Sultan Gardens Resort

The pools were fantastic and clean, with some heated. The lifeguards seemed highly trained and responsible, and kept a constant watch over the children, so there was no real chance of an accident. The reception, interiors, gardens and avenues are very beautiful, and the staff are excellent, though they could speak a bit more English instead of only Russian. Some rooms are older and need refreshing, but they were very clean, and the beds and towels were always fresh. At meals, you can put whatever you like on your plate, call a staff member for a drink, and they'll bring it to your table. Personally, I didn't think the food was five-star and it could be better. Still, my opinion of the hotel is very good.

As a woman of Sudanese origin and darker skin, I felt out of place and uncomfortable. The resort seemed geared toward Russian guests, who made up 99% of visitors. I felt judged and overlooked by both other guests and staff until I spoke English, after which staff suddenly treated me differently. Even then, I often felt they were trying to take advantage of me. We traveled all the way from the United States to stay at Sultan Gardens Resort, but I don't feel it's a true five-star resort or worth what I paid. Check-in was supposed to be at 3 PM and we arrived on time, yet the front desk kept us waiting two hours. They suggested we explore or get food instead of explaining that the original room we'd booked had an issue. They eventually put us in another room and said it had a “better view,” though I hadn't agreed to a change. The all-inclusive package didn't justify the price either. Restaurant food was repetitive, bland and tasteless, essentially the same wherever we went. The specialty venues didn't match their themes: the Italian restaurant had no actual Italian dishes, and the French restaurant had nothing remotely French. The food felt like a random mix with little flavor or authenticity. Transportation and excursions were another major problem. They made it seem as if booking through the hotel was the only option, and the prices were shockingly high. A trip to somewhere only 15 minutes away shouldn't cost $100 USD per person. Those inflated costs felt like a scam and made the stay even more disappointing. Between that, the dining, service and atmosphere, I regret making the trip from the United States.

It's like a home away from home, and we're back from our fourth visit already wanting to book a fifth. Everyone is so welcoming, from room attendants and waiters to reception and pool attendants. They remember your name, what you like to drink, and all the little details. There's always something to eat or drink. The food is varied, so you'll find something, and the specialty restaurants are very good. At the beach bars, you can grab snacks like pizza, crepes and burgers, or whatever you're in the mood for.

I wish I'd known this before booking: the “all inclusive” label didn't mean what I expected. À la carte meals weren't really included unless you stayed more than seven nights, and even then you could only go twice, assuming you found an available booking. They also advertise “unlimited billiards,” but it costs extra. I was even told I'd have to pay for a dirty martini despite being on an all-inclusive package. A lot of these details weren't explained clearly, and I felt misled. Had I known, I definitely wouldn't have paid the extra $70 per night.