Having booked with Panorama in August 2007 for two weeks at the Grand Siva, we were informed nine weeks prior to departure, that we would be now staying at the Mamlouk Palace, as Thomas Cook now dealt with all Panorama bookings. This was a 'take it or leave it' offer, of which we accepted with some reservations about this hotel not being suitable.
On arrival the rooms had not been allocated, and as we were two couples, wanted rooms together, and as two fot he party were disabled, wanted something no more than first foor. We got second floor, ( 4 flights of stairs).As the block was close to reception/dining room/bar, and not at the far end of the complex,we accepted.On arrival the roomswere very clean, plenty of towels etc, a 'fridge' ( more a cool box ),which was stocked with soft drinks, but only stocked once, thereafter had to be bought. WHY?As we were all inclusive , the drinks were paid for anyway!!No tea/coffe facilities, as we were told the a bar was open 24 hours for tea etc, but that meant having to get dressed, go up and down flights of stairs just for a cup of coffee!!
Room service then went downhill daily. Constant complaining about having no towels,toilet paper and toiletries in the room.Floors not swept.building working being carried out ,with an angle grinder in constant use directly outside our block, and even being used one morning at 0130 hours for nearly an hour.We were compensated by management for this, when we threatened to make an official complaint to Thomas Cook.We received a late room booking and the ladies got a full massage cheaper.
The hotel is not suitable for wheelchairs or walking difficulties disabled as there is no lifts, and all blocks are down flights of stairs from reception.
The food was passable by repetative, more suited to the Eastern Europeans staying there .The TEXMEX and ORIENTAL restuarants can be used (and were) on as many occasions as you wished, but book early.
For the older tourist, I found not a lot to do outside the hotel trip-wise, apart from Luxor, which we did over two days. Once again not altogether suitable for disabled, as involved a lot of walking over rough ground(Valley of the Kings and Temples).Temperatures were in the 50s , so very ,very hot with little shade.
The Thomas Cook rep, Julia was a truly helpfull person ,dedicated to her job, who did listen and act on our comments ?complaints, and got things sorted.
The sea is too cloudy for snorkling.
Would I use this hotel again? No.Would I go back to Hurghada? Probably not, as Sharm el Shiek was far better.





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