Concorde El Salam Hotel Sharm El Sheikh — Hotel in South Sinai

My family and I have been to Egypt six times now, five times to Sharm el Sheikh, and it is now starting to feel like a second home. ||The location of this this hotel was perfect for everything we wanted to do again activity wise, we didn't have to travel more than 20 minutes in any direction. Soho square is a short walk away which is a must if you like lights, entertainment, food and shopping; if you ask the hotel staff they will even call for an electric cart to take you there and pick you up at a determined time! ||Just outside the resort are a series of shops which are reasonably priced, but remember haggling is not only what gets you a good price but is actually expected. ||Access to the Sport Resort is permitted and this is where the water slides are, albeit it the airport is right across the road from this one so you hear the planes taking off. Can't hear them in the beach front though. ||The beach: nice multi-level beach with bar, shop and diving centre, short floating jetty into the water with three ladders to get out the water. My family are keen snorkelers, so we chose this resort after watching LOADS of YouTube videos on different resort reefs and this one stood out. It didn't disappoint. Plenty of healthy corals, several large bommies to swim around and a good variety of sealife. You can access the water from the shore for a few meters before the coral starts, which is then is restricted, but gives young children and those less keen the opportunity to enter the water safely. The other jetty (beige one) is where the water sports go from and we did two private snorkeling trips, booked through Ebra 'No Zebra', to Thomas reef and Gordon's reef - brilliant. ||Whilst the ground limits the amount of chairs available, we never had any issue in getting some with the help of Waleed. ||Our experience of the beach was great. We quickly became friendly with Waleed, the man who was literally always at the towel hut. He showed a genuine interest in our family and spoke to us in English about his. There was nothing too much trouble for him and he would personally take us to our favourite lounging chairs. It's people like this that make your holiday experience so much better. I believe he told us he had worked at the resort for 24 years, and this experience clearly shows. ||The pool: there are three pools. Two kids pools which are heated in the winter and the main pool. We only went to the main pool as it had a swim up bar. Nice size and clean. It has an infinity edge adjacent to the sea which always has those Instagram photo's being taken on it. Lunch is also served here if you can't be bothered to dry off for the restaurant, but it is only burger, hotdog and chips so don't get excited. Then again, what else do you expect from a small hotplate at the back of a bar? The only thing I'd say here is that there is not enough lounging chairs, sounds like a criticism, but if there are any more put here then it would be too crowded so the balance it right. If you want a pool day then get there from 0700-0900 and you'd pretty much guarantee a spot though. ||The hotel: there are areas in the hotel that could do with a bit of an update, but isn't this the same in any hotel really? If you are going to Egypt for perfection of the resort and nothing else then you are so far off the mark. Do not let this put you off going to Concorde el Salam beach, the resort is beautiful. Again, the sea view room we stayed in (5128) could do with a little attention but what else do you want to do in a resort room other than sleep, shower and cool off for a bit? The amount of time in the room is minimal in comparison. That said, our room cleaner, Mohammed, was so friendly and always greeted us personally with a smile and a wave. He definitely has towel art down to perfection. ||There are a few small shops just off the reception area, one of which sells 'genuine fake' handbags, wallets, etc. Well, hasn't the quality improved over the years! All I will say is that the guy in this one won't need to work for a year! The other shop we bought from was certainly an experience. Funny guy and certainly knew to read his audience, if you go then ask for the after sun he will make up for you. Works a treat but had us going on the ingredients initially. LOL. ||The main restaurant: now, this is where it really showed the exceptional staff and those in charge of the resort should be very very proud of those who work there! ||Obviously with so many people and different nationalities coming through the restaurant during service times, you simply cannot cater for everyone by plan. But the variety of food available was absolutely perfect for the amount of service space the hotel had. I'm from the UK and would say if you want Michelin quality food then I'd go to a purpose built London restaurant that has a hundred covers per day rather than a large holiday resort with a thousand covers per day. Get real the obnoxious ...... 'people' I heard complaining! ||I want to take this opportunity to name people. ||Ali Mohammed (Senior Chef), Fekry El Khaled (Pastry Chef) and the Sous Chef (sadly I have forgotten his name). For us the food is exactly what we wanted - tasty, fresh and filling, but, these chefs hospitality and keenness to not only please their guests but engage with them is exceptional. My wife is gluten free, and whilst there was GF food available anyway these guys would personally great us and talk with us asking if my wife would like anything specific that is gluten free. It was almost like they were waiting and watching for us to turn up and then come over with an excited smile to let her know that they have specifically made other food for her, and the CAKES they made and personally delivered to our table! Well, I don't really care for GF cakes, but these ones were so good my wife has asked them for the recipe ....... still waiting for that by the way Fekry! ||Onto the waiting staff. This is where the experience was elevated from usual standards we'd expect during our five other holidays to Egypt, to a whole new level. