Lamaya

Returned last week from a week at the Lamaya, partner is now only just recovering from the upset stomach which everyone we spoke to seemed to be suffering from in one form or another. The hotel restuarant food was very mixed but there was usually something vaguely familiar to be found if only pizza/burger from the beach bar (though I was never sure of the animal source for the meat).

They advise not to drink the tap water, based on the stomach upsets I would say it is almost impossible to avoid the tap water, everything from the food to the cutlery is washed in it, the soda water is made from it, even the water fountains are refilled with it.

The all male staff were very attentive, and I'm a bloke.... I would not want to travel there as a female, not even with female companions, the staff need to excercise more self control with their hands and express less verbally - some of us speak Arabic - one lady was called f e m a l e-w h i t e-t r a s h by one of the pool barmen.

The room was really good, if only the air-conditioning had been working properly it would have been great and it only took them 6 days to move us to another room, 43 degrees during the day and no room air-conditioning..... oh yeah that was good......not.

The coral is very good but won't be like it for long.

My advice - try somewhere else.

Un posto magnifico

Sono tornato da 2 gg da un soggiorno di una settimana dall'Hotel Lamaya di Marsa Alam in Egitto!!!

Sono rimasto veramente entusiasmato da questa vacanza, non solo per il posto, l'edificio che è ottimo, ma anhce per il servizio, per la cordialità e la simpatia con la quale i camerieri, gli uomini delle pulizzie e glil animatori accolgono gli ospiti.

Parlando dell'animazione sono rimasto vermanete affascinato dalla bravura degli animatori presenti Tania, Linda, Maino, Luca e gli altri, perchè hanno saputo riempire le mie giornate e rendere la mia vacanza ancor più indimenticabile. Al mattino e al pomeriggio c'erano sempre attività ma anche per quanto riguarda l'aspetto personale sono davvero in gamba.

Io sarei stato lì ancora per moltissimo tempo, pultroppo però sono dovuto tornare a casa.

Il ristorante era ottimo, la camera e tutti i luoghi molto puliti e curati. Anche i servizi igienici erano molto puliti.

La pascina, la sauna e la vasca idromassaggio sono molto belle e rilassanti, mentre la spiaggia è composta di piccoli sassolini, ma tutto sommato si stava bene.

Il mare è fantastico, avendo fatto delle immersioni ho visto moltissimi pesci e colori spettacolari, ma anche facendo snorkeling lo spettacolo rimane.

Alla sera gli spettacoli avevano molto valore e bellezza, soprattutto il Fakiro Show e il Cabaret. Anche le persone delle varie agenzie turistiche hanno dato atto di una notevole bravura, non solo a cantare durante il piano bar, ma anche durante le domande per le gite o altro. Insomma è un posto tranquillo dove si sta molto bene se si ha intenzione di rilassarsi e di vivere una vacanza piena di emozioni e di riposo.

Michele

Beautiful hotel great staff

I just came back yesterday from a weeks stay in the lamaya.

I thougth i had better write as i had looked at this site b4 I left.

I went with a female friend of mind and we were literally the only couple who wernt 'together' but it didnt bother us but it seemed to give an indication to the waiters!

the staff were so lovely and if you declined they would be really good about it we made many a friend and they honestly couldnt do enough for you.

We thought the food was great soooo much choice there is definitly something for everyone and of any taste.

They also wash and cook all their food in mineral water so dont worry about that and the local beer is excellent.

The wine is Ok but pretty strong and with the heat maybe not such a good idea!

It was about 45 oC when we went its blisteringly hot and this is on the beach!

I wouldnt go in the summer months if you are looking to do trips into luxor and cairo becuase we have been told its unvbearabky hot into the 50's oC if you can imagine that.

POOLS

Clean and relaxing this hotel is mainly full of germans and italians so make sure u get up to get a good spot by the pool.

threre are two big pools next to eachother as well as a kids splashing pool and a 'relax pool' which is not very deep but its nice to sit around in it and sunbathe it was almost too hot just to lye there!

GARDENS

Beautiful. marsa alam is on the edge of a desert but u will see the gardeners out every morning watering and cleaning and looking after the flowers plants and grass which needs careful attention due to the lack of rain there.

