Le Meridien Makadi Bay Hotel - Hurghada

[madhouse]

we are due to go in two weeks excited but still a bit worried. Most of the reviews found about this hotel have been negative, recently found a good one and travel agents are saying the hotel has got there act together.

Currency - We have just been to try and order currency but were told no egyptian currency is being issued due to high level of counterfeit egyptian pounds. We have been told we can use sterling which i am a bit worried about. Can we pay for our visas on arrival with sterling? Is it better to take travellers cheques or would this be expensive? I have also been told that the atms can be a problem, people have had their cards blocked. Can you use all debit cards eg solo, visa electron , switch etc? We get paid whilst away and are relying on being able to withdraw money.

Food - We could do with advice on food is it ok to eat most things, we are all inclusive, is there anything we should avoid. Do we need a good supply of imodium?

Excursions - We really want to go to the pyramids and valley of the kings. What is the best way to get a good value(7 of us), comfortable, safe excursion? What should we expect to pay? Any other sites worth seeing?

Clothing - what is appropriate wear for women? do we need to be taking long skirts and long sleeved tops. Do we have to cover up whilst out on the street and in our hotel or clubs etc?

Sea & weather - do we need protective footwear for swimming in the sea? Is there anything that is likely to bite? what is the weather like at present is it likely to be very hot when we go? do we need high factor suncream we have 20, 15, 10, 8.

Any other info greatly received

[Mal 54]

Hi, we were in Sharm in November, all inclusive, take only sterling, this is widely used and you can exchange it in most supermarkets.
Don't eat fruit unless it can be peeled, be careful with salad, our moto was if we didnt like the look of it dont eat it!
Also, a good recommendation is take plenty of wet wipes with you to wipe hands before eating, especially if you eat anything with your fingers, and have been handling money, Egyptian money is very dirty!
You probably will need imodium, but having said that, the chemists have very good medicine, which does work quite quick.
Women do wear shorts tee shirts etc. Covering arms and legs at night is a good idea, this stops the mosi bites. Use plenty of mosi protection especially at night to all exposed areas!
Obviously, because it is an Arab Country, you have to respect their reglion, if you visit religious places. I took enough long sleeved tops to last seven days plus trousers, only wore them at night!
Footwear is recommended for going into the sea, the coral will cut your feet to bits.
Good luck with your holiday :wave: