Makadi Palace - Couples and Families Only

The resort grounds are lovely, with attractive buildings and pools, and the gardens are beautiful. Public toilets and pools were kept very clean. Managers, especially at Rendezvous and Joker, treated us respectfully and made a point of speaking with us. When we had severe diarrhea, they called the hotel doctor, who treated me in my room. Thank you, Doctor Ahmed and assistant Ahmed from Red Sea Hospital! The stay still felt like a constant struggle to get basic things. Staff seemed to expect tips for everything, even when someone only handled our luggage briefly. Housekeeping barely cleaned despite tips, and the minibar was empty, even though the stay was all inclusive. The rooms were very old and poorly maintained. Our key card caused trouble, reception mixed up our passports with another guest's and programmed the card for the wrong room, and the next day the door lock stopped working. Food was poor and nearly identical every day at every restaurant. Even the “beef” tasted like an odd beef and lamb mix with terrible seasoning. They seemed to cut corners on everything, including cola, which tasted fake and different at each bar. Beer in the restaurant often arrived warm at first, then a cold one appeared after a tip. Pool waiters wouldn't bring beer to the sunbeds, citing “hotel policy,” so we had to walk to the bar. The beach was among the worst parts for us: the water stayed extremely shallow even far out, and sharp rocks were everywhere. The hotel is around 40 minutes from Hurghada, which made outside trips more expensive. Booking excursions outside the resort was difficult too. They charged extra for lunch boxes (7€/pers), refused taxis at the gate unless we argued, and hid forms that would let cars enter. Sadly, most of the bad reviews were accurate. It wasn't worth the money, and I wouldn't return.

For a hotel officially rated 4 stars, I don't think it should be advertised as 5-star. The buffet had little variety and the food fell short of expectations. The rocky beach may not suit anyone looking for an easy swim. Housekeeping was disappointing too: some complimentary items looked as if they'd been stored for a long time, and the pillowcases hadn't been changed before check-in. The staff seemed to be trying, and the hotel does have some good points, but service, cleanliness, food, and attention to detail weren't at the 5-star level I expect.

The pools are huge, and although the bars get crowded in the evening, it didn't feel busy during the day. The rooms are a little dated, but they're spacious and clean. Staff were amazing, and the food was really good. Out of the four times we've visited Egypt, we haven't had better food at a hotel in a similar price range. There were plenty of choices and enough variety that meals didn't feel repetitive. Ice in drinks felt safe, and the guys at the joker bar made a tasty iced coffee. Getting into the sea isn't ideal because you have to walk quite a way before you can swim. But after about a 5-minute walk along the shore, you reach a molo where you can snorkel.

I found several dishes spoiled, with a smell that killed my appetite and a taste that confirmed it. This felt like a serious food safety and hygiene failure, not just food that didn't suit my preferences. It also seemed like a recurring problem, as if the kitchen had no quality control. I was extremely disappointed. If you care about your health, avoid eating here, or even avoid the resort entirely.