If anyone would like to post a review please do so HERE.

Thanks

Pippy

In the absence of any more information ; It's reasonably flat around the Steigenburger so I don't expect you will have too many problems on foot. I guess downtown from the hotel at a moderate pace (or slower if you are there in the summer) would be 20-25 mins. Should be able to use the jogging trail to head into downtown across the golf course which is a nice walk - there are more and more interesting bird species in the area now. Just don't attempt to use the golf course/jogging trail after dusk as they sprinkle it with "grey" water - not pleasant!!

http://www.elgouna.com/images/maps/Shuttle-Bus-Map-1.2007.jpg details the bus routes (about £1.50 for the week!) - it's a regular service to downtown from the Steigenburger and you can connect there to catch buses to Marina etc.Not sure how frequently the water taxis are running - but one runs from "The Clubhouse" (by the Aquarium downtown) to the Steigenburger and Movenpick - probably more or less hourly except at low tides but I stand to be corrected. I'm there next week and will try to remember to check for you. Steigenburger has a good reputation _ although I can't answer your other questions I have used the (old) pool and eaten there and wouldn't worry about recommending it.

BTW buy some inhalers at the pharmacy while you are there - miles cheaper than prescription charges at home!!

Thanks so much for your reply. Any info on the water taxi would be appreciated if you remember! Have a great trip... wish it was us... cant wait to return to E. G.

Elle

You'll find loads of info on The Steigenberger & El Gouna on the TripAdvisor website but it won't let me post a link here.

Found it Judith... looks really good, I have since read that you can take the contents of the mini bar out and set aside and put your own drinks in - I have always avoided that in the past, worried we got charged!

I would love to hear from anyone that has used the snack bar at lunch time - if we are having a lazy day around pool/lagoon beach, dont really want to have to venture out for lunch if snack bar not offering reasonably priced food.

I think this shall be a predominantly German hotel as I havent seen it in any british tour operator books, but to be honest I dont care, as long as we can get a sunbed without having to get up at 7 to reserve a bed!!!!! Also got such a brilliant deal, and so much cheaper than other 5* that we shall enjoy I am sure

Hi Elledee
I have seen it in the Longwood brochure, so you may get a few Brits there, looks lovely, very posh. Haven't used TR myself but people on here have and it does seem to be one of the most popular of the DIY type sites. Theres are various thread on TR in the Tour Ops forum and the DIY forum as well (I think) with the usual mixed bag of comments.
Have a brilliant holiday, Doe

I have just gone onto Longwoods and see it there! I have emailed the hotel as I would like to know what time breakfast finishes [we are not early morning risers] and also I have heard that there is now a second pool with a swim up bar which is not advertised. Hopefully I will get a reply from them.

I am so excited at the prospect of returning to El Gouna yet again... cant wait! The fact too that this is our third visit, to a different hotel will make it all still feel fresh.

Well I'm sunburned and chilled out simultaneously here in Gouna - hope you're jealous.

Was in the Arena Inn yesterday and they had the water taxi timetable up on the wall there - basically it's an hourly service from 9am til late - usually "loses" 2 or occasionally three consecutive trips at some part of the day though due to low tides - insufficient water in the lagoons.Obviously that is variable daily - today for example 2 and 3pm boats not running. Sort of circular trip picking up at several hotels inc. the Steigenburger then back to clubhouse - and all included in your weekly bus pass ticket - so can easily go out on boat and back on bus or VV so best times suit you.

Ate in the Athena Greek Restaurant Downtown last night and had a fantastic meal - had the set meal for 2 and needed a doggy bag!! (Just in case you fancy venturing out of the Steigenburger one evening!!!)

Yes, very, very jealous... its blowing a gale here, very cold, and also managing to rain at the same time

Greek place sounds good... what do they charge for a set meal - have seen other reviews on this place, all being good.

I dont think we shall eat in the Steigenberger often, shall probably go downtown or to the Marina.

I emailed the hotel and apparently breakfast is served till 10.30 so thats perfect for us.

Cant wait... not at the counting down the weeks stage yet, off to see our daughter in Spain at beg of the April first

Thanks for info on water taxi, shall look out for details in the hotel when we get there.

Does anybody know if the water taxi picks up from all hotels, i.e. 3C Rhianna?

You have lots to look forward to then Elle!

Lesley x

Yes they do pick up from the Rhianna... we were there last year and didn't realise it, only found out recently!!!!!

Elle

That's good!

Thanks.

Elle Dee,

Sorry, I've been offline for a while. Re Steigenberger - A very nice hotel (stayed a couple of nights at the back end of 2007). You really have to try and get up for breakfast, they do a danish in warm milk that's about a million calories (but worth it). Endless coffee and the usual, for El Gouna, breakfast fare.

I'd be wary of drinking in the hotel as the alchohol is overpriced, sorry don't know about soft drinks or meal costs. Might be worth asking for an upgrade to half board when you arrive.

In summary, the hotel is very nice and one of the top 3 in El Gouna. The location is quiet (I prefer being closer to downtown), but El Gouna's not big enough for it to be a real problem.

Enjoy your stay and welcome to my home town.

Regards

WG

WG

How long would it take you to walk to downtown, say Jobos, from the Steigenberger? Someone said that there is a new swimming pool with swim up bar - was that in operation when you were there?

Elle

I'm not sure about the time it would take, but I suppose a "forced march" would take about 15mins and a stroll would take about 25 mins. As for the time to walk back, I suppose it depends on how long you have been at Jobo's!

The only new pool with a swim up bar that I can think of is the one down at the marina, near the 3 Corners. I'm trying very hard to remember the name of it, but I've hit a blank (old age doesn't come itself). I'll probably wake up in the middle of the night, remembering it. If I do, then I'll post details here.

Regards

WG

Dupont - See, told you I'd get it

WG

Thanks Willie... was wondering if anyone has been at the Steigenberger since the new pool and extention has been finished?

Has anyone been here recently, since the new pool with swim up bar/extention has been added?