Hyatt Regency Reviews

Flight (Astreus) left on time, (rock fans--Bruce Dickinson is a pilot with Astreus--yes, THE Bruce Dickinson. He wasn't on today's flight but there is page dedicated to him in the in-flight magazine). Meal good, staff good. No in-flight entertainment but when you get views as I got, you don't need it. Over Holland and Germany, down over the Alps, over Venice (great view)then along the coast of former Yugoslavia, across the Med....then just desert until Taba.

Taba is basically a big shed in middle of the desert. At immigration, GET A VISA! If you intend travelling outside of Sinai you will need one. We decided before we left the UK that we did not fancy the 5 hour bus journey to Cairo. Having changed our minds at the rep's meeting we had to go and get a visa which took several hours of irate, heavily-armed boarder guards, searches, metal detectors and bribes.

The hotel is fantastic.We were greeted with a glass of herbal tea then shown to our room. Our suitcases followed on soon. Take the advice on this site and take plenty of US one-dollar bills for tipping--they are much appreciated by the staff.

We live in Cornwall, so a day at the beach is normal practice for us therefore we don't go for beach holidays. In Taba, make an exception. Beach beds with palm parasols, no crowds, regular visits from the drinks man (ice creams would have been nice)and perfect weather. From the beach you can see Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel. The Red Sea is warm and crystal clear. Thousands of tropical fish to see, even when just paddling.

A choice of about ten pools to choose from including an Olympic-sized lap-pool.

Food and restaurant service excellent. All buffet style in the main Limoncello restaurant. Breakfast--recommend the omelettes where the Chefs do some amazing juggling to get the thing onto your plate.
The waiters like to have a laugh and a joke.

Evening meal--good selection again. With the lamb we couldn't decide whether it was Billy-lamb or Nanny-lamb (if you get my drift!)but, nevertheless, good food and plenty of it. You really must try the desserts.

The apartment was immaculate--spacious, clean, walk-in shower and patio. You cannot buy alcohol anywhere here so, if you like a drink, get some duty free from Gatwick. The air conditioning is superb and very, very necessary, (we used to go inside to get cool!)

There is a little shop where you can buy soft drinks and sweets. People have complained that they have been ripped off here but we did not have a problem. If you remember that the lowest denomination of note is one Egyptian Pound which is worth 10p it is quite OK to only deal in notes. Those hanging around waiting for change from a £1 Egyptian pound note deserved to be ripped off!

We did the 5 hour trip to Cairo. Stopped off at the Suez canal then went under it. The pyramids and sphynx are as remarkable as you knew they would be, the trip somewhat marred by the locals trying to sell souvenirs. We were advised to learn the Arabic for ";No thank you"; but were told that if this fails use that special part of your own language that simply means ";I am now tired of your constant pestering. I would rather appreciate things better if you would now leave me alone please";. We have 2 special little words for this phrase and belive me, IT WORKS!

If you are claustrophobic DO NOT go inside a pyramid. I wasn't before I went, but I am now. I would have died if I'd been one of those Pharoahs! A very special day. Enjoy Cairo! Evidently there is no driving test, insurance of MOT. So imagine a giant dodgem rink.............. Absolutely mental! Makes Paris and Rome look like a haven for safe drivers.

Do the Bedhouin Night as well. It's on-site at the hotel with excellent food and entertainment, (look out for the incredible spinning man!)

Bar staff great fun, make you feel welcome and they like to play a few games with you.

Prices:
Large beer £2.50
Gin and Tonic £4
Bottle of Egyptian Red--£11
Water 2 Litres 80p

Try the other 2 restaurants as well--you get £3.50 off as a half board guest and the meals are only around £10 anyway.

Probably the best holiday we've ever had and we sure-as-hell ain't no spring chickens! We are definitely going back. The most relaxing time ever with excellent service, food and friendly staff.

Exceptional point: I was there on my birthday. The room maids (blokes really) picked up on the birthday card from my wife and that evening a beautiful cake arrived.

What a superb holiday! Inflight on Monarch basic - as is Taba airport. Do listen out for info. re visas as inportant when travelling from one part of Egypt to another.

Lots of security checks on route to the hotel which is reassuring.

Great hotel, checkin ap Reception quick and labels given for you to number so luggage is delivered to your room.

Do take Goldstar (see previous reviews) for a sea view - free service.

At Reception youn will recieve room key/card and cards for loan of beach towels which can be changed daily or whenever. Pools and grounds beautifully clean and pool attendants very helpful - will ask if you want umbrellas put up or down!

Housekeeping superb, housekeeper callled twice daily to ask if we would like more towels. Soap, shampoo, conditioner, and moisturiser provided.

Trip to Cairo very worth while despite the 3.10am start. We booked with First Choice wich was a lot cheaper but same conditions.

Mini bar in room was expensive but there is a free shuttle bus to other hotels where there is a shop and is a lot cheaper for beers, water and tonics, snacks etc.

Taba now has a duty-free shop but if you want to use your plastic do so on the plane as prices do compare.

Wonderful hotel, wonderful holiday - enjoy!!