A warning regarding the banana boat ride available from the beach. We went on one and fell off, which we fully expected to do of course!
That afternoon one of us had bruises all over her legs and I had a pain in my side. I still have the pain (six days later), it's worsened considerably and I now have swelling around my rib-cage.

I'm almost certain I've fractured at least one rib as it hurts even more when sneezing, coughing, yawning, breathing deeply etc.

I haven't been to see the doctor here as I'm pretty sure my insurance won't cover me for an injury caused by water-sports and I know the only treatment for broken ribs is for them to be strapped to ease the pain when sneezing etc and to rest (time off work) until the bones have a chance to heal. I sure could do with some stringer pain killers, not looking forward to the flight home tomorrow night.

I'll be going to A&E at home first thing tuesday morning to have it x-rayed.

So, do take into consideration the force with which you hit the water if you fall off the banana boat ride. I'd never ben on one before so had no idea it could cause injury. I certainly won't be going on one again!

Pippy

Ooo I'm a bit cross now

We've just been told we were to be charged (we most certainly will not be paying and the reception staff have assured us we won't have to do so) for items allegedly consumed from the mini bars in both rooms, 3131 and 3132.

Now we specifically requested to have both mini bars emptied on arrival, in fact we asked a total of SIX times, both at reception and via the reps. They were never emptied

The reason we requested this was due to the fact we were also charged for items we didn't consume during our 2005 visit....take my advice and stay WELL AWAY from the mini-bar.

Pippy

Although my Mum sorted out with reception that we don't have to pay the mini-bar bill I've just gone and complained as I really am cross about this.

We've been give my room, 3131, as a late check-out room by way of an apology.

I'm delighted about this as we're not leaving until 18.45 but my advice still stands, don't use your mini-bar, INSIST it's emptied!

Pippy

Back home (with fractured rib confirmed ) and cold!

My Conrad 2007 photos can be seen HERE.
You'll find pics of the room, beach, hotel and wonderful house reef.

Enjoy!

I'll post my hotel review when I'm up to spending longer at the computer once my rib is less painful.

Pippy

I have submitted my hotel review HERE.

Pippy

Hi can any 1 tell me what the entertainment is like at this hotel, what is going on in the evenings. Is there always some sort of show going on etc? can any 1 say what they are as in belly dancers, snake charmers etc etc.

Many Thanks

*Edit please do not post in phone text thanks Briar

Hi lovethesun,the entertainment for adults starts about 2130, and mainly consists of dancers which are good ,belly dancing ,interactive stuff etc, certainly no snake charmers, thank goodness as it is not a very kind form of entertainment.
Basically the usual AI fun, and free alcohol till 2300

Just a few quick questions

1)On average how long is it between landing time and arrival at hotel if taking tour operator transfer?

2) We'll be arriving on the late Manchester flight (eta Sharm 2130), Does the restaurant stay open late on arrivals day or would we need to use room service?

3) Does all inclusive include diet drinks (apart from bottled water!)?

4) Are there loo facilities on the beach and by the pool?

5) How long does it take to walk to the Baron/Baron Palms?

THanks, Caro

Just thought of another couple of questions..

Read somewhere that people wore swimwear in the restaurant in the evening! This seems unusual as most Egyptian hotels are quite strict about gents in long trousers for dinner etc. Could anyone give advice on dress code please don't want to feel uncomfortably over or under dressed.

Hi Caro

1. Depends how long it takes to locate your luggage! Obviously this will not depend on whether or not you're taking the TO's transfer or a taxi.
We waited about half an hour for our luggage to appear. Once we were on the coach we had to wait about twenty minute for the other guests to, they were of course also waiting for their luggage.
In that scenario a taxi would be quicker but you may not have to wait long for your luggage.........who knows! Both times I've been to the Conrad our coach has only carried Conrad guests, no other drop-offs were made so we were at the hotel within ten minutes of leaving the airport.

2. In 2005 and again this year the restaurant was still open when we arrived at the hotel, had checked in and freshened up. This would have been about 21.45 I reckon. I'm not sure it would still be open by the time you arrive though Caro, best to email the hotel I think. If not, room service is very good and not expensive.

3. I don't recall any of us requesting diet drinks but if they serve them then I'm sure they'd be included.

4. Yes. You may find your room is near enough to the pool or beach to use your own loo but if not, there is a toilet/shower block down the steps from the pool area on the way to the beach. It's about half way between the two. If you were sitting near the towel guys on the beach you'd be about a one minute walk from the toilets, same as from the pool.

5. Using the towel guys as a reference point again, from there using the footpath rather than the sand (sand slows you down!) it would take five minutes to walk to the Baron boundary which is where the shops are.
If you want to use the little supermarket (don't get excited, it only sells drinks, biscuits, cigs, a few toiletries and beach gear) you need to walk past all the gift shops, beach shops, pharmacy etc, past the Baron's outside entertainment area and then you'll see a few more shops including the supermarket.

If there are any other questions you need answering, post away

Pippy

Caro

Look at THIS photo then click on 'all sizes'. In the background, towards the right of the photo, you can see a white sign on the walk way. After leaving the beach if you turn left by that sign you'll see the toilets. That's also the way to the pool from the beach, just up a few steps.

Pippy

thanks pippy, knew you'd come up trumps

You can get diet coke on the A/I. Does not taste the same as it does here though
Andy D.
ps. been back getting educated so that's why i've been so quiet.

Hi Andy!

Caro, I see there's another good review for the Conrad HERE but I also see they mention being charged for items from the mini-bar they hadn't consumed. Take my advice and get yours emptied the minute you get there and tell them why you've requested it!

Just so you know, the four jetties don't all belong to the Conrad, there's one per hotel so they must have walked a fair distance to snorkel off each of them! I think I may do the same during my next visit, not thought of doing that before.

I wonder how long the Panorama bar will be closed for and where they're putting on the evening entertainment now?? Possibly in the Pirate's Bar but that's very small.

I love reading other people's reviews, takes me right back there!

Pippy

Thanks for that Pippy - hadn't seen that review. I definately intend to take your advice re the mini bar - as soon as I've checked out the room I intend to ask them to empty it! Are the hotel ok about one taking own food/drink in - in Hurghada it has to be done very discreetly!

I notice the poster has a couple of broken ribs - is this now the new Egyptian ailment along with tummy upsets and Egyptian holiday addiction?

Caro

Yes, I too was wondering how he broke his ribs!

We bought food (crisps and snacks) and drinks from the shops at the Baron and were never once approached about bringing it into the hotel. No problems there I'm sure.

Pippy

Actually Caro I've just remembered something!

One evening the girls saw a McDonalds delivery scooter (yes, they deliver McDonalds from Naama Bay!) making a delivery at the Conrad front entrance so that pretty much proves the point!

Wherever you go there's no escaping those 'golden arches'! Useful to know that food can be taken in, also that there is diet coke as I'm a diet controlled diabetic.

Are the shops at the Baron cheaper than the Conrad or is it just that you, like me, like to take a wander?

Not sure about the price of gifts in the shops as I didn't look at any! The girls bought loads of crisps and they were the same price at the Conrad as in the supermarket near the Baron.

It's quite nice having the Baron shops to look around but you will be hassled Be firm and you won't have any problems!

I'm not really into shopping when on holiday, or even at home, so I'm not the best person to ask about shops