Escape to Paradise: Delta Sharm's Luxury Awaits in Sharm El Sheikh!
Escape to Paradise: Delta Sharm's Luxury Awaits in Sharm El Sheikh!
Escape to Paradise: Delta Sharm - A Review That Doesn't Sugarcoat the Sand (and the Secrets!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the turquoise waters of Sharm El Sheikh and the… ahem… "luxury" of the Delta Sharm resort. Forget the airbrushed brochure – I'm here to tell you the real story. Think less pre-packaged paradise and more, well, a slightly rough-around-the-edges, but ultimately charming, adventure. This isn't a polished review, it's a diary entry after a week of sun-soaked (and sometimes slightly sun-burnt) experiences.
SEO & Metadata Stuff (Gotta Do It, Sadly):
- Keywords: Delta Sharm, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, Luxury Resort, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Swimming Pool, All-Inclusive, Wi-Fi, Family Friendly, Reviews, Travel, Holiday
- Meta Description: Honest review of Delta Sharm resort in Sharm El Sheikh. Explore accessibility, amenities, food, staff & more! Get the real scoop before you book!
- Title: Delta Sharm Review: Paradise Found… With a Few Hiccups! (Honest & Hilarious)
Accessibility: The Good, the Okay, and the… Well…
Let's start with something important: accessibility. They claim to be accessible, and technically they are. They've got ramps, and elevators, and some rooms that are… sort of wheelchair-friendly. Honestly, it felt a bit like navigating an obstacle course designed by someone who’d heard of disabilities but never met anyone with one. You're better off contacting the resort directly to confirm that rooms cater for your specific needs.
Rant Time: Wheelchair Wanderings
Okay, so I tried to get to the "Pool with View" in my wheelchair. Sounds idyllic, right? Wrong. The ramp to the pool area was steeper than my grandma's temper after she's skipped her afternoon tea. I swear, I nearly tipped over backwards! The staff, bless their hearts, were helpful (eventually), but it shouldn't be a struggle just to enjoy a sunny drink.
Wheelchair accessible - Sort of there - check with the resort. Facilities for disabled guests - Need to be refined and updated - contact the resort
Internet Access: Wi-Fi Warriors & LAN Losers
Oh, the internet. A vital tool in this digital age, unfortunately, Delta Sharm's access is a bit of a mixed bag. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is the headline, and it's true. But the reality? Spotty connection, drop outs, and speeds that make molasses look speedy. Internet [LAN] - the advertised LAN (local area network) in some rooms? I wouldn't even bother. I attempted to connect my laptop, a painful process that tested my patience even further. The Internet services themselves were a bit lacking and could use some improvements. In the end, you're relying mostly on the Wi-Fi in public areas, which is a little better but still not what you'd call reliable. I spent half my time trying to connect and the other half grumbling about the buffering. Internet - could be better Internet [LAN] - Poor Internet services - Not as advertised Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! - Needs improvement Wi-Fi in public areas - Better than individual rooms
Cleanliness & Safety: Sanitized But Still a Bit… Dusty?
In the Covid era, safety is paramount, and Delta Sharm tries. They tick most of the safety boxes: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. Cashless payment service is offered. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter - they try, but the buffet sometimes felt more like a rugby scrum.
They are following protocol: Though I have my doubts about the effectiveness of it.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Food, Glorious (Sometimes Questionable) Food!
Buckle up, because the food is a rollercoaster. The Buffet in restaurant is the heart of dining. It's a massive feast of offerings, ranging from delicious to… less so. Asian cuisine in restaurant was a highlight. International cuisine in restaurant varied wildly. Western cuisine in restaurant was a solid choice. The Breakfast [buffet] had a decent selection ranging form Asian breakfast to Western breakfast.
I once witnessed a waiter drop a tray of pastries and simply scoop them back onto the buffet. My inner germaphobe nearly had a heart attack!
The Poolside bar is your best friend for lazy afternoons. The cocktails are… well, they're trying, but they can be wildly inconsistent. The Snack bar served up decent sandwiches (a lifesaver when you're peckish between meals). The Coffee shop was decent. Restaurants are available.
A Little More About Dining: The A la carte in restaurant is worth trying, and I loved the Salad in restaurant. The Soup in restaurant was generally okay. And the Desserts in restaurant? Hit or miss, but hey, you're on vacation!
Dining and Snacks - a mixed bag. Restaurants, Bar, Poolside bar, Coffee shop, Snack bar. - Standard options - but varying standards.
The Good: Buffet in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast, Western breakfast.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and the Laundry (Oh, the Laundry!)
They offer many services, but some are better than others. Daily housekeeping was generally good. Laundry service was slow… and expensive. Do not, I repeat, do not leave your favorite shirt to the mercy of their ironing service. It came back looking like it had been used to mop the floor. They provide Air conditioning in public area, Concierge, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Safety deposit boxes.
