I'll try and answer what I can smurfitt.
We have only ever stayed on the old side .The new side was never there on our first 2 visits and as we had returned again this year based on what we knew and loved about the hilton we decided to stick with the old side mainly because we like to feel/be close to the sea , my family all needed to be close to the dive centre and we like things as lively as possible around the pool. Knowing me quite well meerkat and starry also thought the new side would be too quiet for me . The rooms are no doubt much nicer but we have always been happy with the rooms on the old side . They are very accomodating at the hilton . we toured around a few rooms this time to find ones we were happy with and some do feel darker than others and some will also face the building site but if you dont like what you are given they will happily give you something else . Dont be frightened to ask . We did feel that the new side was a fair distance from the sea . There is a bus that runs between the two but that is my husbands worse nightmare on a holiday . You can use facilities on both .
Naama bay is about 15/20 mins in a cab or courtesy bus (small charge per person , maybe someone will remember how much) . shopping is not a pleasent expereince there .There is a lot of fake stuff but it's not like Turkey and the shop keepers are rather scary and intimidating . Once was enough for us .
Outside of the hotel as is normal in Sharm is just desert but you now have soho square outside of the hilton for something extra . We didnt go and I wouldnt expect it to be hugely busy and atmospheric but if you use the search option above you should find some info on whats there .
you get the snorkel equipment from the dive centre . You need to leave a deposit and you have to return it by 5pm on the same day . It is of good quality as you would expect from a dive centre. unfortunately it goes very quickly and once gone you don't stand much chance of people bringing theirs back before 5 . bearing in mind Egypt is a up early , bed early kind of place it could all be gone by 9am and probably will be by 10am .
There are plenty of snorkeling trips available , not sure about glass bottom but seem to remember there is . There are also water sports available and quad biking in the desert.
As I said in my pm you may be disappointed if you want an all action packed animation programme . Egypt just isnt that sort of place . There will be volley ball each day in the pool and a few other things . A few shows and maybe some audience participation stuff .Dont expect a performanace of grease though , most is pretty mediocre and believe me the Hilton provide some of the best . The most exciting act is probably the spinning man or maybe some Russian dancers . Unfortunately the Egytians just havnt got it yet as far as Evening entertainment goes . They are trying but in some respects maybe they don't want to change it . This is the Red sea and the chilled and friendly atmosphere it what makes it special . The animation team do organise trips into NB after midnight several evenings a week and they return around 4am .
It wont be what you are used to and so I won't pretend otherwise . Embrace what you find and if you can ,make good use of the beautiful Red Sea.
lyn
Hi Lyn,
thankyou that was just the info I was looking for.
An animation team is not the be all and end all of our holiday. It's just that if there was a good hotel that provided all those activities we would choose it over another. To clarify:
My partner and I are among a group of friends (some 25 people) from Holland, UK, Germany, Belgium, Spain & Italy who meet up for a holiday twice a year. An animation team is added fun for us because we compete amongst ourselves and if awards are given out it merely provides more ammunition for the banter that goes on about one country/couple/team dominating over others. Just a laugh really and other guests find it quite amusing; some even join in, hence the group expands year by year.
My reason for asking so many questions on here in such a short space of time boils down to the fact that to ensure our choice is available to all we have to book way in advance; hence why we have all spent the last week or so sourcing information, predominantly about Egypt & Turkey, and communciating our findings with one another.
Do you mind if I pm you with any other queries that may arise?
Thanks again for your time and help.
thankyou that was just the info I was looking for.
An animation team is not the be all and end all of our holiday. It's just that if there was a good hotel that provided all those activities we would choose it over another. To clarify:
My partner and I are among a group of friends (some 25 people) from Holland, UK, Germany, Belgium, Spain & Italy who meet up for a holiday twice a year. An animation team is added fun for us because we compete amongst ourselves and if awards are given out it merely provides more ammunition for the banter that goes on about one country/couple/team dominating over others. Just a laugh really and other guests find it quite amusing; some even join in, hence the group expands year by year.
My reason for asking so many questions on here in such a short space of time boils down to the fact that to ensure our choice is available to all we have to book way in advance; hence why we have all spent the last week or so sourcing information, predominantly about Egypt & Turkey, and communciating our findings with one another.
Do you mind if I pm you with any other queries that may arise?
