Escape to Paradise: Iberotel Casa Del Mar Awaits in Hurghada!
Escape to Paradise? Mostly! A Messy Diary of My Hurghada Getaway at Iberotel Casa Del Mar
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average fluffy hotel review. This is the unvarnished truth (with a healthy dose of my own neuroses) about my stay at the Iberotel Casa Del Mar in Hurghada. I'm talking messy, honest, and hopefully, helpful. Let's dive in!
Metadata & SEO Stuff (Gotta appease the Google gods!):
- Keywords: Iberotel Casa Del Mar, Hurghada, Egypt, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Spa, Pool, All-Inclusive, Beachfront, Family-Friendly, Cleanliness, Safety, Restaurants, Wi-Fi, Review, Travel, Vacation
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Iberotel Casa Del Mar in Hurghada, Egypt. We delve into everything from accessibility and cleanliness to the food, fun, and (inevitably) the Wi-Fi woes! Get ready for a rollercoaster of opinions.
First Impressions (and a Bit of Chaos):
Landing in Hurghada, feeling the blast of warm air… ah, paradise! Or so I thought. Finding the Iberotel promised a sleek, modern escape. The exterior was definitely promising: a clean, white building hinting at cool breezes and relaxation. But let's be real, what’s a perfect first impression without a little chaos? Check-in was… well, let’s just say it involved a stressed receptionist, a lost key card (mine, naturally), and a brief, panicked moment where I thought I'd wandered into the wrong hotel. But hey, adventure, right? And at least they had a doorman who looked perpetually unfazed, which I appreciated. Kudos to the elevator - essential for anyone, like me, who's trying to avoid stairs at all costs after too much beach bumming.
Rooms – Where the Real Story Unfolds:
My room… The room! It boasted Air conditioning, essential, as I learned, when you arrive at an Egyptian resort. We're talking life-saver levels of essential. And I was relieved to see a window that opens – I like a bit of fresh air, even if it's just the slightly-salty breeze off the Red Sea. They did offer non-smoking rooms, which was good, and it was definitely a Soundproof room, as far as I could tell because I'm usually a light sleeper and this room really helped. The minibar was stocked, the coffee/tea maker was begging to be used, and the free bottled water was a godsend after a long day. Free Wi-Fi in the room was a huge plus, though… more on that later. I also appreciated the closet, hair dryer, the interconnecting room(s) available meant it was a family-friendly choice. Not all the furniture was perfect, and the room did have a slight… musty smell on first entering. But honestly, after a few minutes, my senses adjusted.
Cleanliness and Safety – The Post-Pandemic Perspective
Okay, so cleanliness and safety are HUGE for me now, post-pandemic. I’m talking serious anxiety, folks. I was relieved to see they were using anti-viral cleaning products, and they advertised daily disinfection in common areas. My room was definitely cleaned well, with rooms sanitized between stays. They also provided hand sanitizer everywhere, which I, as a germaphobe, deeply appreciated. The staff seemed genuinely committed to the safety protocols, with staff trained in safety protocol. Cashless payment service was available, which I'm a fan of, and they had first aid kits easily accessible. They also had a doctor/nurse on call which made me feel a lot safer. I felt pretty safe knowing the hotel employed Security [24-hour] with CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. They also had fire extinguishers and smoke alarms and that made me feel more secure.
Accessibility – Navigating the Hotel with a Hiccup or Two:
This is where things get a little… complicated. The Iberotel Casa Del Mar advertises facilities for disabled guests. But here's my (admittedly slightly biased) take: it's a work in progress. The elevator was a saviour, and many areas, like the lobby and some of the restaurants, were easily accessible. There was a car park [free of charge]. HOWEVER, the paths to the beach were a bit challenging – sandy, uneven, and not always super accessible for wheelchairs. The pool area was fairly accessible too but could have had more ramps and assistance. I didn't investigate the rooms dedicated to facilities for disabled guests but I hope that it is to standards, if it's as accessible as it should be or not.
