Where: Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt
Type: 5 Star Hotel Resort
Best attributes: Beach, Pools, Comfort
Bottom Line: Excellent; Recommend
Final Score: 4.5/5
Introduction
Recently, my family and I had the pleasure of staying at the Pickalbatross Palace Resort (previously called Albatross Palace Sharm) in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt. The resort's promise of top-notch accommodations, stunning sea views, and a plethora of activities made us eager to experience it all. As we arrived at the resort with our excitement mounting, little did we know that the Pickalbatross Palace would exceed our expectations in more ways than one. Here is my honest review of the Pickalbatross Palace Resort in Sharm El-Sheik.
Private Beach
The Pickalbatross Palace's private beach was an absolute delight, and we found ourselves spending countless hours relaxing on the abundance of deck chairs available and snorkeling in the sea. Two piers jutted out into the sea, offering a mesmerizing snorkeling experience. As we ventured underwater, we were greeted by an enchanting array of diverse fish, making it a once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling encounter right from the pier! The snorkeling we did here was far better than the snorkeling we did anywhere else in Sharm El-Sheik and was definitely the highlight of our trip. Quick tip: The pier on the left hand side had far fewer people and you could encounter an endless number of fish immediately upon entering the sea.
Water slides and swimming pools
The Pickalbatross Palace offers a limited amount of water slides, but enough to provide hours of fun for all ages. Our 2 teenage children were thrilled with the slides and we all had an absolute blast splashing around together. However, it's worth noting that the queues for the water slides could get quite long during peak times. But, to our relief, the lines moved swiftly, and we rarely waited more than a few minutes for each ride. Quick tip: if you get there as soon as the slides open you can do a number of rides without any waiting at all.
While the resort's numerous swimming pools catered to various preferences, including a huge children’s pool, we discovered our haven in a tranquil pool in which the poolside resembled a cave, providing a perfect refuge from the sun's scorching rays. The quiet and relaxing atmosphere at this pool allowed us to unwind amidst the tranquil waters.
The Rooms
The Pickalbatross Palace offers a variety of accommodation, ranging from standard rooms with a garden view to the impressive 90 sqm Beachfront Villa. Our Deluxe Family rooms consisted of 2 bedrooms, one with a king size bed and the other with twin beds. Measuring 75 sqm, spotlessly clean and with captivating sea views, it exceeded our expectations. The grand bathroom with it’s huge walk-in shower, left a lasting impression, and the overall luxurious ambiance added a touch of opulence to our stay. The breathtaking vistas from our rooms were truly awe-inspiring, and we spent many hours relaxing on the balcony, making our mornings and evenings extra special.
Food
While the resort offers an incredible 7 themed restaurants, we found that the food options were somewhat repetitive. Apart from 2 or 3 main dishes, the restaurants served similar fare. Although the meals were certainly tasty, they lacked the exceptional quality that a food enthusiast would expect. However, I had learnt from my extensive research beforehand that this is a common observation in almost all the hotels in Sharm El Sheik, with a few exceptions, notably the Rixos Premium Seagate and Steigenberger Alcazar, but for these resorts you need to pay a king’s ransom.
Service
Upon check-in, we were pleasantly surprised when the General Manager himself welcomed us and took the time to speak with us personally. This personalized touch made us feel valued and added a special touch to our experience at the Pickalbatross Palace. The housecleaning service was exemplary. Shehab, a most friendly and attentive staff member from housekeeping, took care of our room every morning, ensuring we had a fully stocked supply of refreshing mineral water and that our beds had a different decoration each day. This level of attentiveness left a positive impression and added to our overall comfort during our stay.
Conclusion
Our stay at the Pickalbatross Palace in Sharm El Sheik was filled with fun and adventure, and family bonding. From the magnificent beach with its outstanding snorkeling opportunities to the tranquil poolside retreat and luxurious accommodations, the resort offered a remarkable experience that will remain etched in our hearts.
The water slides provided endless entertainment, and our luxuriou room and the attentive housekeeper ensured we felt pampered throughout our stay With its beautiful sea views and personalized service, this resort is sure to leave you with a plethora of unforgettable memories.
Without a doubt, the Pickalbatross Palace has earned our hearty recommendation, making it a destination that promises an unforgettable family adventure amidst lush views.
Final Score - PickAlbatross Palace Resort Sharm Review: 4.5/5
