No - don't need photos- just the cash !!! We have always had multi-entry visas purchased in advance in the UK as we go to Egypt often. (BTW the Egyptian consulate is VERY effieicnet and we have yet to wait more than 48 hours for the return of our passports with the visas in)

On arrival at ANY Egyptian airport there will be queues for visas and again for immigration - Marsa being a smaller airport is fine so long as yours is the only aircraft on the ground. If a couple land together it would be a different story.

modern it may be, but it is rather lacking in facilities - from what I remember one tiny cafe upstairs in the departure lounge and 2 tiny shops - so be prepared to amuse yourselves while waiting for your flight. (The whole departure lounge is about as big as one of the larger boarding gates at Gatwick!). A delay would be very tedious! Loos however we clean!!!

We are considering going to Marsa Alam, but cannot find anything in Resort Reports.
Is it very quiet, is there much to do, apart from diving.
We are an elderly couple who like to do a little exploring but nothing too strenuous.

Hope someone will have some info.

Thanks,

Mike and Marn.

Unless it has changed significantly since April 2004 - no - almost literally nothing at all. The resort literally comprises hotels - not even any noticeable shops or restaurants.

You may be better considering one of the more established resorts like Naama Bay (Sharm), Hurghada or possibly El gouna

Have a look here:

http://www.marsa-alam-airport.com

If you contact the airport authority (via the 'Contact Us' option) they'll answer your questions promptly

Good Website Yvker!!

Have now decided on Hurghada instead of Marsa Alam. Going 13th Jan to Desert Rose Resort.

Mike and Marn.

Edit as agreed with Mike who has started new topic here is the link if you can help him :wink

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=60749

Hi all, thinking of booking a trip here in Feb. Never been to Egypt before , and looking through all the available info, thought this looked like a good place to try. We found a package,(shock horror - but in view of the dodgy goings on in the region - thought it best) flying to the new airport at Marsa alam amd staying at the Kharamana (sp??) resort hotel. Haven't booked yet but will probably do tomorrow or vvery soon.
just thought i'd ask on here for any info/ideas from anyone who's been there.
Cheers
Terri

We stayed at the Kharamana for Easter 2004 and had a great time - but be VERY careful - some tour ops aren't that specific about the resort which actually comprises 2 hotels - the Kharamana and the inferior Amariya which is at the entrance to the resort. The Amariya has it's own pool, minibus service to a separate beach, own restaurant etc and you are NOT allowed to use the facilities of the Kharamana - so be specific in insisting that you are located in the Kharamana itself!!

We stayed half board, and there is a nice little pizza place for lunch if you need it. We were lucky in being able to participate in a superb Gala meal on the beach for Easter which was an unexpected bonus. They also have the option for going to a "Bedouin Night" at the edge of the resort one evening, complete with the invitable camel rides. whirling dervish etc.

We are big divers and the on-site scuba school is excellent.

I'd go again anyway!!

Hi, now think we'll probably go to El Gouna & stay at the Sheraton as it looks good - a little more lively & also a good deal with portland. Don't like TOO lively though, but Marsa alam looked just a tad too quiet.

Any info anyone ? Looked on the hotel section, but no ratings there yet!
Mind you Nuweiba looks good too
Keep lookiong!!

Don't think you could call El Gouna TOO lively - we have a property there - but it is DEFINITELY livelier than Marsa Alam. Marsa is still very much at the stage where you have what is in your hotel finito!! It WILL develop, but I hope that it will remain largely a diving resort and not become too sharmified!!

Check out the El Gouna thread as there are several folk on the forum who have stayed at the Sheraton

Hi, just booked 14 nights at the Kahramana from end july , got a £400 discount with thomas cook by booking on line! Cant wait.

Hi, we have booked for 2 weeks at the end of July. Board is B & B. Can anyone tell me what the prices of food and drinks are as no idea of prices can expect to pay for snacks, dinner and drinks.
Thanks

I'm thinking of booking the Ibertotel Lamaya Resort for Christmas. Has anyone been to this hotel and especially at this time of year?

All i am looking for is a relaxing break and somewhere that is warm! I've been to Sharm and Taba and thought i'd give Marsa Alam a try. Can anyone reccomend this resort or if not why??!

Look forward to hearing from you.

edit- removed other hotel link-

roundhead wrote:

Ibertotel Lamaya Resort for Christmas

recent review here.

MrsMac

Well spotted. Have removed it now.

MrsMac

xl.com is the site for flights only but there are no taxis at MA airport so you need to get hotel to pick you up. Best hotel in area for comfort and snorkelling is Movenpick at Quseir.

How about food in Marsa Alam?
Staying B & B at the Kahramana in July. veggie options for me required - anyone any experience in this area? how much can we expect to pay for meals / drinks etc?

Just heard about this new resort and would like to hear from anyone who has been and where they stayed please.

Can anyone provide me with any information at all to do with the new hotel Calimera Habiba at Marsa Alam?

I'm going on holiday there in September and would like to find out more about it.
I'd like any information at all about anything to do with this hotel - accommodation, the food, activities, prices, staff... anything!

I believe the hotel was delayed in opening, but should be open as from now. can anyone confirm that it is up and running yet?