Stella Gardens Resort & Spa, Makadi Bay

Well what can I say. Sold as a romantic, luxury, quiet getaway by the sea. None of which could be further from the truth. To start it’s at least a 30 minute walk, if you walk quickly, to the beach, there is a trolly bus that can take you there, but the fact there is one speaks volumes, and drops you off a long walk from the bar and walkway into the sea. If you like organised ‘fun’ and other people’s children then this may be the place for you, if you don’t like an exceptionally multi-cultural holiday experience then this isn’t for you, the clientele is a rich mix of German, Polish, Russian, Ukrainian?, French, English, Egyptian and other Arabic speaking Nationals. All fine in theory, except it doesn’t really work here, it’s not cheap to come here, certainly not by Egyptian average salary standards. So it’s the rich wealthy and entitled locals who come who think it’s fine to blast their music for their tinny telephone speakers (this is not ok from anyone not just locals, it’s not ok from any nationality) , have children screaming - seriously my watch told me I was in a dangerously loud environment today - who have obviously never been told no ever in their lives. And have parents with their children in the bars till 1am, Not appropriate at all. No where is quiet, it’s impossible to escape the animation team during the day form the cavalry charge followed by rooster calls at 10am - I was waiting for a ‘bing bing bing bong - hallo campers’ but was sadly disappointed. Then followed by Adele hour over the PA, then Arabic techno the god knows what for the rest of the day. I’m on Day 5 and I’m desperate for silence. It’s actually making me quite sad. Anyway so that the noise. Our room- well it’s ok, a little sad and in need of updating g, the furniture is faded and chipped, the tiles are lifting and uneven, the rest of the furniture is that dark brown that fell out of favor in the UK in the 1990’s - the beds are comfy enough- we asked for a double got a twin, we were promised a fruit plater twice a week - after asking for it, it arrived yesterday and consisted of two over ripe bananas, an underripe pear, an over ripe mango and a orange that had seen better days. The food - it’s ok I guess the main restaurant is fine - a good selection every night - plenty to choose from - should be something for even the Most picky eaters. We have only used the much vaunted Beirut Lebanese specialty restaurant, the first night we ate at 8:30, we arrived early and I with a pair of sticks was asked to come in. Was given water and beer so so good so far. The starter - hot and cold Mezze were great, but no falafel ? the mains not so Much, over cooked and dry as sticks. All in all - not what we were promised or expecting- but me and the Mrs are creative folks and we will make it work for us. As I write this I’m looking at a dirty used happy in the middle of the subbed area left by my one of the local guests and a bread bun thrown under the bush. Some

Not sure where to start? I don't understand the 5 star reviews, this hotel is definitely not 5 *. Room size great, yes dated but so are most hotels, room cleaner AMAZING shame I can't remember his name but he could not do enough for us! Some of the staff are great very friendly and they are the saving grace for the hotel! Food was not great, we couldn't get into any of the speciality restaurants so can't comment on them. Main buffet restaurant was like an massive canteen :( I think we are quite well travelled but this is the first time we have ever been ill. The vast majority of the sunbeds were broken! at the pool and at the beach! I do not like the fact you cannot use the facilities in the other hotel, I do not think this is explained when booking. This is the first time I have been to an AI hotel where you have to pay extras? Children asking for popcorn and candy floss in the evening during entertainment - PAY, little electric cars for the kids - PAY, fresh juice/fruit on the beach - PAY We had an ok week, we did not pay a lot of money so I suppose got what we paid for. There were a lot of returning guests so I guess some must like it but we would certainly not return.

Great place to relax, lovely beach with coral reef with access through pier. Nice soft drinks which are originals drinks straight from bottles (nice addition). Nice room standard with both bath tub and shower, extremely large choice of pools, lawns are moved everyday so garden is keep tight all the time. Great animation team especially Marta from Poland!