Le Meridien Makadi Bay Hotel

Spent a week at the Meridian after a week's Nile cruise with Orbital Travel. The Meridian Hotel is generally lovely. Nice big pool set in a bay with 4-5 other big hotels. The main reception area reminded me a bit of a large Mall with marble effect staircase (bit impersonal but nice).
Our second room was great, with ocean view. However we had a standard room to begin with which was more inland, not far from staff quaters and definitely NOT 5 (or even 3) star quality. So my main piece of advice would be definitely pay for the upgraded ocean view room. Makes all the difference.
Can swim in a divided area of the bay, which is also good for snorkelling. Very shallow initially, then drops off. There food was fine, if a bit repetitive in the two included restaurants. There are seperate al a carte restaurants which are nice, where you get 50% off the food prices (Very reasonable but surprisingly often half empty). Be aware however that the 50% discount excludes the 12% service charge that makes up your bill. So in reality you end up paying slightly more than you expect. We had 4 a la carte meals (2 people) which came to about £50 total. Not bad all all.
Don't get European Drinks from the trolley they bring round though, they are not part of your all inclusive and will cost about £4 each. Although all inclusive you do have to pay for snorkel hire, use of snooker tables etc (not like Hotels I've been to in Dominican where you get free non-motorised watersports). Mini Bar isn't really a bar: is in fact just three bottles of soft drink and two bottles of water that gets re-filled every three days! Service at the multiple bars can be slow, so we started ordering two drinks at a time (wish we'd done that from the beginning!). The bar staff can be very friendly - if you tip!!
All in all nice week, good hotel overall, lots of daytime activities if your feeling active. There was a bar where all the kids were entertained in the early evening, so they tended to be away from other bars. There were shows/theme nights, but be aware that they are at an extra cost. Word or warning - If like us, you are coming here for the second week of a cruise and stay from Luxor, the transportation is 5 hours through the desert by Police escort. These police escorts only run at certain times, so on our last day (a Monday) we had to be collected at 8am to make the 9am police escort, then got returned to our original boat for a couple of hours (and that didn't count as part of our all inclusive) then picked up for the airport for 5pm flight. In effect lost the entire day because of the transport. That I wouldn't do again, but wouldn't have liked to have done my second week at a Luxor Hotel either. Luxor is for sightseeing, its not really relaxing (lots of hassle in the street as was the case in Hughada town Centre). One last point - got quoted very different prices for the go-karting, rep wanted £40, lads that come round selling it at the pool offered it us for £20!

Firstly, I would like to alert people planning to visit Le Meridien - DO LOOK INTO THE ROOM TYPES! I had booked my holidays directly through the head office hence had a choice of categories. My friend booked his accommodation through tour operator. We were paying very similar prices, but the quality and category of the rooms were dramatically different. NEVER and EVER choose "Garden" category if you are expecting 5* accommodation. This type looks more like 2* with hanging aircon and old furniture. The walk to the main building will take you around 5-7 minutes under open sun, so you might want to put sunscreen even if you are even going for lunch. Walk to the beach - another 5-7 minutes.
"Dune" category is better in furnishing, but still quite a strange location - far from the beach and the pool and on the hill. I would rate this type as 3.5*.
"Lagoon" and "Main Building" are the best in location and overall.
If you think that it is easy to upgrade from one category to another - DON'T! It will cost you much more than anything you would pay in the initial booking.
It is a very large hotel. Expect a lot of people. Yes, you do need to take a towel before the breakfast and "reserve" your sun bed if you don't want to lay with no umbrella :)
Egyptian make money on anything and everything: if you decided to go for half board, expect to pay the PRICE for everything extra. All inclusive is not really solution for everything either, i.e. gym is included, but pool (billiard), sauna, etc. are not. So review the all inclusive policy before you decide to take it. Drinks include Stella (Egyptian beer), red and white wine, juices (full of sugar) and Pepsi, merinda, coffee, tea type of drinks. Everything else is extra.
The only reason I am so descriptive about everything, is because a lot of people expect much more than what they receive.
Food is quite average as well. Not sure how someone can be saying that food is "great" there - it is not! There are a lot of pickled vegetables and salads (re-used over and over again), some meats and lots of cakes (but not great either).
You can have a good holiday in this hotel, if you organise everything really detailed.

Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!

