Escape to Paradise: Old Palace Resort, Sahl Hasheesh - Your Hurghada Dream Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're diving HEADFIRST into the swirling, shimmering oasis that is the Escape to Paradise: Old Palace Resort, Sahl Hasheesh – and I'm taking YOU with me. Forget the polished brochures and airbrushed photos; we're going real. This is going to be a WILD (and hopefully helpful) ride.
First things first: Accessibility. Listen, as someone who appreciates a smooth journey, accessibility is HUGE for me. The website claims facilities for disabled guests, but I always recommend calling and asking SPECIFIC questions. Do they have ramps? Elevators to all floors? What about transferring to the pool? This is CRITICAL, and while they mention it, I'd need concrete answers before booking. That's my first (and most important) "but."
Internet? Okay, this is where things get brighter. FREE Wi-Fi in all rooms! Thank the heavens (and the resort gods!). I NEED my internet like I need air. Then there's… coughs …Internet [LAN] and Internet services. Okay, good to know if you're some sort of tech wizard, but let's be real, Wi-Fi is king for most of us. Wi-Fi in public areas too, yay! I can Instagram my breakfast by the pool.
Getting Around: Airport transfer? Yes, please! Car park? Free? SOLD! They even have valet parking AND car power charging station, which is a cool touch. That’s the kind of detail points that make me think the resort is on the ball. Taxi service, too. Excellent. This is smooth sailing so far.
Things to do… and ways to RELAX… OH, MY GOODNESS. This is the juicy bit, folks. The Spa… the Sauna… the Steamroom! Just the words alone are making me feel like I need a nap. And that Pool with view? I’m already picturing myself, cocktail in hand, gazing out at something beautiful. They've got a Gym/fitness center and a Fitness center. Seriously, it's DOUBLE the potential sweat! (I kid, I kid… mostly.) Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap… can you say "Blissful hibernation?" The Foot bath is a nice touch, too. I might actually have to try that.
Let me tell you about my experience! The pool was… AMAZING. I spent a good chunk of my stay bobbing around in the Swimming pool [outdoor], completely lost in thought. Now, about that view… it was breathtaking. Think turquoise water, palm trees swaying, and the kind of sky that makes you believe in magic. I actually did shed a tear of joy. (Don't judge me, I was relaxed!) After a few hours basking in the sun, the urge to jump into the Sauna was just… irresistible. I was in there for… let's just say a long time. Just me, heat, and my thoughts. Then, straight into the pool for a plunge. The whole experience makes you feel your best.
Okay… So, Cleanliness and Safety. This is CRUCIAL these days. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Staff trained in safety protocol, Rooms sanitized between stays… all the buzzwords! If they REALLY deliver on this, it's a massive plus. Hygiene certification? Good sign. Safe dining setup? Crucial. The Breakfast in room and room sanitization opt-out available also gives some peace of mind, for anyone who wants to go that route.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Ah, the fuel that drives the vacation engine. Restaurants… plural! Restaurants! A restaurant with Asian cuisine? Count me in! I'm a sucker for a good noodle. They have Poolside bar, which is mandatory. Happy hour? YES, PLEASE! Breakfast [buffet]? Another must-have. A la carte in restaurant, too, plus Breakfast service… This is looking promising, foodie friends. Coffee/tea in restaurant is also an important point. A good coffee is essential to my day! And the Bottle of water is always a nice touch!
Look, I'm just saying. If you get a chance, go for the desserts in restaurant. You will not regret it.
Anecdote time I was sat down for the buffet once, and I was looking over the counter for a moment, I noticed a kid get up and use his hand to grab a bunch of food. I know they can't do anything about that, but it would be good if they were careful as well, with signs that tell them to use utensils.
Services and Conveniences: Doorman? Elevator? Concierge? YES, YES, and YES! Daily housekeeping is a godsend. Currency exchange? Handy. Gift/souvenir shop? Okay, I might have a problem. Laundry service? This is important, so you don't have to pack half your wardrobe, and an Ironing service. Luggage storage, too. I love a good hotel that have these little conveniences to make your stay that much more enjoyable.
For the kids? Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, and Kids meal. Good to know if you’re dragging a mini-me. Then there’s: Access… CCTVs! And Check-in/out [express] and Check-in/out [private], plus the Front desk [24-hour] All solid.
