Your rating of this hotel:
6.0
from 10
Hotel ratings by criteria:
Rooms:
6.0
Service:
2.0
Cleanliness:
2.0
Food:
8.0
Amenities:
7.0
Hello, dear friends, like-minded people and travelers!
I want to share my impressions about my 24th vacation in Egypt, the 1st in Dahab (I’ll say in advance that it’s also the last one). We used to stay in hotels 3 * - 5 *. We rested together with my husband. We chose the hotel "Happy Life Village 4 *" (on some sites 3 *). Not a high "star" of the hotel did not scare, we know that with good service and in 3 * you can have a great rest. We went specifically to celebrate the new year 2020 in our beloved Egypt. I will try to describe the specifics of this hotel as objectively as possible.
Hotel selection: November 2019 rested in Makadi, and until the end of the year they no longer planned to rest. For the New Year, prices are usually astronomical, but there are surprises. In 2019, tour operators presented such a surprise, prices for 7 days in Egypt, along with New Year's Eve, were moderate. We decided to go, not every year such an opportunity falls. We wanted to Dahab for a long time, it was interesting to see a resort that was not known to us. The price for "Happy Life Village 4*" was moderate, and the hotel had a very high rating on review sites. Although we understood that the hotel was modest and did not expect anything special.
Transfer: Flight Kyiv - Sharm El Sheikh, 3.5 hours, flew by Boeing-737, Azur Airlines. The company worked well, the departure was on time, takeoff and landing were very smooth. In Sharm, a surprise awaited us: only we went to Dahab, the transfer was an individual, comfortable car with a driver and a guide. We covered 85 km in about an hour. We were at the hotel late in the evening.
Check-in and room: It is during check-in that the first impression of the hotel is formed. I can’t stand it when they “freeze” money when checking in, especially when they don’t understand from the first time that we just need a normal standard room, according to the paid category and we won’t pay extra. The young man at the reception obviously did not like it, he did not hide his irritation. Naturally, we noticed it. The room was on the 2nd floor with a view of the neighboring building. The room is not big but livable. A small wardrobe, 2 beds, a bedside table, a table and 2 armchairs, a refrigerator, a safe (lockable) and an old TV. On the balcony there is a table and 2 chairs. The bathroom is not large, there is a small bathroom, shower, toilet, sink, mirror, hair dryer. Of the toiletries, only small bars of soap and shampoo in bags (replenished). In the closet, one trempel for two was waiting for us, after going to the reception they brought more. The room has poor soundproofing and lightproofing, if you have a light sleep, then you will not be able to sleep (take earplugs and a mask). The cleaners cleaned very well. Plus the hotel for cleaning the rooms.
Territory: very specific. Usually I praise what was done not by nature, but by man with his own hands. But in this hotel, it was nature that tried. The hotel is surrounded on three sides by mountains, on the beach the mountains merge with the sea, and through the Gulf of Akkab you can see the mountains of Saudi Arabia. Very impressive, especially the sunsets on the beach. Because of the surrounding mountains, there was practically no wind, and the sea was also calm. This location of the hotel is favorable for winter holidays. There are two pools, they are not heated in winter, there are 2 small slides.
Nutrition. There was one main restaurant, there were snacks at the pool bar. The choice of dishes in the restaurant is not large, standard (considering the category of the hotel), but everything is cooked with high quality. There are no complaints. Very large selection of sweets. There are seats in the middle of the restaurant, there is on the street. Large queues were seen only 1 time, when they came to the very beginning of dinner, but the chefs served the guests pretty quickly. The waiters also did an excellent job. For lunch and dinner the restaurant serves wine, I liked the quality. They also serve beer. Plus the hotel.
Bars: 1 by the pool, 1 on the beach, both open until 23-00 on an all-inclusive basis, and one on the territory, only for an additional fee. The bars have a coffee machine, coffee is not bad, a large selection of tea bags. Bottled beer, good quality. Strong alcohol of a very low degree, all taste the same, and this taste does not correspond to what is written on the bottle: for example, tequila resembles a liquor that confectionery factories add in the production of some sweets. What kind of wonderful chemistry is not clear, but it's scary to drink.
Animation. I love spectacles after "bread", so I appreciate quality shows, even if they are made by the animators themselves. In many inexpensive hotels, animators come up with something every evening. Here, animators entertain only during the day: stretching, volleyball, etc. In the evening, the bar on the beach only plays music. Boring. I asked the animators why they do not entertain tourists in the evening. The animators replied that they asked some of the guests if they wanted some entertainment in the evening, and these guests did not want to. That is, after interviewing several guests, the animators decided that no one needed evening entertainment. Minus the hotel.
