Hi Dave and Jane,

We stayed at the SRMB last Aug and are returning again in 5 weeks. Have been to Egypt 4 times and can honestly say it is the best all inclusive that we have been to.

We never had any kind of issue with upset stomachs ourselves, although some others have. I wouldn't put the blame on the hotel, but moreso down to the individual ie not drinking enough water, over indulging in alcohol, too much sun, having the air con turned down too low in room. When handling their money make sure you wash your hands afterwards, and always use anti bacterial gel. No matter where we go, we always have a bottle at hand.

Pool and beach towels are provided. You will be given a towel card on arrival, and you hand it over at one of the towel stations around the pools in exchange for a towel. Your card will be returned to you upon returning the towel. Don't lose it, or they will charge you to replace it.

There are two buffet restaurants, and 3 a la carte restaurants to choose from, all of which you can use as many times as you wish, but they need to be booked in advance (a la cartes are very good) Lunches are also served around the pool bars ie freshly cooked pizzas, hot dogs, burgers, salads etc. Snacks are also served between midnight and 1.30am in the lobby bar, and the lobby bar is open 24 hr.

Entertainment is very low key, but we were happy sitting chatting with new found friends. If you re looking for something a bit more upbeat, Hurghada is about 20/25 mins by taxi. The hotel does have a mini bus which I think runs 2/3 times a day, can't comment on it as we never used it. If you do go to Hurghada by taxi, use the taxi service to the left of reception just outside the lobby bar, as they are far cheaper than using the hotels taxi, ie hotel taxi cahrged us £45 for pick up from airport, and we only paid £14 for return to airport with other taxi service.

Hope the above helps. If you need any other info feel free to ask.

Regards,
Pat

I've just got back from SRMB and thought the hotel was fab. The only bad points were that the food wasn't great - aimed more towards russian/german tastes, and the evening shows were also poor. The only reason I say this is because once again it was aimed towards the germans etc, so we didn't know what was going on most of the time! It seems that the British are definately the minority here.

The place is fantastic though, and the staff can't do enough for you. They work so hard, and only get 50 English pounds a month. They very much appreciate tips and I can understand why.

I got a stomach upset for a few days but it was nothing unpredictable and it didn't stop me doing anything. Went next door to the chemist and got some tablets for it and it was gone by the next day. Would definately suggest the handwash - we always had one on us.

Enjoy your time there, and don't worry too much!

Hi ive just booked to go to SRMR in jan does anyone know what sort of weather to expect? also i always change my money abroard however ive never been to Egypt so is it better to get money over here. Thank you.

One last thing what sort of trips are they and prices. Thank you for your help

Hi Can't comment on the weather in January in Makadi Bay, but have been to Sharm this time of the year. The temperature was mid 70's during the day, and a bit chilly at night, although not cold. To make the best of the sun you will need to be up quite early as the sun went down about 3.30/4.00pm, and dark by about 5.00/5.30pm.

Regarding the money, definately change your money when over there. You wil get about 10% more.

We went to SRMB last August and are returning again next week.

Have a great holiday!

Regards,
Pat

Sorry, forgot to mention the trips!

Luxor - 1 and 2 day trips, by bus and plane.
Giftun Island - Snorkelling trip, includes 3 stops for snorkelling, about 2 hours on Giftun Island, lunch qand soft drinks on boat ... great day out!
Water Park
Quad bikes
Jeep Safari

I'm sure there are more trips available, but can't remember what they are. Regarding the prices, we only went on the Giftun Island trip, which cost us about £30 each, which we booked through the boys on the beach, and was cheaper than booking through Thomas Cook.

Thomas Cook also offer a trip into Hurghada, which includes lunch/dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe and a wander around the shops. Have heard that it isn''t wort the money. I advise you do the trip yourself. You can book a taxi from the guys in the reception area, (not hotel taxi, as they are a lot dearer)

Hope this helps.

Pat

Can anyone please tell me if the slides and swim up bar is open in jan? thanks

has anyone stayed at the sunrise makadi -makadi bay Iam going in 6 weeks.would also like to know what the restrants are like.

Hi Fossie,

We returned from SRMB on Sat (2nd visit)

We have been to Egypt 5 times, and can honestly say that the SRMB has been the best regarding food.

Main buffet - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - very hectic!
Around the World Restaurant - Breakfast, and Dinner - A lot more calmer.
Pool Bar - Lunch time offering burgers, hotdogs, chips, freshly cooked pizzas, salads etc

3 A La Carte Restaurants (must be prebooked)
Mediterrean - Good
Italian - Good/Very Good
Asian - Excellent

Lobby Bar - Snacks available late evening

If you need any more infor feel free to ask, I will answer if I can.

Regards,
Pat

Hi,
We went to this hotel in October 2007 and we had a lovely time, the hotel was excellent and the staff so friendly.
We did all suffer from runny tummy but then who doesnt in Egypt!
The weather from beautiful and the beach nice and clean.
I do hope nothing has changed.
I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Hi Allipops,

The SRMB has recently been extended - larger Reception with cocktail bar, new family accommodation block, another restaurant below the Med restaurant, and extension to thr main buffet restaurant.

They are also planning to build another accommodation block, larger beach bar and a couple of more restaurants.

Just hope they don't spoil the hotel by going too big!!

Pat