Late is great
Don't worry if you've missed out on your summer vacation: now's the time to book a fall break, writes Rehab Saad
Summer is already coming to an end and scores of holidaymakers are preparing to make their way back home to get ready for the new academic year which is scheduled to start in mid- September.
For those who have no kids who have to be back at school and who have missed out on the peak summer season, now is the best time imaginable for a holiday. Beaches will be quieter, room rates will be lower and the weather will be better (fall weather is generally considered the best of the year in Egypt).
However, you have to be smart and choose the right destination and the best timing if you want to get the best offer. For example, don't expect to get good offers in Sharm El-Sheikh or Hurghada in winter, just as you shouldn't expect to strike a great bargain in Alexandria in the summer. Each destination has its own high and low season, and you have to seize the various opportunities as they come around.
Room rates in the Red Sea area (Hurghada, Safaga, Al- Qusseir, Marsa Alam) and South Sinai (Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba) will soar in October, when the "winter season" begins. So if you're looking for a real bargain, you have to seize the September opportunity.
On the other hand, room rates in the Mediterranean destinations such as Alexandria, Marsa Matrouh and Port Said will fall off in October, which is their low season. So if you decide on a holiday on the Mediterranean coast, you will need to wait until October to get a reasonable price. Packages are extremely rare before October.
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This is the time to enjoy a relaxing vacation with no crowds at the beach. Turquoise waters, golden sands and vast verdant lawns, all form a unique portrait of an exclusive resort in Sharm El-Sheikh
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The idea of vacationing in Luxor or Aswan in September might sound ridiculous, as temperatures there will be very high, but this might be the only time of the year when some travellers can afford one of their luxurious hotels or the splendours of a Nile cruise.
Besides the tempting packages offered by hotels and resorts, travel agencies also have special deals on offer. Unfortunately, most Egyptians do not deal with travel agencies, perhaps in the misguided belief that it is cheaper to deal directly with the hotel they want. However, some travel agencies know how to obtain cheaper rates than are available to individuals. Travellers can save up to LE100 by booking through an agency and taking a package deal.
Travel agencies can also save you the hassle of booking a bus or a flight ticket, as packages sometimes include transport. One word of advice, then: always check with a reliable travel agency about their latest seasonal offers before you go ahead and book your vacation.
The same advice applies to honeymooners. Some agencies offer honeymoon trips at incredibly low prices including hotel accommodation and air tickets. Some of these packages cover two destinations, twinning resorts such as Al-Gouna and Al- Qusseir, or Hurghada and Luxor, or even Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh.
So, if you are ready for a holiday, all you have to do is to pack your bags and choose from one of the deals described below. Some are aimed at both Egyptians and foreign residents, while others are specially tailored for non-resident foreigners. The range of special activity vacations spans the gap from divers to senior citizens.
Al-Gouna
There are few hotels in Al-Gouna offering straight discounts on room rates; most prefer instead to hand out free nights in return for a certain minimum stay.
Until the end of September, Sultan Bay and Dawar Al- Omda (065-580066) have double rooms at LE290 and LE270 a night respectively on a half board basis. If you book three nights, you get a fourth night free, and if you book five nights you get two free. This offer is valid for Egyptians and foreign residents.
For non-resident foreigners, a double room will cost 46 euros a night at Sultan Bay and 60 euros at Dawar Al-Omda on a half board basis. In October, prices soar to 70 euros and 68 euros respectively.
Three Corners Rihana (065-580025) also have a four-for- three deal. Paid nights are LE160 per person per night, half board, including service charge and taxes. Children up to 12 can stay free in their parents' room. Alternatively, you can pay LE450 for three nights and get free bus travel both ways. This offer is available to Egyptians and foreign residents and is valid until the end of September.
Double room rate for non-resident foreigners is 96 euros a night including full board and free drinks.
For cheaper accommodation in Al-Gouna, El-Khan Swiss Inn Hotel (065-580052) offers double rooms for LE220 a night on a half board basis including service charge and taxes. Again, you get one night free if you book three, and two if you book five. This offer is for Egyptians and foreign residents and is valid until the end of October.
Turtle's Inn Hotel and Captain's Inn Hotel (065-580170/ 1) have double rooms for LE90 per night on a half board basis including service charge and taxes. If you pay for three nights you get the fourth free and if you pay for five you can stay for seven. This offer is valid until the end of October.