Internet. The hotel provides internet in the hotel lobby for a few hours in the morning and a few in the evening, the speed is limited. On New Year's holidays, the Internet disappeared for 3 days, then reappeared. It is better to buy a card from a local operator.
Service: The staff in the restaurant and bar near the pool is polite. The beach bar has good polite bartenders like Michael.
Now let's talk about unpleasant surprises. I'll start with the beach bar. When we arrive in another country, in order to show our respect to the hosts, we try to learn a few phrases in the language of the country in which we are resting. Arabic phrases were used in all the hotels in Egypt where they stayed. And in all hotels it caused surprise, tenderness and joy of the staff. "Happy Life Village 4*" was an exception. The bartender at the bar on the beach (a large and stout man in a blue shirt) mimicked several times and began to loudly ridicule our, you won’t believe, pronunciation. It wasn't just once. Maybe he smoked something, or an idiot by nature. It was very unpleasant. None of the hotel staff allowed themselves to do this. Huge minus for the hotel.
I will continue to evaluate the service with an incident at the reception. In Dahab, we arranged an excursion to the Blue Hole with a local travel agency. We came the next day to the hotel lobby to contact the agency to clarify the details of the tour. But the internet didn't work. We asked the receptionist to call the Egyptian number of the travel agency. The receptionist asked if we were calling about excursions. We answered in the affirmative, to which he said with a disgruntled face that the hotel also sells excursions and in general we have to pay 2 pounds for every minute of the conversation. We asked for an invoice for our room. In all the hotels where we have been before, calls to Egyptian numbers are free. When the driver came for us to take us on a tour, he was not allowed to the reception and we were not told that he was waiting for us. We waited 40 minutes, then called the agency.
During the eviction, they didn’t take money for calls, probably, it’s just that there is no such thing in the list of paid services. But the impression of the service was extremely unpleasant.
In addition, the hotel has another serious problem, which for some reason is not written about: the presence of a large number of animals in the restaurant and bar on the beach. I love cats very much, but when a small flock of cats surrounds you in a restaurant and starts begging for food, it is very annoying, and besides, it is prohibited by sanitary standards. Well, cats, but when a large dog sits next to you in a restaurant and, without taking his eyes off your face, watches how you chew, is this normal? Do you think she'll leave if you give her a piece of meat? No, she will sit until you finish your meal or until she is interested in other guests. Checked. And who can guarantee that the dog will not bite? There are many cases of attacks even by a trained domestic dog on a person, and here is an animal unknown to you.
I will continue the story about animals. There is a bar on the beach that is open until 23:00. There you can play billiards in the evening or dance if you are lucky with the music. The floor in this bar is sandy, covered with woven runners. Cats sit on sofas, paths and even on a pool table. Where do you think cats go to the toilet? That's right, judging by the strong smell of cat litter, in the sandy floor of the bar. Very unpleasant. We also saw cats sleeping right on clean towels. What happens if a guest has an allergy? It can simply be dangerous for the health and life of a tourist. Or is the administration ready to pay out huge lawsuits for ruined health? I think that doctors, restaurateurs and hoteliers will understand my concern. I see cats in almost every Egyptian hotel, but not in restaurants and bars, not on sofas and pool tables, and not on clean towels. And I have never seen dogs near the table.
Service is a huge minus of the hotel.
Transfer to Dahab: the hotel provides a bus to Dahab and back 2 times per evening, the service is free. Plus the hotel. We used it 1 time. The road is not long. They are brought to the streets with shops and restaurants along the waterfront. Prices for tourists, bargain. I compared prices in Dahab pharmacies with Hurghada pharmacies, in Dahab at least 2 times more expensive. Barkers stand near restaurants and try to lure people into the restaurant. We found a restaurant with Slavic cuisine. We met the owner Irina. We took dumplings, empanadas, Caesar salad, and you won't believe it, frozen lard with pickled onions. Everything is very delicious. It turned out 18 dollars for two. We were allowed to drink our own alcohol. We ate lobster in Egypt more than once, but dumplings and bacon for the first time. Irina's husband owns a travel company, the tour was bought from him.
