Sunsets & Secrets: Uncover the Magic of Hurghada's Mamlouk Palace!
Sunsets & Secrets: Hurghada's Mamlouk Palace - A Review (With, like, Actual Feelings)
Okay, folks, buckle up. I've just returned from a whirlwind trip to Hurghada, and let me tell you, the Mamlouk Palace? Well, it’s… an experience. This isn't your polished, perfectly PR-scripted review. This is me, unfiltered, after a week of sun, sand, and, um, interesting encounters. Let's dive in, shall we?
First, the Basics (and the Accessibility Rambles):
Right, so, Accessibility. This is where things get a little… uneven. The website says they have facilities for disabled guests, but "facilities" can be a vague term, right? Elevator? Yes! Helpful staff? Mostly yes. Wheelchair accessible? Hmmm…I saw some ramps, but maneuvering the whole place wouldn't be a cakewalk. Some areas are definitely more challenging, especially around pools and the beach, so you'd want to call and get specific details beforehand. This is where the details get a little clunky; I didn't check them, my bad, but take note! And the "facilities for disabled guests" are there, but the devil is in the details - call and check!
Internet: Blessed or a Curse?
Internet access is a thing, which is a plus because, let's be real, we all need to post those sunset selfies to prove we're actually on vacation. Free Wi-Fi in the rooms? Absolutely! But the speed? Let's just say you won't be streaming Netflix in 4K. More like 240p, if you're lucky. Internet [LAN]? Didn’t see it, but frankly, I lived off my phone the whole time – it’s vacation, people! Wi-Fi in public areas was… variable. Sometimes great, sometimes like trying to send carrier pigeons with your emails. Expect patchy moments, and embrace it. Embrace the digital detox! Maybe.
Cleanliness & Safety: Are We Safe?
Okay, big points here. Cleanliness and safety are clearly a priority. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection, and sterilizing equipment? Check, check, and check. They've got the COVID protocols DOWN. Lots of hand sanitizer stations (which is so important!), and the staff is definitely wearing masks. Rooms sanitized between stays, and you even have the option to room sanitization opt-out available which is a HUGE plus.
I felt safe. REALLY safe. The whole vibe felt… careful. They've clearly invested in this, and it's a huge weight off your mind when you're trying to, you know, relax and enjoy yourself. Staff trained in safety protocol? Absolutely. I saw it.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (and a Few Adventures)
Alright, let's be real. The food is a major part of any vacation, and at the Mamlouk Palace, there’s a lot of it. First off, Restaurants: Plenty! A buffet restaurant (the main eating hub), A la carte restaurants, International cuisine (everything from pasta to curries), Asian cuisine (Asian breakfast too), Vegetarian restaurant (which I didn't visit, but good to know it's there), and a coffee shop.
The breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was a buffet. Tons of options! Western breakfast for those who prefer their omelets over their hummus, Asian breakfast for the early birds, the usual spread. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Yes! Bottle of water? Provided in the room, and even offered at the pool. Coffee shop had decent coffee, perfect fuel for a day of lounging.
My Buffet Revelation: I have a confession. The first morning, I was overwhelmed. So many options! I piled my plate high with everything, ate way too much, and felt utterly miserable. The next day, I vowed to do better. I paced myself. I planned my buffet experience. I even learned how to sneak a pastry from the desserts in restaurant section back to my room without getting caught! Seriously, learning the buffet game is a life skill.
Poolside bar? Yes! Happy hour? Naturally! Poolside bar cocktails were… fine. Not exactly award-winning mixology, but they got the job done. And the snack bar was a lifesaver for those midday cravings.
The "Alternative Meal Arrangement" Debacle: I tried one night to make a reservation for a specific restaurant ahead of time, and there was a slight hiccup. They had overbooked, but, to their credit, they were beyond kind and helpful in finding options. It was a little frustrating at first, but they made up for it quickly. But the Safe dining setup and Individually-wrapped food options made me feel safe!
