Dahab Plaza Hotel Egypt

Dahab Plaza Hotel: Your Dream Egyptian Oasis Awaits!

Dahab Plaza Hotel: My Dream Egyptian Oasis? Let's See… (A VERY Honest Review)

Okay, so Dahab Plaza Hotel, they’re calling it "Your Dream Egyptian Oasis." Bit of a bold statement, eh? I mean, I've seen oases. I've seen dreams. This review, however, is going to be less about perfect, pristine marketing speak and more about real experiences. Buckle up, because it’s going to be a bumpy, sandy ride.

(Disclaimer: I’m not a travel agent, just a regular person who loves a good vacation. This review is based on my personal experience and might not reflect yours perfectly. But I'll try to be as honest as humanly possible.)

Accessibility (and my own limitations!):

Honestly, this is a massive "it depends." The website says "Facilities for disabled guests," but it’s vague. No specific details on ramps, accessible rooms, or elevators. (Accessibility Rating: Unclear - needs more info on their web!)

Cleanliness and Safety – Actually, Pretty Crucial Right Now:

Alright, listen up, because this is important. With everything going on, safety is THE priority. And Dahab Plaza seems to get it. They're talking about "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Rooms sanitized between stays," "Staff trained in safety protocol," and even using "Sterilizing equipment." That's all good. They also mention "Hand sanitizer" and "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter." (Thank god! I'm a bit of a germaphobe!) But, and this is a big but, I'd want to see evidence. Pictures, maybe a video, something to really SEE them taking this seriously. Otherwise, it's just words. (Overall Safety Rating: Promising, but requires verification)

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Food, Glorious Food! (And a potentially messy love affair):

Okay, this is where I REALLY get excited. Food is EVERYTHING. Let's break it down:

Restaurants: Multiple! They list "A la carte," "Buffet," "Vegetarian," and even "Asian cuisine." Nice. I’m a buffet fiend. And I LOVE Asian food. Hopefully, they’re not just throwing some noodles into the mix and calling it a day.
Bars: A "Poolside bar" – sign me up! I'm picturing myself with a colorful cocktail, a good book, and the blazing Egyptian sun. Bliss. They also mention a "Bar" in general, so presumably, other drinking options are available. (Hopefully a decent local beer on offer.)
Snacking: "Snack bar" and "Coffee/tea in restaurant." Essentials! Because a girl’s gotta eat.
Breakfast: "Breakfast [buffet]," "Breakfast service," and Western & Asian Breakfast. I hope they have a great spread. I love a good breakfast. (Breakfast is a HUGE deal breaker for me. A bad breakfast sets the tone for the whole day! I'd love to have Breakfast in my room, or a Breakfast takeaway!)
Other: "Bottle of water" (essential in the desert!), "Coffee shop," Room service (24-hour – winning!), and even "Desserts in restaurant." (My sweet tooth is tingling!)
The Messy Truth: I had some serious issues finding a really good coffee in Egypt. So I will be keeping my expectations low, because coffee is a MUST. I really hope they have a good one at the coffee shop if they have one.

(Overall food vibe: Potentially amazing, but the proof is in the pudding. Or, in this case, the hummus and the pastries! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for top-notch food experiences)

Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Oasis of Chill? Or Just a Tourist Trap?

Okay, this is where the "Dream Oasis" claim really gets tested. Here’s what they offer:

Pool: "Swimming pool" and "Swimming pool [outdoor]" and a "Pool with view"! Yes, please! I am a sucker for a good pool.
Spa: "Spa," "Spa/sauna," and treatments like "Body scrub," "Body wrap," and "Massage." Oh, HELL YES! I'm ALL IN on the spa experience. Seriously, after a long day of exploring, a massage is pure bliss.
Fitness: "Fitness center," "Gym/fitness." For the truly dedicated. Me? Probably not. But good to know the option is there.
Other Relaxation: "Sauna," "Steamroom," "Foot bath." Sounds… relaxing. I'm a little skeptical about the foot bath thing, but I’m willing to try anything once.
A potential letdown! It would nice to have the option to snorkel or dive nearby, but since they don't mention anything, I will assume it's not.

(Overall Relaxation Potential: High! Especially the spa, fingers crossed the masseuse is a pro!)

Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter:

These are the things that can make or break a vacation.

Essentials: "Air conditioning in public area," "Daily housekeeping," "Doorman," "Elevator," "Laundry service," "Luggage storage," "Safety deposit boxes," "Currency exchange," "Cash withdrawal", "Concierge" – All standard and pretty much expected.
Connectivity: "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" YES! That’s a HUGE plus. "Internet" and "Internet [LAN]" – good backup options.
Business (sigh): "Meetings," "Business facilities," and all that jazz. Good for those who need it, but I'm here for FUN.
Gifts/Souvenirs: "Gift/souvenir shop" – always dangerous. I invariably end up impulse buying something I don't need, but hey, that’s part of the fun, right?
Other nice-to-haves: "Car park [free of charge]," "Taxi service," "Dry cleaning," "Ironing service."

