Sheraton Soma Bay Resort — Hotel in Red Sea

We stayed as a family in this resort for two weeks in October 2021. As this was my approx my 10th stay at the Red Sea, I have a seen a number of peer resorts in the area. The Sheraton Soma Bay is one of the very few we will very likely visit on a regular basis going forward. Hereˋs why: This resort features the most dedicated staff we have ever encountered in a 5* resort. Yes, this can be read in every review if one enjoyed himself, but this team takes it to another level. Every criticism or remark was taken extremely serious, be it the kitchen, bar or management staff, including regular follow-ups. In my opinion by far the best location in all of Soma Bay, short distances to Beach, Jetty/Reef, facilities made the stay very enjoyable. The service level at the beach was consistently high, including lifeguard. Some specific aspects: Yes, the facilities and rooms show their age. But everything that needs fixing is fixed in no time. The deluxe beach front suites are very roomy with ample outdoor space. Walk in wardrobe is big enough for a whole family It is nice having big flatscreens in a room. However, I missed the screen mirroring function to stream from mobile devices. Alternatively, HDMI cables should be provided as standard to the rooms. The kitchenette in the suite is a nice add-on, however a microwave would increase its usability. Ample beach space, no towel limitation or "towel card"-nonsense. Order the towels in the number you need to your beach spot and it will all be prepared in no time (if this is not automatically taken care of directly). The beach in general is superb, fantastic for kids. Clean, very shallow at first, nice sand, little waves - a great spot for many hours a day. Sufficient sunbeds available, spacing between the sunbeds is very good. The Sea View restaurant provided consistently high service and freshly prepared food over our stay. Fresh Seafood prepared on request and to a high standard - highly recommendable. The special seafood nights are also a must. Reasonably priced and beautifully prepared with a good variety of products. Highly professional staff -and great pizza from a proper pizza-oven. The main restaurant works also on a high level with the usual concessions to be made in a buffet-style environment. Our remarks regarding the lack of dishes was taken care of by the chef himself and he made sure that we enjoyed our stay there as well. Thinking back, some minor tweaks would ensure some more variety to the flavours on offer (think fresh seafood pasta /risotto, paella, shrimp cocktail, graved salmon etc.). I would however not be surprised if the team still has to cope with some limitations due to the pandemic situation. Overall: Job well done. The SPA lacks atmosphere (facility-wise), looks more like a garage than a place to relax. However, massages were very enjoyable. Not recommended is however having your nails done with nail polish. My wife went there twice and the nail polish did not stay on as expected (i.e. 2 days and off it was - still EUR 50). The staff did well, we think that the products used are not up to usual standards. The cleaning staff did a great and discreet job. cleanliness was never an issue (plus also super friendly and caring). Every remark was instantly taken care of. Would we recommend this resort: Yes, highly. But bear in mind: The place is rather costly. For a family with a nice room and AI, you will quickly end up in the 5-digit EUR price range for a two weeks stay, so that might be somewhat prohibitive. However, cheaper rooms are available. If you look for the latest design or newest bath appliances or the usual European 5* fancy stuff, look elsewhere. If you value service, location (great and interesting enough housereef for scuba&snorkeling) and your overall feeling you get from a resort - go for it, you will likely be happy with your decision.

Update October 2022: Another 2 Week stay: Improvements on every (already high) level. Congrats to the staff and management - High expections based on last stay have been...

We spent an unforgettable holiday at the Sheraton—truly one of the best resort experiences we've had in years. From the very beginning, we felt welcomed and cared for. The hotel sits right by the sea, with crystal-clear water and a clean, soft-sand beach. Everything is thoughtfully arranged: sunbeds, umbrellas, towels, and cozy woven cabanas. The entrance to the water is clear of coral and seaweed, making it safe and easy to walk in. You can see colorful fish, crabs, stingrays, and even squid. Yes, there are low tides, and sometimes you need to walk a bit to get to deeper water, but even at its lowest, the sea remains swimmable at the buoys.

Our room was spacious and quiet, with a stunning view of the sea and pier from the balcony. The bed was massive and so comfortable that I literally lost track of my wife under the blanket at night. Everything in the room was convenient—good lighting, a makeup table, a working hairdryer, functional furniture—and the central climate system worked well once we got used to it. We slept soundly and felt recharged every day.

The food deserves a special mention. Everything cooked on the grill—meat, fish, kebabs—was simply fantastic: juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. It felt like a feast every day. They also offered fresh bread, lavash, and wood-fired pizza with a variety of toppings. Whether you were into local flavors or more familiar European options, there was always something to enjoy. Honestly, the only challenge was not overeating—every meal was tempting.