Thanks again for your time and help.
Feel Free Smurfit although I can't pretend to be an expert on everything available and sometimes it's best to post on this thread for some wider opinions and knowledge .
The hilton is a very friendly hotel and yes there are things going on but what's put on in the evening doesnt last very long and many guests don't really bother with it preferring to relax with fellow guests sharing a laugh, drink and a shisha pipe . The general atmosphere is fairly chilled of an evening . That doesnt mean you wont find something a little more suitable to your needs .
The hilton is a very friendly hotel and yes there are things going on but what's put on in the evening doesnt last very long and many guests don't really bother with it preferring to relax with fellow guests sharing a laugh, drink and a shisha pipe . The general atmosphere is fairly chilled of an evening . That doesnt mean you wont find something a little more suitable to your needs .
In the evenings there are usually two shows, one after the other. Performances by belly dancers, magic acts, Mr Hilton type competitions, etc. I think they run programmes in both the old and new side bars. It is not like in the Turkish hotels where they put on shows in big outdoor amphitheatres, but it is fine for entertainment and at least you are sitting in comfy chairs with a drink. Obviously, different shows appeal to different people more.
In the daytime, I feel that there was a pretty continuous programme of activities. My young adult son enjoyed the waterpolo where we were on the new side. They also had football on a pitch at the back of the new side. There was darts, I noticed. There is a programme displayed by the pool. I think they run an animation programme on both the old and new sides.
In the daytime, I feel that there was a pretty continuous programme of activities. My young adult son enjoyed the waterpolo where we were on the new side. They also had football on a pitch at the back of the new side. There was darts, I noticed. There is a programme displayed by the pool. I think they run an animation programme on both the old and new sides.
Hi all, haven't been on here for ages
Going to th HSB for the first time although we have been to the Hilton Nuweiba about six times, just wondered if I asked/emailed the hotel would we get an upgrade being Hilton regulars and we have the HH card, anyone know the GM's email address, we are going on the 31st July for 9 nights, and if offered which is the better part to stay in Old or new, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers and happy hols
Pete & Ann
Going to th HSB for the first time although we have been to the Hilton Nuweiba about six times, just wondered if I asked/emailed the hotel would we get an upgrade being Hilton regulars and we have the HH card, anyone know the GM's email address, we are going on the 31st July for 9 nights, and if offered which is the better part to stay in Old or new, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers and happy hols
Pete & Ann
Hi Pete & ann
Yes if you have a HH card you should have no problem getting a free upgrade.Email Ehab.AShakoor@hilton.com (assistant front desk manager) They tend to offer you free upgrade to the new side .think we were offered delux rooms but chose to request our upgrade to be used instead for a seaview room on the old side . Blocks 1 & 2 are the nearest to the sea .
It was our 3rd time to HSB and we have also stayed at the hilton in Nuweiba. Room side is a bit of a personal thing really . we had only ever stayed on the old side before (new part wasnt there on our previous visits) so we chose to stay on the part we knew and loved. We also like to be close to the sea and my family dive so we really needed to be close to the dive centre . It would of been too much of a trek backwards and forwards for them and I also think the new side would of been too quiet for us .
The new side has better and bigger rooms and an enormous pool with new and comfy sunbeds (although old side is gradually renewing theirs) . I think it is probably quieter but closer to the airport and runway .
lyn
You can use the facilities of both. food at either restaurant is the same .
Yes if you have a HH card you should have no problem getting a free upgrade.Email Ehab.AShakoor@hilton.com (assistant front desk manager) They tend to offer you free upgrade to the new side .think we were offered delux rooms but chose to request our upgrade to be used instead for a seaview room on the old side . Blocks 1 & 2 are the nearest to the sea .
It was our 3rd time to HSB and we have also stayed at the hilton in Nuweiba. Room side is a bit of a personal thing really . we had only ever stayed on the old side before (new part wasnt there on our previous visits) so we chose to stay on the part we knew and loved. We also like to be close to the sea and my family dive so we really needed to be close to the dive centre . It would of been too much of a trek backwards and forwards for them and I also think the new side would of been too quiet for us .
The new side has better and bigger rooms and an enormous pool with new and comfy sunbeds (although old side is gradually renewing theirs) . I think it is probably quieter but closer to the airport and runway .
lyn
You can use the facilities of both. food at either restaurant is the same .