Services & Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Inconvenient
Okay, here’s the laundry list. Air conditioning in public area. YES. Essential. Concierge? Super helpful for booking excursions, getting a haircut, etc. Currency exchange? Easy peasy. Daily housekeeping? Spotless. They’re running a tight ship. Elevator? Absolutely. Luggage storage? No problem. Safety deposit boxes? Absolutely. Gift/souvenir shop? Yep, for the obligatory "I was here" trinkets. Car park [free of charge]. Great for those driving. Laundry service? Yup!
The Quirkiest Experience: One day, I was wandering around, and I stumbled into a Shrine. I'm not religious, but the calm inside was a welcome break from the sun. It caught me by surprise.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (and a Steam Room Drama)
Now, for the good stuff. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Multiple. They’re beautiful and strategically placed to maximize sun exposure. Pool with view? Some definitely offer that sunset bliss. Fitness center? It exists. I may have glanced at it once. Spa, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom? Yes, yes, and YES! This is where the Mamlouk Palace really shines.
My Steam Room Saga: Okay. So, I’m not typically a steam room kind of guy, and the last one I was in, let’s just say it was not up to par. But, I thought, Go for it!. And I did. The steam room itself was gorgeous. Marble, mosaic tiles, the whole shebang. I settled in, relaxed, and began to enjoy the heat, the steam, the quiet. And then… the door creaked open. Inside, a person in a bathrobe came in, and stood there, staring right at me. And kept doing so. Until I got uncomfortable, got up, and left. Weird. But, the massage that followed made up for that weirdness!
More Relaxing Activities Speaking of which! They have Body wrap, and Body scrub! There are also Foot bath. I did indulge in a massage, and… bliss. Pure bliss. Really, the spa is the highlight, if you’re looking for some serious R&R.
For the Kids:
Family/child friendly? Absolutely. Babysitting service? Yes! Kids facilities? There's a kids’ club, play area, and a designated kids' pool (which, from what I saw, was a hive of shrieking joy, which is either cute or terrifying, depending on your perspective.) Kids meal? Yep!
Rooms: Comfort and Quirks
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Mirror, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, and Wi-Fi [free] - so, basically, all the essentials. Non-smoking rooms? Yup! Interconnecting room(s) available? Good for families.
Here’s the deal about the rooms: they're comfortable. The extra long bed was appreciated. I had a good space. They’re not necessarily luxurious, but they're clean, functional, and you have everything you need. And it’s important to notice that you can opt out the room sanitation and the room sanitization opt-out available, which is great.
Getting Around:
Airport transfer? Yes, they organize it. Car park [free of charge]? Yes, the car park [on-site] is super spacious so no worries. Taxi service? Easy to arrange.
**
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Chapi Hotel Đồng Hới, Your Quảng Bình Paradise!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my Sunrise Mamlouk Palace Resort, Hurghada, Egypt experience. Forget perfectly polished travel blogs – this is going to be a messy, glorious, and brutally honest account of my sunshine-soaked adventure. Prepare for rambling, over-the-top reactions, and enough opinions to fill the Red Sea.
Day 1: Arrival & Overwhelming Orange
Morning (or what felt like morning after a red-eye from… well, somewhere): LANDED! Cairo airport was a chaotic embrace of humidity and aggressive taxi drivers. Seriously, I felt like I was competing in the Tour de Taxi. But, hey, we survived! Managed to wrangle a shuttle to the Sunrise Mamlouk Palace. The drive? A blur of sandy landscapes, half-built structures, and a general feeling of "Welcome to Egypt!".
Afternoon: CHECK-IN & IMMEDIATE REGRET (Kidding! Mostly): The lobby. Oh, the lobby! Its imposing nature and the sheer volume of shimmering orange and gold decor was… well, a lot. It looked like a very happy, very gold-obsessed pharaoh vomited sunshine. Check-in was surprisingly smooth; the staff were lovely, though my brain was still operating on a different timezone. I got my room key and found the room, a decent size, a balcony overlooking one of the MANY pools (I still didn't know which one they were, and wouldn't for some time).