I have recently returned from a two week twin centre stay in Egypt my second week was spent in the Meridien and it was fabulous.
The staff were extremely polite friendly and very entertaining (watch out for the cockney Egyptian working behind the main bar) The food had quite a bit of variety, frankly what do you want for all inclusive the hotel was very spacious.
Already looking to book up again Egypt is a lovely place to go just learn a couple of Arabic phrases and you should be good to go "La Shukran" (no thank you) is a phrase you should learn before entering Hurghada.

Please take no notice of the bad comments you will read from other people about this hotel, yes it’s not 5*.
The food is good and none of us were ill, you have lots of choice to pick from and you can even please the fussy kids with ease.
If you are a drinker you an party 24hrs if you want in the hotel, or if your daring you can try the main town where you will find loads of night clubs, but beware the local lads will try and grab your wife, just say man united and they will be your friend for life.
Something I found a bit strange was they wanted to buy my mp3 player from me for 3 times the price I paid for it, but I gave it to the cleaner for the fab job he did on cleaning and stocking our room.
Try the Valley of the Kings for a trip you can do it in one day or a 2 night one, which we did for £95 each, it sounds a lot but you get full board in the hotel you stay in and you see loads of Egypt there and back.
Also worth a day trip are the quads, you start of early into the desert on your own quad and travel none stop for about 2 hours up and down dunes have lunch then some more travel before setting off to see the sun set, this is a must to be seen the sun setting in the desert, WOW, then you drive back on the quads in the total darkness all for £15.
This is a fab holiday, busy if you want it or you can stay by the huge pool and just relax or swim in the clean clear sea (it's not red but blue).

Don’t worry if you have booked your holiday some British people just moan others have a good time and enjoy life.
The sun is starting to get hot it never went below 100, so take plenty of sun cream.
Fab holiday and we will be going back.

Don't be worried by some of the negative reviews about this hotel, it is a wonderful place to be. As you can see I was not able to give it a full 10 out of 10, as yes there are areas that need a bit of TLC (but not many).
We have returned to this hotel for the past 3 years and never cease to be amazed at the friendliness and the fantastic treatment we receive.
Most of the rooms have now been upgraded or are in the process of being, they are very comfy and welcoming, and will meet most people’s needs (remember there will always be that couple/family that will never be satisfied!).
If you are not happy, then got to the reception, where the friendly staff will try to accommodate (pardon the pun) your wishes.
The hotel grounds are beautiful and the staff work 24hrs a day to make it so. The beach is very good with ample sun beds and shades (very important to me); there is plenty of access to bars providing water and other refreshments during the day as well a light snacks and lunch.
If you are a diver (as we are) then you will be in heaven, there is nothing better than falling out of your bed into breakfast, then from there falling straight into the diving centre and on to your day boat!!
The Sub-Aqua Diving Centre in the hotel grounds is fantastic with very professional staff that cater for every nationality and level. The diving is great with many beautiful sites and wrecks to visit, we highly recommend them.
If you’re not a diver (why ever not?) there is still plenty for you to do, from sun worshipping to quad-bikes and pyramids to monasteries, and for those very energetic soles there is a fully-equipped gym!
For those who like to take it easy you can hop from sunlounger to massage table in an instant; choosing whether to be pampered in the spa or on the beach looking out from your private tent as the sun sets, will be your only dilemma!
The biggest moan I have read about in these reviews has been the hotels food. There are many dining rooms to choose from whether you are HB or AI.
The Aladdin is downstairs and the main restaurant, therefore very busy and loud, if you like this kind of atmosphere then it’s the place for you. If, like us, you like to enjoy your meal in quieter surroundings.
I would recommend the Safaga or Prince Kharim restaurant upstairs. The Safaga is open on limited times during the day but is on the HB /AI package, but my preferred choice would always be the Prince Kharim, yes you have to pay an extra surcharge of 5 Euros pp per meal, but let me assure you it is worth every penny!!
The staff are very, very attentive and nothing is too much trouble, for the whole fortnight we were there we had our own table looking out onto the bay, flowers strew across the beautifully made candlelit table (shame about the un-romantic husband, but a girl can’t have everything, can she?) and the food was second to none….
Another moan seems to be the lack of evening entertainment but after diving all day then being spoilt by fantastic food, by 10pm I was falling asleep in my dessert (it served him right for not being romantic!), so entertainment was not high on our priority.
The animation team worked very hard though and put on shows every night, but the best entertainment you could possibly ask for is watching the antics of the Russian’s after a full day of partaking of the clear fluid…!
Now we are on the subject of the Russians, beware…they are not fully housetrained yet and have not grasped the concept of social skills. They will push into the front of the queue and will take the last cake/chicken/cow etc on the buffet, unfortunately the only way to deal with them is to give as good back (I know this is not terribly British, but trust me on this one, it’s the only way).
Tips: - Yes give tips, the Egyptians work very hard for very little and it’s amazing what a few pounds will do.
Try speaking to the staff in their own language; they really appreciate it – Shoukran (thank you) La Shoukran (no thank you).
If you want to buy gifts or essentials go to the Makadi Centre outside of the hotel, it’s much cheaper.
Apart from all this the main thing is to enjoy your week or fortnight in the sun!! We will be back next year.

