Hyatt Regency Reviews

Just returned from two weeks at the Hyatt in Taba Heights. Brilliant holiday, weather fabulous for the first week but cloudy and chilly for second week, although the day we left was fantastic. As previous comments, don`t go there if you like plenty to do and see. We went for a relaxing chill out time and thoroughly enjoyed it. Hotel grounds are amazing. Loads of different pools and sunning yourself areas, one large pool heated and children`s pool also heated. The animation team there Joe and Dasha were fab. and I joined water aerobics every day. We had free upgrade to seaview room, which was very large, with two double beds. Spotlessly clean and thoroughly cleaned each day with clean sheets and towels every day also. Food was good, not excellent, but for Egypt was the best we have had. No ";Taba tummy";

Tips for travellers: Take plenty of suncream, high factor, and loads of moisturiser. It goes dark around 5pm at this time of the year and cold at night, yes, I mean very cold!! Most people didn`t have enough warm clothes for the evenings. Thank goodness we had air-conditioning which turned to heating at the touch of a button.
We took Dollars, as previously suggested, but changed some into LE (egyption pounds) to use in snack bars and shop.
As per previous comments take loads of duty frees out. Drinks very expensive and the cigs are cheaper at the Dive Centre only £12 for 200, whilst £15 at shop. El Fresco bar, by heated pool best for lunchtime snacks, Baseem, was great.

Would we go again? Yes most definately but maybe only for a week, as there is really nothing to do!! Will try another airline if poss. as the flight was very cramped and uncomfortable and Taba airport is a joke, only it wasn`t that funny. Loos there disgusting.

This was second visit to Taba Heights. The last, two years ago, was to Marriott. Both good hotels, but think the Hyatt has the edge in terms of layout and atmosphere. The Sofitel, situated between the Hyatt and the Marriott,looked particularly soulless.

Flight out by Astreus was an hour late in departure but you expect that these days. The upgrade to Premium Class was definitely a good idea - special check in, priority boarding, at least at the Gatwick end, more legroom, free drinks, china crockery - a good package.

Transfer to hotel was easy and there were drinks on arrival. Restaurant remained open at 23.00 for those who wanted it.

Sea view room was pre-booked but not available until following day. Need to be persistent. Peltours Rep sorted it out.

Food was a bit repetitive in the evening -we were only there for a week so two weeks would have been trying. The alternative of the Lebanese restaurant was not attractive - a bit chilly at the time of year, given it was open to the
elements.

The Breeze beachside bar served excellent food at lunchtime - just right.

Some tips for the Limoncello Restaurant.

At breakfast get some juice or something and bag table, otherwise someone else will nab it.

At dinner order drinks before going for food. They can take a while to arrive so if you don't do it early you can be sitting without refreshment.

The Hyatt has the advantage of four pools, including an Olympic length lap pool for serious swimmers. Here there are numerous distractions such as Stretching sessions, Water Aerobics, Water Polo, etc., all organised by an excellent and friendly team. No pressure but good fun for participants and onlookers alike.

Evening entertainment alternates between a Russian Dance Troupe - really very good, and Egyptian Folk Dancers - less so.

If you are looking for a relaxing holiday for exceptionally good value this is hard to beat.

Only irritant is the paranoia, perhaps understandable, of the Egyptian Tourist and Port Police. Five Passport checks between hotel and plane on return journey - two within 20 yards of each other in secure area, is overkill.

Fantastic hotel, very clean and good facilties. The food was O.K., there is enough choice that you can always find something to eat. The alcohol is very expensive in the bars, so please take enough duty free to last you throughout the holiday. Saying that, our entire bill for lunches and the odd cocktail or beer was £140 for the week for 2.

Dressing gowns are not provided and would be good if you like to swim as it can be a little windy. Take all suncreams and medicines that you may need. Do take snorkel equipment if you can because it is $10 a day for hire. The snorkelling is fantastic and must not be missed, little jetty off the hotel beach and you are in a coral reef, beach shoes may be useful.

Airport is horrendous, nothing there except little gifts and drinks so possibly take something to nibble as you are there for at least 2 hours. Longwood were good and overall, great value for money.

There are a lot of great comments about Taba Heights. But a lot of them seem to be making the SAME mistake.

It is do do with the prices. Please lets not get confused. Egypt and the UK both use the Pound as their currency, but there is a huge difference. The Egyptian Pound (L.E. being the correct prefix) is around L.E.11.00 to the Stirling pound. So when a review says that they paid 10.00 UK pounds for a bottle of water, it is actualy L.E.10.00 and converts to about 0.95 UK pounds.

Half liter of local beer cost L.E.34.00 or 3.00 UK pounds.

I'm cheating a bit by describing a holiday I'm yet to go on, but having already been to this fabulous hotel, I can highly recommend.

The landscaping, service and layout of the hotel left us thinking we'd been undercharged. We spent the first half of the week strolling round with mouths hanging open, in awe of the stunning surroundings.

Our room was huge, spotless, comfortable and ideally situated, with a quick hop over the balcony into the pool, and a view over the sea.
The pools were never less than clean, and were at their best in the early morning when still slightly chilly, and empty.
The beach was clean and quiet, and the snorkelling was out of this world...like Finding Nemo!

The food was good, ocassionally great, but most of the time, just nice with plenty of choice. The restaurant by the pool was ultra-romantic and the food there was particularly special.
The pickled onions seemed to be the only thing that brought on an attack of dodgy tummy.

We only did the Farun Island trip, which rates among the best experiences of my life! The people, crew, food and snorkelling added up to a brilliant day, and very reasonably priced.

Flight on the way home was slightly delayed but we still had full use of the hotel facilities.

All in all, an amazing hotel - we're going back in three weeks time!