Went on a last minute holiday through Thomson and got an excellent deal. Read all the reviews before booking and agree with most of them.

Staff cannot be faulted, nothing is too much trouble for them and they do not expect tips all the time (like some places in Egypt). Rooms are light and airy and were cleaned daily to an excellent standard.

A choice of pool areas, one designated a quiet zone and the other is where the games take place. Staff at pool bars excellent, you don't have to leave your sun bed, they bring your drinks to you and they remember what you drink very quickly. The buffet food we found disappointing, they had a different theme each day but a lot of it was overcooked and dried out or over spiced, saying that we always found something we could eat. The Cabaret pool side restaurant was good and portions not too big. The hotel did, however have a dine around facility for the evening meals, where for a cost of 10 euros each you could dine in one of the specialty restaurants on site (alcohol not included). We went twice to the Chinese and once to the Grill and heard good reports on the others.

We didn't see any of the entertainment provided but did intend to go to the open air cinema across the road but travellers tunmmy put paid to that. The staff at the pharmacy were very helpful and the pool bar guys made us camomile, aniseed and mint tea. Not many Brits seem to use this side of the Red Sea, more Russians, Germans and Scandinavians than Brits.

Returned yesterday after spending 2 weeks at the Saraya. We were a party of four 50 somethings, 2 couples, looking for a relaxing holiday and we found just that. Whilst the hotel may not be a true 5*, in some areas, customer service for example, you get 5* plus treatment. Food was good and there was always something to satisfy the fussiest diner, (apart from some Brits who complained that there were no bacon,sausage and "proper bread"- I suggest they try Benidorm). Each dining area had a different theme night each evening and the staff dressed in the costume of the relevant country.The beach was a 10 minute stroll and each hotel has its own private strip with ample sunbeds and bar were you can get drinks and snacks all day as part of the AI package. You dont even have to leave your sunbed as the waiter will bring your order to you if you require. Try snorkelling as the sea is so clear and the fish you see even in shallow water are breathtaking. It was my first try and I am hooked. The animation team worked really hard to make your holiday as enjoyable as possible (Special mention to Adam). They dont pester you to join in, just chat and if you dont want to join in, thats fine. We took part in the Olympics, competition between the neighbouring hotels and won a gold medal for our efforts. They put on a different show each night geared towards families, and if I had a critisism, they should have more for adults after 1000pm,There is a disco,La Loco, but they charge 5 euros entrance but all drinks are free. We didnt bother, prefering to have a quiet drink in one of the bars. Our room cleaner Wally, was very good, and every day he left a different towel arrangement on our beds. We gave him a tip on our last day and in return he presented us with a papyrus picture of Tutenkharmen, which was a lovely touch. We went on the day trip to Luxor, and although very tiring, it is well worth it. You visit the Valley of the Kings and take a boat trip across the Nile and have lunch in a 5* hotel among other things. The hotel pools( 2) are large and very clean and towels are provided. There are plenty of sunbeds so no need to rush out at 730am to reserve, (Although a English couple did this every day and put towels on 5 beds just for the 2 of them- never saw any other Nationality do this). The other guests are mainly German & Russian and Brits are in the minority. This caused no problems and if you make an effort to talk to them you might be surprised how friendly they can be and it adds to the whole holiday experience. All in all a fantastic holiday which we hope to repeat in the future.

The hotel was lovely, it was clean and not too spread out. The sister hotels all linked into each other but it was easy to stay within your own hotel. The room we had was large, comfortable and clean. Beware of the mini bar - you take anything you pay for it! Which seems silly when the bars serve from 9.00am to 1.00am. But I would suggest you open the fridge door every day and check the contents - as cans do seem to go missing!! The staff were great, they couldn't do enough for you, espically if you gave them a small tip! (about 20-30 egyptian pounds). Whilst we were there, there was alot of Russians and Germans, the Brits were in the minority, but the staff and the animation team worked very hard to ensure you were not excluded. Our son loved it as they took him to play football every day. The food was very nice, we stayed for a fortnight and did not have one evening menu which was repeated. You do get asked everyday, while you are around the pools, if you want to eat in the on site speciality restaurants, which costs any thing between 10-15 Euros for the food, kids eat free, plus you buy the alchol, we did it twice and would recommend it. The evening entertainment was enjoyable, but the kids early disco was only geared towards the German children. There was plenty of bars, all themed differently to choose from but we enjoyed the lobby bar in the evening. The beach was a very small walk (5 mins) away through another hotel, enjoy the gardens they are beautiful. Once there each hotel has its own part of the beach and the all inclusive bar and food continues. The staff who worked the beach were also very good and helpful. It can get quite windy whilst on the beach and the sea did get very choppy once and the flags went up advising you to get out of the water. The snorkling is breathtaking and I would recommend it. You do get approached by the locals trying to sell you something - but a simply 'no' does work. The down side is the resort is wonderful if you are going to Egypt for a rest, but if you want to see anything of the culture and the visual highlights Egypt has to offer be prepared for a long coach drive! Luxor is 5 hours away by coach. Would we go back, yes!