Resort Azal Lagoons Resort Abu Simbel

It was very quiet at the resort in mid-November, and we were the only family there. The staff were attentive and gave us the best service, but the quiet also meant there was no buffet breakfast. At dinner, the waiters stood watching us throughout the meal, which made us all uncomfortable. The restaurant staff didn't speak or understand English, so ordering breakfast was difficult. After they sent the wrong food the day before, we chose room service the next night and went to speak to the chef in person. Peter and the waiters stood watching us again, which felt unnecessary and uncomfortable. The food was average and bland, and the menu was limited, though they were happy to make a tasty pasta dish that wasn't listed. We were upgraded to a villa for my parents' 30th wedding anniversary. It was spacious, with four large, nicely presented bedrooms, good AC in every room, and a view of the lake. The private pool was too cold and dirty to use, with bits and flies blown into it by the wind. The kitchenette was bare, without equipment or crockery such as a microwave, cooker, plates, cutlery, soap, or a sponge, so it felt pointless with all the empty cupboard space. The bathrooms were a good size and okay, but three of the four showers leaked. Mine had a fixed showerhead spraying water across the floor, no door, and poor drainage that left water pooling. The phone downstairs didn't work, so we had to go upstairs to call reception or answer their calls. The villas are far from reception and the restaurant, so we needed a golf cart each time. The villa felt like style over substance, and the restaurant team watching us made them seem a little creepy. When we arrived, Peter offered snacks and drinks and showed us to a private room. They were keen to arrange a tour to Abu simbel since we hadn't booked one, but after travelling all day, the pressure to decide right then didn't feel relaxing. The tour they arranged was good: a great driver, the night light show, and a sunset boat ride, all at a reasonable price. Before we left for the airport, they were very pushy about getting us to write a review on the spot.