Getting Around: Taxi Tales & Car Park Chaos
- Getting around is easy with Taxi service, Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site].
- Valet parking is also an option.
Things To Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Dreams & Fitness Nightmares!
Okay, the Spa! This is where things get interesting. I went for a Massage that was supposed to be pure bliss. Instead, it was a bit like being pummeled by a particularly enthusiastic octopus. I suppose, technically, I was relaxed afterward, but more from exhaustion than anything else. They have a Sauna, Steamroom, and a Swimming pool [outdoor] & Pool with view.
Then, there’s the Fitness center – a room that’s apparently been furnished with old gym equipment that the resort acquired when it first opened. You might be better off doing your own workout on the beach.
My Spa Fiasco (And why I nearly cried):
The "Relaxing Massage" was anything but. The masseuse, bless her, probably hadn't had a break in months. Halfway through, I heard her phone ring and she answered it mid-massage. The whole experience was mortifying. I left feeling less refreshed and more like I'd been run over by a bus. (Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating, but it was bad). Avoid the spa, if possible.
Available in all rooms: The Amenities Rundown (Some Wins, Some Losses)
This is a long list of options, and I'll summarise:
- Air conditioning: ✅ (Thank god!)
- Alarm clock: ✅
- Bathrobes: ✅ (Nice touch!)
- Bathroom phone: 🤷♀️ Who even uses these?
- Bathtub: ✅ (Provided you have a room with one!)
- Blackout curtains: ✅
- Coffee/tea maker: ✅
- Complimentary tea: ✅
- Daily housekeeping: ✅
- Desk: ✅
- Extra long bed: ✅
- Free bottled water: ✅
- Hair dryer: ✅
- In-room safe box: ✅
- Internet access – wireless: ✅ (But see above… the Wi-Fi struggle is real)
- Ironing facilities: ❎ (Or at least the ones in my room were very sad)
- Mini bar: ✅
- Non-smoking: ✅
- Private bathroom: ✅
- Refrigerator: ✅
- Satellite/cable channels: ✅
- Seating area: ✅
- Separate shower/bathtub: ✅
- Shower: ✅
- Slippers: ✅
- Smoke detector: ✅
- Sofa: ✅
- Soundproofing: 🤷♀️ (Some rooms seemed soundproofed, others… not so
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your glossy travel brochure. This is me, after a week (hopefully) of sun, sand, and questionable decisions, spilling the tea on my adventure at the Delta Sharm Resort & Spa in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Prepare for a bumpy ride.
Pre-Trip Anxiety & Airport Snafus (Oh, Joy!)
- Day -3: The Panic Sets In. My passport? Check. Sunscreen? Check (or so I think…more on that later). Ability to handle constant heat and potentially dodgy stomach? …We'll see. Seriously, the pre-trip jitters are REAL. I spent a solid hour browsing pictures of the resort, alternating between "OMG, paradise!" and "Is this even real? Am I going to get eaten by sand fleas?".
- Day -1: Packing Hell. The eternal struggle: Do I pack for a glamorous beach goddess or a practical, mosquito-repelling survivalist? Ended up with a hybrid. Heavy on the flowy dresses, light on common sense (I swear I forgot my hairbrush AND a spare pair of shorts? Brilliant.)
- Day 0: Airport Apocalypse. Okay, so flying. Not my favorite. The flight was delayed. Then the luggage was misplaced. Then, after a 2-hour delay…I was bumped up to the first class. Yay?! I guess. At least the food was not as I hoped.
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Bewilderment
- Morning: Arrival and First Impressions. The airport felt like a sauna, and I'm pretty sure I gained 5 pounds from humidity alone within seconds. The shuttle to the Delta Sharm was…well, let's just say the driver had a unique approach to lane discipline. The resort itself? Massive. Seriously massive. My map skills went straight out the window. I wandered around for a solid twenty minutes, feeling like a confused hamster in a labyrinth of swimming pools and overly-manicured lawns. Found my room eventually though!
- Afternoon: Poolside Chaos. Found a sunbed and immediately regretted my life choices when the sun hit me like a brick. The water in the pool felt AMAZING though. Tried to read my book, but the kids splashing and the overly cheerful music (seriously, is that a real song?) made it impossible. Decided to embrace the chaos. ordered a cocktail with the name "Sex on the Beach" and found myself watching everyone else.
- Evening: The Buffet Debacle. Oh, the buffet. A culinary adventure, they said. A sensory overload, I'd say. The options were endless (pasta, salads, local food…), but the sheer amount of food made me want to run away. I ate a weird-looking kebab that, honestly, probably wasn't the best idea.
