to reception - although it kept me fit all week, and a lovely walk through beautiful gardens.



The best part of the holiday? snorkelling in the sea - its is truly amazing and warm!

We had a wonderful holiday at...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2005

Tour Operator:

Portland Direct

Submitted By:

Mr SB Anthony

Comments:

We had a wonderful holiday at this hotel, despite being a little wary before departure after recent events in the Middle East.



The rooms were excellent, very clean, comfortable, well appointed.

We were lucky enough to be upgraded to a suite, with 2 balconies and a cloakroom as well as a full bathroom.



The food was excellent in all restaurants, breakfast a huge buffet spread, we had lunch by the pool daily, always excellent, in the evenings, we ate at the Mexican, a beautiful setting on the beach, the Italian, a limited menu but very pleasant, we also ate at a very nice restaurant just outside the hotel, called EL FANAR, a great setting, in a cave sort of style. The only disappointing meal we had was in Naama Bay, a very touristy spot and very average food.



Staff at the hotel were 1st class, all very willing to please.

Sun bathing space was best I have ever seen, masses of sunbeds and umbrellas without being cramped.



Just one criticism, DO NOT GO IN THE POOL UNLESS YOU ARE VERY ROBUST, they are absolutely FREEZING !!!!

The sea however, is like a bath !

Great value for money and we would definitely return.

From the moment we booked in to...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2004

Tour Operator:

Airtours

Submitted By:

Miss C E Hughes

Comments:

From the moment we booked in to this hotel, we were made to feel like royalty. The staff were great, and really friendly. The rooms were clean and spacious, and the food was so nice that I piled on the pounds!



It is in a central location, and our favourite place was the old market, where you can have a few beers and a Shisha without anyone hassling you to buy anything. I would thoroughly recommend this hotel, and we loved it so much that we are going back next year!

I have never felt so spoilt...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2005

Tour Operator:

Portland Direct

Submitted By:

Miss LE Eyre

Comments:

I have never felt so spoilt staying at this hotel. From the moment we arrived, the hotel staff went out of their way to make you feel special. A concierge was waiting to take your cases and to show you how everything worked in your room.



The rooms are spacious and very clean. The furniture is high quality and we had a sea view, free of charge. The view was beautiful. There are a number of steps, due to the rooms being on different levels to the reception. This did not prove a problem for us and I’m sure when you see the beautiful waterfalls and bridges around the resort you will not mind the walk back up to reception. As we went on a b&b basis we did not sample the buffet, although we ate at Acapulco Joes Mexican overlooking the sea 3 times and thought the food was gorgeous. The prices were reasonable and it cost approx £30 English pounds for a 3 course meal for 2 with a drink.



The staff are the friendliest people i have ever met and put the English to shame. We got quite friendly with Adele the water man and Mohammed the pool, beach boy. You could tell many guests were friendly with these staff and Mohammed would go round almost everyone until he had asked them all how they are. The water man would bring water to us automatically after a few days once he got to know us. He would also bring ice to keep our water cool throughout the day-without us asking.



We were generous with our tips as you really appreciate your life in England when you see how these people have to earn a living. Unfortunately I fell ill on the fourth day with gastroenteritis and had to spend a day in bed, my boyfriend went to the beach side on his own but returned after an hour with a drink the water man had made for me after hearing I was unwell. This was such a nice thought and I feel this is worth mentioning as this is the level of service we received throughout our stay here. The maid Hassan was so nice and shaped our towels into swans-complete with rose petals.



I was so sorry to say goodbye to these people when leaving as I really felt we had made some friends. The hotel is in a quiet location and was a short taxi ride to Naama bay. We went there twice but did get a little sick of being hounded all the time-especially to go into these perfume shops. We much preferred to stay at the hotel. I must mention the weather as it was so so hot.



At night I have never felt heat like it. There was no breeze at night and was unbearable at times. If I returned to Egypt I would go in a little cooler month. I can certainly recommend this hotel to anyone and I hope you enjoy the Renaissance as much as we did. The Renaissance will always hold special memories for me.

Would recommend this hotel to...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2005

Tour Operator:

Panorama

Submitted By:

Miss R Glew

Comments:

Would recommend this hotel to anyone!!!



Fantastic service and staff, lovely clean apartments. Were upgraded to a suite when we arrived it was huge I have never seen a bed so big before!