Evening: Poolside Meltdown (in a good way): Okay, this is where the magic really began. I collapsed onto a sun lounger (I snagged one! Victory!). The pool bar was calling. The cocktail arrived. And suddenly, the world felt… good. Really, really good. Maybe it was the sugar, the sun, the sheer absurdity of being in Egypt, but I spent the rest of the afternoon semi-comatose by the pool. I watched a tiny, sunburnt child try to feed a rogue pigeon a Cheeto. I saw a husband try to "help" his wife apply sunscreen, which resulted in a comedy of errors. Perfection. Then came the dinner buffet. Oh god, the buffet. It was epic in scale and variety. I devoured everything. I mean, everything. And I'm pretty sure I ate enough baklava to build a small pyramid.
Day 2: Deep Sea Delights & Disaster Diving
Morning: Diving Debacle: I woke up with a slight hangover, because the cocktails were THAT good. The plan was to go diving. I was SO EXCITED. I envisioned myself gliding among coral reefs, one with the fishes, completely at peace. Reality? Well, it was less "underwater goddess" and more "clumsy land mammal struggling to breathe." My mask kept fogging up, I swallowed half the Red Sea, and I am pretty sure I terrified a school of fish. The diving instructor, bless his heart, did his best to hide his disappointment. I bailed after about 20 minutes, feeling like a complete failure.
Afternoon: Snorkelling Redemption: After my diving disaster, I retreated to the shallows. Snorkelling was AMAZING. I saw so many fish in every color imaginable. These reefs were stunning, a magical wonderland. They were more alive than any aquarium.
Evening: Belly Dancing Bonanza: The resort offered a belly dancing show. Now, I'm not usually one for staged entertainment, but the energy was infectious. The dancers were stunning, and I was mesmerized. But, even better, the audience was encouraged to participate. And let me tell you, I am NO belly dancer. Picture a very enthusiastic, very uncoordinated, and probably slightly tipsy woman trying to mimic the graceful movements of a professional. It was hilarious. I'm pretty sure I pulled a muscle. I don't care. It was worth it.
Day 3: Desert Dreams (and Dodgy Donkeys)
Morning: Quad Biking & Sand-Related Regret: Off-road adventure time! We rode quad bikes into the desert. It was hot, dusty, and exhilarating. Even though I may have narrowly missed colliding with a camel (seriously!), it was a blast. Sand got EVERYWHERE, though. I was picking it out of my ears for days.
Afternoon: Donkey Ride Drama: Some people there offered a donkey ride. Against my better instincts, I agreed. Let’s just say, the donkey's "pace" was more of a gentle stroll, and the saddle felt like it was made of concrete. It wasn't the romantic desert experience I'd envisioned. I'm pretty sure my glutes still haven't recovered.
Evening: The Longing for Shwarma: Dining in a restaurant, there was no good. The food that was there wasn't very good. I wanted to go to the little shop outside the hotel that sold shwarma. But no one would let me. I just wanted to eat.
Day 4: Spa Day and Souvenir Shenanigans
Morning: Spa Bliss (for a little while): The resort has a spa! I indulged in a massage and a hammam experience. Pure, unadulterated relaxation. Then, I wandered and got lost in the spa.
Afternoon: Souk Shopping & Second-Guessing: The resort had a shopping area. I was like a magpie. I bought far too many souvenirs: a scarab beetle necklace (which may or may not actually bring me good luck), a questionable "authentic" Egyptian headdress, and more spices than I could possibly use in a lifetime. I'm pretty sure I overpaid for everything. But, hey, it's all part of the experience, right?
Evening: Farewell Buffet & Sadness: Another glorious buffet! This time, I paced myself, knowing I would be leaving the day after. I'm not sure which of the food was the best, but they were all great. I'm having a small internal crisis about leaving this place.
Day 5: Goodbye, Sunshine!
Morning: Last Swim & Emotional Rollercoaster: One last swim in the pool. One last breakfast of delicious pastries. One last look at the shimmering ocean. Goodbyes are hard. I felt a mix of exhilaration and deep sadness as I packed my things.
Afternoon: Departure & the Great Empty: The drive to the airport was somber. Leaving felt like I was amputating a limb. I was going to miss the sun, the sea, the chaos, and the sheer absurdity of it all.
