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VIME GORGONIA BEACH RESORT - MARSA ALAM 5*
This highly impressive five star resort is located some 48km to the south of Marsa Alam town near to the entrance of the Wadi Gamal national park and one of only a few hotels in this area.
The hotel was only finished in 2008 so there are still one or two facilities under development but the staff are friendly, the food excellent and the local reef wonderful for snorkellers.
The majority of customers so far have been Italian but, judging by the language of reviewers, there have also been a significant number of French ( around 20 %), German (around 20%) and English speaking guests (around 5 to 10 per cent.)
Rooms: 352.
Room description & faciliities: Even the basic rooms are luxuriously spacious with an area of 60 square metres. They are spread out across a large area - 22 blocks in all - with interconnecting rooms and rooms with handicapped facilities available on the ground floor.
They feature all the usual facilities for five star hotels - Satellite LCD TV, safe, hair dryer and wireless internet access. Unfortunately we are not sure whether the wireless internet is at an extra charge (as is usual in most hotels) or not but will try to update readers shortly.
Location: On Marsa Alam's Red Sea coast, 48km south of Marsa Alam town and about 110km south of Marsa Alam airport and close to the entrance of the Wadi Gamal National Park.
Facilities: 700 metre private beach with 300 umbrellas and 600 sun loungers, 4 swimming pools including a heated pool and children's pool, excellent spa and health club, three restaurants, five bars, a bureau de change, laundry service, large shopping area with 15 bazaars ranging from souvenirs to a general store, hairdresser, car rental and limousine service.
Environment: The hotel is the only one we know of which has organized two "clean up" days a week where guest volunteers and staff work together to clean up a local beach. Well done to the management in having such a green outlook.
GUEST REVIEWS:
On TripAdvisor the hotel's ranking has risen rapidly in the last two years from an already above average 26th out of 61 hotels as of June 2010 to 8th of 71 hotels as of November 2012 with 83 per cent ( 430 of 521 reviewers rating it as either "excellent" or "very good" and just 8 per cent ( 43 out of 521 ) as "poor" or "terrible".
On Holiday Check as of November 2012 the hotel has attained an excellent 5.2 of six stars average, with the highest scores awarded for rooms (5.5) and service (5.3) and the lowest score given for location at 4.6.
Generally the reviews on Trip Advisor and Holiday Check have been very positive -
ON THE BEACH AND SEA
"The resort provides an outstanding snorkeling experience.......Most people seem content to swim and snorkel in the lagoon, not venturing past the reef barrier (only came across two people there in the week) and as a result adventurous snorkelers who do will find themselves in paradise....Visibility is excellent and coral life abundant, especially as you venture away North or South. You are surrounded by thousands of fish. Highlights included sea turtles and an eagle spotted ray."
( TripAdvisor.com 20 February 2012 )
"The snorkeling is awesome and accessible direct from the beach.....perfect snorkeling and clear water."
( TripAdvisor.com 11 January 2012 )
ON THE STAFF
"Nice attentive staff and you can always get a smile." ( HolidayCheck.com Christopher March 2012 )
"The hotel is the best managed I have experienced in Egypt. It started with pre-arrival arrangements - the airport transfer and room request were promptly and efficiently dealt with. The check-in process was also the most efficient I have experienced. "
( TripAdvisor.com 20 February 2012 )
"The day after our arrival we went to reception again and again we faced the same receptionist eating in front of us sweets placed on the reception desk for the guests....we had to wait for him to finish so he was able to speak.....But apart from him the rest of the staff were amazing."
( TripAdvisor.com 1 February 2011 )
ON THE FOOD
"Dining room like a cafeteria....At around 8pm we would have to set our own tables while waiters walked past without noticing until we complained to the head waiter and gave a tip. Without a tip nothing ever happens."
( HolidayCheck.com Bruno March 2012 )
"The food you can only say one thing.....delicious....and with such a wide choice there is something for everyone. The service is excellent and the waiters are nice and attentive."