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING was too much trouble. These guys work so hard clearing tables and resetting them for new guests. The speed at which they work is something to behold. However, they always made the time to not only come over and check on us but also talk to us, and refreshingly show their personalities. ||This brings me on to Hussein (AKA Cheeky boy as named by my son). It became a game that we had to check on where he was because he would often sneak up and startle you, then run away giggling. Loved this personality. That said, when he wasn't entertaining us, boy was he quick and efficient! (The photo of him with us says it all). Well done. ||Mahmoud (AKA clicky boy). Again, one of those who worked hard and made the experience unique. His favourite thing to do was notice we were half way through our drinks (from a distance) then suddenly appear with a fresh round. He would then look up and click as if Allah himself had made them suddenly appear. Never got tiring. ||Finally, Wael Rageb. We simply cannot praise this man enough. When we first came to Egypt in 2010 (I think), we met a waiter we named Sid. Incredible guy and we never thought we'd meet another like him, nor did we until 2025. The work ethic, attention to detail and order this man has over the running of front of house is second to none. The moment our feet entered the restaurant we were being directed to a table, if it wasn't ready then staff were directed to it and within seconds we were sat down. Followed quickly by our preferred drinks for that time of day appearing with a click and my son getting a cat noise made in his ear by Hussein. ||Wael found out my son, as many his age and his own son, liked chicken nuggets. So out these came quickly and without asking (specially made by the way). Our day so far was checked on and if we needed anything from the chefs, who he would go directly to them if we did. One eye on the room whilst talking to us we learnt a lot about each others personal lives, which again is something that really does connect people and shows that he really did care and was interested. When some people say, 'nothing is too much bother for him' this really is a case of that and then some. My wife picked up the Curse of the Pharaoh's mid-week so missed one days food and it was noticed immediately. Genuine concern was raised and Wael told the chefs to make GF bread made there and then as well as other appropriate food, which he said would be delivered directly to our room. (Side note - if you get the Curse of the Pharaoh's then pick up the tablets from any pharmacy ASAP and within 24 hours you'll be back to normal). ||Not once was any of this behaviour forced/false because Wael may have wanted a tip, as it was never even expected, it was genuine - we've seen this over the years so can distinguish. We can only sum up Wael as the reason why our restaurant experience went from 'usual' to 'exceptional'. ||How this man is not in a more senior position within the resort is beyond us! Big bosses: take note of the names mentioned, especially Wael, as it's these people alone that have elevated our experience from what we'd usually expect to something else. ||Final note. All the staff work long hours and it's normal for them to work two months at a time away from their families before heading home for a two week holiday, before going back again. They work to provide for their families and a great experience for their guests. We always respect work ethic and family, so of course we provided tips appropriate for what we personally experienced. ||Will we go back to Concorde el Salam...

Just returned from this hotel after 7nights. Firstly I want to say I have been traveling to Sharm since 2007 going couple times every year. Last time was 2015. After everything that's been going on in the world we decided to holiday elsewhere. However after a lot of thought my partner and I decided to go back to Sharm. It felt really safe and lots of security every where. The airport does get very busy be prepared to que, they check and double check you're bags and passport. ||First time to this hotel. Its based close to Soho Square. Great location can walk around freely with out being hassled (a policy with the government) lots of tourists feels safe and secure with check points with security and metal detectors. Shops have price tags so can go with out being ripped off!||Now on to the hotel. First impressions when walking into the lobby was beautiful, with views of the infinity pool. We arrived around 9.30pm and was told to go help ourselves to the buffet restaurant. We was shown to our room. We booked a garden view however our room was over looking the pool and a beautiful view of the sea, the sun sets were amazing! Glad we didn't pay to upgrade! ||The rooms are a tad dated, needs upgrading the bathrooms ect. This wasn't a problem for us as we only sleep and shower in the rooms.||The infinity pool was absolutely beautiful, we took some great pics in the day and night. It does get busy but plenty of sun beds and can always get a drink around the pool bar, they work hard all day to serve every one, it's none stop drinks!||The guys in blue polo shirts who work around the pool, work so hard! They really looked after us and gave us the best spot around the pool. They keep the place so clean and tidy, Such great lads the hotel should be proud of these guys, Aswell as the life guards, they have a zero policy for miss behaving and keep every one safe in the pool. There are 3 pools to use from. The beach was lovely. The fish off the jetty was amazing I have never seen so many fish and corals. This was probably the best part of the holiday for us, snorkeling everyday. We did a few water sports too. There are lots of jelly fish the further out you go. We fell off the banana boat a few times and they don't sting.