Evening: Home & Post-Holiday Blues: Back home now. Already planning my return. The Mamlouk Palace was far from perfect, but it was perfect for me. It was a place where I could laugh, cry, and stuff myself silly with baklava. It was messy, it was wonderful, and I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. And if I go back, I'm definitely taking diving lessons. Maybe. Probably not.
Sunset & Secrets: Hurghada's Mamlouk Palace - Yeah, I've Been There (And Survived!)
Okay, Seriously, What *IS* the Mamlouk Palace?
Alright, brace yourself. It's… the kind of place that makes you question your life choices, in a good way... and a slightly panicked way. It's a hotel, yes, but calling it just a "hotel" is like calling the Mona Lisa a "painting." It's a *vibe*. Imagine a sugar-daddy-funded palace designed by someone who's VERY into bling and has a healthy obsession with swimming pools. Gold leaf, everywhere. Marble? Forget about it, it's basically the national stone. I swear, I saw a guy tripping over a rug in the lobby while wearing a terrycloth robe that cost more than my car. The theme is, supposedly, Mamlouk architecture. Which, I'm gonna be honest, I know jack squat about. But it *looks* impressive. Like, you’d probably be better off dressing like a pharaoh just to fit in. Or maybe that's just the lingering shame of wearing my worn-out vacation t-shirt…
Is it REALLY as luxurious as the pictures?
Mostly. Let's be honest, those Instagram photos are probably touched up with enough filters to make it look like you're holidaying on the moon. But the sheer *scale* of the place is mind-boggling. It's like someone took a palace from a Disney movie and slapped it down in the middle of the desert. The pools? Forget about it! There are *pools*. Like, pools within pools. Pools with bars *in* them. I'm pretty sure you could get lost in the pool labyrinth, which, come to think of it, might have happened to me at one point... (don't judge, the cocktails were strong). And the food... oh. The food. The buffet was overwhelming. I ate more baklava than a small country probably imports in a year. And the service? Let's just say you *might* feel like royalty. Or at least, like someone who should tip generously. Which I… *tried* to do. Sometimes. Okay, maybe not always. Budget vacations, am I right?
What about the beach? Is it any good?
Okay, here's the thing about the beach. It's… fine. The sand is softish. The sea is blueish. The sun is, well, hot. You get the picture. It's a beach. But! And this is a BIG BUT, prepare yourself for the onslaught of vendors. They're like… sharks. Friendly, persistent sharks who are trying to sell you everything from camel rides to fake Rolexes. I swear, I spent half my time there just trying to avoid being talked into buying a boat tour I absolutely did *not* want. They are relentless! And, in a moment of weakness (and possibly sunstroke), I bought a *hideous*, and I mean *hideous*, fake Rolex. It looked like it was made of plastic and dreams. Worst. Purchase. Ever. But hey, at least I have a story, right? And a watch that's currently gathering dust somewhere in my drawer. Lesson learned: learn to say NO! (or at least, practice your sternest expression).
Is it Family-Friendly?
Oh yes. VERY family-friendly. Almost *too* family-friendly, in my humble opinion. I swear, I saw more kids than adults flitting around. It’s a veritable kid-palooza. There are kids' clubs, water slides that looked legitimately terrifying (for both kids *and* adults, let's be real), and enough ice cream to induce a sugar coma in the most jaded parent. You know that feeling of wanting to scream for some peace and quiet? Yeah, that's probably what you'll experience. But hey, if you're traveling with kids, it's a winner. Just... bring earplugs. And maybe a babysitter. Oh, and pack your patience. You’ll need it.
What's the vibe like? Relaxed or… formal?
It's a weird mix, honestly. During the day, it's all beachwear and sunshine and the general vibe of not caring about anything other than getting a tan. But come evening… things get… fancy. Like, seriously fancy. I felt woefully underdressed in my trusty shorts and t-shirt at dinner one night. Like, "Did I accidentally wander into a royal ball?" underdressed. I was seriously questioning my life choices (again). People were rocking dresses that probably cost more than my entire vacation. So yeah, learn from my mistake: pack some fancy clothes. Or, better yet, find a hidden beach bar and embrace the awkwardness. Maybe go for a pirate costume? No one will judge, right? (Probably).
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