I stayed three days and three nights in this lovely hotel, surrounded by lots of green areas and plenty of flowers.
The rooms are organized around the pool, on two to three levels. Mine was spacious, nicely furnished, the bathroom was pleasant, with lots of towels changed every day, two bathrobes, a hair dryer and toiletries.
The swimming pool is extremely clean: aqua gym, volley ball and water polo activities are organized daily in the pool but there’s no pressure whatsoever to take part. Lots of sun beds: you don't have to get up early in the morning to “reserve” yours. The evening entertainment is soft and not too loud (more aimed at people in their 50’s but there’s a disco not far away from the hotel for the younger ones who want a bit more action). The spa is magnificent and the massages are beautifully performed by professional staff. Enjoy the huge Jacuzzi and the water jets showers. Do not hesitate, though, to haggle the prices down to at least 30%!
The breakfast buffet is fantastic with fresh juices, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, hams, waffles, pancakes, cereals, eggs and sausages/small burgers cooked to order and a wide range of pastries and breads. I did not try the lunch buffet, so can’t comment on that. But I did use the snack bar at the pool which serves pizzas, salads, burgers, sandwiches. Its staff will also bring drinks to you at the pool throughout the day. The dinner buffet was very pleasant, with a wide variety of dishes, even though I would have expected a bit more “local” food. You can also try one of the various restaurants in the Makadi resort (only open at night): a Grill, an Italian, an Indian, an Asian and an Egyptian. And I guess you can also try some of the restaurants inside each of the hotels close by.
Most guests are German with a few Russians and some French, but all seem to speak at least a bit of English, so the language barrier is not really a problem. And it is not either with the staff. Try and speak a few words of Arabic with them and it’ll work wonders, though their service is excellent, even if you don’t: they’re friendly, courteous and efficient, with even a sense of humor.
My only disappointment was the beach: you’ll reach it walking through the gardens of the hotels between the beach and the Jaz Makadi Spa (about 5 minutes). The beach is extremely crowded, with so many sun beds, parasols, wind breakers, that it’s hard to find some privacy …
But if you can live without getting to the beach and just relax by the pool, you’ll see that you get great value for money and a great service. All in all, a wonderful relaxing and peaceful break: that’s what I was looking for, that’s what I got and I would recommend this hotel with no hesitation!