BEACH

The only downside is that you cant enter staright into the beach on our side of the bay becuase of the protected coral so you have to walk down the beach to enter in that way you will see the 'swimming zone' sign posted out with small red buoys.

On our side of the bay however we have a jetty that goes right out in the water u may be able to see it fro one of our pictures. its like walking out into a garden.

Just under your feet there are corals and rainbow fish (u might the blue on ein the pic) then you see a reef and can get into the water there as it is quite deep, children may quite scared but apparently if you are into snorkellin gor diving the coral and wildlife is as good there then on any 'red sea cruise trip' ect.

HAMATA ISLAND TRIP

this cost £45 per person and we throughly enjoyed it and recomend you go.

You have to travel south for about 1.5 hours to get your own boat cruiser with the rest of your group then out to sea about 45 mins is well worth it even for the views.

It was like the indian oceans tiny islands with a reef around it and a quite turquoise lagoon its pretty amazing u can hire equiptment on board and the instructors will assist you out by the reef if you are scared ect.

its also good for kids to paddle around the shallow lagoon part becutiful white coral sand, like paradise. I will post some pictures of it when i get my pics back!

The food on board was excellent too and free drinks all day.

The holiday is value for money u can drink and eat as much as u want without carrying money around.

snacks and icecreams as well as afternoon teas and cake is also included.

there are no shops around really just a parade and most hotels have one or two. we didnt really look as we were told there wasnt much but u can go to the nearest rown 'el quisier' and look at the markets there, it leaves at 4pm takes an hour and u have 2 hours to look round. I haver heard its a mission because of all the attention u get from salesmen!

If you are looking for a relaxing stay at a charming hotel with good food and friendly people this is for you.

It hasnt got the nightlife wbut we always found things to do!

One last thing. u will be drinking alot of water there but they dotn tell u that when u first get there u have to buy a bottle (this is the only thing u do have to pay for) then once u have finished that bottle u can fill it up in any bar or water point.

so we just bought 2 1.5 litres and filled them up every day

Lamaya Beach Review

We have just returned after 2 weeks at the Lamaya. Even though I wouldn't consider it a 5* resort (more like 4*) I have rated above average as there's factors to consider such as where you are in the world, the heat etc and what we paid for the holiday, even though my hubby was ill for at least half of the time.

ROOMS - spotless, great and very spacious. We booked a superior family room with the dividing wall and door. Very large rooms, very comfortable with fridge, hairdryer and tv with now just 1 English channel on there showing movies (not that we were there to watch TV but if you are ill in bed - a la husband - this came in really handy).

TRIPS - we went on the Jeep Safari - very enjoyable and the Dolphin House boat trip which was a little overpriced, but it was good to get out of the resort for a day. Take travel sickness tablets before you travel - it was like the Perfect Storm out there and most of the people were ill on the outward journey. We did see dolphins although from a distance. Don't book thinking that it's going to be like Sea World and that you will be performing stunts on the dolphin's back - you aren't even guaranteed to see dolphins as you are visiting them in their natural environment which is good. The sea was very choppy which made swimming difficult. Life jackets are mandatory (& free), but you are out snorkelling for approx 40 minutes and it's very tiring, especially if you aren't such a strong swimmer. Snorkelling was great, but just as good off of the jetty.

STAFF - Couldn't do enough for you. I did hear stories from families with teenage girls that the staff were very forward and had been offered castles, palaces, diamonds as well as the customary camels for their daughter, and if anything it's just recognising that cultures are very different. No hassle for our 10 year old girl and certainly none for me. It doesn't help when you have a gaggle of German teenage girls being extremely provocative towards the staff, which of course gives mixed messages. No female staff at all apart from animation staff.

ANIMATION STAFF - very hard working - every day - did their best to keep young and old alike entertained. If you hang out round the pools as most people tend to, I can guarantee that you will be still singing the following songs upon your return "Baadikoot" (Lamaya German kids club song), "der der der der der der (x3) La-ma-ya!"(song adapted by the hotel that's played as the last song in the evening show as well as plenty of times round the pool - and yes - I can admit to knowing all of the actions) "Ein, Zwei, Fly - Come on Everybody" and "Solino" for those of you facing the Samaya hotel or choosing to kick back around the Samaya's pool.

