This was our 12th visit to Egypt and the first time I've ever had health problems. I had to visit my doctor on return and take time off work.
The hotel is nice and modern, the staff were friendly, snorkeling was fine , we enjoyed the company of other guests, but I've had better school dinners. There was plenty of food but nothing I could recommend.
I noticed a long black hair on our sink top near the tap when we arrived. There was another on the bedroom floor. Both were still there when we left. There was also a thick layer of dust on the shelf above the bed. Not very impressive.
We were speaking to another guest one evening who told us he'd seen one of the staff use the toilet near the reataurant and leave without washing his hands. So many people we spoke to had constant tummy troubles. One man was on his honeymoon and had to spend two days on a drip.
We've stayed at the Hyatt Regency next door a few times and the food is far superior. It's just a pity they charge so much for drinks.
We did enjoy a meal at Chez Pascal, nice juicy steak at 85 Egyptian pounds.
There was also a lack of info as to where to go after arriving at the hotel. We had to ask reception where the restaurant was.This was our first and last visit to the Sofitel.

We arrived at the Sofitel after a very long journey, there were 4 other plane's arriving at what only could be described as a military airport, with no organisation especially when collecting luggage. You were being hassled for money when the suitcases were coming off the conveyor belt and total disorganisation which is what you dont want especaially after a 5 hour flight! when we arrived at the hotel the check in area was knee deep in bodies trying to check in - no direction and very little communication with the rep - we were told to leave luggage outside, which to be honest I was not too impressed with. We eventually checked into our room after sitting in reception for about an hour. The room was fine, dirty tiles in the shower but aprat from that more than adequate. We then ventured down for dinner. As this was our first experince of an all inclusive holiday we were a bit unsure of what to do... we took pot luck and managed to get a table, albeit a bit of a scrum - no waiters showing you to a table etc etc. The first experience of the food was total dismay - the BBQ was luke warm mini burgers and the rest of the exptensive buffet (if that's what you can call it) was dire, slops of regurgetated food that I personally wouldnt feed to a dog!! dreadful - it didnt get any better throughout the week, thank god my husband remembered to bring some chocolate as this is what we lived on for 2 days. We then went on the dine around and although the food at the Belguim restaurant and mexican was good - it certainly wasnt cheap - we ended up paying well over £300.00 for meals and drinks!! The weather was great but you had to get up really early to make the most of it as the sun went donw about 4.00 and it then went dark and cold, however nothing they can do about that. Just to let anyone know that is thinking about going - there were 40 people very ill during our week, environmental health people were called in, people were on drips and some seriously ill. We were not informed by the rep of any of this and it was only when you got talking to other holiday makers that we got this information. If you like your food and going out for a dining experince avoid tabba heights. The restaurants were we did have a couple of good meals were very expensive, and lacked atmosphere but the staff were the best we have ever found.. The airport on the return journey again was dire take your own toilet paper and wipes as they leave alot to be desired!! I have now been back for 48 hours and still unable to eat anything without being in close proximity to a toilet. We booked through Thompsons and will be writing with our complaints. Also no one told us there was building work going on in the 4th restaurant so although there were 3 places to eat they all served up the same slop!!

You arrive at a miltary airport (where the toilet facilities leave a lot to be desired. Ensure that you have some tissues or loo paper if you want to go as they try to sell it to you). You then have to join an unorganised queue while trying to find a pen(ensure that you are carrying one) to fill in your arrival card, which is then presented for a gentleman to stamp for you to them join another queue for another person to stamp before you are let through to collect your bags. Please make note that if you have planned any exercsions outside of Saini you need to purchase a visa.

It is a 45 minute coach trip through Taba's version of the rockys. Once you are at the hotel the reception staff are cheerful and very helpful.

I would keep an eye out for Mohammed (they are mostly named) but this one looks like Peter Andre - he is a great laugh and very helpful!!!
The food is varied but sometimes mudane, however slightly lacking in choice if you are looking for the familiar (if you are british you will not find bacon on the menu). If you have the budget my friends would recommend that you take a trip on the tutut bus (free) that takes you up to other hotels and especailly to the shops and restaurants behind the three corners. There you will find a choice of Italian, Mexican, Indian and a steak house.

The rooms, pools and surrounding areas are clean and welcoming and the private beach makes easy access to the sea - however beware that you will need shoes on if entering the water in some places as the coral is very close to the beach.

we have just returned from the sofitel where we had a great holiday even though i lost my wallet while visiting Israel which left me with no money or cards I had to get to Dahab which is more than 70 mile away to collect some more money i didn't know how i could get there but the manager mr Mohamed Hammady kindly took me in his own car and would not take payment i call that more than helpful staff I would recommend this hotel not only for its friendly staff but a very clean and comfortable hotel in a beautiful location .

Mr PR Martin
Flamborough