New Year's Eve: by our arrival, the spirit of the holiday was already in the hotel. Santa dolls were placed around the territory, for some reason with saxophones, palm trees were twined with luminous garlands, there was a festive decor. 3 days before the holiday, the builders began to make a pavilion around the pool from boards and fabric, it turned out pretty. Everything was wrapped around with luminous garlands, tables and chairs were brought. In the evening, a festive dinner in the form of a buffet began. There was a soup and a huge selection of bread (did not try), a large selection of delicious snacks (mainly fish and meat), there were also seafood (well cooked). We didn't try the side dishes either. There was dolma and spring rolls (excellent). Good selection of desserts and fruits. I don't remember everything. In the evening guests were entertained by visiting artists: African dances, belly dance, tanura, a juggler and a magician. I was pleased when the chefs came on stage and began to dance famously. Closer to 12 o'clock at night, the all-inclusive system ended, and only paid drinks were served. When the disco started, a lot of guests left. the music was clubbing and very loud.
Beach: located near the buildings. The beach has a bar, shower and toilet. After 10-00 it was difficult to find a place, because. there were many guests. Partially there are fences from the wind. Mattresses and towels are laid on the sunbed by beach workers. There is a very good diving center.
An excursion to the famous Blue Hole was bought in Dahab at a street agency. The firm is decent, has a license from the Ministry of Tourism. The tour turned out to be individual. Took snorkeling. The reef is not very interesting for snorkeling, this is a place for divers. It's worth seeing the Blue Hole though. I will post a detailed review of the tour in the appropriate section of the site.
General impression of the holiday:
Pros: unusual location, beautiful scenery and sunsets. Good cuisine. Clean rooms. Good wine and beer (for Egypt). Normal equipped beach. No winds or storms. The hotel is definitely suitable for winter holidays. Divers will be interested in good diving - the center and proximity to the Blue Hole. For lovers of ATVs - there are their own on site. For a short walk near a small oasis. The reef is suitable for "beginners" - not very deep and there are fish. Free transfer to Dahab. Not a bad option for the first trip to Egypt.
Cons: not the most colorful reef in Egypt. Evenings are boring. Poor light and sound insulation in the rooms. Some employees need to learn how to hide their irritation if they can’t get money out of a guest, and some need to read the rules of etiquette. The hotel is not suitable for allergy sufferers, those who are afraid of dogs, and those who do not like the smell of cat urine.
Have a good rest, if you have any questions, write, I will answer!
I want to share my impressions about my 24th vacation in Egypt, the 1st in Dahab (I’ll say in advance that it’s also the last one). We used to stay in hotels 3 * - 5 *. We rested together with my husband. We chose the hotel "Happy Life Village 4 *" (on some sites 3 *). Not a high "star" of the hotel did not scare, we know that with good service and in 3 * you can have a great rest. We went specifically to celebrate the new year 2020 in our beloved Egypt. I will try to describe the specifics of this hotel as objectively as possible.
Hotel selection: November 2019 rested in Makadi, and until the end of the year they no longer planned to rest. For the New Year, prices are usually astronomical, but there are surprises. In 2019, tour operators presented such a surprise, prices for 7 days in Egypt, along with New Year's Eve, were moderate. We decided to go, not every year such an opportunity falls. We wanted to Dahab for a long time, it was interesting to see a resort that was not known to us. The price for "Happy Life Village 4*" was moderate, and the hotel had a very high rating on review sites. Although we understood that the hotel was modest and did not expect anything special.
Transfer: Flight Kyiv - Sharm El Sheikh, 3.5 hours, flew by Boeing-737, Azur Airlines. The company worked well, the departure was on time, takeoff and landing were very smooth. In Sharm, a surprise awaited us: only we went to Dahab, the transfer was an individual, comfortable car with a driver and a guide. We covered 85 km in about an hour. We were at the hotel late in the evening.
Check-in and room: It is during check-in that the first impression of the hotel is formed. I can’t stand it when they “freeze” money when checking in, especially when they don’t understand from the first time that we just need a normal standard room, according to the paid category and we won’t pay extra. The young man at the reception obviously did not like it, he did not hide his irritation. Naturally, we noticed it. The room was on the 2nd floor with a view of the neighboring building. The room is not big but livable. A small wardrobe, 2 beds, a bedside table, a table and 2 armchairs, a refrigerator, a safe (lockable) and an old TV. On the balcony there is a table and 2 chairs. The bathroom is not large, there is a small bathroom, shower, toilet, sink, mirror, hair dryer. Of the toiletries, only small bars of soap and shampoo in bags (replenished). In the closet, one trempel for two was waiting for us, after going to the reception they brought more. The room has poor soundproofing and lightproofing, if you have a light sleep, then you will not be able to sleep (take earplugs and a mask). The cleaners cleaned very well. Plus the hotel for cleaning the rooms.
