Stayed here late March 2025 as a middle aged couple, and had a fantastic time! Hotel is stunning on arrival and holds up to its 5* rating. Bags taken at drop off and taken to room. We were checked in whilst sitting down (would have been nice to have a glass of bubbles on arrival). We stayed on the left (north) block 2. This blocks balconies get sun all day. Block 1 gets shade. Our room was 2417 and I would say was the best room we could have had. High up (is lifts) view of pool and main building and partial view to the sea. It has a duel aspect balcony. Air con in room was perfect and needed! Bathroom facilities brilliant. Good shower and all gels, shampoo provided and really good quality. Dressing gown and slipper also. Plenty sockets in the room. USBs and one that took UK plug. Hairdryer in bathroom was average I’m told. Big tv but not really used. Fridge in room with water, coke, sprite, 2 beers and mango juice. All topped up every day included. We didn’t use the Spa, but looked decent. Same for gym. Looked good. Main pool is heated and very warm. It’s lovely! Other pools outside are also amazing but cooler (not heated). Pools closed at 17:00. Indoor pool was open to 22:00 and heated. It’s very dark with lights in the pool.
Entertainment team worked hard. Stretches, games, aqua gym etc. evening entertainment was ok. We are happy to sit and drink! They finished about 22:30/23:00 which is fine so it doesn’t disturb you late on. Restaurants are of a very good standard. Main one (Alfredo) is Italian based. This is breakfast lunch and dinner. Buffet style and decent. Lunch and dinner regularly have a special on, being made fresh in front of you - prawns, steak, chops, lamb kebabs. All good. Breakfast is huge selection. No real “English cooked breakfast” but so much other things. Egg station also. Above Alfredo is the fish restaurant Culina. It has a little fish anyway! Food was decent also. Top floor of main building is the Blue Lounge with is Asian fusion. Decent naan breads here! They are all use anytime. You can book the Golden lounge once. It’s worth it. We booked last night and preordered steak medium rare. Cooked perfect and very tasty. Had better quality wine here. Ice cream stall near main restaurant. Hidden away but so worth it.
Drinks over all decent. Beer is local Stella and tasty in the sun. Local spirits. Rum and coke was decent. White wine my wife liked. Red was ok. Soft drinks all coke sprite and Fanta. Lounge bar near reception was our favourite. We had Mostafa as our waiter and tbh have never had such an attentive waiter. He earned his tips. Drinks ready and quick, remembered everything we liked and had good chat.
We did a boat trip using the hotel dive centre. Went offshore reef snorkelling at two locations and then to Orange bay. This was brilliant. 17 people. But it is from the two hotels, so some small children along for the trip.
Overall the hotel is spotlessly clean, pools perfect, staff very attentive, WiFi is excellent all the way to the beach also. Only down side is the early starts to get a sun bed! We went to the beach twice and had to get up at 07:00 to get a bed. By 08:00 all gone. Pool was ok until half way through the week when it got busy and then best to get a bed at 08:00. The best spots gone by 06:30, despite signs up saying no reservations.
I’d say about 80% German 10% UK, 10% other. I’d recommend tipping a little at the end of the evening. We gave $5USD every night to bar Waiter as he was exceptional. Pool waiters probably deserve a tip. My wife did get a couple of insect bites. Worth...
Read moreMy overall experience at this hotel can be summarized as a 6 out of 10. The hotel's appearance was remarkable, boasting impressive architecture and appealing surroundings that created a welcoming atmosphere. The animation team, particularly Adam, Marcelo, Kim, and Tatiana, stood out with their energetic and engaging performances, making the nightly shows interesting and highly entertaining.
The spa at the hotel was a standout feature, offering excellent massages and exceptionally kind and accommodating staff. Ayah and Almira deserve special thanks for ensuring the experience was enjoyable and rejuvenating.
One positive excursion experience was the Moto Safari trip, arranged through the hotel. The staff, especially Mubarak and Mohamed Bob from the Moto Safari team, went above and beyond to make our quad and horse-riding adventure fun, enjoyable, and accommodating.
However, the hotel fell short in its culinary offerings. Compared to other all-inclusive hotels in several countries I have been to, the food had less variety, and the taste lacked the necessary spicing. Even basic dishes like pasta failed to meet expectations, leaving the overall dining experience disappointing. The serving staff had a mix of personalities, with some providing excellent service while others were less pleasant and even intrusive.