There are even better deals available in Al-Gouna if you go through a travel agency such as Emeco Travel (02-5749360/8) that is offering a 3-night/4-day package in Al-Gouna Steigenberger for LE525 per person half board in a double room. This offer is for Egyptians and foreign residents and is valid until the end of October.
Karnak travel agency (02-2741953) offers three nights in the elegantly styled Movenpick Al-Gouna for LE645 per person half board including a round trip ticket, transportation from and to the airport and taxes and service charge. This package is valid until the end of September and is available to Egyptians and foreign residents.
Thomas Cook (02-4171260) organises 3-night/ 4-day trips to the Sheraton Miramar for LE510 per person half board in a double room including service charge and taxes. This offer is valid until the end of September.
Thomas Cook also offers a special deal for honeymooners who can enjoy four nights bed and breakfast for LE820 per couple. This package includes complimentary fruit basket, free welcome drink and shuttle transfer to and from the airport.
Hurghada
The good thing about Hurghada is that you can always find accommodation to suit your budget. If you have money to burn, you can get a double room in one of the five star hotels for about LE220 a night in September on a bed and breakfast basis. If your budget is more constrained, then you can book a double room in a three star hotel for LE160 or LE130 per night on a half board basis or a room in a two star hotel for LE90 a night, also half board. And if you don't care about stars that much, there are plenty of one star hotels that offer double rooms at rates ranging from LE50 to LE60 a night.
One of the new areas in Hurghada that have emerged in the last few years is Makadi Bay. IA number of spacious luxury resorts have been established there which offer all amenities and a whole range of entertainment. One of the most significant characteristics of this area is the implementation of an "all inclusive" policy. This means that a visitor gets three meals a day and access to free drinks and snacks throughout his stay. At the Iberotel Club Makadi (065-590025), for example, staying all inclusive during September and October costs LE350 a night for a double room. If you stay for three nights you will get a voucher worth LE100 that can be redeemed within six months of validation at any Iberotel.
Abercrombie & Kent (02-5748335) have several packages in Makadi Bay. One of these includes a three-night stay at the Meridien Makadi Bay for LE450 per person in a double room on a half board basis including service charge and taxes. This offer is valid until the end of September. Another package offers three nights at the Iberotel Makadi Beach for LE420 in a double room on a half board basis. These packages are valid for Egyptians and foreign residents until the end of September.
Thomas Cook (02-4171260), meanwhile, offers lucrative deals at several hotels and resorts in Hurghada including the Marriott Beach Resort, Inter-continental Resort, and Melia Pharaoh Hotel where three nights will cost you LE450, LE420 and LE300 respectively per person in a double room, half board including service charge and taxes. This offer is valid until the end of September.
For its part, Emeco Travel (02-5749360) is offering three- nights' accommodation at the Conrad Hurghada Resort for LE315 per person in a double room on a half board basis including service charge and taxes. This offer is valid until the end of September.
Safaga
The only package available in Safaga, 40kms south of Hurghada, is for senior citizens. Thomas Cook (02-4171260) is offering the over 60s a four-night stay at the Safaga Holiday Inn for LE375 per person on a half board basis. That offer includes assistance at the airport, accommodation in a sea view room, afternoon tea and biscuits, free tennis, sauna, jacuzzi and steam bath. The offer is valid until the end of September.
Al-Qusseir
Al-Qusseir is one of the loveliest resorts on the Red Sea. It is located south of Hurghada, about 85 kilometres from Safaga. There are only nine tourist villages, built around the outskirts. Some of them have special offers for the fall.
The Nubian-style Movenpick Resort Al-Qusseir (065- 332100) offers double rooms for LE240 a night on a bed and breakfast basis, including service charge and taxes. There is no charge for children under 12 who stay in their parents' room, and the kids also get a 50 per cent discount on their meals. This offer is valid for Egyptians and foreign residents until the end of September. In October, double room rates will soar to LE350 per night on a bed and breakfast basis including service charge and taxes.
For non-resident foreigners, the double room rate in September is $80 per night on a bed and breakfast basis, while in October it will be $120 per night.
If you're looking for a real bargain, you should ask Karnak Travel (02-2741953) about their special offer at the Movenpick Resort Al-Qusseir. They are offering three nights at the resort for LE600 per person on a bed and breakfast basis, including a return flight and transfer to and from the airport. This offer is valid until the end of September.
Another tempting package is being offered by Thomas Cook (02-4171260). For LE360, you can spend three nights at the Flamenco Beach Resort, another luxury tourist village, on a half board basis, including taxes and service charge. This offer is valid until the end of October and is restricted to Egyptians and foreign residents.