( HolidayCheck.com Andre March 2012 )
"We visited the kitchen and saw all the fruit and vegetables being delivered and processed fresh daily.......Meat, poultry and fish also come several times a week and also processed properly and with due regard to hygiene. All bread is baked on the premises as are almost all the cakes. There is good attention to cleanliness so you don't have to be worried about health problems."
( HolidayCheck.com Edith February 2012 )
"This was our fifth time in Egypt and the first time we had managed to escape the revenge of the Pharaoh (stomach ache)......For this reason alone I wouldn't hesitate to book this hotel again."
( HolidayCheck.com Irene & Stefan February 2012 )
"The standard of food was fantastic with a great variety, and we would recommend the fish restaurant. There is also a pizzeria but we didn't eat there, though heard good reports about it."
( TripAdvisor.com 12 September 2011 )
"The restaurant staff were very friendly and helpful. We were always sitting at the same table and the waiter would remember our favourite drinks. The food was amazing. I didn't expect teriyaki or sushi there so imagine my surprise when I saw it. Yummy. There was also Italian and Arab cuisine- the choice was enormous and delicious."
( TripAdvisor.com 1 February 2011 )
"The hotel runs a proper lunch as well as a full dinner with a wide variety of dishes to suit any taste. The buffet offered more than the typical budget dishes that some AI hotels put on and it was nice to see things like duck, prawns, sword fish, stuffed pigeon and other local dishes on offer."
( TripAdvisor.com 20 January 2011 )
ON THE ROOMS
"Rooms are located in small two floor units. I recommend taking the upper floor rooms which are quieter and enjoy a better view. Rooms are large, typically set up as twin beds which can be connected as double beds........Rooms have failry basic furniture and features, but are still in good condition and contribute to the overall relaxation experience. The balcony, sheltered from the wind was well appreciated for the aperitif at sunset."
( TripAdvisor.com 20 February 2012 )
ON THE GROUNDS AND GARDENS
"The grounds were beautifully maintained and everywhere was clean."
( TripAdvisor.com 23 February 2012 )
OVERALL
"The resort is very well maintained, the staff nice, friendly and tried very hard and the food was varied and good."
( HolidayCheck.com Julia March 2012 )
"Worth the drive from Marsa Alam airport for the peace and tranquility of this location."
( TripAdvisor.com 23 February 2012 )
"Overall I would recommend the Gorgonia and glady return."
( TripAdvisor.com 20 February 2012 )
"If you want to relax, sun bathe and swim, this is better than Turkey."
( TripAdvisor.com 11 January 2012 )
"Loved the holiday, hotel and staff, it was very relaxing and peaceful. Would definitely go back and would recommend it to anyone."
( TripAdvisor.com 12 September 2011 )
"Overall I would highly recommend this hotel for anyone who wants a relaxing stay on the Red Sea in beautiful surroundings without the stress of some of the more busy resorts."
( TripAdvisor.com 20 January 2011 )
You can book a room at Gorgonia Beach Resort by phoning Steven on +201284332337 or by emailing steven@marsaalam.com - You don't need to pay a deposit as payment can be made on arrival. You will receive a confirmation of your booking by email.
WEBSITE LINKS
Check rates and book a room at Vime Gorgonia Beach with Sunshine.co.uk
Check rates and book a room at Vime Gorgonia Beach with TravelRepublic.co.uk
Check rates and book a room at Vime Gorgonia Beach with Expedia.co.uk
Read the reviews on Gorgonia Beach Resort on Trip Advisor
Read the reviews on Gorgonia Beach Resort on Holiday Check
Take a look at the Gorgonia Beach Resort Facebook page
Take a one minute Youtube video tour of the hotel - September 2010 - over 18,000 views
The hotel was only finished in 2008 so there are still one or two facilities under development but the staff are friendly, the food excellent and the local reef wonderful for snorkellers.
The majority of customers so far have been Italian but, judging by the language of reviewers, there have also been a significant number of French ( around 20 %), German (around 20%) and English speaking guests (around 5 to 10 per cent.)
Rooms: 352.