Some male staff members, including servers, barkeeps, and excursion sellers, were particularly prone to being overly flirtatious and intrusive, making it difficult to relax and enjoy the beach or pool. This behavior reached a disturbing level, as we had to deal with at least two or three individuals a day who made graphic comments, asked to meet us outside the hotel, or overly tried to engage us in conversation. These intrusive behaviors significantly impacted our ability to enjoy a relaxing vacation without constant intrusion. Another problem we encountered with selling staff was that we would have to explain to at least one of them every day - I am not even exaggerating - that we aren't interested in buying any more excursions or services. This was extremely tiresome for us. We couldn't just relax and enjoy our days in silence and peace. It was just really overdone. It is important for the hotel management to address this issue and ensure that all guests feel safe and comfortable during their stay.
Additionally, there was a very concerning incident involving the security staff that marred our stay. As two women taking photos on the beach, we discovered that a security officer was secretly recording a video of us, which was extremely disturbing and made us uncomfortable.
For those concerned about seaweed, it's worth noting that the beach, although beautiful, had a significant amount of seaweed present. On a positive note, the pool was a highlight, offering a beautiful and inviting space for relaxation.
However, the repetitive and outdated music choices, including overplayed pop tunes like "Danza Kuduro" and "Despacito," need to be replaced. It was nice to hear Arabic music, which added to the immersive experience. Incorporating more of it could enhance the overall atmosphere.
Despite the hotel's impressive appearance, outstanding spa, and positive excursion experiences, the disappointing culinary offerings, intrusive staff, and privacy concerns left room for improvement in the overall experience. It is my hope that the hotel takes these feedback points into consideration and works towards creating a more enjoyable and comfortable environment...
Read more"Review of Pickalbatros Blu Spa:
Our Enchanting Stay at Pickalbatros Blu Spa: A Heartwarming Retreat
Accompanied by my parents, I embarked on an unforgettable journey to Pickalbatros Blu Spa, and it exceeded all expectations. It's hard to put into words just how incredible our time there was. This being my first experience at an adults-only hotel, I was pleasantly surprised by the serene ambiance it offered. Situated right on the beach, our room treated us to panoramic views of the beach, the pool, and the majestic mountains. The water at the beach was a breathtaking shade of light blue, and we could see colorful fish swimming around. The lifeguards were incredibly friendly, ensuring everyone felt safe and cared for.
The array of activities available on the beach, from games to yoga, all organized by a fantastic team, added to the enjoyment. With multiple pools, including a heated one and a spacious indoor pool, the hotel catered to every preference.
Dining at Pickalbatros Blu Spa was a true delight, with four exquisite restaurants to choose from. Each offered its own unique dishes, prepared with care and attention to detail. The staff at the bars, including Islem, Hesham, Ahmed, and Mustafa, were not only skilled but also incredibly friendly, crafting the most delicious drinks with a smile.
The hotel staff, from the reception to the restaurant, went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and satisfaction. Names like Malek and Mohammed, our attentive and thoughtful waiters, made dining experiences truly memorable with their warm hospitality. Special mention must be made of Mehdi, the Moroccan chef, who greeted us with a wide smile every time and served us food with love. His dishes not only looked and were presented beautifully but also tasted incredibly delicious.
Our organized excursions, led by knowledgeable guides such as Modathir, Hilal, and Yussuf, were enriching and enjoyable. Karim and Farag, our courteous drivers, ensured our journeys were safe and comfortable.
The hotel's location was perfect, with convenient access to shops and attractions. We particularly enjoyed exploring the town center and marveling at the beautiful mosque.
The rooms in the hotel were tastefully decorated and provided a cozy retreat after a day of adventures. The showers were spacious and always impeccably clean, and the air conditioning provided welcome relief from the heat. The beds were comfortable, and we appreciated the thoughtful touches like extra blankets and pillows.
Overall, our stay at Pickalbatros Blu Spa was nothing short of magical. Every aspect of our experience was flawlessly executed, earning the hotel a perfect score of 100 out of 100. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a truly exceptional vacation experience.
Additional Note: Our interactions with the staff, particularly with the manager Hussam, were a highlight of our stay. Their warmth, thoughtfulness, and helpfulness made our time at the hotel even more special. If I could, I would award the hotel even more stars in recognition of their outstanding service.
With...
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