Calimera Golden Beach Resort Hotel

“ Not accommodating to British, mostly for Germans and Russians, no entertainment for English, but nice hotel, friendly staff. If being the only 2 British there doesnt bother you then its a wonderful holiday.

“ This is a very German and Russian orientated hotel. According to reception we were the only UK people there when we checked in! Food is catered for the russian and german market. Don't expect to do much when your there unless you book excursions through the hotel as there is nothing outside the hotel doors within walking distance. Saying that the beach was lovely and we couldn't fault the service, however the room was in bad need of a refurbishment.

“ Top Tip: A taxi ride to Hurghada is about £8 UK return to and from Hurghada and I strongly recommend booking a day safari with Beduoin visit as it was the highlight of our holiday (£36 UK per person)

“ the hotel is a large and busy, but very friendly dispite lots of people coming and going most days. the food was excellent, the rooms though tired looking were nice and clean. the staff very friendly and put alot of us to shame by how many languages then can speak, even if only enough to get by. its a shame they dont advertise it to the british market more because it is an ideal place for couples and famillies. we would thoroughly recommend this hotel to anyone any age.

“ Top Tip: the hotel has its own beach, four good size swimming pools. the only down side is that hurghada town itself is a 20 taxi/bus jouney away from hotel

“ Booked this hotel on strength of reviews and they were fairly accurate. The first room we had was in main block of hotel and very noisy as the sound of every door, people phoning reception, people moving around could be heard. We had booked dessert view room which is what we got but couldn't sleep a wink. Reception said as soon as they gave us the key it will cost to change rooms (they seem to know we wouldn't like this room!) It is $10 per night to change so cost about extra £100 but moved to room at side arm of hotel, two storey apartments run the length of pool at either side of hotel. This was much better and overlooked garden and pool. Could still see dessert from entrance to room, dessert has wind farm on it which is ok if not unexpected! Couldn't fault the quality of room, cleanliness, pretty gardens etc but hotel staff were not friendly, never gave any messages and threatened us with tourist police as we reported found some money when we were sitting near lobby! The money was on it's own and was insignificant amount if transfer value to UK £'s but being honest reported it. Given wasn't too happy with reception staff asked then to call us if anyone reported it missing. Well reception must have thought we'd found crown jewels, they tracked us down 20 mins after reporting it with call to where we were eating and person stating lost wallet etc etc. Explain cash only we'd found. Three days later, message from rep (only time saw rep or got any messages left) saying if we don't give reception the money they would contact tourist police! They got the money and a formal complaint to manager about the harassment. The manager had thought it must have been more we had found as we had reported finding it! Didn't understand why we would report finding a small amount of money. This was the only fly in the ointment of the holiday, it would have been good to get welcome pack rep left and messages as could have saved money on trips we booked via hotel but I'm sure this is rare event as the manager stated he would address it and he was helpful.

Do the boat trips to snorkel, can snorkel from beach but cloudy water unless you got long way out where deep water. Boat trips great and highly recommended, if you want light-jacket like me as don't like deep water go early as many of jackets have broken catches. The boat staff were fabulous in literally holding my hand so I could go into deep water (even with a jacket my anxiety levels are high) very understanding and I had best snorkelling experience ever. Did the jeep quad trip also, good fun but hard on thumbs and bottom, not for faint-hearted but good trip.

In hotel is Azam bar, I would recommend here for a drink, bar staff great and quieter. Didn't try King Tut disco, not my thing but did try free dance lessons held in King Tut early evening, it was quite a giggle, don't think I'll ever make Strictly Come Dancing, surprising the instructors invited us back but once was enough, my toes can only take so much.

Did venture to Hurgada (taxi $10, $15 return, same price to airport for those interested) same type of shops, usual harassing to come and see this shop etc. Watch out for the man who tells you he works in the restaurant of your hotel, he gets the name from taxi driver or shop where taxi picks you up. He then tells you sob story about low pay (which is true) but he isn't a hotel worker, relying on you believing all Egyptian staff look similar. Did buy some silver jewellery, paid third of asking price and leather bag, half of asking price. You do need to haggle which I'm not comfortable with but price quoted is opening price with expectation that you will haggle.

Hotel staff don't hassle for tips but weren't happy with £ coins as can only change £ notes so use paper $'s or Egyptian pounds. There is general tip box for staff at reception but we prefered to tip staff personally. We did eat in Italian and Oriental restaurants which have to be booked seperately. Again reception staff not helpful, first told booked for a wek, sort of got the feeling in apid tip could get a table. Came back following day, different staff and got table booked without problem! italian was grwat, went twice, Oriental served same food as in restaurant except in restaurant as set menu? Only thing oriental served was rice.

“ Top Tip: Do the snorkelling trips on the boat, we did the Dolphin Island one and the 4 island one, snorkelling better at 4 Island but Doplhins were amazing! Trips booked via hotel cost £30 each are cheaper in hurghada itself with agencies (shops) specialising in trips.

Did quad safari too- again £30 each via hotel.