I visited this sight prior to my holiday and was rather worried when I saw a few low ratings. I decided not to let this tarnish my view and make my own mind up, well all I can say is I made the right choice!
My partner and myself had an amazing week away at the Le Meridien Hotel in Makadi Bay, Hurghada.
The Hotel is just something else, as you walk through the front of the hotel you are met by a lavish lobby that is about half the size of a football pitch and has a rather impressive staircase leading to the first floor. The walls and floors are sculptured from marble and give it a totally luxury feel.
The Ultimate surprise is when you walk through the lobby and out to the rear of the hotel!! I had to take it in for a few moments before carrying on! The only word to sum this up is WOW! The swimming pool is breathtaking and the well kept gardens and colourful plants make it close to your own little paradise.
The Pool is so big, I didn't actually make it the whole way round, that might be due to the pool bar trapping me in its tractor beam every time!
When you think it can't get any better you then walk onto the beach! White soft sand, plenty of sun-beds and parasols and the most amazing clear blue water stretching out onto the horizon of the Red Sea.
Most of our holiday was spent on the beach, as our main aim of the trip was to experience as much of the reefs as possible. The hotel has an area of reef that is sectioned off, although it is not the most amazing reef I have seen, it sure gave us enough entertainment for the week. The water is warm and not very deep so it is completely safe for everyone.
We saw Octopus, Squid, Giant Moray eel, Clown fish, Blue spotted Ray and another 100 different types of tropical colourful fish (all friendly).
If I can offer one piece of advice, don't dare visit Egypt and not experience the reefs, all you need is a mask and snorkel which you can pick up for £5.
A few annoying bits on the beach are of course the Germans and Russians! In good honoured tradition they still reserve their own beds with a simple towel!! Much to our annoyance we struggled to find a bed on our first day, we saw one with a towel draped across both beds, in typical English style we simply removed the towel and hid the evidence!
A few hours later some angry Germans approached us and started speaking to us! Again in good English style we acted oblivious and they eventually went away with rather red faces!! 1-0 for the English!
Don't expect a lot of piece when you’re just trying to chill out and read a good book, you will be approached on average of once every 5 minutes by someone trying to sell you an excursion or a meal in their restaurant. After eventually getting bored of being polite we found ignorance to be the best policy!
We invested £10 pp on a full day boat excursion (book this from the beach and not the rep, you will save money).
The trip was ok but we wanted more reefs instead of being stuck on the boat the whole time; however the trip to paradise island is worth the £10 on its own!! Very difficult to describe in words but the name gives it away!
The room was a little walk from the hotel but nice and peaceful at the end of the day!
The room was basic but had the important things such as a nice bathroom with shower and bath and Air Con. To me the room is purely somewhere to put your head down and get ready so the lack of luxury didn't bother me in the slightest!
The cleaners make a real effort and the room is cleaned daily, beware your clothes will be sculptured into swans and other funny shapes and place on your bed. Obviously I think this is for tipping purposes but very sweet!!
Many of the negative reviews were with regard to the food!! Seriously what is wrong with these people, please don't tell me you go all the way to a beautiful country just to eat!
Truthfully the food is not that bad; I am not a fussy eater and like to try different food!! If your palate doesn’t see further than pie and chips then obviously you will have trouble. We went half board as All In seemed a bit much, breakfast is a buffet which you can eat inside or I would suggest going outside and sitting within the pool area to eat.
The menu offers cereals, fruit, yogurt, breads, personally cooked omelettes, and hot buffet with scrambled eggs, French toast, and some other local recipes.
For dinner we choose to eat at the beach side restaurant, this serves chips, burgers, and sandwiches; the price is ok but slightly more than I would like to pay.
For Evening meal we only ate in the buffet area once as we wanted to try some new places, we went to the Prince Karim twice it is very nice and you get your food cooked fresh while you wait. The Chinese is far better than the ones over hear, definitely give it a try! The Italian by the beach lacked a lot, the menu fitted onto the back of a matchbox and the pizza was ok but nothing special.
On our last night we went to the Makadi Centre which is a right turn as you hit the beach. I only discovered this place second from last night, you have to walk through other resorts to get there, but it is very worthwhile.
There are lots of shops selling fake stuff and tacky gifts (always Barter, go in at half their price and you should be successful) We found an Italian within the centre and had a very pleasant last night there.
As for tipping!! Don't feel you have to!! They seem to think the English are a bit stupid and will cough up money for anything!! We fell for this a couple of times and then decided to stop, any money we had left at the end we gave to the staff that had impressed us most i.e. the cleaner.
It is far easier to sign for any drinks and food and pay at the end of the holiday. I think we tried once to pay with cash and it was such hard work we gave up!
Another warning is the shopping area within the hotel, try to avoid using this for anything, a bottle of after sun cost us £13 and then found a pharmacy that was selling it for £4 - Lesson learnt there. Take plenty of Sun tan lotion and after sun! I don't normally burn but I sure did this time and it was very painful. I would suggest minimum of factor 15 the whole time.
I hope you have found this report helpful, I went into detail, as I was so impressed with 99% of our holiday and want you to get a true reflection.
I would go back to this hotel tomorrow if I could and I am sure you wouldn’t be disappointed either.

