Escape to Paradise: La Reine Dahab Hotel Awaits in Egypt!
Escape to Paradise? More Like a Slightly Smelly, Yet Ultimately Charming, Sojourn: La Reine Dahab Hotel Review (Egypt Edition!)
Alright, buckle up, because I'm about to unleash the unvarnished truth about La Reine Dahab. Forget those polished, robotic reviews you’ve been reading – I'm here to tell you exactly what went down during my "escape to paradise" experience. And, spoiler alert: it wasn't all sunshine and pyramids.
First Impressions (and the Smell of the Sea, Mixed with… Something Else?)
Okay, so "La Reine" (The Queen) – sounds promising, right? Visions of Cleopatra and opulence danced in my head. The reality, at least at first sniff, was… a bit more maritime. You know that salty, sea-air smell? Yeah, well, that was definitely there. But it was blended with a faint, almost-but-not-quite-unpleasant undercurrent. Let's just say it was "character-building." (And definitely not mentioned in the glossy brochures.)
Accessibility: The Ups and Downs (Mostly the Ups!)
My partner uses a wheelchair, so accessibility is HUGE for us. And honestly? La Reine did a decent job. Wheelchair accessible pathways were generally good, and the elevator was a lifesaver. The lobby was spacious, and the front desk [24-hour] staff were incredibly helpful. I actually loved the exterior corridor, it was useful for navigating. However, one minor point that could be ironed out: there was only a limited number of wheelchair-friendly rooms, so it's crucial to book in advance. Some areas had a slight incline that required a bit of teamwork – but hey, that’s what travel buddies are for! They had the facilities for disabled guests but I have to admit it was a bit frustrating that the extra long bed wasn't particularly available.
Rooms: A Mixed Bag of Comfort and "Meh"
Let's talk rooms. My biggest pet peeve? Lack of a good window view. It was just a wall, and I felt I’d spent days in a cave. On the bright side, the Air conditioning was an absolute godsend, and the blackout curtains meant I could sleep until noon (if the aforementioned undercurrent in the air didn't wake me up). The Wi-Fi [free] was surprisingly reliable (more on internet later). The bathroom was pretty standard, but clean, and the shower had decent water pressure. The slippers were a welcome touch, and the bathrobes were comfy, but that's what it's about. There was a desk, which was useful for when I had to work. Soundproofing was decent, although I did occasionally hear the distant thrum of… well, I’m not sure what, but let's just say it added to the "adventure." You were also provided with free bottled water, which was great. I'd say the mini bar was less impressive.
Internet: A Tale of Two Wi-Fi
Okay, internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes, it’s true. But, the speed was… sporadic. Think of it as a tap dancing performance, sometimes fast and smooth, other times slow and… well, tap-free. There were times when I could stream Netflix flawlessly, and then times I was tempted to shout at the little spinning wheel. Also, they had Internet [LAN] which I believe is useful but never actually used. The Internet services in public areas were better, but still not perfect. Okay, but I did appreciate being able to post online.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Foodie's Guide to Mild Disappointment (with Occasional Joy!)
Alright, listen up, because the food situation was… interesting. La Reine boasted a bunch of restaurants, a coffee shop, and a poolside bar. I'm pretty sure they did breakfast [buffet]. Let's start with breakfast. The Asian breakfast was a little too adventurous for my delicate Western palate, but the Western options were… well, they were there. They even offered Asian cuisine, which I tried, and I'll be honest, it wasn't terrible! But it was a far cry from authentic. The salad in restaurant, and the soup in restaurant, were decent.
The Happy hour was a highlight, though – the drinks were reasonably priced, and the atmosphere was lively. I spent far too much time at that poolside bar. (I may or may not have developed a minor addiction to their gin and tonics.) I have to admit that I didn’t try a vegetarian restaurant.
Room service? YES! That was a lifesaver on a few occasions when I couldn’t face venturing out. However, I did try the bottle of water they provided, and one day later, I decided to leave it.