Those on modest budgets should check out the Fanadir Beach Hotel (065-331414), a simple holiday village with air- conditioned rooms, a small pool and a diving centre. For only LE160 per night you can get a double room on a half board basis. Children under four stay free, while those under 11 get a 50 per cent discount on accommodation and food rates. This rate is valid for Egyptians and foreign residents and until the end of September. For non-resident foreigners, the double room rate on a half board basis is $50 per night.
Marsa Alam
Located south of Al-Qusseir, Marsa Alam is one of the fast growing tourist destinations on the Red Sea. Its prospects have been enhanced by the establishment of Marsa Alam International Airport that allows travellers to fly directly to the destination instead of enduring the three-and-a-half-hour drive from Hurghada International airport. So far, there are only five holiday villages in Marsa Alam, and only one of these is currently offering a package deal.
Emeco Travel (02-5749360/8) offers a three-night stay in Kahramana Beach Resort for LE360 per person in a double room on a bed and breakfast basis including service charge and taxes. Emeco can also provide you with a round trip economy class air ticket on EgyptAir for LE384 per person.
If you want to get half board accommodation, then contact Thomas Cook (02-4171260) which has a three night stay for LE570 per person in a double room with breakfast and dinner. Both deals are valid for Egyptians and foreign residents until the end of September.
Sharm El-Sheikh
Sharm El-Sheikh is one of the most successful resorts in Egypt. A large number of luxury hotels and holiday villages have been built all along the beautiful Ne'ma Bay, which is famous for its fine beach and upmarket facilities. However, there is more to Sharm than Ne'ma Bay, and a number of new sophisticated areas have emerged in the past few years, such as Sharm El- Maya, Gardens Bay, Shark Bay, Umm Al-Sid Cliff, Tower Bay, Nabq Bay, and Ras Nosrani, all of which boast deluxe hotels with super facilities set amid stunning landscapes.
Room rates in Ne'ma Bay are higher than in other areas because Ne'ma is the centre for many facilities such as shops, restaurants, cafeterias, pharmacies, bazaars, etc. You don't need to take your car and search for a shop or a restaurant if you are a Ne'ma resident. The other areas, however, are a bit far from the city centre and you may need to take a taxi or drive for at least 15 minutes to get what you want. However, these peripheral areas also enjoy a privacy and serenity that are often lacking in the bustling centre of Ne'ma.
This fall, the city's hotels are offering a range of special deals to suit all budgets.
Those who want to spend their holiday in style should consider the Jolie Ville Movenpick Resort and Jolie Ville Movenpick Golf Resort. A package organised by Karnak Travel (02-2741953) offers a three-night stay for LE660 and LE680 respectively per person in a double room on a bed and breakfast basis. This package includes return flight and transfers to and from the airport, and is valid until the end of September.
Another luxury resort, set in an oasis of bougainvillea, rugged cactus, palm trees and lush tropical foliage, is The Ritz Carlton Hotel (069-661919) in Umm Al-Sid Cliff. Here, double rooms with pool and garden view in September cost LE335 per night on a bed and breakfast basis, and for a supplement of LE95 per person you can enjoy a sumptuous dinner. This price includes transfers from and to the airport, welcome drinks, yoga classes, beach aerobics and beach volleyball, massage, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and gymnasium, as well as the kids club programme. In October, double room rates will jump to LE380 per night on a bed and breakfast basis. All these rates are inclusive of service charge and taxes, and are valid for Egyptians and foreign residents.
There is also a special deal for non-resident foreigners: in September, a double room with pool and garden view costs 120 euros per night on a bed and breakfast basis including service charge and taxes. This offer includes transportation from and to the airport, an introductory 15 minutes colour therapy, access to the gymnasium, sauna, jacuzzi and steam room and to the tennis and beach volley courts. In October, the double room rate will rise to 165 euros per night.
If you are a health conscious non-resident foreigner, then you should try the Ultimate Spa package which offers an introduction to ancient forms of relaxation and exotic healing treatments from the spa menu using the basic elements of the desert, sun, sea and sand. A sea-view double room will cost 245 euros per night for a minimum stay of five nights. You will enjoy a healthy breakfast on the terrace, daily fresh fruits in your room, 15 minutes of colour therapy, yoga sessions, access to the tennis and beach volley courts and a choice of five spa treatments. These treatments range from Swedish massage to Shiatsu, Egyptian coffee scrub, coconut scrub, foot reflexology, Turkish bath with Moroccan soap and an In-room Cleopatra bath, to mention only a few. The offer is valid until the end of October.