||We visited the sports hotel one day its OK, I think that's where the animation team go for day time entertainment and pool games. ||The food was very average for us, we struggled most days. We love trying new stuff and not fussy eaters. The food was bland and repetitive. Lots of stews and rice. The staff in the buffet restaurant were rude at times and impatient, we explained to one waiter that we already had a table with friends sitting waiting for us, he seem to get very angry after trying to get us to sit down and started saying things in Arabic with other waiters laughing at us. There needs to be a bar in the buffet area, waiting for you're drinks can take a while. We ate at the grill one evening we paid around £15 it was nice but nothing exciting. I also think the restaurants need to be free. There's only one buffet restaurant to eat in and not big variety. Deserts all taste the same. Breakfast was a struggle. Nice coffee and red wine though. ||Entertainment - to be honest the hotel needs to build a stage and put nightly shows on. They have dancers in the evening at dinner outside seating area. But limited seating and starts at 8pm. We never managed to get a seat outside missed all the shows! After this there is nothing going on. There is a guy that sings in the same area at dinner, who was Fantastic! Give this man a stage and start around 10pm so every one can enjoy this. There is a disco that starts at 10pm but no1 goes in there. I'm not sure why or if people knew about it. If the drinks were free to at least 2am you would get a crowd like other hotels in sharm with discos. The piano bar was nice for a chilled quite drink, the guy who works behind the bar never saw anyone with out a drink and made some tasty cocktails.||The hotel lacks entertainment, we love the cheesy shows and love to do all the activities during the day. The main infinity pool needs entertainment programme. There is a couple of animation team but where do they go and what do they do for entertainment we never saw them apart from in evenings selling night club tickets? One day a week they do a pool party which was fun. ||My partner became ill towards end of the holiday, he had to see the doctor who gave him 3 IVs by the end of the night the vomiting, stomach pains and diarrhea had stopped. Not sure what caused this. I was fine. We had insurance and the doctor dealt with them. I did ask were the pharmacy was for stronger diarrhea tablets and anti sickness instead of seeing the doctor, however was told the doctor would come to our room if we had insurance and he showed up 10 minutes later. I'm sure the 3 IVs were to get more money out of the insurance company. But that's why you get insurance for situations like this. My partner felt loads better they gave him oral medication to and enjoyed the last couple days of the holiday. The bill was £500 so make sure you're insured. ||Overall we had a great week at he hotel. Its easy to compare to other hotels in Sharm that do have a lot more to offer. This hasn't put us off for the price we paid and would potentially go again. We met some guests who returned to the hotel a year later and said there has been improvements since last year and listen to people requests from reviews.||Overall would recommend if you want the...

This is the 2nd visit to this hotel and the staff were able to give us the same deluxe room across from reception - we like this as on the level and nice for walks to soho square etc block 4101 - 4109 is bottom floor 42..is 2nd floor|Large rooms with separate wardrobe area ||Cleaner was fantastic, however did nearly die when walked in a dark room and a monkey was hanging from the ceiling (towel art lol) ||Hany was fantastic in the main restaurant and would make me a coffee every morning as soon as saw him, we never had trouble for a table, often would get us Egyptian delicatessen to taste and never was without a drink at evening meal ||Tip the towel pool guys on first day - they will make sure your beds are reserved every single day, no messing having to go down early - however if your not bothered where you sit there were sunbeds free most of the day||Pool bar lads, a little tip to them also and they too look after you (little too much sometimes and before you know it its 6pm and the whistle is blown to get you out ha ha ) - they earn next to nothing so tips are greatly appreciated (you dont see them have any breaks either and the carry barrels up and down the hill too in nearly 40 degree heat) ||The food is the let down for this place, very repetitive. pasta is the same dinner and evening meal, jacket potatoes are nice but if honest we struggled as not that much of a choice probably no more than 12 serving tarines, a meat station (1 option) and a salad bar - breakfast was probably the best but check the omelette as it wasn't cooked the one we tried and very gooey eeek) if you want fresh orange/ mango juice you have to pay 3 dollars or above though| we ate out a couple of nights of the 6 nights there at soho square, queen vic does a lovely shepherds pie with chunky home made chips and the hubby said the steak and mushroom.pie was good too - not too expensive, they have sports on and karaoke Some nights too.||Food at lunch at the pool bar, take care as they touch all the food in same gloves incase you have allergies or veggie etc we made chips butties a couple of days and the hubby enjoyed a kebab type thing 😊 ||The other thing is be aware of, the salon, excursion guides, had only been there 1 hour the first day and had been approached 7 times by different ones, we told them we were just having a relaxing holiday and they did leave us alone after their best try and didnt bother us again only to say hello and a cheeky have you changed your mind lol 😉 but didnt mind that ||Entertainment is also poor, aqua aerobics is all they do in the pool every day, apart from on a couple of days there is a pool party (was ok, but only lasted about an hour most) then there is a foam party on the beach, thats not on for long either really- other than that the entrrtainment at night is a little show followed by a man singing for 45 mins until 10pm then thats it goes silent unless want to go to disco but was no one in when we went to look lol) Im not expecting west end shows but at least a bit of music in the bars wouldn't go a miss as its deadly silent, might as well go watch fear factor or deal or no deal in the room (these were the only decent English channels but even hey repeated themselves lol) luckily had netflix to sign in to ||Would I return - probably not again, Love the set up n people but if expecting luxury as it states it is online and in brochures you may need to lower your expectations.|Was ready for home after a week but the weather was fantastic !!! ||Some people wont agree with the post but I feel honesty is best and thats what ive been for my opinion, world be a boring place if we all thought the same - go make your own mind up and enjoy, we wouldn't have returned a 2nd time if we thought was that bad, just not for us again as feel the food has deteriorated over...