Things to Do (and Ways to Actually Relax):
They had a Swimming pool [outdoor] which was nice, but nothing exceptional. The view from the pool definitely wasn't a pool with view. I didn't indulge in a massage or visit the Spa, mostly because I was too busy wandering around the nearby market. There was a fitness center there, which I found to be acceptable.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Edition
Okay, let’s talk COVID. La Reine took it seriously, which I appreciated. They had all the usual protocols: Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocol, and daily disinfection in common areas. I noticed the physical distancing of at least 1 meter was actually followed. I'm gonna be real: it was reassuring to see. I felt safe! A doctor/nurse on call gave us peace of mind.
Services and Conveniences: The Essentials (and the Unexpected)
The hotel offered a ton of useful services. I loved the Daily housekeeping, the efficient laundry service, and the convenience of cash withdrawal. The concierge was incredibly helpful with booking tours and providing local info, and the currency exchange was a lifesaver. There were facilities for disabled guests. They had a convenience store, but it was expensive, and the gift/souvenir shop was filled with generic trinkets. I also noticed there were facilities for special events.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You!):
I traveled with an adult, so I can't speak to the Kids facilities, but they appeared child-friendly, with a babysitting service option.
Getting Around: The Great Taxi Tango!
They offered Airport transfer, which was a massive help. They also had taxi service. Be warned, the Dahab taxi situation is… colorful. Negotiate your price before you get in, and hold on tight.
My Final Verdict:
So, would I recommend La Reine? That's a complicated question. It really depends on your expectations. If you're looking for flawless luxury, then maybe look elsewhere. However, if you're after a clean, relatively comfortable hotel with a good location, friendly staff, and a slightly quirky charm, then La Reine is worth considering. Its imperfections, while occasionally frustrating, are part of its character.
Ultimately, my "escape to paradise" at La Reine Dahab was a mixed bag – a combination of minor annoyances, surprising delights, and the lingering memory of that slightly-salty, slightly-something-else smell. But hey, it's a story, right? And that, my friends, is what makes travel truly memorable.
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Okay, hold onto your hats! We're diving headfirst into a travel itinerary for La Reine Dahab Hotel, Egypt, and it's gonna be less "smooth sailing" and more "slightly-chaotic but ultimately wonderful shipwreck." Buckle up, buttercups.
La Reine Dahab: A Messy Memoir in Days (and a Few Regrets)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Sand-and-Sweat Encounter
- Morning (ish): Landed in Sharm el-Sheikh. Airport? Think "organized chaos" run by people who probably haven't caffeinated in a decade. Found my pre-booked transfer (thank GOD, because negotiating with taxi sharks at that hour would have broken me) and the drive to Dahab – an hour of staring at the sun-baked scenery, and wondering if I'd made a monumental mistake. (Spoiler: Maybe a little, but that’s the good stuff!)
- Afternoon: Arrived at La Reine. First impression? The turquoise water practically throbbing with beauty. The hotel itself? A little…older than the photos. Cozy, though! Checked in, fumbled with the keycard (always a classic), and collapsed on the balcony. The view? Paradise. The heat? Brutal. Immediately regretted not packing ALL the SPF.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Decided to be "culturally immersed" and hit the beach. BIG MISTAKE. Sand. EVERYWHERE. It was like a personal sand-blasting experience. Spent the next hour trying to dislodge gritty bits from various crevices. Tried to take a photo of the stunning sunset, got photobombed by a rogue camel. Hilarious, in retrospect. Not so much at the time. Dinner at a local restaurant. Ordered a fish that looked suspiciously like it had just been pulled from the sea, and was probably wiser than me. Ate it anyway. (My stomach is a champ.)
- Evening: Bed. Exhausted. A tiny, nagging feeling of "Did I remember to pack my malaria pills?" Argh. (Note to self: check the damn bag.)
Day 2: Snorkeling, Snubs, and the Quest for Coffee
- Morning: Bleary-eyed, but determined. Snorkeling time! Booked a boat trip. The Red Sea? Mind-blowing. Seriously, the colors! The fish! The coral! I swear I saw a grumpy-looking parrotfish glare at me. Lost my snorkel at one point. Panicked. Didn't find it. Added "buy a new snorkel" to the ever-growing list of things to do.
- Mid-day: Sun, sand, and…a minor sunburn incident (again). Lesson learned? Never underestimate the sun. (I do, consistently). Back to La Reine, and a surprisingly unsatisfying lunch. I swear the food in the hotel restaurant seemed to shrink in size. Where's the flavour gone? Was this all some cruel test?