BEACH/POOLS - Beach is very gritty but good for getting rid of hard skin around your heels! However, heaven help you if you choose to lie on a sunbed near the Coraya, you will be asked to leave. They can tell you are from the Lamaya from your wrist band and coloured towel. For peace and quiet - hang round the Soraya but get drinks from Lamaya.Snorkelling off the jetty is great, if a little busy.

FOOD/DRINK - Plenty of choice and OK although not 5* but this must be so difficult considering heat, getting the food there in the first place and the numbers. Breakfast good. Try the Cappucinos - they are great! Some of the chefs spotted the queue jumpers and pulled them out of the queue and made them join the back. Excellent!

SICKNESS - I had a stomach upset for one day, but hubby had one for 10 days on/off. Couldn't be cured by Imodium so v.expensive visit to Doc (80 Euros). Not sure what caused it - perhaps a mixture of heat (50 deg in the desert)/cooking methods/pool/the plane etc etc? Who knows? That said, Thomson rep had to open a formal log there were so many English ill whilst we were there. People were walking round with canulars in their arms from drips - so be very careful and take Dioralyte sachets with you! Any probs - inform Thomson rep ASAP.

OTHER HOTELS - We drove past the other M.Alam hotels on way to Dolphin House. They don't look a patch on the Lamaya resort to be fair. Apparently, though, the Coraya is THE place to stay, especially if you are a couple.

WOULD WE RETURN? Depends who you ask. Me - Hmmmmm, the world's a big place so maybe not. Husband - certainly wouldn't. Daughter - Yes. If we did return to Egypt/M. Alam, it would be to the Coraya or another resort. I think Marsa Alam in 5-10 years time will be unrecognisable as it's clearly going to be the next Egyptian tourist destination. The heat was too much for us, so if we returned to Egypt it would be earlier/later on in the year.

Enjoy!

Sarah

Great Place!!

I am a 22 year old woman and went away for the first time with me old dad. We literally just wanted good weather and a relaxing time.

The flight was longer than expected as have been to Egypt before and it only took 4 and 3/4 hrs this one was 5 and a half this is because it is further south.

The hotel was literally 15 mins down the road from the airport.

The hotel was good and had 2 lovely swimming pools, 2 bars, 2 restaurants (1 a la carte). The staff were amazing and so friendly! The animation team were excellent and there was always stuff to do around the pool area.

The beach was a lot quieter and had a jetty out to sea you couldnt actually enter it from the beach due to protected coral.

Snorkelling great, hamata island trip great.

the hotel also did a trip to a nearby city, word of warning this was not good and was very scary - even being with my dad. We were begged at and drooled over by kids and men. It was awful, and not worth the euros we paid!

When they say you get a stomach bug from this hotel you dont just at this one, it seems to happen at all of them in Egypt but has nothing to do with the hygeine of the hotel as it was spotless. We had a lovely room looking over the bay and the pool and a nice balcony. The entertainment at night wasn't great but the live singer cant remember his name was good.

Was so sad to be leaving and will definitely go again if I find a good deal like we did this time!

Dont hesitate to go!

Snorkelling great and the hotel was excellent

Just got back from Marsa Alam on 31/5 after having a fantastic 2 weeks. The hotel is set in a complex which houses 5 hotels around a coral reef edged bay. The added bonus of staying at the Lamaya was the jetty which streached straight into the heart of the bay from which you could snorkel.

The temp hit 36 whilst we were there, but the breezes off the sea make the heat bearable, although I would recommend factor 25 sun tan lotion as a minimum. Hubby browns easily and even he was slapping the stuff on - I stuck to the waterproof factor 30 as a minimum.

The hotel staff couldn't have been more helpful if they tried. The place was spotless (the loos by the 4 pools were cleaned every 45 minutes) and whatever you wanted was provided within minutes. Don't bother taking the travel iron - they provide an iron and board free of charge. There was even shower gel and shampoo.

I get bitten to blazes by the mosi's even in England. Not one bite and no flys, the only time I got bitten was when the Air Finland staff (yes like may others the Astraueus airline was not to be seen - flew Xcel out (yuck) and Air Finland back (not bad)) sprayed the hand luggage racks before we took off to return home.