The Food and Drink Circus – A Feast for the Senses (and Sometimes, the Stomach)
The food situation was a mixed bag, to be honest. The buffet in restaurant was a classic all-inclusive experience, and, like all buffets, it had its good days and its… less good days. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was probably one of the best. I'll hand it to them, they tried Alternative meal arrangement, which was great when one day the buffet was just not doing it for me. I did enjoy a bottle of Water, which was always there for me, and a Coffee/tea in restaurant whenever I liked. The Poolside bar and the Snack bar were solid for quick bites and drinks. The Happy hour was a big draw, and let's be honest, I enjoyed the Desserts in restaurant. The one downside to note was that the food sometimes felt a little… repetitive. I was hoping for more regional specialties.
Things to Do – Poolside Panics, Spa Shenanigans, and Beach Bliss
The swimming pool [outdoor] was beautiful, and the pool with view was even better. I spent a solid chunk of time just floating, staring at the blue, and trying to ignore the small, uninvited, but somehow persistent group of kids making cannonballs nearby. Trying to read by the pool and failing is basically a pastime of mine. I did find the fitness center a bit lacking, felt like it could do with more equipment. On the other hand, the spa was a proper oasis. I treated myself to a massage, which was heavenly, a body scrub, and a steam room too. They had a Sauna to relax but missed the pool with view. The Foot bath was, for me, not as important. The beach was a bit crowded for me. But oh my GOD, the sunsets! Seriously, picture perfect every single night.
Internet Woes – The Digital Dark Ages
Oh, the internet. Let me tell you about the internet at the Iberotel Casa Del Mar. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! they proclaimed. Well, that's what they said. In reality, it was more like "Wi-Fi that occasionally graces your device with its presence, then promptly disappears into the digital ether." Forget streaming movies. Forget video calls. I struggled to even send a basic email at times. This was HIGHLY frustrating, especially since I do some work online. There was Internet access – LAN but I didn't use it.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
The concierge was helpful, if a little rushed. They had a convenience store on-site, which was handy for forgotten sunscreen and snacks. Daily housekeeping was excellent, and always keeping the place clean and tidy. They had a currency exchange service, which was useful. The air conditioning in public area was welcome. The luggage storage was a nice touch. The car park [on-site] was a great feature too, if you had a car.
For the Kids – A Family Paradise?
I didn’t have any kids with me on this particular trip. But I observed the family dynamics at the hotel. The babysitting service existed, which is essential for parents. The kids facilities appeared to be pretty good with some fun activities to keep them busy. The staff was certainly family/child friendly, so if you're travelling with little ones, this place is a pretty solid option.
Final Verdict – Paradise Lite?
The Iberotel Casa Del Mar is a decent hotel with a lot of potential, with its exterior corridor making it easy to access the rooms. It offers a beautiful location, some great amenities, and a solid commitment to safety. But it's not perfect. The internet is a HUGE problem. The food can be repetitive. And the accessibility could use some serious improvement. Overall, I had a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Would I return? Maybe. If they fix the Wi-Fi, and maybe lower the price a little…then, absolutely.
Kandy's Hidden Gem: Ceyloni City Hotel - Unforgettable Sri Lanka Stay
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sanitized, Instagram-perfect itinerary. This is a messy, sun-kissed, slightly panicked (because, let's be honest, that's how I roll) trip to the Iberotel Casa Del Mar Resort in Hurghada, Egypt. Prepare for sand in your metaphorical (and possibly literal) crevices.
Operation: Red Sea Rendezvous (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Buffet)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Crisis at the Airport (Cairo - Hurghada - Disaster Zone!)
- 6:00 AM: Alarm goes off. I hate mornings. Especially when they herald the start of a trip. Still, gotta haul myself outta bed because, Egypt! This has been on my "Wanderlust Bucket List" for like, a decade!
- 7:00 AM: The airport chaos begins. Cairo. The airport. Just picture it: a swirling vortex of humanity, luggage carts threatening to take out small children, and more passport checks than a James Bond movie. Breathe…breathe…where is the freaking boarding pass? Panic, slight but real. Found it!
