Volume II, Number 1 January 1st, 2001

Sheraton Miramar Resort

Jimmy Dunn

This month we are reviewing several hotels in what many Egyptians believe to be the utmost paradise in Egypt, El Gouna. Located on the Red Sea Coast north of Hurghada, we have a complete section on this high end tourist community.

The Sheraton Hotels on the Red Sea coast of Egypt all seem to be of a flavor, though distinct in design. In addition to the Miramar, we have already reviewed the Sheraton at Soma Bay, south of Hurghada, and like that hotel, the Sheraton in El Gouna is also distinctive. In fact, most of the buildings in El Gouna were designed by well known architects. The Miramar actually stretches between nine different small islands, weaving about lagoons, the hotel is almost a village in itself with 340 rooms, but seems relaxing and still intimate do to its unique design.

Rooms all have private terraces which either overlook the Red Sea, or lagoons, and are air conditioned, have private baths with showers, satellite TV and radio, direct dial telephones, safety deposit boxes and mini bars. There are also handicap accessible rooms and non-smoking rooms.

Other hotel facilities include a barber/beauty shop, fitness center, a private beach, an outdoor pool, a gift shop, tennis courts and business/meeting facilities. Services include 24 hour room service, a tour desk, VIP services, a massage therapist, laundry/valet Service, and a babysitting/child services. Obviously, there is also a diving center, complete with PADI courses, scuba, snorkeling, wind surfing and sailing. Nearby, there is also golf available.

In addition, there are several restaurants, including the Oriental 1001 Restaurant serving local favorites, the Miramar Restaurant and an Italian Restaurant. There are also a number of bars on property, including a unique boat bar (Samir II), an aqua center bar, and the Miramar bar with live entertainment.