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (essential!), alarm clock, bathrobes (yess!), coffee/tea maker (double yess!), free bottled water, hair dryer, a fridge, and wi-fi (triple yess!). All the things you actually need.
NOW, THE OFFER!
Ready to Escape to Paradise? Book your Hurghada Dream NOW at the Old Palace Resort and receive:
- A 15% discount on all room types.
- A complimentary bottle of Egyptian wine upon arrival.
- Free upgrade to the next available room category (subject to availability).
- Exclusive access to our Sunset Happy Hour at the Pool Bar with complimentary snacks.
- Complimentary airport transfer.
But wait, there's more! Book within the next 72 hours and receive a free spa voucher for a relaxing massage!
USE CODE "PARADISEESCAPE" at checkout.
Don't miss out on this incredible offer! Escape to Paradise: Old Palace Resort, Sahl Hasheesh - Your Hurghada Dream Awaits!
Seriously, if you're looking for a place to unwind, recharge, and soak up some sun, give this resort a serious look. With the proper research regarding accessibility, it could be an amazing escape. Just remember to book direct and be prepared to indulge! And for goodness sake, go to the spa! You deserve it and I’m sure you'd have the time of your life! Now I'm off to do some more research, and I may be booking a trip soon!
Escape to Paradise: Printania Hotel & Restaurant, Dinard, France
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get a glimpse into MY Old Palace Resort Sahl Hasheesh Hurghada adventure, warts and all! Forget the perfectly curated Instagram reels – this is real life travel, folks. Get ready for some sun, some sand, some (inevitable) sunburn, and a whole lotta me winging it.
Day 1: Arrival, Chaos, and the Unexpectedly Excellent Mango Juice
5:00 AM (ish) - The Pre-Dawn Panic: My alarm screamed, and the world was still stubbornly dark. I resembled something between a zombie and a caffeine-deprived gremlin. Airport chaos? Check. Delayed flight? You betcha. My carefully organized packing list went out the window faster than my last shred of composure. "Where's my passport?!" I shrieked, rummaging through my bag like a rabid raccoon. Found it. Phew. That was a near-death experience. For my sanity, at least.
10:00 AM - Touchdown in Hurghada! Sunshine! Blessed, glorious sunshine! Honestly, my soul did a little happy dance. The air, though… it's a warm, humid hug that slaps you in the face. Getting through customs? Let's just say my Arabic is limited to "Shukran" (thank you), which I deployed with heroic frequency.
11:30 AM - The Hotel Shuffle: The transfer to the Old Palace was… scenic. Lots of beige buildings, glimpses of turquoise sea, and the faint scent of something that vaguely resembled exhaust fumes. Checking in? A slow, almost excruciating process of paperwork and pleasantries in the lobby. Finally, the key! "Room 723!" I'm practically skipping with glee. Except…it's a bit… underwhelming. Okay, maybe the view isn't quite the panoramic oceanfront I envisioned. (More like a slightly-obstructed side view of… another hotel?) Honestly though, I'm just relieved to have a place to put my luggage and collapse!
1:00 PM - Poolside Predicament & Mango Nirvana: The pool beckoned. The sun demanded tanning. I located a sun lounger in what I thought was a strategic location (shade in the afternoon, brilliant!). First swim: absolute bliss. Then, the moment of truth. I ordered my first Mango Juice. The waiter arrived with that golden nectar and I took a sip. Oh… my… God. It was a revelation. The perfect combination of sweetness, freshness, and a hint of something…magical. I ordered three more, shamelessly. The mango juice saved the whole day, honestly.
4:00 PM - The Sunburn Symphony of Regret: Remember how I said I was going to strategically locate a sun lounger? Yeah… not strategic enough. I can already feel the fiery embrace of a full-on, lobster-red sunburn. My shoulders are singing a song of pure agony. Aloe vera? More like pray for aloe vera.
7:00 PM - Dinner Disaster (and Redemption): Dinner at the buffet! A culinary adventure, they said! A glorious feast! More like a chaotic scrum of hungry tourists eyeing the same sad-looking chicken. I ended up with a plate of what looked like mystery meat and some sad-looking vegetables that had clearly seen better days. However, the desserts! The baklava was a sweet, sticky slice of heaven, redeeming the entire experience.
9:00 PM - Bedtime!: After a long and tiring day. I need a rest. My head hits the pillow and I am out.