If you book a late minute holiday with Thomson note that it's the north terminal at Gatwick and that you pick up the tickets at the stand as soon as you come through the entrance - it's not sign posted. Luggage allowance is 20 kgs (phoned Thomson who said it was 15).

Food was good and there was a choice for evryone - couldn't say there was a single day when we couldn't find something we liked. Warning - the staff must be on a table clearing bonus and if you put down your knife and fork the plate is gone.

As someone else commented the Hamata Island trip is a must for any snorkellers. We prefered this to the Red Sea trip - the guys we went out with constantly watched over us and for someone who is the most confident of swimmers this was a must. The wore the old flippers but spent the whole time making sure we were safe. The food on board was great as well and if you get the chance to speak to the guy who runs the 3 island hop boats and 2 live aboards he will answer anything you want to know from the building of the boats (hubby's an enthusiast) to how they have employed local fishermen to help with making sure the coral reefs continue to be protected.

Try the couple of hours in the local town El Quesir - it's an eye opener and if you like a bargain prices can be discussed for as long as you want.

I know some reviewers have moaned about some staff following them about but as a woman if you make it clear that you are only being friendly not flirty they respect this.

Only bugbear was some of the entertainment was a bit poor and the disco was free but the drinks weren't part of the AI package (being imported). Some people moaned about the local booze, but as I wasn't there to get wasted it didn't bother us.

Make sure you see the Fakir show and then be surprised by the same guy (Manu) appearing next morning to host the water polo, aqua aerobics, volleyball, archery or any one of the other pursuits. Guys if he offeres to be on your side for footy (floodlit pitch and we often played the Germans at 23.00) take him up on it - he used to play semi pro football in Tunisia.

I even gave the belly dancing (or bellys dancing as my hubby has reminded me) a go and it was a great laugh.

Feel free to post if you want any more info.

FYI Excellent

Just returned from a week at the Iberotel, Lamaya Resort, between 03 May and 10 May. Our room was extremely comfortable and clean, facing the sea. It would be difficult to find anything to complain about: the weather was very kind to us, the sea just right for swimming in at 25 C, the food of a very high quality (although the breakfast was aimed towards the Germans and Italians). The staff very responsive and accommodating. The variety of food on offer was outstanding however because its a Muslim country do not expect any pork.

Generally, the hotel is extremely well-maintained and upmarket. There are always plenty of sun loungers available around any of the pools and the beach. Access to the sea out side the hotel is via a jetty to protect the coral, but if you walk across the bay towards the sister hotel Coraya you are able to walk into the sea off the beach (approx 3 min walk)

Evening entertainment is fairly low-key.

Take Euros and Egyptian Pounds for tipping - the rate on the Euro is far better, and it is the preferred currency.

Lastly, Marsa Alam is a relatively new destination for British tourists. Expect most of your fellow guests to be Italian or German.

Excursions available and approx costs.

Luxor- Visit Valley of the Kings, Tombs of the Pharaohs. Cost £75

Cairo by flight - Visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx and the Egyptian Museum. Cost £205

Hamata Island Hopper - We did this trip and it was fantastic. You get collected at 7am and travel south for 2 hours by bus. You then get on a well-equipped boat and set sail. You stop at the 1st island after about 1 hour. You get chance to go on the island and snorkel off the beach. The next 2 stops you are not aloud on the islands as they are protected, but the snorkelling off the boat is fantastic. Cost £45

Sunset Jeep Safari - Off road adventure into the depths of the western desert. Visit a Bedouin camp. Cost £38

Quad Bike & BBQ - Rumble through the desert on your own quad bike and enjoy a BBQ as the sun sets

Cost £40

Dolphin House - Sail to the famous Dolphin Reef where you can snorkel around the areas where the dolphins feed and play in their natural environment. Cost £60

Discover Scuba - An introduction into Scuba diving. Cost £56

Well satisfied,

Monmouthsire UK

Great Rooms

Returned early hours of Saturday morning from a week at this hotel/resort. One thing to watch our for are the Russians/Eastern Europeans staying here. Rumour has it they only paid $100 for the week!!! Should be interesting during the height of the holiday season when the British begin to arrive in bigger numbers. The brochure states 389 rooms of which max 20 occupied by British!!!