Territory: very specific. Usually I praise what was done not by nature, but by man with his own hands. But in this hotel, it was nature that tried. The hotel is surrounded on three sides by mountains, on the beach the mountains merge with the sea, and through the Gulf of Akkab you can see the mountains of Saudi Arabia. Very impressive, especially the sunsets on the beach. Because of the surrounding mountains, there was practically no wind, and the sea was also calm. This location of the hotel is favorable for winter holidays. There are two pools, they are not heated in winter, there are 2 small slides.
Nutrition. There was one main restaurant, there were snacks at the pool bar. The choice of dishes in the restaurant is not large, standard (considering the category of the hotel), but everything is cooked with high quality. There are no complaints. Very large selection of sweets. There are seats in the middle of the restaurant, there is on the street. Large queues were seen only 1 time, when they came to the very beginning of dinner, but the chefs served the guests pretty quickly. The waiters also did an excellent job. For lunch and dinner the restaurant serves wine, I liked the quality. They also serve beer. Plus the hotel.
Bars: 1 by the pool, 1 on the beach, both open until 23-00 on an all-inclusive basis, and one on the territory, only for an additional fee. The bars have a coffee machine, coffee is not bad, a large selection of tea bags. Bottled beer, good quality. Strong alcohol of a very low degree, all taste the same, and this taste does not correspond to what is written on the bottle: for example, tequila resembles a liquor that confectionery factories add in the production of some sweets. What kind of wonderful chemistry is not clear, but it's scary to drink.
Animation. I love spectacles after "bread", so I appreciate quality shows, even if they are made by the animators themselves. In many inexpensive hotels, animators come up with something every evening. Here, animators entertain only during the day: stretching, volleyball, etc. In the evening, the bar on the beach only plays music. Boring. I asked the animators why they do not entertain tourists in the evening. The animators replied that they asked some of the guests if they wanted some entertainment in the evening, and these guests did not want to. That is, after interviewing several guests, the animators decided that no one needed evening entertainment. Minus the hotel.
Internet. The hotel provides internet in the hotel lobby for a few hours in the morning and a few in the evening, the speed is limited. On New Year's holidays, the Internet disappeared for 3 days, then reappeared. It is better to buy a card from a local operator.
Service: The staff in the restaurant and bar near the pool is polite. The beach bar has good polite bartenders like Michael.
Now let's talk about unpleasant surprises. I'll start with the beach bar. When we arrive in another country, in order to show our respect to the hosts, we try to learn a few phrases in the language of the country in which we are resting. Arabic phrases were used in all the hotels in Egypt where they stayed. And in all hotels it caused surprise, tenderness and joy of the staff. "Happy Life Village 4*" was an exception. The bartender at the bar on the beach (a large and stout man in a blue shirt) mimicked several times and began to loudly ridicule our, you won’t believe, pronunciation. It wasn't just once. Maybe he smoked something, or an idiot by nature. It was very unpleasant. None of the hotel staff allowed themselves to do this. Huge minus for the hotel.
I will continue to evaluate the service with an incident at the reception. In Dahab, we arranged an excursion to the Blue Hole with a local travel agency. We came the next day to the hotel lobby to contact the agency to clarify the details of the tour. But the internet didn't work. We asked the receptionist to call the Egyptian number of the travel agency. The receptionist asked if we were calling about excursions. We answered in the affirmative, to which he said with a disgruntled face that the hotel also sells excursions and in general we have to pay 2 pounds for every minute of the conversation. We asked for an invoice for our room. In all the hotels where we have been before, calls to Egyptian numbers are free. When the driver came for us to take us on a tour, he was not allowed to the reception and we were not told that he was waiting for us. We waited 40 minutes, then called the agency.
During the eviction, they didn’t take money for calls, probably, it’s just that there is no such thing in the list of paid services. But the impression of the service was extremely unpleasant.
