Seliyaa Hotel

The room problems were bad enough, but the way our group was treated made this a particularly frustrating stay. We were eight people with four rooms booked, one of them Deluxe. At check-in we were told the Deluxe was out of service and were moved to a standard room, with no workable alternative. Another room had one bed although we needed two. When we asked which names were assigned to which bookings so we could sort things out, staff said there were no names listed, then told us we were asking for too much. That made no sense when they had confirmed the reservations and needed to check us in. The rooms themselves had serious issues: one shower had no hot water, another had no cold water, and the bungalow bed was sandy while mosquitoes swarmed all night. One bed had no proper wooden frame, just a mattress resting on three loose pieces of wood, which felt less safe and comfortable than a basic camp bed. I rarely leave negative reviews, but this was the only low point in an otherwise lovely Siwa trip. The Chinese warning says this is a scam and advises people not to stay, adding that nobody dares photograph the room toilet and that they won't give you a good room. I can’t recommend this place after the broken bathrooms, failing furniture, and hostile service. Your time and money are better spent elsewhere in Siwa.

The rooms were spotless, and there was always someone around if we needed help. The owner and staff were genuinely decent, too. One of the best places I’ve stayed in Siwa, and I don’t think you’ll regret choosing it.

The AC worked fine, but having just one outlet for the old TV, decoder, fridge, and phone charging was a hassle. In some rooms there wasn't even a fridge, and no one seemed to care. Getting anything meant asking repeatedly and going back to the so-called reception, where there was no receptionist. Some staff were helpful, though the team as a whole didn’t feel as friendly as other reviews suggest. The bigger problem was the room condition. There was heavy mold across the walls, dusty curtains, old unclean mattresses, and chairs on a terrace that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in ages. The bathroom was okay, but mosquito remains on the wall suggested the basic cleaning had been missed. Torn mosquito nets meant we couldn't open the windows for fresh air. Animals were everywhere. Seliyaa Hotel has the simple style of many Siwa hotels and tries to reflect the oasis, but it was missing basic accommodation standards.

I was happy there for both nights. Everyone was friendly and helpful, and I felt welcome the whole time. I’d gladly return.