Maid service everyday and all staff go out of their way to help nothing is too much trouble.



Be wary of the phones in the hotel rooms they cost £1.80 a minute plus a connection fee we were charged as were ringing then when we checked put we were told we hadn’t paid the phone bill only to get home and find we had paid for the calls twice!!



Food in restaurants very nice although it was limited, more selection in Naama bay but its not for the faint hearted! The local people want your custom and they are not afraid to ask for it!!



Snorkelling and diving is excellent value for money and well recommended, although swimming with dolphins at the Dolfinella is not very good value for money you cant take your own pictures, they then charge you £10 sterling pounds per picture and don’t buy the DVD we checked it when we got home and we are not even on it!!!



Overall a fantastic holiday in a beautiful hotel definitely going back in the future.

I have recently been to Sharm El...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

May 2005

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss S C Browne

Comments:

I have recently been to Sharm El Sheik and stayed at the five star hotel called The Renaissance Hotel. This hotel was approximately a five minute taxi ride from Naama Bay which is where the nightlife is situated.



Our hotel was extremely clean and set in beautiful grounds. The only downfall was the amount of steps, approx 152 from our room to reception. Not to bad for my friends and I but for the less mobile or elderly would have been a major hurdle for them. As there were 3 of us we booked a family room and were delighted to be offered a up-grade to the executive suite which was large, airy and was a great start to the holiday.



That evening we ate in one of the four restaurants within the hotel, we eventually tried them all and they were all extremely good with very polite and amusing staff.



Food was very reasonably priced and drinks were around £4.50 for a gin and tonic and approx £15 for a bottle of wine.



There are four pools in the hotel all very good and one with a swim up bar. The beach is not the best but there is a jetty out into the sea, which was great for snorkelling. The hotel offered scuba diving lessons in the hotel pool and organised lots of diving events.



Naama Bay itself is great for bartering and finding restaurants, very many to choose from. There are more and more up and coming bars opening and also some new shops.



You can visit the hard rock cafe (very cheap for food), Lebanese restaurants as well as Chinese, Indian and of course Egyptian!!



Our check in at Gatwick was very efficient and the same for Sharm El Sheik, even though i had heard other stories we were very impressed by the efficiency of the airport.



We were there from 25th April to 2nd May and the weather was superb approx 85 degrees from about 08.30am till 6pm, perfect!!



We had no intentions of going out of Naama bay as we wanted to week of sunbathing and being very lazy. On next visit I will definitely go on one of the many boat trips, visit the pyramids, camel riding and quad bike riding in the desert.



All of the hotels looked of superb quality and anyone can make this holiday as busy or as relaxed as you wish.



Flight times are approx 5 hours so make sure you take a book! our transfer time to hotel was half an hour.



I hope this information has been useful and would definitely recommend to anyone.

Our room was fantastic - we paid...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Mar 2005

Tour Operator:

Portland Direct

Submitted By:

Miss M Tanner

Comments:

Our room was fantastic - we paid extra to get a sea view and it was worth every penny - the view over the tropical gardens then out onto the beach and sea was just amazing!



The hotel itself was nice and the staff friendly. The food was okay but there wasn’t very much choice and as we were staying for two weeks and I am a vegetarian we felt very limited and got bored with having the same old thing every meal!



The hotel runs a mini bus into Naama bay in the evening, or you can get a taxi from outside the hotel for about £4 - although be warned they drive like loonies!!! Naama Bay is great for a bit of variety, there are loads of restaurants and bars and plenty of shops.

My wife and I have just returned...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2004

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr Donald Taggart

Comments:

My wife and I have just returned from a weeks holiday at this truly amazing and elegant resort. Accommodation was best we have come across on our travels with a two room villa allocated on arrival.


Half board was a good way of dining as there were not many restaurants outside the hotel grounds.


The resort is set on a hillside and landscaped throughout to the highest standards. Follow the artificial waterfalls down through the two storey villas to the pools at at beachfront.


Staff very friendly.


Drinks quite expensive, but for five star luxury you can live with that.


Don’t take Sterling Travellers Cheques as they are not accepted at hotel reception or for final payment. English pounds are readily accepted or changed into Egyptian Pounds.


Guaranteed great weather all year round, cant wait to go back.