Escape to Paradise: Star of Dahab Hotel Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Star of Dahab Hotel Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Star of Dahab Hotel Awaits! - A Whirlwind of Sand, Sun, and Slightly-Too-Hard Mattresses (and Maybe a Pharaoh or Two!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on the Star of Dahab. Forget those sterile, perfectly-polished travel blog entries. This is real life, baby, and my Dahab escape was… well, it was an experience. Let's dive in, shall we?
(SEO & Metadata Bonanza - because, well, I'm supposed to):
- Title: Star of Dahab Hotel Review: Paradise Found (Mostly!) – Accessibility, Food & More!
- Keywords: Dahab Hotel, Star of Dahab, Egypt, Red Sea, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Friendly, Restaurant Review, Spa Review, Swimming Pool, Free Wi-Fi, Dahab Reviews, Travel Egypt, Dahab Scuba Diving, Family Hotel, Hotel Review, Dahab Accommodation.
- Description: A brutally honest review of the Star of Dahab hotel in Egypt. Discover its accessible features, delicious food, spa experiences, and potential pitfalls. Find out if it's really paradise or just… Dahab.
The Arrival - And the Almost Disastrous Accessibility Tango
First impressions? Dahab itself is stunning. That Turquoise water, the mountains… breathtaking. And the Star of Dahab? Well, it's got a certain… charm. Let's just say it's got character. Finding the entrance was the first adventure. Google Maps led me on a wild goose chase, and I somehow managed to drive my rental car through a construction zone. (Note to self: Invest in a good navigation system. And maybe a tank.)
Accessibility: Okay, so here's the deal. They say they're accessible, and they try. There's an elevator, which, praise the gods, actually worked. There are accessible rooms, but the definition of "accessible" and my definition of "accessible" sometimes differ. The ramp to the pool… a bit steep. The bathroom… cozy, let's call it that. Overall, it's better than nothing, but if you're truly dependent on full-blown accessibility, maybe give them a call and clarify everything beforehand.
Moving Onward - My Belly's Best Friend - The Dining Scene
Food! Now we're talking! The Star of Dahab really shines in this area, literally!
Dining, Drinking & Snacking:
- Restaurants: They've got several! And they’re definitely trying. Options ranged from “delicious and I want more” to “interesting, but I’d have preferred a cheese sandwich.”
- Food Quality: My initial impression of the food was a little… tepid. But it grew on me over time. There was a fantastic Breakfast Buffet every damn morning. And you know what? I'm a sucker for buffets. The Western Breakfast was solid, though sometimes the eggs tasted like they’d been made in a factory. The international cuisine was a mixed bag. One night I had a curry that was amazing, the next night, a "western" dish of…something that resembled chicken.
- A La Carte: The A la carte options were more reliable. I particularly enjoyed the Salad options - fresh, vibrant and plentiful.
- Coffee Shop: I lived on their coffee. I'm pretty sure I'm now 50% caffeine.
- Poolside Bar: Gotta love a poolside bar. Sipping a cold drink, watching the sun set over the Red Sea… pure bliss. Even if the bar staff seemed perpetually surprised to find themselves working.
- Room Service: The 24-hour Room Service came in handy after a long day of diving. Very helpful for late-night cravings.
The Spa – My Attempt to Become a Zen Master (Spoiler Alert: Didn’t Happen)
Ways to Relax:
- Spa: The Spa was… an experience. It looked promising!
- Massage: I opted for a massage, hoping to rid myself of any stress… which promptly returned the moment I entered the treatment room, with it's dim lighting, strong aromas. The massage itself was… vigorous. Let's just say I was well and truly kneaded. I felt like dough. The next day, I felt I'd been run over by a camel. In a good way, mostly.
- Body Scrub/Wrap: Never tried either. Probably should have.
- Sauna/Steam room: The Sauna/Steamroom, well, got the job done. I'm pretty sure.
- Pool with View: The Pool with a View was glorious. Seriously. The pool was gorgeous.
The Rooms - A Tale of Two Mattresses (and My Back)
Available in all Rooms:
- Free Wi-Fi: Bless the internet gods! Free Wi-Fi everywhere! Hallelujah.
- Air Conditioning: Essential. Absolutely. Necessary.
- Mini Bar: Always a plus.
- Bathtub: A nice way to unwind after a long day.
- Blackout Curtains: Crucial for those sunrise diving trips!
- In-Room Safe Box: Better safe than sorry.
I'm not sure the mattress in my room was human-friendly. I woke up with a new ache every morning, as if it was trying to teach me the joys of yoga. But, the views from the rooms were pretty damn special. My room had a balcony that overlooked the sea, and those sunrises alone were worth the back pain.
Cleanliness & Safety – The Post-COVID Reality
Cleanliness and Safety:
- Anti-Viral Cleaning Products: (Check)
- Daily Disinfection in Common Areas: (Check)
- Hand Sanitizer: (Everywhere!)