- Afternoon: The search for coffee commenced. The hotel's offering was…bleak. Wandered into town, and the language barrier kicked in with spectacular force. Managed to order a tiny, potent, espresso from a hole-in-the-wall. It was the most delicious thing I'd tasted in days. Small victories.
- Evening: Tried, and failed, to learn some Arabic phrases. Mostly ended up mangling greetings and confusing people. Went back to the restaurant. This time I'm playing it safe. I go for the grilled chicken. Oh, it's good.
Day 3: The Dive (and the Near-Death Experience with a Seagull)
- Morning: Decided to take a diving lesson at one of the local dive centers. BIG. MISTAKE. Not the diving, which was wonderful. No, the mistake was… the instructor. Really? Did I not pay any attention to all those signs? He was…well, let's just say he was prone to "accidental" brushes of the arm and felt a bit too comfortable with personal space. The water was blissfully cool though.
- Mid-day: Spent the afternoon, in the shade, decompressing.
- Afternoon: I'm walking along the beach, enjoying the balmy breeze, when, BAM! Seagull. Attack from the sky. I swear the thing was aiming for my head. I ducked and screamed. (Not my finest moment). The locals…mostly laughed. I glared back. They continued laughing.
- Evening: Ate grilled meat. It was probably camel. It was fine.
Day 4: The Blue Hole (and Internal Existential Crises)
- Morning: The Blue Hole. The legendary Blue Hole. The underwater wonder. I'm a terrible swimmer, I confess. This was a bit terrifying. The beauty was incredible. Absolutely breathtaking. The fish were something else! But the undercurrent? Powerful. I felt a moment of clarity. I would never know if I could trust this guy, or all the locals.
- Afternoon: Sat on the beach, shell-shocked, and contemplating my place in the universe. Also, my rapidly-tanning skin.
- Evening: The hotel staff had a beach party! Music, dancing, (attempted) fire-eating. Felt like I'd finally found my community somewhere. I'm a bit sad to depart.
Day 5: Goodbyes and the Bitter Taste of Departure
- Morning: Packed, re-applied SPF (finally!), and tried to cram all the souvenirs I bought into my suitcase. Failed. Miserably.
- Mid-day: Checked out of La Reine. Last look at the Red Sea. A pang of sadness. Dahab, you weird, wonderful place, I will miss you!
- Afternoon: The transfer to the airport felt even longer this time. The memories, however, were worth it.
- Evening: Home. Exhausted. Sunburned. Sand in my shoes. Already plotting my return. (And planning to pack a snorkel and better sunscreen.)
Final Thoughts (and a Few Unsolicited Opinions):
- La Reine Dahab: Charmingly imperfect. The staff? Lovely, even with the occasional language barrier. But yes, I'd recommend.
- Dahab: A bit rough around the edges, but that's part of the charm. Just embrace the chaos.
- My Advice: Pack more sunscreen. Seriously. And maybe a phrasebook. And a healthy dose of humor. You'll need all three.
P.S. If you happen to see a slightly burnt, perpetually-confused tourist wandering around, it might be me. Don't be afraid to say hello (after you've recovered from the initial shock, I'm sure).
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Escape to Paradise: La Reine Dahab - Your Chaotic Guide to Bliss (Maybe?)
Okay, so La Reine Dahab... is it REALLY paradise, or is it just... sand?
Alright, let's be real. Paradise? Dahab *tries*. It's got the Red Sea, the sun, those mountains… yeah, the scenery is *chef's kiss*. La Reine... well, it's a mixed bag, like a really, REALLY strong Egyptian coffee. One minute you're inhaling the salty air, thinking "this is it!" the next you're wrestling with a stubborn showerhead that's either scalding you or giving you a pathetic trickle.
Personally? I'd say it *leans* towards paradise. But you gotta embrace the chaos, the fact that things aren't always perfect. My first impression? That lobby! So breezy, so white... until a sandstorm blew in and coated everything. Classic. Don't expect pristine, expect… character. That's Dahab and that's La Reine. You're in for an adventure, that's for sure.
What's the deal with the rooms? Any chance of escaping the dreaded "basic hotel room" experience?