(Overall Services Rating: Solid. They seem to have all the necessary basics covered, which is a good start.)

For the Kids – Are they welcome, or just tolerated?

"Family/child friendly," "Babysitting service," "Kids facilities," "Kids meal." Sounds like they're trying to cater to families, which is great! Means it will be packed with families, which isn't a problem.
A serious question: I would like to know more about the kids facilities. A playground? A specific kids pool? Even just knowing the type of kids' food available is important.

(Overall family friendliness: Looking good! More details needed, though.)

Getting Around – From Arrival to Exodus:

"Airport transfer": Crucial! After a long flight, the last thing you want is to navigate public transport or haggle with taxi drivers.
"Car park [on-site]" - Handy if you're renting a car (which I probably won’t).
"Taxi service": Always good to have as a backup.

(Overall getting around: Convenient, especially with the airport transfer.)

Available in All Rooms – What to Expect in My Private Oasis?

This is the MOST IMPORTANT part after safety and good food!

Essentials: "Air conditioning," "Alarm clock," "Coffee/tea maker," "Free bottled water," "Hair dryer," "In-room safe box," "Refrigerator," "Satellite/cable channels," "Shower," "Soundproofing," "Telephone," "Toiletries," "Wi-Fi [free]," and "Window that opens." All standard stuff, and all MUST-HAVES.
Comfort: "Bathrobes," "Bathtub," "Blackout curtains," "Closet," "Desk," "Extra long bed," "Linens," "Mini bar," "Mirror," "Reading light," "Seating area," "Slippers," "Sofa," "Towels," "Wake-up service." Nice touches that enhance the experience.
Tech: "Internet access – wireless," "On-demand movies," "Satellite/cable channels." Good options for chilling out in the room. Having laptop workspace is good for checking emails and planning my day trips.
The Devil’s in the Details: "Interconnecting room(s) available," is a big plus if you're traveling with family. "Smoke detector" and "Smoke alarms," is important.
The Perfect Room: I hope that they have the "high floor" & "Non-smoking", and hope to have a "balcony".

(Overall Room Expectation: Looks good! As long as it’s clean, quiet, and has a comfy bed, I’m pretty easy to please. The free Wi-Fi is a major win!)

Overall Impression & My Honest Verdict:

Dahab Plaza Hotel sounds promising, but I need to see proof of their commitment to safety and cleanliness! I am keeping my expectations low and hoping for a great experience.

**Quibbles and Imperfections are part of the fun! (It is part of the human experience

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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the real Dahab Plaza Hotel lowdown from yours truly! Forget those polished travel blogs – this is the unfiltered, sandy-footed truth. I'm still picking sand out of places I didn't even know sand could get into, but let's dive in.

Dahab Plaza Hotel: A Chaotic Symphony of Sun, Snorkels, and Questionable Wifi (and Me, Losing My Mind)

Pre-Trip Panic & Pacing:

Months Before (The Dream Phase): I envisioned myself, a sun-kissed goddess, effortlessly gliding through turquoise waters after a morning of yoga. I even bought a ridiculously expensive floppy hat. (Spoiler alert: the hat is currently jammed in my backpack, mostly unused, much like my yoga mat.)
Days Before (The "Oh God, I Actually Have to GO" Phase): Panic. Packing. Overpacking. Under-packing. Did I remember sunscreen? (Yes. Did I remember to pack enough socks? Absolutely not.) Flight delays, airport chaos… the usual delightful prelude to a "relaxing" vacation.

Day 1: Arrival & Initial Impression - Sand Everywhere! (and a Mild Meltdown)

Morning (Arrival): Landed in Sharm el-Sheikh. The airport was…well, it was an airport. The drive to Dahab was a beautiful blur of desert landscapes, making me slightly woozy. Finally, the Dahab Plaza! "Rustic charm," they called it. "Dusty but potentially delightful," I called it.
Afternoon (Check-in & Initial Assessment): The lobby? Charming, in a faded-grandeur sort of way. Check-in was a bit of a slow dance with a very patient receptionist, a language barrier, and my growing impatience. Finally, the room! Okay, it's…functional. Clean-ish. The view? Stunning! That turquoise water called to me! But a rogue, angry gecko (I swear it glared at me) nearly gave me a cardiac arrest. I spent a good hour meticulously inspecting my room, looking for other lurking lizards.
Evening (First Sunset & Dinner): The sunset was…breathtaking. Seriously. It even made me briefly forget the gecko situation. Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Food was…decent? The bread was amazing. The service?…Slightly chaotic, but endearing. I ordered fish, got a bone stuck in my throat (classic me). Finished dinner with a glass of local wine and feeling a little bit lost, a little bit happy, and a whole lot of "is this really happening?"

