Having stayed in Dahab town before, we decided to return to the area but to somewhere outside the town, so that we could have a bit more peace and quiet and also have on the doorstep beach and snorkelling. The spot was perfect.
The hotel isn't huge like the Hilton next door, and as such has a lovely atmosphere. Being able to recognise staff at the Beach Bar and in the restaurant, that sort of thing, even the guy who cleaned our rooms came after us as we left with clothes left behind in the wardrobe!
Beach area is lovely, although don't imagine it's on an isolated part of the beach - the stretch of beach is shared with a couple of other hotels and numerous windsurfing/diving stations - and it is possible to snorkel directly off the beach and be wowed by the fish. The sunbeds/umbrellas on the beach suffered from the age old problem of towels before breakfast, but the hotel has a good idea of making the front 'row' of beds for families with children only, so that they can watch their kids directly infront of them in the water, this helped a lot!
Pool is gorgeous and always empty.
Food is buffet, and evening meals always had a different meat on the bbq, pasta for the unadventurous, along with lots of other options. It was a bit monotonous, but they're cooking for lots of people with varying tastes, so it's pretty good really, but do go into town and try out some restaurants. Breakfast good, fresh fruit and omelettes made to order, plus other stuff - great eggplant stew thing!
We went all inclusive, which was lovely for the kids - lots of apple juice and ice cream, and good for us too - beer and gin fizz!
Room, family room, was fine. Clean and spacious with a view of the gardens/beach, see photo.
Other things - definitely worth heading out on a quad bike (desk just behind the Beach Bar), highlight of our trip. Use their backgammon boards/chess sets and watch the sunset in the bedouin tent by the beach. Have a sociable game of volley ball or table tennis when the wind dies down. And try VASS WINDSURFING, not Harry Nass - very accommdating and helpful.
And enjoy your trip!
- Swiss Hotel Dahab