Day 2: Diving Deep, and Questioning My Life Choices
8:00 AM - The Early Bird Gets… Burned (Again): Decided to hit the beach early, thinking I was being smart. (Clearly, my brain cells haven't fully recuperated from the flight). More sun lotion, and more sun. This time a lot more sand.
10:00 AM - INTO THE BLUE! (Or, At Least, a Few Meters Down): Snorkeling/diving time! I'm a little apprehensive since I'm not a huge fan of things in the deep ocean, but I was also ready to embrace the beauty of underwater life. The water was crystal clear, the views were phenomenal. The sensation of breathing underwater felt both incredible and terrifying at the same time. I saw fish of every colour imaginable, and some coral, too - breathtaking is an understatement. It was, without a doubt, the highlight of the trip so far.
1:00 PM - The Post-Dive Munchies: Suddenly starving. Back to the buffet, where the chicken looked marginally less depressing. My appetite is that of a hungry man after a long day diving!
3:00 PM - Beach Bumming (& Existential Dread): More sun. More sand. More time to ponder the meaning of life while listening to the waves crashing against the shore. I might have drifted into a mild existential crisis fueled by the heat and the thought of going back to normal after this trip.
7:00 PM - Second Dinner Attempt: Tried the Italian restaurant at the resort. The pasta was… edible. The views were nice.
9:00 PM - A Night Under the Stars: Strolled along the beach at night. The Egyptian night sky is unreal – filled with stars like diamonds scattered across black velvet. Pure, simple beauty. It almost made me forget the sunburn. Almost.
Day 3: Adventure, Mishaps and Lasting Memories
9:00 AM - Wake Up! It's a beautiful day, and I'm ready for adventure!
10:00 AM - Excursion Time: Decided to go on a desert safari! It was exhilarating, to say the least. The jeeps bounced around, and I screamed the entire time, but it was one of the best experiences that I have ever had.
1:00 PM - Lunch in the Dunes and a Cultural Immersion: The lunch was amazing. We had something which I believe was called kebab or something that I can't quite remember now. The best part? I also got to ride a camel. This was definitely on the bucket list.
4:00 PM - Back to the pool: Sun, sand, and a cocktail. Perfect way to relax after a thrilling day!
7:00 PM - Farewell Dinner: Tonight is the last dinner which means the end of my trip. Therefore, I decided to go for one last swim, and then enjoy a cocktail. I had an amazing meal which made the end of the trip a bit easier, as I'm excited to return home.
Day 4: Departure Day - Sadness, Sunburn, and the Promise of Return
7:00 AM - Wake up, pack, shower, get ready to leave.
8:00 AM - Check out and the Transfer: More paperwork, more niceties, and one last glimpse of that slightly disappointing side-view.
9:00 AM - Goodbye Mango Juice: Okay, maybe one last mango juice. And a tear or two. I'm actually a little sad to be leaving. Despite the sunburn, the minor hotel room dramas, and my somewhat questionable buffet choices, this trip was amazing.
All the way to the airport! It's time to go home.
2:00 PM - Goodbye, Egypt: Getting on the plane back to the UK.
So, there you have it – my whirlwind adventure in Hurghada, warts, sunburn, and all. It wasn't perfect. It was messy, chaotic, and at times, utterly ridiculous. But it was also AMAZING. And you know what? I'd do it all again in a heartbeat. Just need to work on my sunblock application skills… and maybe pack some pepto-bismol. And definitely, definitely, order that Mango Juice.
Escape to Italy's Hidden Gem: Hotel Weiher Green Lake!
Escape to Paradise: Old Palace Resort - Your Hurghada Dream... Maybe? Let's Get Real. (An FAQ That's Probably Too Honest)
Okay, spill the tea. Is the Old Palace Resort *actually* paradise? Or just… pretty-ish?
Look, ‘paradise’ is a big word. Let’s just say… it depends. Your mileage may vary. The pictures are pretty darn accurate – the architecture *is* stunning. Seriously, the place looks like something out of a James Bond movie (the good ones, not the Daniel Craig brooding-in-a-swim-trunk ones). But then you remember you're not James Bond, you're *you*, wrestling with a dodgy Wi-Fi connection and the existential dread of having to choose between the buffet and the à la carte restaurant.
My first impression? Jaw-dropping. My second? "Where's the good coffee?" (Buffet coffee, people. It's a real thing.)