- Rooms Sanitized Between Stays: (Hopefully!)
- Staff Trained in Safety Protocol: (Seemed like it!)
They take Covid-19 precautions very seriously. I felt safe, apart from my ongoing battle with the mattress.
Things to Do – Beyond the Buffet
- Swimming Pool [Outdoor] : The outdoor pool was the heart of the hotel, where everyone gathers to enjoy the sun!
- Fitness Center: Didn't go. Let's be honest, I was too busy eating and getting massaged.
- Gym/fitness: (See above)
Dahab is a haven for divers and snorkelers, and of course, the Star of Dahab has access to all that.
Services & Conveniences:
- Concierge: Invaluable for arranging trips, taxis, or anything else you might need.
- Daily Housekeeping: The staff kept the rooms squeaky clean.
- Luggage Storage: If you arrive early or leave late, the staff will store your luggage.
- Laundry service, Dry Cleaning and Ironing service: (All available)
- Currency exchange: Helpful if you need Egyptian pounds.
- Cash withdrawal: Yep, the Hotel has an ATM!
- Doorman. Yes, the hotel has a doorman, who is present 24 hours a day.
- 24-hour Front desk: Yes, the hotel has a 24-hour front desk.
For the Kids
- Babysitting service: Available.
- Family/child friendly: Yes, mostly.
The Imperfections – The Little Annoyances That Make Life Interesting
- The Internet: While they claimed Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, the internet sometimes vanished into the ether, only to reappear when you'd just given up on it.
- Bugs: The odd mosquito. Not the hotel's fault, obviously, but pack some repellent.
- The "Egyptian Time" Factor: Things sometimes took longer than expected. Be patient. You're on vacation.
- The Mattress: (I'm still not over this.)
The Verdict: Should You Escape to the Star of Dahab?
Look, is the Star of Dahab perfect? No. Does it have its quirks and flaws? Absolutely. But is it charming, friendly, and a good base for exploring Dahab and the Red Sea? Yes. The staff were generally lovely. The food, mostly delicious. And the location? Unbeatable.
Overall: If you’re looking for a spotless, ultra-modern, perfectly-run hotel, this might not be for you. But if you're after an authentic, slightly rough-around-the-edges experience, with stunning scenery, diving, and a healthy dose of adventure, then book it. Just maybe take your own pillow, and maybe, just maybe, consider the yoga… or, if you're feeling brave… the mattress.
Rating: 4.0/5 stars (Minus one star for the mattress and slightly shaky Wi-Fi).
Luxury Hound Haven: Busan Station's Best Dog Hotel
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly-polished, Instagram-filtered itinerary. This is a REAL attempt to wrangle a trip to the Star of Dahab Hotel in Egypt, and let's be honest, I'm half-expecting the whole thing to fall apart by Day Two. But hey, that's the fun, right?
The "I-Think-I'm-Coming-Down-With-Something" Dahab Daze
Pre-Trip Pre-Ramble:
Day 1: The Great Packing Panic (and the inevitable realization that I've overpacked.)
- 06:00 AM: Wake up with a jolt. Did I remember my passport? Did I even have a passport? (Spoiler: Panic attack ensued. Found it in the dog's chew toy bin. Don't ask.)
- 06:30 AM - 08:00 AM: Packing. The art of stuffing five outfits, three pairs of shoes, and a book I'll probably never read into a carry-on. Note to self: Pack light. (Famous last words.)
- 08:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Last-minute errands, like the classic "forget to get cash", and a quick run to the pharmacy to buy a mountain of Immodium because, let's be real, Egypt.
- 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM: The journey: Airport, check-in. The sheer, agonizing waiting game begins. People watching. My observation? Everyone's wearing the same comfy travel pants.
- 04:00 PM: Plane, take-off.
- 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM: Plane, in-flight Movie. This is the moment I realize I'm actually leaving, and I get a bittersweet, "I'm excited, but I'm also going to miss my couch" kind of feeling.
- 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM: Landing and getting through customs - my brain immediately tries to bargain my way through the language barrier. "Please be nice to me, I have no idea what I'm doing!" (Works about 20% of the time.)
- 08:00 PM: Taxi to Star Of Dahab Hotel. Praying it's not a death trap. (It's probably fine. Probably.)
- 09:00 PM: FINALLY check-in. (Dear God, let my room have air conditioning.) Immediate assessment of the room: yay or nay? I'm hoping for a view of the Red Sea, but I'm also prepared for a view of the back of a rusty dumpster.
- 09:30 PM: A quick unpacking, and maybe a desperate attempt to get the wi-fi working.
- 10:00 PM: Dinner: Trying the hotel restaurant. Trying everything because I'm here to experience culture! and also, I'm starving. (The first meal will be the deciding factor of how I feel about this trip)
- 11:00 PM: Crash into bed. Praying for a good night's sleep (and that the air conditioning doesn't sound like a jet engine).