Hi Lyn
Thanks for the information it is much appreciated, I think if given the choice we would plump for the old side like you guys did. We are really looking forward to the holiday, I did hear some of the staff from Nuweiba went to work at the HSB a couple of seasons ago so who knows we might see some old friends, we always got a Bungalow there and always at no extra charge.
If you have any tips or suggestions about the complex like the best place to relax on the sun loungers please let us know, could do with a breeze as well I guess.
I don't dive cos of the high blood pressure but i do like to snorkel a bit, and we have done all the trips so it's a relax and chill out time with of course the obligatory beer/cocktail, well it would be rude not too wouldn't it.
Thanks again
Happy Hols
Pete & Ann
Thanks for the information it is much appreciated, I think if given the choice we would plump for the old side like you guys did. We are really looking forward to the holiday, I did hear some of the staff from Nuweiba went to work at the HSB a couple of seasons ago so who knows we might see some old friends, we always got a Bungalow there and always at no extra charge.
If you have any tips or suggestions about the complex like the best place to relax on the sun loungers please let us know, could do with a breeze as well I guess.
I don't dive cos of the high blood pressure but i do like to snorkel a bit, and we have done all the trips so it's a relax and chill out time with of course the obligatory beer/cocktail, well it would be rude not too wouldn't it.
Thanks again
Happy Hols
Pete & Ann
Hi Pete
I am another HSB fan, but I prefer to stay on the new side!
Rooms are bigger on the new side, and obviously more modern looking, and the bathrooms are much better in my opinion, and I have stayed on both sides of the hotel. I like the space at the new side - huge pool area and plenty space around it - I find the main pool at the old side a little too crowded. I am not into activities and prefer to relax on my sunbed, so for me the new side is better. However, it is further from the sea.
I am going in November for the 4th time - and hubby and kids are just back from another week there. Yes, they are renewing the sunbeds round the main pool at the "old" side to more comfy ones.
Cocktails are good in the Q Bar on the new side of the hotel - great choice there. We eat on both sides - fresh pizzas in Rustico restaurant on the old side are lovely. Food is fine in all the restaurants, and a new restaurant - Asian (not part of the AI) has opened on the new side.
You should get an upgrade if you want it - seems to be a bit of a lottery whether or not they charge for it. I see a lot of people on another forum saying they had to pay, even thought they had an HH card. Stand your ground if you do want to upgrade - I have never paid to do this.
I would email in advance to the address Lyn has provided - Ehab is very helpful!
Hope you enjoy your stay -I was last there at the end of January and look forward to going back!
I am another HSB fan, but I prefer to stay on the new side!
Rooms are bigger on the new side, and obviously more modern looking, and the bathrooms are much better in my opinion, and I have stayed on both sides of the hotel. I like the space at the new side - huge pool area and plenty space around it - I find the main pool at the old side a little too crowded. I am not into activities and prefer to relax on my sunbed, so for me the new side is better. However, it is further from the sea.
I am going in November for the 4th time - and hubby and kids are just back from another week there. Yes, they are renewing the sunbeds round the main pool at the "old" side to more comfy ones.
Cocktails are good in the Q Bar on the new side of the hotel - great choice there. We eat on both sides - fresh pizzas in Rustico restaurant on the old side are lovely. Food is fine in all the restaurants, and a new restaurant - Asian (not part of the AI) has opened on the new side.
You should get an upgrade if you want it - seems to be a bit of a lottery whether or not they charge for it. I see a lot of people on another forum saying they had to pay, even thought they had an HH card. Stand your ground if you do want to upgrade - I have never paid to do this.
I would email in advance to the address Lyn has provided - Ehab is very helpful!
Hope you enjoy your stay -I was last there at the end of January and look forward to going back!
Well the 3 times we have been we have had our sunbeds in the same place .Old pool , over the back (across the little bridge ) towards the corner (Gym side ) . last place for the sun to go down 
.in fact anywhere over the back would be essential if you don't want to loose the sun but then I guess it will stay longer in July than it does in april . In April we have to hang on to it for as long as we can .
Perhaps Pat can give you some sunbed spot advice for the new side as we have never spent any time there .she might even tempt me into giving it a go . We strolled over one evening and it took us 35 minutes just to walk around the pool , and we crossed the bridge 2 3rds of the way. A lady I got speaking to said being closer to the desert her hair felt stiff with sand after spending the day at the new pool . Do you find that Pat or did she just happen on a windy day ?