Drinks and service at the bars were just as good. The local beer was light and refreshing, ideal in the heat. Local spirits weren't high-end brands, but they were clean and smooth—no headaches, no nonsense. Cocktails, both with and without alcohol, were tasty and well made. Bartenders were quick, friendly, and happy to bring your drink to your table or beach chair. There was a nice wine selection too, with whites, rosés, and reds included in the all-inclusive package, and better bottles available for purchase if you wanted something special.

The atmosphere at the hotel was wonderfully balanced. It was calm, peaceful, and ideal for a relaxing getaway—but if you wanted a bit more life in the evening, there were parties, contests, and dance music. We enjoyed sipping drinks in the shade during the day, and in the evening, things came alive. One night stood out especially: a beautiful belly dancer gave a mesmerizing performance in a colorful costume, and both my wife and I were captivated. It was a real highlight of the trip.

We didn’t participate in the daytime entertainment much—it was just too hot—but we noticed there were always activities available: water aerobics, volleyball, stretching, and morning fitness. Kids had their own mini-discos and games, organized by caring and energetic animators. You could safely leave your child and go enjoy dinner or a quiet drink—everything was well supervised and safe.

The staff? Outstanding. Every person—from gardeners to top management—smiled, greeted us, and truly wanted to know how we were doing. Not just scripted friendliness, but real, human interaction. Managers and chefs walked around during meals to ask if everything was okay, if we needed anything, if we were enjoying ourselves. It felt honest, rare, and very appreciated. People here work with heart.

There’s also a spa and massage service available, offered politely and without pressure. Someone might ask once if you're interested, but no one bothers or insists. It's calm, respectful, and discreet—exactly how it should be.

All of this left a deep impression on us. It wasn’t just the sun and the sea, or the food and the drinks—it was the way we were treated. With respect, with warmth, like actual guests. It’s rare to find such hospitality, and we’re sincerely grateful for it. Sheraton gave us not just a holiday, but a memory we’ll carry with us. We’d come back without hesitation. Thank you...

I normally don’t write reviews, but because I was so impressed with everything at the Sheraton soma bay; specifically with their precautionary measures against COVID-19, I thought it’s a must, so everyone can see and appreciate the efforts done by this excellent Hotel.

I will start my review with the staff. All the staff with no exceptions were exceptionally welcoming, friendly and PROFESSIONAL; and I highlight professional because I’ve been around hotels in Egypt and it seems like many of them don’t get what it means. From the start when I was booking over the phone I asked if when I come I can pick my room because the suit I booked didn’t have a key to the bedroom and I wanted privacy since my kids were with me and Mr. Mina from the reception said that I could do that. When I arrived I found that he was there to greet us and surprised me with a key to the bedroom in the suit I had booked. To be honest this was a great surprise, because after a long ride from Cairo, we were tiered to look around for a room to fit my privacy request.

For the precautionary measures, before u enter the hotel they check ur fever and have u sanitize ur hands. At the front desk, signs on the floor are there to help u keep ur social distance. While checking in the is a glass barrier on the counter, a hand sanitizer and two jars with pens in it; one labeled new and the other used. In the toilets, a sink between each sink is locked with red tap to ensure social distancing. The hotel is operating at 50% capacity to ensure social distancing. Room was beautiful and and impressively clean; no mildew between the tiles despite the fact the the hotel has been around for so many years. Towels are provided upon request sealed in a plastic bag after being disinfected. Cleaning service is every 48h upon request as they don’t do a normal cleaning; they completely disinfect it with special products.

On the beach, I completely fell in love with a bright idea they made; a red flag tied to the umbrella, which u can raise up when u need a waited, and pull down when u don’t. An excellent idea considering the fact that in other hotels I was always looking for waiters. All waiters at the beach and in the restaurant were very welcoming and professional throughout the whole stay. Walaa and Mahmoud at the beach and Khaled and Saeed at the restaurant, including the food and beverage manager Mr. Mahmoud Abdelrahman, who was regularly checking up on guest to make sure they were Satisfied with the food and service. Hamada the terrace bar waiter, who was equally friendly and professional. A special thanks to the restaurant hero Islam, the made who disinfects tables and chairs at the restaurant to keep us safe. Also at the entrance of the restaurant, Abdel Salam greeting us and checking our fever. The buffet had a glass barrier and chefs on the other side with masks and gloves, serving the food to guests.

Finally, this was the best vacation I have had here in Egypt. The Sheraton soma bay was beyond excellent. I will definitely be a regular client there and totally recommend it to everyone to choose this hotel blindly without even looking around! Specially thanks to Rogina in the receptionist who gave me a tour around the rooms at the end of our stay, to plan for our next trip there and to Ms. Mariam the front desk manager, who was helpful throughout our stay. Thank u Sheraton soma bay and all of its staff even though I did mention everyone’s name because I don’t remember, specially the housekeeping staff that was serving our room 1333. Will see u soon on our next...