Day 2: Snorkeling & The Great Reef Revelation (Followed by a Mild Panic Attack)

Morning (Snorkeling, Attempt 1): Rented snorkeling gear. Walked to the beach. The Red Sea! It was a riot of color! Fish! Coral! (Okay, the coral wasn't as vibrant as I'd hoped, but still…fish!) I plunged in, determined to be a mermaid.
Mid-Morning (Panic Attack, Round 1): Suddenly, I realized I was in deep water. Deep, black, scary water. The reef felt miles away. I started hyperventilating. Flailing about and sputtering. I somehow managed to drag myself back to the shore, choking on saltwater and my own near-death experience. My glamorous snorkelling adventure had ended.
Lunch (Recovery & Regroup): Sat at a beachside café, ordered a giant plate of chips, and drank an ice-cold juice. Decided maybe I'd try the snorkeling again tomorrow…from the shallows this time.
Afternoon (Attempt 2, With a Therapist… I mean, a Friend): My friend, bless her, guided me back in slowly, and kept me company.
- The Reef: Once I got over my initial horror (fear of the deep!) I saw the reef. The actual reef. The one I saw online? It was incredible! The fish were everywhere, the corals danced under the sun, and I even forgot (briefly) about the gecko. I was completely and utterly mesmerized.
- The Verdict? Absolutely worth it. The panic almost ruined it, but the reef… it was a straight-up masterpiece.

Day 3: Bedouin Night (and the Great Sandfly Incident)

Afternoon: Bedouin experience! Rode camels; a bit bumpy, a lot of fun. Watched the sunset over the desert.
Evening (Dinner & Stargazing): Bedouin dinner was amazing, under a sky glittering with stars. The food, the atmosphere…pure magic!
Night (The Sandfly Incident): That night, I got bitten. I now have itchy, red bumps all over my legs, and I am convinced they are plotting revenge. I used every insect repellent I could find. I am not sleeping without covering every inch of my body.
Ongoing: Applying hydrocortisone cream like my life depends on it.

Day 4: Strolling & Shopping (aka, the "I Need to Buy a Souvenir" Mission)

Morning (Exploring): Walked into Dahab. Wandered through the shops. The beach was beautiful, and I was much more composed.
Afternoon (Souvenir Hunt): The shopping… well, there was a lot of pushing and haggling. I ended up buying a ridiculously patterned scarf, a tiny camel figurine, and a piece of jewelry.
Evening (Relaxing with mixed feelings): Dinner at a restaurant with a view of the sea. The food was okay, but now I had to be careful about the sandflies.
Night (Meltdown in the bathroom): Started packing. I'm leaving in the morning. I hate packing. I can't believe how fast the time went. I looked in the mirror. I was slightly sunburnt, slightly bitten, and still slightly terrified by the gecko situation. I was also undeniably happy. Dahab had gotten under my skin.

Day 5: Departure & Reflections (aka, "Goodbye, Gecko!" (Maybe))

Morning (Packing & Final Breakfast): Packed. Still trying to get rid of the sand. Had a final breakfast. Said goodbye to the hotel staff.
Departure: The drive back to Sharm el-Sheikh airport felt strangely melancholy. Leaving Dahab was like leaving a quirky, slightly annoying, but ultimately lovable distant relative.
Final Thoughts: Dahab Plaza Hotel? Definitely not perfect. It's a bit rough around the edges. The wifi might drive you insane. The gecko situation is a constant threat. But! The people are lovely, the sunsets are epic, the Red Sea is stunning, and you leave with stories that will make your friends and family laugh and roll their eyes in envy. Would I go back? Absolutely. Maybe next time, I'll bring my own portable gecko repellent.

This, my friends, is the unfiltered truth. Go forth, and experience Dahab. You'll love it. You'll hate it. You'll get bitten. You'll never forget it. And that, is the magic of travel. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find that floppy hat.

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Dahab Plaza Hotel: Your Dream Egyptian Oasis...Or Is It? A Very Honest FAQ

Okay, so, is Dahab Plaza actually dreamy? Like, Instagram-worthy dreamy?

Alright, let's be real. The brochures? They lie. They absolutely and utterly *lie*. The photos seem… well, Photoshopped. Look, Dahab *is* amazing. The Red Sea? Unbelievable. But the Dahab Plaza? Dreamy depends on your dream. My dream usually involves a working hairdryer (spoiler: mine *didn't*), and consistent hot water (nope, again). But if your dream is, say, a slightly faded, charmingly-worn experience with a dash of "Egyptian Adventure," *then* maybe, just maybe, it’s dreamy. Think of it as “Rustic Chic, with a side of ‘Did I pay for air conditioning?’”