Rooms... Okay, let's dive in. They're *comfortable*. Emphasis on *comfortable*. Don't go expecting the Four Seasons. You'll get a clean bed (thank GOD), a balcony, and probably a view of *something*, depending on where you are. My balcony? Overlooked the pool. Perfect for people-watching with a morning coffee (or, you know, the aforementioned strong Egyptian coffee).
However, I have a story! Remember that showerhead I mentioned? Yeah, it was a *battle*. I swear, I spent ten minutes just *trying* to get warm water. The knob was about as cooperative as a camel on a bad day. Finally, I got it working, then it IMMEDIATELY went ice cold. Took another ten minutes to fight it back, and the water was hot again, but then, with all my luck it started to drip on the floor to the point it became a small, shallow pool. You're gonna need to bring your 'inner MacGyver'. But hey, it's the imperfections that make it memorable, right? (I'm still not entirely sure I agree with that, but there you go.)
How's the food? Because let's be honest, questionable hotel food is a dealbreaker.
The food! Okay. Food is important. I *love* food. La Reine's restaurant? It's… decent. They’ve got the usual suspects: a buffet, some a la carte options. Expect the breakfast selection to be pretty awesome. Foul Mudammas, Falafel, eggs (cooked to your specifications, but be prepared for a slight wait), and the most amazing fruit I've ever tasted. The mangoes... oh, sweet heavenly mangoes. I basically ate my weight in them.
Lunch and Dinner? It's a good idea to go out, because the resort restaurant is good but not *mind blowing*. One night, I ate something delicious, but I'm still not sure what it was! I asked, I swear. I think it was chicken of some kind. I'd recommend a few excursions to the nearby restaurants, they are divine (just be careful with the street food, listen to your gut!).
Dahab's big draw is diving and snorkeling, right? How easy is it to get involved?
YES! The Red Sea is the star of the show! Getting involved? Super easy. La Reine is on the beach, so you're practically tripping over the ocean. They can set you up with diving and snorkeling trips, or there are loads of dive shops in Dahab itself. I am not a diver (don't judge!), but I snorkeled, and it absolutely blew me away. The coral, the fish... it's like swimming in a giant aquarium.
My advice? Take a boat trip to the Blue Hole. It's… intense. The fish, the colors... it's beautiful but scary. You'll feel like you are swimming in a different world, or on another planet. Just… be prepared for a bit of a jostle on the boat. Those Red Sea waters can be a little choppy at times. Prepare to get a bit seasick, but trust me, it will be worth it.
What about the staff? Are they helpful? You know, the whole 'service with a smile' thing?
The staff... oh, the staff. Mostly. They're... *trying*. They're all generally very kind and they work hard. The level of English varies, so you might have to be very patient and use a lot of pointing and grinning. But they *do* want to make your stay nice.
There was this one guy, I think his name was Mahmoud. Lovely guy. I kept trying to order a specific kind of tea, and kept getting something else. He'd apologize profusely, and then bring me the wrong tea again. It became our running joke. But, he always had a smile, always tried, and by the end of the trip, he knew what I wanted. The genuine kindness and human interaction...those are the things I remember most, not the minor mishaps. He made our experience better.
Is there anything *else* to do besides swim in the sea and eat mangos?
Definitely! Dahab is awesome for windsurfing and kitesurfing. You can go on desert safaris. You can hike to St. Catherine's Monastery (a MUST-DO, if you can handle the heat). You can stroll along the promenade at night, shop for souvenirs, and soak up the laid-back vibe.
I went on a camel ride into the desert. It was… an experience. Hot, bumpy, and my butt hurt for a week, but the sunset over the mountains? *Gorgeous*. Seriously, don't miss it. Just… bring sunscreen, and maybe a cushion for the camel. And tons of water. And a good sense of humor, because you will undoubtedly end up looking ridiculous at some point.
So, overall... should I go to La Reine Dahab?
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look: if you're expecting flawless luxury and everything to be perfectly on schedule, you may be disappointed. If you're easily stressed by minor inconveniences, maybe look elsewhere.
But if you're up for an adventure, if you're willing to embrace the quirks, if you love a beautiful beach and a relaxed atmosphere, then YES. Go! La Reine is a good base. The Red Sea is legendary. You’ll make memories, have a few laughsSerene Getaways