Room description & faciliities: Even the basic rooms are luxuriously spacious with an area of 60 square metres. They are spread out across a large area - 22 blocks in all - with interconnecting rooms and rooms with handicapped facilities available on the ground floor.
They feature all the usual facilities for five star hotels - Satellite LCD TV, safe, hair dryer and wireless internet access. Unfortunately we are not sure whether the wireless internet is at an extra charge (as is usual in most hotels) or not but will try to update readers shortly.
Location: On Marsa Alam's Red Sea coast, 48km south of Marsa Alam town and about 110km south of Marsa Alam airport and close to the entrance of the Wadi Gamal National Park.
Facilities: 700 metre private beach with 300 umbrellas and 600 sun loungers, 4 swimming pools including a heated pool and children's pool, excellent spa and health club, three restaurants, five bars, a bureau de change, laundry service, large shopping area with 15 bazaars ranging from souvenirs to a general store, hairdresser, car rental and limousine service.
Environment: The hotel is the only one we know of which has organized two "clean up" days a week where guest volunteers and staff work together to clean up a local beach. Well done to the management in having such a green outlook.
GUEST REVIEWS:
On TripAdvisor the hotel's ranking has risen rapidly in the last two years from an already above average 26th out of 61 hotels as of June 2010 to 8th of 71 hotels as of November 2012 with 83 per cent ( 430 of 521 reviewers rating it as either "excellent" or "very good" and just 8 per cent ( 43 out of 521 ) as "poor" or "terrible".
On Holiday Check as of November 2012 the hotel has attained an excellent 5.2 of six stars average, with the highest scores awarded for rooms (5.5) and service (5.3) and the lowest score given for location at 4.6.
Generally the reviews on Trip Advisor and Holiday Check have been very positive -
ON THE BEACH AND SEA
"The resort provides an outstanding snorkeling experience.......Most people seem content to swim and snorkel in the lagoon, not venturing past the reef barrier (only came across two people there in the week) and as a result adventurous snorkelers who do will find themselves in paradise....Visibility is excellent and coral life abundant, especially as you venture away North or South. You are surrounded by thousands of fish. Highlights included sea turtles and an eagle spotted ray."
( TripAdvisor.com 20 February 2012 )
"The snorkeling is awesome and accessible direct from the beach.....perfect snorkeling and clear water."
( TripAdvisor.com 11 January 2012 )
ON THE STAFF
"Nice attentive staff and you can always get a smile." ( HolidayCheck.com Christopher March 2012 )
"The hotel is the best managed I have experienced in Egypt. It started with pre-arrival arrangements - the airport transfer and room request were promptly and efficiently dealt with. The check-in process was also the most efficient I have experienced. "
( TripAdvisor.com 20 February 2012 )
"The day after our arrival we went to reception again and again we faced the same receptionist eating in front of us sweets placed on the reception desk for the guests....we had to wait for him to finish so he was able to speak.....But apart from him the rest of the staff were amazing."
( TripAdvisor.com 1 February 2011 )
ON THE FOOD
"Dining room like a cafeteria....At around 8pm we would have to set our own tables while waiters walked past without noticing until we complained to the head waiter and gave a tip. Without a tip nothing ever happens."
( HolidayCheck.com Bruno March 2012 )
"The food you can only say one thing.....delicious....and with such a wide choice there is something for everyone. The service is excellent and the waiters are nice and attentive."
( HolidayCheck.com Andre March 2012 )
"We visited the kitchen and saw all the fruit and vegetables being delivered and processed fresh daily.......Meat, poultry and fish also come several times a week and also processed properly and with due regard to hygiene. All bread is baked on the premises as are almost all the cakes. There is good attention to cleanliness so you don't have to be worried about health problems."
( HolidayCheck.com Edith February 2012 )
"This was our fifth time in Egypt and the first time we had managed to escape the revenge of the Pharaoh (stomach ache)......For this reason alone I wouldn't hesitate to book this hotel again."
( HolidayCheck.com Irene & Stefan February 2012 )
"The standard of food was fantastic with a great variety, and we would recommend the fish restaurant. There is also a pizzeria but we didn't eat there, though heard good reports about it."