In addition, the hotel has another serious problem, which for some reason is not written about: the presence of a large number of animals in the restaurant and bar on the beach. I love cats very much, but when a small flock of cats surrounds you in a restaurant and starts begging for food, it is very annoying, and besides, it is prohibited by sanitary standards. Well, cats, but when a large dog sits next to you in a restaurant and, without taking his eyes off your face, watches how you chew, is this normal? Do you think she'll leave if you give her a piece of meat? No, she will sit until you finish your meal or until she is interested in other guests. Checked. And who can guarantee that the dog will not bite? There are many cases of attacks even by a trained domestic dog on a person, and here is an animal unknown to you.
I will continue the story about animals. There is a bar on the beach that is open until 23:00. There you can play billiards in the evening or dance if you are lucky with the music. The floor in this bar is sandy, covered with woven runners. Cats sit on sofas, paths and even on a pool table. Where do you think cats go to the toilet? That's right, judging by the strong smell of cat litter, in the sandy floor of the bar. Very unpleasant. We also saw cats sleeping right on clean towels. What happens if a guest has an allergy? It can simply be dangerous for the health and life of a tourist. Or is the administration ready to pay out huge lawsuits for ruined health? I think that doctors, restaurateurs and hoteliers will understand my concern. I see cats in almost every Egyptian hotel, but not in restaurants and bars, not on sofas and pool tables, and not on clean towels. And I have never seen dogs near the table.
Service is a huge minus of the hotel.
Transfer to Dahab: the hotel provides a bus to Dahab and back 2 times per evening, the service is free. Plus the hotel. We used it 1 time. The road is not long. They are brought to the streets with shops and restaurants along the waterfront. Prices for tourists, bargain. I compared prices in Dahab pharmacies with Hurghada pharmacies, in Dahab at least 2 times more expensive. Barkers stand near restaurants and try to lure people into the restaurant. We found a restaurant with Slavic cuisine. We met the owner Irina. We took dumplings, empanadas, Caesar salad, and you won't believe it, frozen lard with pickled onions. Everything is very delicious. It turned out 18 dollars for two. We were allowed to drink our own alcohol. We ate lobster in Egypt more than once, but dumplings and bacon for the first time. Irina's husband owns a travel company, the tour was bought from him.
New Year's Eve: by our arrival, the spirit of the holiday was already in the hotel. Santa dolls were placed around the territory, for some reason with saxophones, palm trees were twined with luminous garlands, there was a festive decor. 3 days before the holiday, the builders began to make a pavilion around the pool from boards and fabric, it turned out pretty. Everything was wrapped around with luminous garlands, tables and chairs were brought. In the evening, a festive dinner in the form of a buffet began. There was a soup and a huge selection of bread (did not try), a large selection of delicious snacks (mainly fish and meat), there were also seafood (well cooked). We didn't try the side dishes either. There was dolma and spring rolls (excellent). Good selection of desserts and fruits. I don't remember everything. In the evening guests were entertained by visiting artists: African dances, belly dance, tanura, a juggler and a magician. I was pleased when the chefs came on stage and began to dance famously. Closer to 12 o'clock at night, the all-inclusive system ended, and only paid drinks were served. When the disco started, a lot of guests left. the music was clubbing and very loud.
Beach: located near the buildings. The beach has a bar, shower and toilet. After 10-00 it was difficult to find a place, because. there were many guests. Partially there are fences from the wind. Mattresses and towels are laid on the sunbed by beach workers. There is a very good diving center.
An excursion to the famous Blue Hole was bought in Dahab at a street agency. The firm is decent, has a license from the Ministry of Tourism. The tour turned out to be individual. Took snorkeling. The reef is not very interesting for snorkeling, this is a place for divers. It's worth seeing the Blue Hole though. I will post a detailed review of the tour in the appropriate section of the site.
General impression of the holiday:
Pros: unusual location, beautiful scenery and sunsets. Good cuisine. Clean rooms. Good wine and beer (for Egypt). Normal equipped beach. No winds or storms. The hotel is definitely suitable for winter holidays. Divers will be interested in good diving - the center and proximity to the Blue Hole. For lovers of ATVs - there are their own on site. For a short walk near a small oasis. The reef is suitable for "beginners" - not very deep and there are fish. Free transfer to Dahab. Not a bad option for the first trip to Egypt.
Cons: not the most colorful reef in Egypt. Evenings are boring. Poor light and sound insulation in the rooms. Some employees need to learn how to hide their irritation if they can’t get money out of a guest, and some need to read the rules of etiquette. The hotel is not suitable for allergy sufferers, those who are afraid of dogs, and those who do not like the smell of cat urine.
Have a good rest, if you have any questions, write, I will answer!
Translated automatically from Russian. View original
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