Day 2: Sun, Sand, and Regret (and maybe a little bit of joy?)
- Morning: Beach Bumming. The beach was the saving grace. Crystal clear water, a gentle breeze, and a complete sense of zen…for about ten minutes. Then the hawkers arrived. "Friend, you want a massage? Friend, maybe a camel ride?" Persistent, but friendly on the whole.
- Afternoon: Snorkelling Disaster. I decided to be adventurous and try snorkeling. I'd heard the Red Sea was amazing. Truth be told, I am a terrible snorkeler. I swallowed half the sea and looked like a dying whale. The colourful fish, though? Absolutely worth briefly drowning for. Found a tiny Nemo.
- Evening: The Tantrum. The power failed again. After being told for the fifth time that it'll be fixed soon. I yelled. I ranted. I nearly threw a banana at the reception manager. I ended up laughing at the absurdity of it all.
Day 3: Desert Dreams … and a REALLY Bad Tan Line
- Morning: Quad Biking Adventure. (or more like a slow, wobbly scoot). Let's just say I'm not exactly a natural on a quad bike. It was an adventure though. The desert landscape was a million shades of brown, and the wind whipped my hair into a tangled mess.
- Afternoon: Camel Ride of Doom. The camel was named "Mr. Fluffy". Don't let the name fool you. He was a moody beast. The ride was bumpy, hot, and I was pretty sure I was going to fall off the entire time. (Spoiler: I didn't, but my dignity took a hit).
- Evening: Dinner at the Italian Restaurant. It was a much-needed hug of carbs. Decent food, and I needed some normal food after all the kebabs and the buffet. Plus, the server, Karim, was incredibly charming. A ray of sunshine in an otherwise slightly chaotic day.
Day 4: Exploring the Local Life
- Morning: The Old Market. Decided to brave the local souk. My haggling skills are clearly rusty after so many years. I got some souvenirs, but I'm pretty sure I overpaid for everything. Oh well. The people were great.
- Afternoon: The Fish. Okay, so the fish was fresh and delicious. And the sunset was the kind you see in postcards. I had been really wanting to relax near the water.
- Evening: More Buffet Struggles. The buffet was the same. The only thing that changed, the fact that I have found a great cocktail.
Day 5: Scuba
- Morning: Scuba Experience. I have never done scuba before, but everyone has told me that Red Sea is amazing. So I got a lesson and booked a diving trip. It was amazing. I saw reefs, fishes, and I was able to get close to them.
- Afternoon: Beach I went to the beach after and relaxed
- Evening: Relax
Day 6: The Spa & The Last Supper
- Morning: Spa Day. Oh, glorious spa day. A massage, a facial, a moment of pure bliss. I emerged feeling like a slightly less sunburned, slightly more relaxed version of myself. I spent two hours in a haze of jasmine oil and warm towels. Heaven.
- Afternoon: Poolside Relaxation. Lounging by the pool, reading my book, and soaking up the last of the sun. It was nice to be back at my favorite spot, and not be stressed.
- Evening: The Farewell Dinner. Time to say goodbye. I opted for the seafood restaurant, and it was honestly one of the best meals of the trip.
Day 7: Departure & A Glimmer of Perspective
- Morning: Baggage and Travel. Back to the airport. I am now a seasoned traveler in the airport, but I still have a few minutes of stress.
- Afternoon: Goodbye. I leave Egypt. Goodbye the constant heat, the humidity, and the endless buffet. I'm looking forward to the next adventure.
Overall Verdict:
The Delta Sharm was a mixed bag, but I loved it. It had its flaws (the power cuts, the incessant hawkers, the buffet), but also its charm. I saw beauty. I had some laughs. I almost drowned. I met some great people. And I think, despite all the imperfections, I might actually go back someday.
Tyger Inn Derby: The BEST Pub in Derby? (You Decide!)
Okay, so... Sharm El Sheikh? Is it *really* paradise? Like, actual, real-life paradise, or just, you know, 'hotel brochure' paradise?
Alright, lemme be brutally honest. Sharm El Sheikh *can* feel like paradise. Like, the air is warm, the water is ridiculously blue... the sunsets? Forget about it, Instagram's gonna explode. But... and this is a big BUT... it's a manufactured paradise, okay? Like, it's been *designed* to be perfect. Think less rolling hills and secret glens, and more... perfectly manicured palm trees and impeccably clean beaches. Still gorgeous! You just have to know what you're walking into. I saw a lady the other day, trying to haggle the price of a camel ride down by like, a dollar? It was… intense, and not really ‘paradisiacal’, but hilarious. The illusion sometimes shatters, but the nice weather and good food *always* bring me back.
Delta Sharm. What's the deal? Is it all marble floors and hovering butlers... or, you know, 'budget luxury'?
