Royal Star Beach Resort

We arrived at our hotel late in the evening, on first glance it looked nice, the reception area, smart and staff in uniform. We were quickly checked in and shown to our room. We paid for a side /garden view room. When we opened the door we were greeted with loud music and flashing lights, not what we were hoping for at all. The net curtains were falling down and the black out curtains didn’t fit the window, so let light in. We had a kettle in the room with two glasses and tea bags… no cups and never received any for our entire stay despite asking for them. The furniture on the balcony was disgusting so didn’t want to use it. The downstairs dining area was awful, not enough seating, it was tired and grubby. The food was terrible! No children’s options as was pointed out by another couple travelling with children. It was all very bland and not covered properly so there were flies sitting on the cheeses etc. the WiFi was useless only worked in the reception area and was slow. Buy an Egyptian SIM card from the shop it’s cheaper. The staff were lovely and tried their best. The pool and beach area were lovely, although, rubbish from the nearby fishing boats needs attention. I wouldn’t return here for a holiday, the area outside the hotel is very run down and didn’t feel safe, however we did find the marina, a short taxi ride away and spent our evenings there at the many bars and restaurants. The entertainment team were irritating to those who just wanted to just relax or maybe catch up on some sleep after being awake all night from this noisy hotel. The one bit of advice I’d give to the hotel, is it is all about the detail. Maybe some new management with some fresh eyes! .

We came here for a week in January. I’d read the reviews, so I already had an idea what to expect. On the plus side, the hotel was clean, the rooms were spotless and the food was mostly good, although breakfast wasn’t great. The pool was heated and it was set near a small reef (off the beach of next doors hotel), so for snorkelling, it was perfect. You can use facilities at their two other hotels, so we made use of the gym and the beach. The staff are mostly friendly and helpful. The minus points. It’s very tired, the walls are desperate for a coat of paint in the restaurant and the bar. The drinks selection isn’t great, beer from cans, Diet Coke in plastic bottles and it’s hit and miss whether you’ll get a glass or a scratched plastic cup. The coffee isn’t too bad, but once again, you may struggle to find a coffee cup. I got told off for putting two espresso in one mug! You get hounded on the beach and in the foyer to book trips and massages. They say they have a flag you can put up to avoid hassle, but the staff don’t actually know anything about it! There are half finished electrics everywhere, with cables dangling from walls and ceilings and more worryingly, in the swimming pool. As a result, we avoided the pool completely. The first room we were offered had fumes coming from the air conditioner and couldn’t be turned off. We were given a different room and had to move our son’s bed to the other room ourselves! The morning after, the housekeepers shouted at us for “taking” things from the other room. By far the biggest issue though was on arrival. We were told our room hadn’t been paid for. This was not the hotels fault, it was Love Holidays (who we will never book with again) but although they knew it was a regular fault and that they would get their money, they hadn’t dealt with it by contacting them before we got there. We booked a year ago! And they wouldn’t let us in until we had sorted it, which took 4 hours, until midnight. The location isn’t great either, it’s in a down at heel area and there’s not much to see or do without getting a taxi. I wouldn’t return for these reasons.

Royal Star hotel resort has been good for a family break away for my daughter and I. We felt safe and happy throughout our time. The staff were friendly and helpful. Ahmed the room cleaner was so lovely and polite and did a good job with lovely decorations each day. The animation team were interactive and had activities all day and good music by the pool (beach is quieter) There was an issue with the team getting my daughter up to do a Miss Hotel contest where my daughter and I weren’t comfortable but it was sorted out after with Madziq when she came to have a conversation with us. The food was good every day with variety. The hotel could do with a spruce up here and there but overall the hotel is good and close to the city centre. The shops outside the hotel to the left, Discovery Tours I would recommend Mo he was very helpful and kind and made us fe l comfortable. The then Timati at Dolce Vita 2 shop also a very kind lovely gentleman.

Had a fabulous stay! The staff are all so friendly and welcoming and nothing is too much trouble. We had a room with an amazing sea view and it was lovely to sit out on the balcony in the evening and admire the twinkly lights around the pool. The bed was really comfortable and the air conditioning really effective so we slept well. The room was very clean and comfortable and there was bottled water in the fridge upon arrival. The egg station at breakfast time was great - delicious omelettes! The falafels were really tasty too. There’s also a good selection of pastries at breakfast time. The location is excellent - a short taxi ride to the marina and city centre - the front desk and door staff are more than happy to help you get a taxi. I have a slight disability and all the staff were so friendly and more than happy to help with anything. Ibrahim on the front desk is a superstar - nothing is too much trouble and everything is done with a smile! The hotel building could do with a little tlc but the overall experience is great thanks to the lovely smiley and friendly staff.