Unusually for the red sea resorts, this hotel has its own sandy bay. Most seaside resorts are built next to a reef which means good snorkeling but not good for much else. The place is nominally 4/5 star. Good points: well landscaped gardens, large rooms ( at least mine was) , friendly local staff, has its own dive center, lots of sun-loungers and an enforced policy of no towel laying, and the major plus point is its own large, sandy beach and bay with protected reefs.
My stay Brayka Bay cost only around £ 295 all inc so its not really fair to compare with more expensive hotels, but the place does set itself as 4/5 star...
FOOD: this was fine. Not 4/5 star though. If you were paying the full rack rate you would be disappointed. The mealtimes were busy but I never had to queue very much. Avoid the opening times when masses of Russians crowd the self service area. They could try doing more themed food nights. One night was Egyptian food and this was the nicest.
DRINKS: if you like your beer then be prepared to make many trips to the beer tap..the glasses are tiny and the beer very gassy and week. Nothing like the local bottled beer which is not included. Cocktails were poor.; just a case of mixing local spirits with concentrated juices. No Boston shaker here. I didn't try the wine. Also, no proper coffee anywhere..just machine made Nescafe.
INTERNET: This is a major issue. It costs 5Euro/ hour. This is the first time i have had to pay for internet outside of UK rip- off chain hotels. The connection speed is painfully slow so you spend most of your money waiting for pages to load.
NOISE: this depends how close you are to the pool area.There is a live act which stops around 11 pm so not a problem unless you need early nights. There is also noise coming from the other half of the resort across the bay.
DIVING: The dive center is run by Extra Divers. Well equipped large center. The local Egyptian staff are pleasant enough but the place is let down a bit by stern, unwelcoming Europeans, not all, just some of the women. Actually just one woman...try smiling at your customers honey! There is a very good choice of diving, I prefer dayboat so was a little disappointed to discover there was no jetty. Dayboat diving meant a short bus trip to Marsa alam where you get on a rib which takes you out to the boat. The dayboat I was on was very basic and a bit tatty. The boat crew were great though and made nice lunches.
All in all the hotel is very good value for money (assuming you don't pay the full rate), but the all inclusive food and drinks, although ok, are not 4/5 star.
If you want a nice beach and lovely bay this is the place to come. I would return.