( TripAdvisor.com 12 September 2011 )
"The restaurant staff were very friendly and helpful. We were always sitting at the same table and the waiter would remember our favourite drinks. The food was amazing. I didn't expect teriyaki or sushi there so imagine my surprise when I saw it. Yummy. There was also Italian and Arab cuisine- the choice was enormous and delicious."
( TripAdvisor.com 1 February 2011 )
"The hotel runs a proper lunch as well as a full dinner with a wide variety of dishes to suit any taste. The buffet offered more than the typical budget dishes that some AI hotels put on and it was nice to see things like duck, prawns, sword fish, stuffed pigeon and other local dishes on offer."
( TripAdvisor.com 20 January 2011 )
ON THE ROOMS
"Rooms are located in small two floor units. I recommend taking the upper floor rooms which are quieter and enjoy a better view. Rooms are large, typically set up as twin beds which can be connected as double beds........Rooms have failry basic furniture and features, but are still in good condition and contribute to the overall relaxation experience. The balcony, sheltered from the wind was well appreciated for the aperitif at sunset."
( TripAdvisor.com 20 February 2012 )
ON THE GROUNDS AND GARDENS
"The grounds were beautifully maintained and everywhere was clean."
( TripAdvisor.com 23 February 2012 )
OVERALL
"The resort is very well maintained, the staff nice, friendly and tried very hard and the food was varied and good."
( HolidayCheck.com Julia March 2012 )
"Worth the drive from Marsa Alam airport for the peace and tranquility of this location."
( TripAdvisor.com 23 February 2012 )
"Overall I would recommend the Gorgonia and glady return."
( TripAdvisor.com 20 February 2012 )
"If you want to relax, sun bathe and swim, this is better than Turkey."
( TripAdvisor.com 11 January 2012 )
"Loved the holiday, hotel and staff, it was very relaxing and peaceful. Would definitely go back and would recommend it to anyone."
( TripAdvisor.com 12 September 2011 )
"Overall I would highly recommend this hotel for anyone who wants a relaxing stay on the Red Sea in beautiful surroundings without the stress of some of the more busy resorts."
( TripAdvisor.com 20 January 2011 )
You can book a room at Gorgonia Beach Resort by phoning Steven on +201284332337 or by emailing steven@marsaalam.com - You don't need to pay a deposit as payment can be made on arrival. You will receive a confirmation of your booking by email.
WEBSITE LINKS
Check rates and book a room at Vime Gorgonia Beach with Sunshine.co.uk
Check rates and book a room at Vime Gorgonia Beach with TravelRepublic.co.uk
Check rates and book a room at Vime Gorgonia Beach with Expedia.co.uk
Read the reviews on Gorgonia Beach Resort on Trip Advisor
Read the reviews on Gorgonia Beach Resort on Holiday Check
Take a look at the Gorgonia Beach Resort Facebook page
Take a one minute Youtube video tour of the hotel - September 2010 - over 18,000 views
GORGONIA BEACH RESORT PHOTOS
The Pool at Gorgonia - clean, cool and stylish -
A spacious and comfortable reception.
Vast but elegantly styled rooms
The main restaurant
Difficult for those who want to diet
Fancy a pizza ?
Relax in the hotel pool
Unwind with a massage at the spa.
Take a one minute Youtube video tour of the hotel
September 2010 - 1.22 min - over 18,000 views
Or relax by the beach.
Or volleyball for the more energetic
Hotel located near the Wadi Gamal national park
Need a taxi ?
Taxi drivers will often take advantage if you're stuck at the airport. Best to book in advance.
If you need a cheap limousine, taxi service, minibus or car rental at any time phone Steven on + 20 1284 332 337 ( outside Egypt ) or 01284 332 337 ( inside Egypt ) or email steven@marsaalam.com.
He has many types of car as well as people carriers available in Marsa Alam, Hurghada, Luxor, Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh.
The price Steven charges to or from the airport to Gorgonia is quoted on the taxi prices page but bear in mind that the distance is over 100km and that the price quoted will be for the car. Some companies quote rates per person.
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