The dining room is a shambles, combination of foods abominable, cauliflower and vegetables available for breakfast!! Do not serve fried eggs because the Russian/Polish want six or seven!!!

To protect the corals you are only able to reach the sea in certain places, i.e. off the jetty or by a designated area the other side of the bay. Snorkling was a highlight but even that is marred by the water being very misty in place, presume this is due to amount of sun oil and cream deposited from the swimmers!! However there are some wonderful fish to be found if you look in the right places, the colours are fantastic, definitely a good memory of this resort.

Do not dring the orange juice as this is filled from tap water!!! Expect to get stomach upset - take something with you or there is a chemist in the parade of shops (five) a couple of minutes from the hotel who will be able to dispense something for you.

Be warned nothing to do outside of the Hotel!!! In the evening only one bar to serve all of the guests!!

A week was ample here, the weather is fantastic and if you only want sun and relaxation then this you can expect.

Met some great people but will not be going back to Marsa Alam and will definitely not be booking a holiday with Thompson/Portland for a very long time.

Stomach upset

returned last friday from hotel lamaya, marsa alam, be aware that you will almost be sure of getting a stomach upset as a lot of us brits did, immodium won't solve the problem take something stronger. the food in the hotel although of good quality was of international cuisine!!! therefore it tended to be aimed at the german clientelle. lots of fun with towels around the pools also. you cannot access the sea directly from the beach. staff and rooms were brilliant. excursions brilliant. if the hotel could just adapt the food it would be definite return visit for me.

Great Hotel

All that has already been said about the Lamaya Beach Resort in Reviews and Forums is true.

An excellent quality hotel (for the price, of course). The overall design and attention to detail is impressive. Thanks to previous comments given by Tripadvisor Members there were no surprises. From check-in to departure, the Hotel is run with amiable efficiency, nothing is too much trouble, and the Management are a visible presence, which I think is a good sign.

For those who may be concerned about food hygiene, have no fear, the standards are impeccable. They make great efforts to provide ample menu choices despite having to cater for large numbers from England, Germany and Italy. The food I ate was all well cooked and tasty. I even took ice in my drinks throughout my stay too and suffered no consequences!!

I will not bore readers with repeating information from forums, but there are a couple of points which may be worth expanding upon.

Firstly Visas. On arrival at Marsa Alam airport it does seem rather chaotic. I can only explain our experience but it may be that things are always 'organised' in this way. Staff were dividing the queue of passengers into 4 lines, (with little space for 2, so not terribly well). Guests staying at Lamaya were separated in to a queue in order that the visa stamps could be added to the passports of those who had not already purchased them in the UK. This queue moves much faster than it first seems likely. Money for visas does not change hands at this point as the airport is privately owned and therefore government money cannot be collected inside.

The queue then proceeds through passport control and on to collect luggage. Holiday Reps are not permitted inside the airport so will greet outside and direct you to coaches. Visa money is collected on the coach, currently £13 GBP per person, so exact money is useful.

Mineral Water is available at all bars and is self service, so it is easy to refill bottles to store in the fridge in the room.

Room Safes are available free of charge and operated by code.

Sunburn. The sun is very powerful, and as the wind is often strong, can make the temperatures deceptive. Lots of suncream is sensible and cheaper to buy in the UK.

Excursions. We did not buy any from the Rep, but did go on a Snorkelling Trip to 'Blue Lagoon' to see the Turtles. We bought this trip through Ahmed for only £14pp and it was so good we went twice! Another Ahmed (common name!) is the snorkelling guide, a good humoured young man with everyone's safety and enjoyment in mind. We were lucky enough on both days to see a 3 metre Sea Cow (Dugong) as well as a number of large Turtles and lots of very colourful fish and excellent coral. Ahmed sells this trip around the pool and on the beach, he can organise all the equipment you need including wet suits.

So overall a good choice of holiday if you like relaxation, sunshine and good snorkelling. We will return to the Lamaya with our children later in the year, and are already looking forward to it.