Went to the Meridian in March 07 and really loved it. Reading the reviews now I don’t see what there was to moan about, but I suppose everyone has their own opinion.
I stayed in the main building rooms and they were lovely nice and clean, very good standard. You also got shampoo, conditioner, shower gel etc changed everyday if you wanted to.
The cleaner, a man, done the room’s everyday and he was excellent very friendly.
I am a very fussy eater but I still found things to eat. The food was nice and plenty to eat. The staff were excellent I found them very friendly. The odd one or two were quite rude I found, but then my friend found them ok.
There were a lot of Russian people but they didn't interfere with you. Some were actually quite friendly. Although people are right, they do not like to queue.
The hotel is amazing especially at night so make sure you take a camera. If offered perfume in the shops do not go inside unless you want to buy. There is a very good handbag shop upstairs excellent prices and the man is very nice.
Daytimes were ok very relaxing but opportunities to join in if you wanted to. Plenty of sun shaders to give u a break from the hot sun.
Night times were ok, starts with kids dance with the entertainers then cartoons and a show for everyone, then clubbing until late.
The waiters were excellent and a little tip got you far. I did get ill but soon went so make sure you bring your Imodium.
I am going back with a friend in June 07 I wouldn’t do this unless I enjoyed.
I am a very restless person who gets bored quick and to be honest I enjoyed this holiday very much. I say go for it if you like a slow day with optional entertainment and a loud night but also quiet if you want.

The hotel was very nicely laid out. The bedrooms were clean and spacious.
The beach was clean but sun beds were hard to get after 6.30am.
But the food was absolutely dreadful. Chicken, chicken and more chicken, even the veg soup contained chicken.
Chefs stood behind serving counters cutting up tomatoes with black bad bits on them.
I asked for hot water one morning and the pot had waste veg and bits in it, obviously swished in dirty water and not washed out properly.
I collected two straws from the beach bar counter and they had coca cola in them so they must have been used before and there was a glass full of them all dirty and used.
We saw one bar staff member wiping glasses, cup, saucers and then ashtrays with the same tea towel.
We went fully inclusive and ate and paid in the hotels other restaurants 4 nights out of 7. As did so many others.
Both my hubby and I were poorly with tummy upsets and I was very very sick as were again many others.
I would not recommend this hotel to anyone until it has had an almighty clean up and change of menu and chefs.

We were very worried about staying at the Meridien Makadi Bay Hotel having read some of the reviews posted on this and other sites, and were so pleasantly surprised by everything.
The facilities were excellent, the rooms of a good standard, the staff so nice and absolutely wonderful with our two children aged 5 & 12 and the food was great.
I do not agree with the reviews about the food. We found it appetising, plentiful and there was plenty of choice.
None of our party of four experienced so much as the slightest stomach upset and all it all we had a great time and the opportunity for snorkelling trips, horse riding, camel riding, quad biking etc etc.
I really don't think the quality of holiday on an all inclusive basis can be beaten on cost and I feel the whole thing represented extremely good value for money.
There were a high percentage of Russians staying in the hotel but we found it very interesting talking to them and some of the other Europeans staying there, and they were great fun.
Part of the fun of travelling abroad on holiday is experiencing different cultures, customs and food and I really feel that this holiday in Hurghada had it all.
Well done all the staff at the Meridien Makadi Bay - we had a great time and will be back next year!