We booked hotel a few days ahead, but was suprised wifey had gone to Zamalek to pre-pay the reservation. Not sure that was a requirement or not. Their web site does not have a booking choice but does have an email. I would never consider to travel to Zamalek, or anywhere downtown Cairo, to prepay so check if you wish to book. Room prices were reasonable at 500 LE for double and 700LE per night for triple - full board. I think this is a steal compared in all respects to Stella De Mare.
Trip out was pleasant. We left at 11am and were there in 1 1/2 hours. Bit of a hold up at the toll gate as seems only in Egypt they have about 6 gates available, but only one working. So about 10 minute wait in chaotic non cue with everyone trying to drive around and squeeze in. And as usual there is a police check down the new 120Km speed limit highway. I was waved through but obviously some got nailed for speeding, or lack of proper documents, with several vehicles pulled off to the side.
To get to Palmare one must make a U turn and head towards Suez. Web site says 10 km from turn off but that is out of date. It is about 10 km from the old highway turn where the KFC and Pizza Hut is located. Be watchful for the sign as it is a yellowfaded one right at the desert track road leading to the Resort. set back from highway about 1/2 km. Also there is new construction along this track which does nothing for the entrance appearance.
As usual you must surrender your drivers licence and car papers, and they give you numbered cards for retrieval. Parking lot is packed sand and reception entrance is not obvious. But drive to your right and go up a ramp to hotel entrance to off load your luggage. Then go back down and park. Then climb the stairs to entrance. So you get some well deserved exercise after the drive.
Reception was a bit chaotic but we did check in OK but told we had to wait 1/2 hour for room to be ready. There is a waiting area but we lugged our bags out, and down some stairs, to first swimming pool area. Thinking girls could have a swim but come to find toilets at this pool area were locked!. I ventured to beach area about 3 minute walk and found the bar - so I was fine. Except upon return to family location they were gone and no cell phone, so back up the stairs to find out room number. Then back down stairs to find the room.
Room was fine, reasonably clean with two 3/4 beds, 3 chairs and coffee table, suitable bathroom (in need of some maintenance), TV (we never turned on) and small balcony. AC worked great but too cold set at 22C, which was fixed even though I tried to adjust upwards. Used balcony door opening to get comfortable temperature. Take mosquito wall plugs with you. Also a glitch with AC as when I turned it off it rained in the room beneath the central (AC) unit - so turned it back on to stop the rain.
Pleasant Garden and walkways
Main swimming pool seem OK with the Pegola resturant adjacent.
Highlight was the beach and shallow sand bottom sea swimming area, and of course the beach bar, with friendly helpful staff, but as usual not speed demons with service. Swimming or just paddling about was fantastic.
There was a nice cooling breeze and even though temperature was 35C, the beach area was nice and comfortable. Sun and sea a great outing for all especially young ones
How people sat around the pool I do not know, as when I walked by the temperature was oppressive - no breeze in that area. Of course did not bother those swimming except to burn their feet on red tiles surrounding the pool.
Prices at Beach bar were OK with large water at 7 LE Sakara beer 18 LE inlcusive of tax. YOu could order sandwiches etc., tea and coffee but these items were not in my interest.
Food wise I cannot comment much, as breakfast was standard fare and we did not have the buffet supper. We opted to go to the fish resturant down the highway towards Suez, about 1 km located between the 2 highways. We chose the most popular named Abou Aly(sp?) and can be found looking for a Big Blue sign with about 7 gold stars on it. Also likely the one with many cars parked around as it is very popular. However, it is a tinned roof structure with tent walls and packed when we were there. For fish lovers, clamari, jumbo shimp, it is a good feed. For 4 adults, 2 kids cost was 500 LE. Not sure what time they open as colleague went there bit after 12 noon and they were not open yet. We were there about 5 pm and it was hopping busy.
Check out day we asked for late till 2 pm and no problem. Then decided to stay longer so checked out and left luggage with reception. Also they only said to bring beach towel cards when we left and collected the "paid" card to exit. Nice treatment compared to the hassle we had at the Sea Side Hotel (next to Stella De Mare), who wanted us to pay for extra afternoon if we wished to stay on beach after check out time,
Family all agreed we would return.
No comments:
Post a Comment