How's the food? Because a bad meal can ruin a whole vacation for me.

Oh, the food. This is where things get... interesting. Breakfast is included, which is a HUGE win. Think: eggs (sometimes), toast (more often), questionable juice (definitely), and a slightly bewildering selection of local spreads that you *might* love or *might* spend the rest of the day trying to identify. My advice? Embrace the adventure! One morning, I swear, they had something that tasted suspiciously like… well, let's just say it wasn’t strawberry jam. Lunch and dinner were… hit or miss. One day, absolute *perfection* (think: grilled fish, fresh salads...heaven). The next? Well, let's just say I became *very* well-acquainted with the local falafel vendors. And honestly? Not a bad trade-off. Pro-tip: Explore the restaurants *outside* the hotel. You'll thank me.

What are the rooms like? Are they clean?

Clean? That's a relative term, my friend. They *try*. Let's just say the cleaning service is… enthusiastically Egyptian. You might find a stray gecko or two trying to hitch a ride on your luggage. And let me tell you, the first time I saw a gecko, it was a *moment*. A screaming, heart-palpitating, "EEEK, WHAT'S THAT?" moment. But you get used to it. The rooms *are* basic. Think functional, not fancy. And my shower? Let's just say the water pressure was…optimistic. Sometimes you got a trickle, sometimes a gusher, and occasionally, a total cessation of water. Prepare yourself to become intimate with your hair. But hey, the beds were… comfy enough. Or maybe I was just exhausted after a day of diving. Honestly, it’s a blur.

How's the location? Is it close to the beach?

Location? Gold star! The Dahab Plaza? You're practically *on* the beach! Okay, maybe a two-minute stroll. But still! That's amazing. Sunrise over the Red Sea? Magical. Sunset cocktails? Pure bliss. You're also within walking distance of all the shops and restaurants. So, you know, when that iffy hotel food gets to you, you're not stranded. This is a major plus. I spent a good amount of time strolling and enjoying the area.

What about the staff? Are they friendly?

The staff? Ah, the staff. They’re… a mixed bag. Some are lovely, absolutely delightful, go-out-of-their-way-to-help-you kind of people. They’ll tell you about the best diving spots, the hidden cafes, and generally make you feel welcome. Then, there are others who seem... less enthusiastic. You'll encounter the quintessential Egyptian service — which means a lot of smiles, endless cups of tea being offered, and a very relaxed pace. Just try not to get flustered if something doesn't happen immediately. Patience is a virtue, and in Egypt… it's a *necessity*.

Is there Wi-Fi? Because I need to stay connected. (Work, you know?)

Wi-Fi? Breathe. Slowly. Yes, there *is* Wi-Fi. And, let's just say... it's an archaeological dig site. You might find it. You might not. It might work for five glorious minutes. Then, it'll disappear into the vast internet wilderness. My advice? Buy a local SIM card. You'll thank me later. Seriously, imagine it as a digital detox disguised as a Wi-Fi outage. Silver linings, people! Embrace it! Maybe, just maybe, you'll *actually* relax. (I didn’t. I was still stressing, admittedly).

Is the pool nice? Because pool time is essential.

The pool! Okay, the pool is... fine. It's a pool. It's there. It's… a bit on the small side. And sometimes, the water looks... a little *murky*. But hey, it's better than nothing, right? And on a hot day, a quick dip is pretty glorious. The sun loungers? Comfortable-ish. The overall vibe? Relaxed. It's not the Ritz, but it'll do. Just don’t expect a perfectly manicured oasis. This is Dahab, darling. Embrace the imperfections!

What’s the deal with the air conditioning? I MELT in the heat.

Air conditioning? Oh, let's talk about this. This is a potentially *crucial* detail. My room’s air conditioning... well, let’s just say it was on a spiritual journey. It would hum and cough and *sometimes* produce a faint breeze, which felt, at best, like a warm gust. Other times? Nothing. Zilch. Nada. I’m pretty sure the little box on the wall was *pretending* to be an air conditioner. I spoke to reception about it. Various technicians were summoned. The problem? Never truly solved. So, I did what any reasonable person suffering in 100-degree heat would do: I opened the patio doors and let the outside in--which, in Dahab, is a mixed blessing of Red Sea breeze, the occasional stray cat, and the *constant* sound of donkeys braying. It was an experience, alright. Bring a fan! You willMy Hotel Reviewst

Dahab Plaza Hotel: Your Dream Egyptian Oasis Awaits!