GOOD:

The rooms are really nice with huge screened wooden windows and French doors that open to a hammocked patio. The desert wind blows constantly and leaves its unique sent and just a hint of sand on the floors which the staff fastidiously cleans.

Service on the beach was fast and friendly.

Breakfast buffet was good. They have a fresh orange juice machine which squeezes the oranges on demand, however, the oranges (as the room you're eating in) are warm. A fellow traveler found fly larvae swimming in her fresh squeezed juice and management immediately removed the machine... though it was more likely they didn't inspect the oranges before they put them in the machine.

Beach was lovely. Location was lovely. The Red Sea spectacular. The Sinai amazing.


BAD:

The amount of marketing material Hilton puts in the rooms is vulgar. I don't want to think about all the other Hiltons in the world when I'm trying to enjoy where I'm at.

You can't channel surf on the TV.

It's damned near impossible to get a proper cocktail in Egypt and Hilton is no exception. Ordered Pina Coladas on the beach. They brought warm milk-like drinks with very little rum.

Waiters were scattered and disorganized with large groups.

Air conditioner didn't work when I checked in (at 2:00 a.m.). Front desk insisted on sending out a technician twice before agreeing to switch my room.

In all that marketing material NOTHING said that the rooms had internet service and I ended up using their "internet cafe" which was two computers that you had to buy codes to use and went through a fixed IP... couldn't use my IP Phone. There was no "cafe" by the way. The computers were quite isolated on the second floor of the reception area.

Front desk service was terrible. I spent 15 minutes trying to get one of their staff to leave a note for a fellow traveler.. .tipped him 10 pounds to do it and of course it never happened. I had a friend attempt to call me there and they couldn't find me on their computer .... couldn't seem to get the call through to MY room even after he gave them my room number.

Had lunch at the Neptune and it was underwhelming. Eating in town is much better.

Americans like COLD COLD COLD drinks with plenty of ice if necessary... this was vexing throughout Egypt. Beer served in a hot and windy environment will warm up in minutes and quickly become unpleasant to drink. I guess it's not an issue because not that many Americans go to Dahab or Egypt for that matter. Europeans, I guess, are used to warm beverages and can deal with it, but it is a huge issue for Americans. The Rush Lounge in town has the coldest beer in Egypt!!

They should consider selling or offering insulating sleeves for beverage bottles and cans.

Minibars only kept things cool... not cold. This was true everywhere in Egypt.

Room service menu was extraordinarily limited and boring.

PERSONAL NOTE:

The people of Dahab, especially the noble Bedoin, are, "Strong like the desert, soft like the sea and work hard like the wind."

The locals in Dahab are still grieving for their lost loved ones and are suffering greatly from a drop in business due to the recent bombing. With some encouragement, they openly share their feelings and stories which I believe takes a lot of courage given the political climate of Egypt and the region.

The conspicuous lack of resentment toward Americans was most gratifying, but not surprising after experiencing the warm and open hearts of nearly everyone in this country. I went to Egypt for the first time because I felt that a part of my spirit never left there to begin with. I found that lost part of me in the desert while sitting quietly and staring at the stars with the Bedoins and also while sipping tea and smoking a sheesha with the shop owners of Dahab.

Just back from a great week at the Hilton Dahab. Having read some iffy reviews, was a bit worried about the hotel, but the rooms were spacious and clean, my only gripe being that the bathroom could have done with a bit of an update. The buffet breakfast was consistently good, with a very broad choice of items. Only ate dinner at the hotel once, but the buffet food was also far better than some reviews would lead you to believe (and only £9 a head!). Would recommend the B&B package tho', as there are plentiful restaurants in town, with two course dinner from £8GBP for two! (inc soft drinks and tip!).

Dahab town is worth several visits for dinner / drinks / souvenirs, and you get less hassled here than in Cairo or Sharm. You will, however, be chaperoned into Al Capone's at least once, and the food here is very good, so no need to resist too hard! Take a taxi to town - we walked it once - it's a long way in the heat, and as taxis are £1GBP each way, it's just not worth it!

Diving was great overall. We used the hotel diving centre (Sinai Divers). They are not the cheapest, but very convenient. The level of tuition was high, and the team was very friendly, well organised and safety concious.

We're just back from a 7 day stay at the Dahab Hilton as part of a package deal from Thomson Holidays. Overall impression - Excellent, we'd stay there again although I'd rate the hotel at 4 stars rather than five.
Rooms are spacious, beds huge, balconeys also huge, (big enogh to string a hammock).
Low points:-
Our first room had a splendid view of the sewage works, (together with the sounds and smells). A word at the desk and our room was changed without hesitation.
The aircon in the new room didn't work. A call to the desk and an engineer was there to fix it within 20 minutes.
Buffet meals less than inspired.
Good points:-
Friendly, efficient, helpful staff.
Loveley grounds
Comfortable rooms
Italian and Seafood restaurants, (the latter with live music) with generous meals at reasonable prices.
Diverse beach facilities - watersports and bar, again inexpensive.