- 9:00 AM: Plane takes off. Phew. Existential crisis momentarily quelled by the promise of sunshine and, well, anything but being stuck in my apartment.
- 10:00 AM: Arrival in Hurghada. Smells like… well, it smells like Egypt. A mix of dusty heat, exhaust fumes, and something vaguely promising. Immigration is a breeze compared to Cairo, thank the gods.
- 11:00 AM: Transfer to Iberotel Casa Del Mar. The taxi driver, an elderly gentleman with a perpetually raised eyebrow, drives with a certain…freedom that I'm not entirely comfortable with. We weave through traffic, past what seems like a thousand unfinished buildings (that’s Egypt for ya!), and finally arrive at a resort, the promise of relaxation!
- 12:00 PM: Check-in. The lobby is beautiful. Cool marble, glittering chandeliers, the promise of endless cocktails…my kind of place. But the check-in process takes… a while. They can’t find my booking at first. Oh no, the dreaded "lost in translation" problem. Finally, after some frantic waving of confirmation emails and a surprisingly effective round of pleading, I'm in!
- 1:00 PM: The Room! It's… lovely. Balcony overlooking the pool. That’s where I’ll be spending most of my time. Suitcase unpacked, which takes approximately five minutes. First priority: find the beach. My skin needs sun. My soul needs the sea.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch at the resort buffet. My first foray into the feast. The food is… eclectic. The hummus is divine. The Egyptian bread is fluffy perfection. The…chicken… maybe not so much, but hey, it's all part of the experience. I am cautiously optimistic.
- 3:00 PM: Beach time! The Red Sea is… red. Okay not actually, it's intensely turquoise! The water is surprisingly balmy. The sand is ridiculously soft. I'm in heaven. I mean, pure, unadulterated, slightly sunburned heaven.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset cocktails. The perfect end to a perfect first day. Watching the sun dip below the horizon, the sky ablaze with color, listening to the gentle lapping of the waves… pure bliss. Forget my worries, and embrace the delicious chaos of… life!
- 7:00 PM: More buffet. The endless possibilities are both exciting and overwhelming. Must. Try. Everything. (Probably a mistake, let's be honest. I can already feel a food baby brewing.)
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime at last. Exhausted. Happy. And dreaming of snorkeling, pyramids, and a future where I can flawlessly navigate a buffet.
Day 2: Coral Reef Catastrophe & the Quest for the Perfect Coffee
- 8:00 AM: Woke up a little later. I swear, a good night's sleep and the sun is shining down on me. It's a beautiful sunny day.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the buffet. Today, I will conquer the pastries.
- 10:00 AM: Snorkeling trip! This was supposed to be the highlight of my trip! A boat trip out to a coral reef, crystal-clear water, and brightly coloured fish!
- 10:30 AM: Arrive to board the boat. Everything is cool so far. I'm excited!
- 11:00 AM: Snorkeling. I've got my mask and snorkel, everything is perfect until…
- 11:10 AM: Uh oh. The current is unexpectedly strong. Swallowing sea water. Panicking a little so I got back in the boat. I don't think I have a strong heart for this.
- 11:30 AM: Back on the boat. Slightly embarrassed. Slightly queasy. But hey, at least I tried, right?
- 12:00 PM: Lunch again at the buffet. I had to eat something after that experience.
- 1:00 PM: The great coffee quest begins: The resort coffee is… not great. I'm on a mission to find a decent cup, to fuel my daily adventures. The quest will be long and difficult.
- 3:00 PM: Found the coffee! A little shop down the road from the resort. Strong, dark, and flavorful. Victory!
- 4:00 PM: More beach time. This time, with a book. Feeling the sun on my skin and the sand between my toes, I forget all about the morning’s snorkeling drama.
- 7:00 PM: Sunset cocktail.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner! Decided against the buffet. Found a little restaurant nearby serves a delicious seafood platter, and that's what I'll have. It's probably a good thing, though I missed out on the buffet offerings.
