Pyramisa Beach Hurghada Sahl Hasheesh Hotel

I cancelled the booking as soon as Travelup told me the discounted rate was only for British nationals and asked whether one was included in my reservation. I hadn't stayed at Pyramisa, but I did try to book through Travelup UK, paying in pounds sterling. The quoted price was nearly 50% below what Egyptian nationals saw on the hotel's website and Egyptian booking platforms. I then spent close to ten hours calling Travelup and the hotel to confirm it, and heard different explanations, including the implausible suggestion that third-party bookings don't incur Egyptian taxes. I've been travelling to Hurghada regularly for over 25 years and have never come across a policy like this. Offering overseas visitors substantially lower prices than Egyptians penalises locals and discourages domestic tourism. It was especially disappointing because not every hotel does this. Discriminatory pricing like this damages trust and the local economy it claims to support. Pyramisa, fix this corrupt policy.

The daytime and evening activities were enjoyable, and the animators were fun. The rooms are spacious and clean, though the sea side view doesn't actually look out over the sea. Be careful swimming, there are lots of stones. The food ranged from decent to bad, the alcohol was terrible, and renovations in part of the hotel made a lot of disturbing noise. Staff weren't especially friendly either. For shopping, Ali Baba is right across from the hotel, with good prices and products, and Ali is genuinely nice.

The beach is lovely and very clean, and the food has lots of variety. I especially liked the fantastic desserts. Reda from the cleaning service kept my room very clean, and most workers were kind, especially Alaa by the pool. Still, some staff spoke only Russian to me, though not all guests are Russian. The restaurant should be cleaner for a five-star hotel, with birds flying around inside. The bathtub has no angle, so water stays in the cabin and gets onto the bathroom floor. It's a very good hotel, but I wouldn't give it five stars.

I loved the beach exercises, the activities, the night shows, and the music. There are buffet meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a top-notch range of food. Staff are around to help all over the resort, and even while you're swimming someone keeps watch in case there's a problem. The chefs are always on the clock. Reception attendants were lovely and supportive, especially Ibrahim. I've stayed at resorts in Europe and wasn't treated this well. The service and environment were exquisite, and I'll be back soon with my sisters.