Monte Carlo Sharm Resort & Spa
This was our 25th visit to Sharm El Sheikh—my husband’s 10th. We arrived around 8 PM and were immediately struck by the elegant Egyptian-style lobby, complete with a stunning waterfall feature on the wall. The welcome was warm: fresh juice and cool towels were offered right away, followed by check-in procedures before being directed to dinner. While we’d read some mixed reviews about food quality, the reality was far worse than expected. After dinner, we returned to reception where a young staff member named Mahmoud informed us—and two other couples who arrived on the same bus—that the hotel was nearly fully booked. Our pre-booked “Garden View” room wasn’t available, so we’d be moved into a larger upgraded suite for now, with a transfer back to our original room scheduled for the next day between 10 and 11 AM. Others accepted this without hesitation, but we were already tired from a late flight and didn’t want to lose another full day moving again. We politely insisted on staying in our confirmed room, even if it meant adjusting the schedule. Mahmoud apologized but said there was nothing he could do. Then the general manager, Tamer, stepped in—also apologetic, confirming no alternative was possible. At that point, we were truly disappointed, almost considering contacting our travel agent to switch hotels. But thankfully, the team recognized our seriousness. They checked the system again and found a way to assign us a sea-view room—no extra charge, and no future move required. As a gesture of goodwill, Tamer personally arranged fruit delivery to our room. Relief washed over us. We were finally able to settle in. The room was in building I, second floor—a spacious, spotless unit with no signs of wear or fatigue like some online reviews suggest. Furniture and bathroom fixtures were modern and well-maintained. Bed linens, towels, and robes were crisp white. Plenty of mirrors, excellent lighting with multiple lamps and ambient strips—very functional and stylish. The bathroom had both a bathtub and shower, so no need to wait for each other. The balcony was huge, filled with blooming bougainvillea, sturdy outdoor furniture, and breathtaking views of the sea, Tiran Island, and spectacular sunrises. Everything you’d expect was included—from toothbrushes to bathrobes. Mini-bar is restocked daily with local sodas (really tasty!), cola, Fanta, Sprite, and snacks like waffles. A full tea and coffee station is provided. Housekeeping was impeccable—even under the bed was spotless. Ahmed, our floor cleaner, was quiet but clearly dedicated—he even made little folded designs from the bedsheet every day. When we asked for more hangers, he brought four extra ones the same day. By morning after our first night, we finally felt like our vacation had truly begun.