- 10:00 PM: Bedtime. Sleep.
Day 3: Desert Safari & Unexpected All-Inclusive Revelation
- 9:00 AM: Buffet. Eggs. Bacon. The works. Fueling up for the desert safari!
- 10:00 AM: The desert safari pickup! A crazy-looking jeep arrives, and I'm immediately terrified.
- 11:00 AM: Hitting the dunes. Dune-bashing in the desert. The driver is insane! The jeep bounces, I scream, and I can’t stop laughing. This is simultaneously the scariest and most exhilarating thing I’ve ever done.
- 12:00 PM: Stopping at a Bedouin camp. The scenery is stunning. Camels. Shisha smoke. And the most surprisingly delicious tea I've ever had.
- 2:00 PM: Back at the resort. Exhausted. Sand in every crevice. I crash. Nap.
- 4:00 PM: The All-Inclusive Epiphany: It dawns on me. I can have anything I want. Drinks? Buffet food (again)? Ice cream? It's all included!! This realization changes everything.
- 5:00 PM: Cocktail number…well, I've lost count. And the ice cream? I'm pretty sure I've eaten my body weight in it.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. The buffet calls, of course. Tonight, I’m tackling the "International Cuisine" section. It's a culinary rollercoaster.
- 9:00 PM: Stargazing. The desert sky is perfect. No light pollution. Just a million twinkling stars. Feeling small, insignificant, and utterly connected to the universe.
- 10:00 PM: Bedtime. The best kind.
Day 4: Relaxation, Reflection, and the Dreaded Departure
- 9:00 AM: Buffet, of course. With a slight (and entirely welcome) food hangover.
- 10:00 AM: Pool time. The pool is cool and refreshing.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch.
- 1:00 PM: Some quiet time on my balcony.
- 5:00 PM: Final sunset cocktail. Trying to savor every last second.
- 6:00 PM: Last dinner at the buffet. I'm genuinely going to miss this place.
- 8:00 PM: Packing. Or, attempting to pack. I've accumulated a mountain of souvenirs and a questionable tan line.
- 9:00 PM: Sinking into my last night, reflecting on my time here. The good, the bad, the very, very cheesy.
- 10:00 PM: Bedtime.
Day 5: Departure
- 6:00 AM: Wake up, dread creeps. I leave the hotel, and all the beauty, the warmth, the endless sun, and food behind.
- 7:00 AM: Transfer
Okay, so, Casa Del Mar... Is it actually paradise? (Let's be honest, hotels ALWAYS overpromise!)
Paradise? Look, I'm a cynical New Yorker, okay? Paradise is... well, it's *pretentious* to use that word. But Casa Del Mar... it gets CLOSE. The Red Sea shimmered like a damn *jewel* the entire time. I'm talking, turquoise so vibrant it practically slapped you in the face with beauty. I mean, you *think* you've seen clear water, but then you get there… I'm already picturing the little beach bar, the sand between my toes… Okay, I'm sold! It's pretty freaking close. Just, you know, don't expect actual angels. Unless you count the really sweet Egyptian guys who served us mango smoothies all day – they were pure angels. Seriously, their smiles could melt glaciers.
The rooms – what are they *really* like? Are we talking dingy holes or Instagram-worthy luxury?
Alright, the rooms. First off, don't expect Versailles. I had a "sea view" room, which was... let's say, a generous *suggestion* of a sea view. More "sea-adjacent, if you lean out the window and squint." But hey, the room was clean, the bed was comfy – crucial after a day of serious lounging. The bathroom? Functional. Not stunning, not spa-like, but it had hot water and didn't smell like mildew. The air conditioning worked – a *godsend* in the Hurghada heat! The decor? A little... beige. But honestly? You're not going to sit in your room all day. You're there for the beach, the food, the… escape. So, functional and clean, plus a comfy bed – that’s all I needed. Could it be upgraded? Sure! Did I care enough to call room service and whine? Absolutely not. I wanted to hit the beach!
Food, glorious food! What's the dining situation like? Are we talking buffet hell or actual tasty eats?
