Common hotel room problems in Egypt and how to deal with them
Based on 1 discussion with 3 participants · Last activity: 5 days ago
TL;DR
Hotel rooms in Egypt often have issues like outdated condition, sewage smells, or poor views. Requesting a room change through your tour guide or reception usually helps, sometimes with a small tip.
What the community said
When checking in with a child, the room may lack a children's bedding set and beach towels — these need to be requested separately. Reception staff sometimes write down the wrong Wi-Fi password. Requests to switch to a different building may be denied on arrival day ('everything's full, come back tomorrow').
5 days ago First building, view of Barona street, no balcony
Buildings 53 and 55 are noisy: there is a towel-distribution booth nearby, a supply vehicle arrives in the morning, and staff talk loudly throughout the day. Not recommended for families with young children.
5 days ago Buildings 53 & 55 — noise and early deliveries
Insect bites are a serious issue: one guest returned home covered in itchy welts. The source was never identified — possibly bed bugs in the room or insects on the beach. She said she would not return to the hotel even for free.
5 days ago Insect bites / possible bed bugs in room
Room changes at reception are straightforward and free of charge — just ask if you are unhappy with your assigned room.
5 days ago Free room change at reception on request
Late check-in often means getting an old, unpleasant room. A tour guide can help arrange a room change the next day at no extra cost. Staff won't take cash bribes, but small gifts (chocolate, cigarettes, a few dollars) at check-in can help secure a better room upfront. Sea-view rooms should be booked in advance. The building near the beach bar has multiple complaints about sewage smell.
5 days ago Building near beach bar — sewage smell reported
A pool-view room was provided as booked without extra charges. Tipping staff with small gifts after check-in is common practice for better service. Queues are everywhere — for food, sunbeds from 6am. Staff quality varies widely.
5 days ago Pool-view room — received as booked, no extra charge
Dirty-feeling rooms and barely functioning air conditioning are common complaints. Experienced travelers recommend bringing chlorine tablets to pour down bathroom drains to eliminate odors. Water pooling on the bathroom floor is typical.
5 days ago Chlorine tablets for drains — tip against bathroom odors
Worn-out room decor (old tiles, sealant) doesn't bother everyone if the room is clean. The bigger frustration is food queues and tiny portions — 1–2 pieces per serving, small cups of beer. Some guests stop using the all-inclusive buffet altogether because of the wait times.
5 days ago All-inclusive — long queues, small portions