Funny we are considering making a return to the hilton Nuweiba next Easter but need to check the reviews again as last time I looked there were lots of niggly comlaints from long time regulars. Maybe we would get upgraded to the bungalows with our HH card . What do you think Pete .
.Old pool , over the back (across the little bridge ) towards the corner (Gym side ) . last place for the sun to go down .in fact anywhere over the back would be essential if you don't want to loose the sun but then I guess it will stay longer in July than it does in april . In April we have to hang on to it for as long as we can . Perhaps Pat can give you some sunbed spot advice for the new side as we have never spent any time there .she might even tempt me into giving it a go . We strolled over one evening and it took us 35 minutes just to walk around the pool , and we crossed the bridge 2 3rds of the way. A lady I got speaking to said being closer to the desert her hair felt stiff with sand after spending the day at the new pool . Do you find that Pat or did she just happen on a windy day ?
Funny we are considering making a return to the hilton Nuweiba next Easter but need to check the reviews again as last time I looked there were lots of niggly comlaints from long time regulars. Maybe we would get upgraded to the bungalows with our HH card . What do you think Pete .
Lyn- there is always a breeze at the new side! Quite welcome, but last June they didn't allow you to put the brollies up in the morning because it was too windy..can't say I noticed any problems with sand in my hair though...
Places NOT to sit at the new side pool: anywhere near the slides - kids make them flood and the water goes everywhere, not at the side where there is the man made beach because there are too many kids, and pobably not at the bottom end of the pool nearest the airport - always seems colder for some reason. Oh, I sound ilke a right bah humbug now!
Places NOT to sit at the new side pool: anywhere near the slides - kids make them flood and the water goes everywhere, not at the side where there is the man made beach because there are too many kids, and pobably not at the bottom end of the pool nearest the airport - always seems colder for some reason. Oh, I sound ilke a right bah humbug now!
I like to be able to tap my feet to some music and watch people make fools of themselves in the pool .
Hi all.
Again thanks for the information it's much appreciated, given us plenty to think about,
now we are really really looking forward to the holiday, I will give Ehab an email and see what happens, as for the bungalows in Nuweiba, I never understood why we kept getting one FOC, we went the first time at christmas 2003 the place was full and we were given one then, we went back twice more that year and each time same thing, of course we did make friends with the staff and the GM, they even gave a bungalow to my son who came with us one trip, we must go back I miss it. sorry for the reminiscing. :offtop. I reckon if you have been before they will definitely upgragde you FOC.
Thanks again for the valuble information.
Happy hols
Pete & Ann
Again thanks for the information it's much appreciated, given us plenty to think about,
now we are really really looking forward to the holiday, I will give Ehab an email and see what happens, as for the bungalows in Nuweiba, I never understood why we kept getting one FOC, we went the first time at christmas 2003 the place was full and we were given one then, we went back twice more that year and each time same thing, of course we did make friends with the staff and the GM, they even gave a bungalow to my son who came with us one trip, we must go back I miss it. sorry for the reminiscing. :offtop. I reckon if you have been before they will definitely upgragde you FOC. Thanks again for the valuble information.
Happy hols
Pete & Ann
Hi all,has anybody just returned from HSB, we are going on our honeymoon on 12 sept and have just received a letter from Thomas cook saying not only is there building work outside the hotel ( which we were aware of from last year) but that they will be re-furbishing the rooms and that there may be some disruption.
I am a bit worried now dont fancy listening to banging and powerdrills all day.
I am a bit worried now dont fancy listening to banging and powerdrills all day.
Hi Cassie - they have been renovating rooms in the blocks nearest the beach as far as I understand. Which side of the hotel are you staying at? There has been some kind of building work going on around the hotel every time I have gone over the past 2 years, but it hasn't bothered us (except once at the beach in Jan this year when it was quite loud).
If you are on the new side of the hotel you won't hear anything at all. I know someone who got back this weekend and didn't mention it. My hubby and kids were there at the end of June and it didn't affect them - we were warned about it on the booking too.
If you are on the new side of the hotel you won't hear anything at all. I know someone who got back this weekend and didn't mention it. My hubby and kids were there at the end of June and it didn't affect them - we were warned about it on the booking too.
