Starry - I just wondered how you got your triple room. I booked through Longwoods and paid extra for a 'triple deluxe new wing' room. They were the only company I could find who offered this. Did you specifically book a triple and if so who did you use, for future reference? Or were you lucky and got an upgrade from a double plus sofabed? Ditto Meerkat - who have you booked the triple through?

mehmeh - I have booked a triple room through Travel Republic. They offered various room options at various prices. I booked a triple room, which I presume will be the beach side as they also offered triple deluxe at greater cost and I imagine this is the new side.

As this will be the 4th visit, I will ask to be upgraded to the new side nearer the time. We have been upgraded on the last 2 visits for no extra charge and I hope it will be the same this time.

mehmeh, I booked direct with Hilton. For some reason the Triple deluxe was virtually the same price as a double with sofa bed. I needed to book a double as well but just went for the cheapest option. When we arrived, they put us next door to each other on the new side.

Thanks for that info, both of you. I will bear it in mind if we go again.

We got the white wristbands for being repeat guests, but I couldn't see the point really! Didn't seem to affect anything, so why do they bother?

We had the white wristbands as repeat guests and got some perks in terms of free late check out, free upgrade and fridge stocked everyday with juice and beer in addition to water - none of which we had on our initial visit. I guess it lets the staff know that you are repeat visitors too...

We were given white wristbands even though it was our first visit. Not sure if this was done as we had Hilton Honors. When I asked about a late checkout, we were quoted a price. It wasn't until the next day that I remembered that we should get a free late checkout with H honours. So I asked again saying that we were members and they said it would be free.

Yes, we got the free drinks both times. I think the first time was because we has a suite. The late checkout rules on the paper they gave us last year said 2 hours free late check-out for basic level HHonors and 3 hours for silver level. We also got a free daily newspaper. I think that was because we are silver level. But my point was that those things are given because of what is on their computer, not because of the wristband. I suppose the staff might be nicer to you because they would assume you weren't going to complain a lot if you have returned!

Hi everyone, this is my first post

Me and my husband stayed at the HSB for our honeymoon in 2005, and are thinking of going back summer next year, but with 2 children, I have a few questions and hope you can help:

1, As anyone travelled in August with 2 children - is this just a crazy idea.
2, who is best to book with, i have looked at this years prices with Thomson and there very expensive.

Thank you x

If you are tied to school holidays, would October half-term be better, both weather-wise and less likelihood of tummy troubles?

All the big holiday companies seem to go to HSB. Try pricing them all up. Also try Olympic Holidays and Longwood. Travel Republic may be the cheapest way.

HJi L
we are going in april we have booked with JET 2 holidays (flights and delux rooms)got a really good deal give it a try

Thank you both for your replies, will give them both a try x

I don't know where you are flying from Loobie but we have found (using london airports) it cheaper to DIY in school holiday time by booking flights early then booking direct at http://www.hilton.co.uk .Sharks Bay seem to give a more expensive price if you email them direct . Again the earlier you book the better price you get . If you can manage to get a cheap enough flight you could also try http://www.hotelopia.co.uk and http://www.hotels.com

thanks lynwestie, will be from Manchester, thats my plan we book as early as we can to get a good deal. thanks for the info x

Just posted my review at last from our week over Easter . We had a fabulous time as always and got lovely ground floor rooms in the nearest block to the sea . Only rooms with a better view would of been the ones above without the hedge. .
Quite hard going on the legs though with that hill to master several times a day and as a result never went near the new side or outside of the gate the whole week other than a looksey but to be honest we never felt the need and being Easter it was mostly english on the old side as well.

Met some lovely people and a big thank you to Tara who after 5 years and lot's of encouragement got me to have a go at snorkeling . It took a lot a perseverance and a couple of trips back to the jetty on the verge of giving up to get rid of my panicking breathing every time I put my head down but with the help of one of the Egyptian lads from Sinai dive club who calmed me down and held my hands from the jetty while my face was in the water until I was ready to float off I did it and I can't believe the sight that greeted me under there.

lyn

Just read your review. Glad you had a good time. Interested to read about the coffee pots on the table. Sounds great, as getting hold of breakfast coffee was my big complaint!

Ah loads of typos And I rechecked that 3 times . Why can I never see them until the submit button has been pressed .

Feel free to alter mods and save my embarrassment

Hi Everyone

Going to HSB on 28th June for a week. Other half got PADI Open Water last year and wants to dive whilst in Egypt. Does anyone have experience of the onsite dive centre? If so, whats it like, is it busy- i.e. does it require pre-booking?, or does anyone have any recommendations in terms of dive centres and dive sites relatively local to the hotel?
Thanks

The on site dive centre is Sinai Dive club http://www.dive-club.com . My family have used them on many occasions . They are excellent . Very professional and expertly run by the same couple for years . See my recent review .Second one down here http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/reviews/egypt/sinai-penninsula-and-red-sea/sharm-el-sheikh/hilton-sharks-bay-resort/ Whilst I would say they are not the cheapest they do go that extra mile in terms of service and there is always plenty of help on hand from the Egyptian lads with kit etc.

The dive centre here is one of the plus points for HSB . Unlike many other dive operations down in NB you can have as chilled or hectic an experience as you wish . There is an excellent house reef there and rib boat on request for local sites . This is always relaxed with one dive between 8.30 -10.30 . Back to the sunbed and dive widow (me) and then another dive around 2.30 .

For a wider choice and dive sites further out you get their day boat from NB as is more the norm in Sharm . For this you are out the whole day .pickup usually around 8am .

They do get very busy but can handy it well . We always go over easter which is a very busy time and hotel was at full capacity . We usually pre-book in advance .(10% off ) but you could still negotiate in resort for that if you spend enough) This time we didnt prebook and had no problem getting something sorted for the following day.

If we didnt use Sinai our 2nd choice would be Emperor who we also found excellent and maybe a little cheaper overall.
Trouble is where one is cheaper on the day rate another may be more expensive on equitment hire if you need that. They also all offer different pre-booking discounts.

Any more questions just ask.

lyn

Hi,
have booked for late Sept early Oct. After reading reviews I opted for the resort rather than deluxe as it is closer to the sea but not sure I did the right thing so maybe someone could enlighten me.
Is there much difference in the accommodation?
Can use facilities in both and if so, how far apart are they?
We're not really interested in historic stuff but are shopaholics for clothes are they cheap like in Turkey?Is learning to snorkel free of charge and is the gear supplied or is best to take your own gear....we've never done it before?
We want to see dolphins but my partner gets seasick so can't handle the up & down bit so should we avoid boat trips? Or is there a gentle version in a glass bottomed boat close to the shore?

We want a variety of things from good animation day & night, food, nightlife, restaurants, bars.

Any info would be handy regarding cost of shuttle buses/taxis to Naama or nearby places too.

In fact any info is welcome!
Thanks