Okay, so Delta Sharm. It's *definitely* not budget luxury. That's the good news. It's more… 'aspirational luxury.' Think sleek, modern, with a definite focus on making you feel like you're someone important. The lobby is grand. The pools are plentiful. I *almost* knocked over a waiter carrying a tray full of cocktails the other night because I was so distracted by the sheer… fancy. But… and here comes the tiny, slightly irritating 'but'... things aren't *perfect*. The Wi-Fi can be spotty (seriously, guys, in 2024?!), and sometimes service is quick but sometimes... it takes a little chasing down. But overall? Pretty darn good. Especially if you're like me and prioritize swimming pools!
The rooms! Are they as good as they look in the photos? Because let's be real, hotel photos *always* lie.
Right, the rooms. Okay, the photos are pretty accurate, I'll give them that. We booked a suite, because ya know, *luxury*. It was huge. Like, I could have wrestled a small bear in the living room (though, obviously, I didn't). The bed? Cloud-like. The bathroom? Massive, with a walk-in shower big enough to host a pool party (miniature pool party, mind you). The balcony overlooked the pools, which was amazing at sunset. The only downside? The air conditioning sounded like a jet engine. We had a little battle with it, going back and forth with the front desk and engineers. But eh, it was worth it. The view made it up for the noise, seriously, who wouldn't want a pool-side balcony?
Food! I have… very specific dietary needs (I like food). Is the food any good at Delta Sharm? And are there options besides the buffet, which I'm inherently suspicious of.
Alright, listen up, fellow food enthusiast. The food is… varied. And, yes, the buffet is there. And, yes, it's your standard all-inclusive buffet. Lots of options, some of which are surprisingly tasty, some of which… you might want to avoid. But! There are also à la carte restaurants. The Italian place was decent. The Seafood place? Amazing. Seriously, the seafood pasta I had there. Chef’s kiss emoji. *Chef's kiss emoji!* I went back three times. I may have gained five pounds. Worth it. The service at the restaurants was far better than the buffet, probably because you didn't have to fight off a hoard of people for fried potatoes. And the best part about the restaurants? The waiters actually talked to you, remembered your name, and weren't just robots. That made the experience extra special.
Snorkeling/Diving! Is the Red Sea as incredible as everyone says? And is it easy to get to the good spots from the hotel?
Oh. My. God. The Red Sea. It’s… well. It’s otherworldly. Seriously. The snorkeling is incredible. The coral is bursting with colour! Fish you've only seen on *Finding Nemo* are swimming right in front of your face. I went in a bit too fast, swallowed half the ocean. And I actually saw a sea turtle. *A sea turtle!* The hotel organizes excursions, which make things easy. You'll want to get a boat trip to Tiran Island, the snorkeling there is unreal. You'll probably need a guide if you are inexperienced, but it is worth it, trust me on this. You can easily walk into the water directly from the beach and see a ton. Just… watch out for the sun. Seriously. I got *burned*. Like, a lobster would have been jealous. Also, watch out for those sea urchins! Ouch.
Day trips/Things to do outside the hotel? Is there anything to DO besides eat, swim, and get sunburned?
Yes! Absolutely! Okay, so, the obvious: snorkeling/diving. Do that. Seriously. Then, there's the Old Market in Sharm El Sheikh. Be prepared to haggle. They will try to screw you over. The prices are inflated, be firm. Then, there's quad biking in the desert. It’s dusty. It's bumpy. It's ridiculously fun. Sunset camel rides are cliché, but… kinda lovely, actually. They also have a Hard Rock Cafe if you are homesick, there is a lot to do. The best thing about the offsite excursions? You get to experience the real culture of the place. And get away from the constant, slightly fake, perfection.
The Staff? Are they nice? Do they expect a tip for *everything*?
The staff are, on the whole, incredibly lovely. Attentive. Friendly. Always smiling. Yes, tip-it’s the culture. I’m not going to lie, you’ll get used to tipping. A few dollars here, a few dollars there, make sure you have small change (they never seem to). But, the staff? They *work*. They work incredibly hard. From the guys cleaning the pool, to those who serve the drinks, to the guys who’ll bring you towels within seconds; they are the heart and soul of the place. So, yeah, tip 'em, they deserve it. And don't be cheap about it!
Is it safe? I keep hearing mixed things about Egypt…
This is a complicated one. Sharm El Sheikh, the tourist hub, feels safe. Very safe. Security is *tight*. You get your bags scanned everywhere, security guards are always around. I never felt threatened. However, you hear stories… Look, be aware of your surroundings. Don't wander off alone at night. Try not to flashHyatt Centric Beale Street: Memphis's Hottest Hotel? Unbelievable!
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