Hi Cassie.
Just got back this morning, we stayed at the new side upgraded to the deluxe rooms, much better than the older part, we never heard anything or anyone mention building work as we used the bars at the old part as well, any info just let me know, oh and yes after a bit of complaining about the standards or lack of them in the restruants it improved dramatically
Pete
Just got back this morning, we stayed at the new side upgraded to the deluxe rooms, much better than the older part, we never heard anything or anyone mention building work as we used the bars at the old part as well, any info just let me know, oh and yes after a bit of complaining about the standards or lack of them in the restruants
it improved dramatically Pete
Thanks thats great,we have not upgraded but may think about it,looking forward to it now ,only 4 weeks to go . 
Cassie - the rooms are fine even if you don't upgrade. Just not as spacious or modern, but perfectly comfortable and nearer the sea. I think each side has its own particular benefits and positives - hope you enjoy your trip.
Hi
Regarding the room upgrade, we were put into a room in the old part near to the reception/restaurant which I admit was not bad, but it was or seemed very Claustrophobic due to having a front entrance but no back patio exit, the patio door was a single sliding door next to the entrance door. sorry but that's not for us so that's why we changed rooms. I guess its the luck of the draw when rooms are allocated, we drew the short one. Still we enjoyed our stay.
Happy hols
Pete & Ann
Regarding the room upgrade, we were put into a room in the old part near to the reception/restaurant which I admit was not bad, but it was or seemed very Claustrophobic due to having a front entrance but no back patio exit, the patio door was a single sliding door next to the entrance door. sorry but that's not for us so that's why we changed rooms. I guess its the luck of the draw when rooms are allocated, we drew the short one. Still we enjoyed our stay.
Happy hols
Pete & Ann
Stayed at this hotel in October 2008 having previously stayed at the Concorde and Reef Oasis. Went back to Egypt in October 2009 and stayed at the Oriental Resort (only tried it as in a different area and wanted to see what it was like).
Anyway some friends want to try egypt so we have booked to go back to the Hilton in October 2010. Both myself and hubby are hilton honour members and will be returning guests. We have also booked to go to the Hilton in January 2011 as a break after Xmas.
I am going to email the hotel in advance but just wondered whether there were any standard extras as returning guests/hilton honours members or do I need to be cheeky and ask for upgrade etc before we get there.
Last year when we went to the Oriental Resort I emailed in advance advising them that one of the party had never been to Egypt before, upon our arrival they put us in the Presidential Suite instead of a twin and single room. The suite was massive and they even apologised for putting us there as they said they didnt have a single room free.
What do you think my chances are? I am undecided on which side I would prefer to stay as when we went in October 2008 the new side was only just opening and as we were leaving, guests were offered the upgrades (paying for them though).
Anyway some friends want to try egypt so we have booked to go back to the Hilton in October 2010. Both myself and hubby are hilton honour members and will be returning guests. We have also booked to go to the Hilton in January 2011 as a break after Xmas.
I am going to email the hotel in advance but just wondered whether there were any standard extras as returning guests/hilton honours members or do I need to be cheeky and ask for upgrade etc before we get there.
Last year when we went to the Oriental Resort I emailed in advance advising them that one of the party had never been to Egypt before, upon our arrival they put us in the Presidential Suite instead of a twin and single room. The suite was massive and they even apologised for putting us there as they said they didnt have a single room free.
What do you think my chances are? I am undecided on which side I would prefer to stay as when we went in October 2008 the new side was only just opening and as we were leaving, guests were offered the upgrades (paying for them though).
I would email in advance giving your HH number and a cheeky request for your upgrade. Ehab.AShakoor@hilton.com
They will probably give you delux rooms on the new side (that is what they offered us) but I then requested sea view on the old side instead.Blocks 1 or 2 are the ones closest to the sea.
It's really down to personally preference but I don't think you should have any problem getting an upgrade and why I would only ever pay for standard rooms now .
lyn
They will probably give you delux rooms on the new side (that is what they offered us) but I then requested sea view on the old side instead.Blocks 1 or 2 are the ones closest to the sea.
It's really down to personally preference but I don't think you should have any problem getting an upgrade and why I would only ever pay for standard rooms now .
lyn
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Edited by
lynwestie
2010-08-14 10:33:08
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