"For Divers Only" is the title of the Four Seasons Resort Sharm El-Sheikh (069-603555) package. Divers can have three nights in a luxurious sea view room on a bed and breakfast basis for $420. This price includes full diving equipment, dive guide, video of the best dive sites on the Red Sea and three day- long dive trips. The offer is valid until 24 November 2003.
Honeymooners can take advantage of an attractively-priced offer proposed by the Sharm El-Sheikh Hyatt Regency (069- 601234). For LE1200, two people can enjoy a three-night stay in a junior suite on a bed and breakfast basis. Limousine transfer from and to the airport will be provided as well as a complimentary dinner and a wedding cake. The offer is valid until the end of September.
There are other attractive deals available through Thomas Cook (02-4171260). Three nights' vacation in the Sharm El- Sheikh Concorde El-Salam or the Radisson SAS will cost LE480 and LE255 respectively per person in a double room on a bed and breakfast basis. This offer is valid until the end of October at the former, but only until 6 October at the latter.
Emeco Travel (02-5749360), on the other hand, offers a three-night package at both the Marriott Beach Resort and the Tropicana Rosetta Hotel for LE600 and LE240 respectively per person in a double room on a bed and breakfast basis.
You can also stay for three nights at the Conrad Sharm El- Sheikh Resort or Kahramana Hotel for LE405 and LE465 respectively per person in a double room on a half board basis. All these offers are valid until the end of September.
Emeco can also get you a return flight for LE376 in economy class.
Nuweiba and Taba
Those who prefer to get away from the crowds in south Sinai should make their way to Nuweiba and Taba. These are privileged locations, with long beaches, turquoise water, coral reefs and rich marine life. Moreover, room rates in these resorts are much more reasonable than in Sharm El-Sheikh.
Thomas Cook (02-4171260) offers a three night stay at the Domina Nuweiba for LE255 per person in a double room on a half board basis. This offer is valid until 22 December 2003. Emeco Travel (02-5749360) is offering a three-night stay at the Tropicana Hotel for LE240 per person in a double room half board. This offer is valid for Egyptians and foreign residents until the end of September.
Taba also has a number of competitive proposals. Until the end of September, Emeco is offering travellers a three-night stay at the Taba Steigenberger La Playa Resort for LE360 per person in a double room on a half board basis.
Thomas Cook offers three nights' accommodation at the Hyatt Regency for LE360 per person in a double room half board. For honeymooners, there is a special package: until the end of September, a couple can enjoy three nights in a lagoon room with private terrace for LE990 on a half board basis.
Abercrombie & Kent (02-5748335) meanwhile is offering a three-night stay at the Taba Heights Marriott Beach Resort for LE390 per person in a double room half board.
Luxor and Aswan
Despite the hot weather in Upper Egypt at this season, a trip to Luxor and Aswan could still be an unforgettable experience, especially since the ancient sites will not be overcrowded and tour guides are unlikely to be in such a rush.
In Luxor, Thomas Cook (02-4171260) offers attractive packages comprising three nights at the Gaddis Hotel, Sonesta St George and Luxor Sheraton Hotel & Resort for LE132, LE270 and LE285 respectively per person in a double room on a bed and breakfast basis. The packages are restricted to Egyptians and foreign residents and are valid until the end of September.
In Aswan, there are more three-night deals on offer from Thomas Cook at the Basma Hotel, Old Cataract and New Cataract for LE249, LE540 and LE264 respectively per person in a double room on a bed and breakfast basis. These offers are valid until the end of September.
Next month is also a good time to enjoy a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan at a reasonable price. Emeco Travel (02- 5749360) offers a 4-night/5-day cruise on Sonesta's Sun Goddess and Moon Goddess boats at LE1600 for single cabins and LE1000 per person in a double. This package includes full board accommodation in addition to a sightseeing programme, and is valid until the end of September.
A return airline ticket from Cairo to Luxor or Aswan costs LE395 per person.
Thomas Cook offers a 3-night/4-day package on the Movenpick Radamis I and II at LE1287 for a single cabin and LE807 per person in a double, including full board accommodation and a sightseeing programme.
All information correct at time of going to press. The newspaper is not responsible for any changes to these prices that may be made by the hotels, resorts or travel agencies concerned.