The beach! They always rave about the beach. Is it worth the hype?
Okay, the beach IS pretty damn good. Fine, powdery sand, crystal-clear water. The turquoise hue? Instagrammable as hell. But... (there's always a but, isn't there?) Be warned: the weather gods and the tide are fickle lovers. One day it's a tranquil pool, the next it's a wave-tossed tempest. And be prepared for vendors. They're persistent. Think friendly, but be prepared to politely deflect the jet ski offers every five minutes. Seriously, take a breath, enjoy the view.
One day I saw a guy trying to sell me a camel ride. On the beach. In the sea. I’m still trying to figure that one out. I actually would have jumped at this one but I'm not sure camels are the best swimmers.
So...Food. How's the food at Old Palace? Specifically, the buffet - The dreaded buffet!
Ah, the buffet. A glorious, chaotic, sometimes slightly terrifying experience. The selection is vast. Too vast, perhaps? You'll find yourself piling your plate with things you never knew you wanted, then regretting it later. There'll be wins (the fresh grilled fish, when they have it, is amazing), and there'll be... less wins (I'm looking at you, mystery meat). Don’t expect Michelin star quality, but there is always something to fill your belly.
My top tip? Don’t be afraid to try *everything*. Even the things you’re not sure about. You might discover a new favorite. Or, you might have a story for the grandkids about the time you almost died of the Hurghada equivalent of food poisoning.
What about the rooms? Are they as luxurious as they look online?
Generally, yes. The rooms are spacious, nicely decorated, and the balconies offer incredible views. But – and this is a big “but” – they're not *perfect*. Expect the occasional wonky shower head, the odd flickering lightbulb, and maybe… just maybe… a noise from the air conditioning unit that sounds like a small, disgruntled pterodactyl.
I vividly remember a leak in my bathroom once. Not a tiny drip, mind you. A full-blown gusher. I called reception, and they *did* fix it, eventually. But the whole experience really destroyed my vacation vibe for a good few hours. So, check your room thoroughly when you arrive. And if you hear pterodactyls, just embrace it.
What kind of activities are available at the resort?
Loads! Watersports (jet skis, parasailing, all that jazz), several pools (including one specifically for kids), a gym, a spa (yes, please!), and various daytime activities like beach volleyball and aqua aerobics. In the evenings, there’s usually entertainment: live music, dance shows, that sort of thing.
I tried the aqua aerobics. Let's just say I’m not built for synchronized swimming. I’m pretty sure I entertained the entire pool with my flailing limbs. But you know what? That's the beauty of vacation, isn’t it? Embracing your inner fool.
Is the resort family-friendly?
Yes, definitely. There's a kids' club, a dedicated children's pool, and plenty of activities geared towards families. But... be prepared for the usual family chaos. Screaming children, tantrums, the constant battle over the last chicken nugget. It’s all part of the fun, though (I think?). Or at least, try to convince yourself that it is.
I remember one family. Bless their hearts. Little Timmy threw a full-blown, ear-splitting meltdown right in the middle of the buffet. The parents just looked defeated. I wanted to give them all a hug. I gave them space.
Is there anything actually *bad* about the Old Palace Resort? Be honest!
Okay, here's the down and dirty truth. The internet? Spotty at best. The Wi-Fi is a cruel mistress; often, you'll be staring at that spinning circle of doom. You need to disconnect from reality, right? (I’m kidding… mostly). Service can be a little… inconsistent. Sometimes it’s fantastic, sometimes it’s a little slow and unorganized (that’s what happens). And, depending on the season, the resort can get *very* busy, which means battling for sun loungers and dealing with queues at the buffet.
Oh, one more thing? The mosquitos. Bring bug spray. Seriously. They are relentless. I woke up one morning covered in bites and looking like I had the chickenpox. I was then a walking, talking, itching map of Egypt.
Is it worth it? Should I book the Old Palace Resort?
Okay, here's the verdict: Yes, it's worth it. Despite the imperfections, the occasional frustration, and the persistent mosquitos, the Old Palace Resort is a fantastic place to unwind, soak up the sun, and escape the daily grind. It's beautiful, fun, and offers a lot of variety.
Just go in with realistic expectations. Don't expect perfection. Expect something a little less polished... but a lot more real. And remember to pack the bug spray. And maybe a sense of humor. You'll need it. And tell Timmy, from me: chin up, kid! We’ve all been there.
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