Okay, the food. Let's be real, buffets are a gamble. But Casa Del Mar's buffet? It was… surprisingly good. Not Michelin-star good, mind you. Don’t go there expecting it, or you'll be disappointed. But there was *variety*. Lots of fresh fruit – mangoes, dates, omg, the dates! I ate a whole plate every morning. The bread! Warm, fluffy, fresh – I may have had three rolls (don't judge me, I was on vacation!). They always had pasta stations, grilled meats, and those little Egyptian pastries... the stuff a diet-writer’s nightmares are made of. The a la carte restaurants were a nice change of pace when you got buffet fatigue and wanted a calmer atmosphere. The seafood restaurant? Worth. Every. Penny. I swear, the grilled calamari was the best I’ve ever had. The downside? I gained five pounds. Completely and totally worth it.
The beach – is it crowded? Is the water actually swimmable? Do you get relentlessly hassled by vendors?
The beach… the *beach*. Okay, so, the beach is the *reason* you go. The sand is white and powdery, the water is crystal clear. Absolutely swimmable. I spent *hours* just floating in the water, staring up at the sky. It’s… therapeutic. Really. It's probably the only place I was truly, utterly *relaxed* for the whole trip. Now, the vendors… yes, they’re there. It’s Egypt, people! They want to sell you things. The secret? A polite but firm "no, thank you." They’ll move on. Or – and this is what I did – I got friendly with one of the beach guys. He was selling those sarongs. I actually bought one in the end. It was gorgeous. And from then on, he kind of acted as my bodyguard! He'd tell the other vendors "She's already got one!" It was brilliant. A little bit of small talk goes a long way. The crowds? Depends. It wasn't *packed*. Plenty of space to sprawl out. I like quiet beach time, and this didn't disappoint. You can totally find a little secluded spot. And, if you're *really* lucky, you might see a pod of dolphins… (I did! Seriously magical!). But it gets busy at certain times of the day, mostly when the sun is at its peak. But no matter what, it's gorgeous.
Activities! What's there to *do* besides lie on the beach and eat? (Though, let's face it, that's tempting…)
Okay, so you're not *just* going to lie around and eat (although you absolutely could). The resort offers watersports – jet skis, parasailing (terrifying, but I heard it was fun), snorkeling, diving. I did the snorkeling. AMAZING. The coral reefs are vibrant, the fish are... well, they're like the *Finding Nemo* movie in real life. Seriously, the underwater world is so colourful—I could have stayed down there all day. So. Much. Fun. Absolutely do it. And make sure to slather yourself in sunscreen! I forgot the first day and ended up looking like a lobster. Also, most nights, there'll be some kind of show, or music playing. The belly dancing was fun, and the dancers were great (although I found myself wishing it went on a little longer!), but to be honest, I was usually asleep by 10:30 pm! Vacation brain is real. There were also daily activities (yoga classes, water aerobics) which I skipped. Priorities, people. (I was busy napping on the beach!)
Is it good for families? Couples? Solo travelers? Who *should* go?
Families? Yeah, absolutely. There are kids' clubs, activities, and the shallow water is perfect for little ones. Couples? Romantic. The beach is perfect, the atmosphere is relaxing, and you can definitely find some quiet corners where you can be, you know, *romantic*. Solo travelers? Definitely! I saw a few, and it seemed perfect. The resort is safe, there's always something to do, and it's super easy to meet people if you want to. Who should go? Anyone who wants a relaxing beach vacation with a bit of adventure and a dose of Egyptian culture. If you're looking for a wild party scene, this isn't it. If you’re neurotic and need everything to be perfect? Maybe not. Things happen. There will be hiccups. But it’s the kind of place where you can unwind, recharge, and forget all your worries. I'm already planning my return… seriously.
Any hidden gems or insider tips? Dish the dirt!
Okay, LISTEN UP! First, the wifi? It's spotty. Embrace it! Put your phone away and enjoy the moment. Second, tip *everyone*. TheHotel Hide Aways
