The Siva could easily be re-named the 'Ronseal' because it does 'exactly what it says on the tin'.
It's a very good hotel that caters for all age groups wanting sun,relaxation and minimum fuss.
The hotel is designed a bit like an inverted trident with two wings spreading out and down
on either side of the central block.There are five floors in all including the ground floor.
Corridors are long ( ground floor ill lit in places) and there are small lifts as well as stairs.
These blocks provide the junior suites accommodation which are spacious and airy.The
views and sun availability vary according to position with the best being situated in the two
lateral,connecting blocks which connect the central and wing areas ( imagine the trident ).
All junior suites have a sea-view of some sorts and quite a few crafty people have
learned to swap their interior chairs for the standard white plastic balcony furniture for
a little more comfort. There are NO hot drink facilities in the room nor are there any
irons or ironing boards so go prepared.All electrical sockets are the standard 'two point'
European and the voltage is U.K. compatible 200/220 volt. There are only three sockets
to a room and seem to have situated with little regard to actual need and will require the
disconnection of a lamp / T.V. etc.,
One free bottle of water is delivered daily to your room and more free water is available on request from your room cleaner / House- Elf.
The standard rooms are set in two storey blocks which surround the outer wings of the
hotel. They are marginally smaller but still have a balcony / terrace.These are a bit cheaper
but will genuinely appeal to those who prefer a more tranquil situation in the outer grounds.
In the central hotel are the two large buffet restaurants ( the Shams & The Amar on the
Ground floor and mezzanine,respectively.) They operate for breakfast 07-00 onwards and
for dinner from 1800 both on a buffet basis.The choices are varied but can prove repetitive
with non-meat eaters struggling beyond the Salad-bars or odd vegetable at dinner times.
Leaving the hotel to go towards the pool is a Crepes area which makes light breakfasts and
afternoon crepes.It does tend to attract more smokers but is open planned. The pool area,
like the hotel itself is predominately South and East facing and gets varying amounts of
sun dependent on your choice.A large pool grill provides a whole raft of lunch time
snacks and a full range of local beers / spirits / cocktails etc., There is also a small rotunda
bar which does the afternoon Waffles / ice-cream etc., Seating abounds but be prepared to
queue for up to ten minutes if you arrive at rush-hour. This area,in turn,connects to the
Oasis Beach restaurant and the beach itself.The Oasis offers lunch and snacks ( buffet)
from 1200 onwards and also provides the hub for drinks on the beach.There is an
outdoor area with sun umbrellas and a roofed but open verandah area.Both these are
exceedingly popular and operate on a first come first served basis, After that the only
option left is inside the restaurant which is darkish in decor and not particularly airy.
The Oasis also doubles for the occasional evening theme / special night time meals which
normally need pre-booking.
Straight in front of the Oasis restaurant is the beach area itself which stretches for
approximately 400 - 500 yards and is private to the Siva.There are ample sun loungers
and all have reed built wind baffles except those at the very front.Water dispensers surround
the back of the beach but the thirsty among you you may want to retain your aeroplane
water bottles rather than keep going back and forth for the small plastic cups supplied.
The water is very calm and shallow for a long way out and is wonderful for young children
and those who hate fighting the waves.A beach grill is centrally located and open at 11.00
for self - service drinks although these are limited to beer,wine and soda - fountain drinks.
Grilled vegetable snacks start at 13.00 and go on through the afternoon. On the left hand
side of the beach,facing the sea is the Sea Star Restaurant which ( bias showing now) is
the nicest situation in the hotel.It has a pier / jetty area which serves all-inclusive drinks
during the afternoon until 19.00 and is a gorgeous area to sit and watch the setting sun.
In the evening It turns it's hand to romantic meals on the jetty overlooking the floodlit sea,
N.B. This will cost you a supplement, a- la -carte menu is by cut or weight but the set fish
menu is currently £20.00 pp including five courses,one of which is a 10" square plate filled
with half lobster,smoked salmon, giant prawns,butterfish etc., for which you'd pay four times
more elsewhere.It's really worth it for the special occasion or variation from the buffets.
There are three or four other restaurants in the small precinct just outside the Hotel which
will offer further variations ( Lebanese,Thai,Italian etc.,) at an extra charge but with a small
discount for Siva residents.
Overall, the hotel grounds are compact and easy to negotiate and suitable for wheelchairs
and people with walking difficulties.The same can be said for the Hotel reception, vestibule area.The clientele is 80% German the only British you'll see are those with Red-sea holidays.
Most seem to be older or with young families.All seem fairly sedate with entertainment at
night based on Bars,eating,cards,laptops and a local entertainment programme in the
lobby area for those who want it.It is difficult to get your own drinks in the lobby area with
waiters ruling the roost.This brings us to the contentious issue of tipping in an all-inclusive
hotel.The staff are typically adept ( as in most North African countries) at being prepared to
wait for tips.Those who do tip might get a speedier service and a better positioned
sun lounger in the same place of your choice if required. If you are a person who tips here's
a quick rule of thumb.First try to tip in Euros or Egyptian pounds.Sterling coins are gladly
accepted but are more difficult for staff to change owing to the lower number of U.K.
clientele. The Beach boy is your best friend and a tip of two Euros a day ( party total) will
do away with any chase for sun loungers position.Introduce yourself on the first day,it'll
prove to be five minutes well spent.Room boys are worth a Euro per person per day
payable in split amounts over the holiday duration which should ensure a constant level of
service.Bar staff waiters will serve quicker and with bigger measures for a Euro every
round or every other round.The same goes for the waiters who serve the beaches for
those who don't want to walk for their own drinks or prefer larger,sturdier glasses rather
than the small plastic 'Pepsi' cups on regular offer.I realise that not everyone will tip and
my comments are only meant as a helpful guideline.
The only cultural anomaly which jars is the lack off local female staff.99% of all service staff
are male with only customer relations desk and the Spa / hairdressing areas differing.
A couple of western European girls help out with the daily animation programme which includes
aerobics,darts,volleyball etc., etc.,
In conclusion the Siva Grand Beach will provide a value for money all - inclusive break
away from the awful weather.There are many worse hotels with higher Star ratings.This is
one reason for the constant Trip Advisor ratings from satisfied customers.A smile on you
face and the ability to say " MORGEN " goes a long way.
Enjoy your holidays.