Day 2: The "Lost in Translation" Scuba Adventure
- 07:00 AM: Wake up. Did I sleep through my alarm? Did I even set an alarm? I'm probably already late for something.
- 07:30 AM: Breakfast at the Hotel. Buffet. Brace yourself for the sheer variety of options. Trying something I've never eaten before (probably the local bread. I will eat it all).
- 08:30 AM: Scuba diving orientation. Gearing up and gearing up for the dive: the ultimate test of human will. My plan? Don't freak out. (Famous last words, again.)
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: SCUBA DIVING! (The moment of truth.) I'm expecting to be blown away by the beauty, the fish, the experience. I'm also expecting to be terrified the entire time. Underwater, the world is quiet, breathtaking. The marine life is, so mesmerizing. The problem? My mask keeps fogging up, and I keep feeling like I'm going to swallow the Red Sea.
- Anecdote: During the dive, I somehow managed to get separated from the group. Panic mode activated! I saw a giant turtle (amazing), then I thought I saw a shark (probably a trick of the light, but still very terrifying).
- 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM: Lunch. I'm starving. (And slightly traumatized, but mostly starving.)
- 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM: Post-dive relaxing. Sunshine, books, chilling on the beach. Meditating (or staring blankly into the distance).
- 04:00 PM: Maybe explore the town. I saw a promising looking juice stand. Need to find good coffee.
- 06:00 PM: A massage. (I deserve it after all the stress.)
- 08:00 PM: Dinner. Trying a local restaurant. Navigating the menu. Praying I don't accidentally order something I can't stomach.
- 09:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Stargazing. (If the sky is clear, and if I can stay awake.) Drowning in the beauty of the Egyptian night sky.
Day 3: Waking Up To The Sunset On A Camel!
- 07:00 AM: Wake up with a smile. (Fingers crossed. It's either a genuine smile or I'm delirious.)
- 07:30 AM: Breakfast. This time, I will find something specific and just eat that. No mixing and matching today.
- 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Camel ride on the beach at sunrise! (Let's hope the camel doesn't decide to take a dislike to me.)
- Anecdote: Riding a camel is a lot harder than it looks. It's surprisingly bumpy, and you feel like you're about to slide off the entire time. But… the view!
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Return to the hotel. Shower, relax.
- 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM: Lunch. (Fueling up for an afternoon of nothing/ something.)
- 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM: Visit the Blue Hole.
- 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM: More Beach Time! I am determined to master the art of doing absolutely nothing. (This may be more challenging than swimming with sharks.)
- 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM: Sunset watching. (Because, how could you not?) Drink in hand.
- 08:00 PM: Farewell Dinner (kicking off the last night) at the Hotel Restaurant.
- 09:00 PM - End Of The Night: Farewell Dinner, with some live music.
Day 4: Departure. The "Was-It-All-a-Dream?" Moment.
- 07:00 AM: Last breakfast. Feel a pang of sadness.
- 08:00 AM: Quick walk around the hotel one last time, and last photos.
- 09:00 AM: Check-out. (Praying the bill isn't a heart attack waiting to happen.)
- 10:00 AM: Taxi to the airport.
- 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM: Airport. The final waiting game. Reflecting on the trip. Did I even leave my hotel room?
- 01:00 PM: Plane, take-off. (Goodbye Dahab! I'll be back!)
- 01:00 PM - 06:00 PM: Plane ride back home.
- (The rest is history): Back home. The inevitable mountain of laundry. Post-trip depression. And the promise to do it all over again.
Day 5: The "I-Need-To-Book-My-Next-Trip-Now" Blues
- 08:00 AM: Wake up. Back to Reality. The trip has been great and I have so many memories (and photos to prove it).
- 09:00 AM: Decide to plan another trip.
Important Notes (and rambling thoughts):
- Food: I fully expect
Escape to Paradise: Star of Dahab – Your Burning Questions (and My Ramblings) Answered!
So, Dahab...Is it *actually* paradise? Because, let's be honest, marketing is a liar.
Okay, fine, it's not ALL sunshine and rainbows. Like, *literally* the sun is INTENSE. I went once, came back looking like a lobster threw up on a potato. But… yeah, Dahab's pretty darn close. Star of Dahab? Well, that place... it has this laid-back vibe, you know? Like, everyone's on island time, even the hotel staff (bless their hearts, trying to herd cats is easier). It's not a pristine, manicured paradise, more a slightly dusty, wonderfully chaotic one. Think beach shack meets luxury, kinda grungy but charming. Depends on what you’re expecting: if you need your white-glove service, best turn around. If you want to kick back in a comfy-ish place, with a view? Book it.
The rooms! Tell me about the ROOMS! Are they as gorgeous as the photos? (Because… PHOTOSHOP, right?)
Right, the rooms. Okay, the *photos* are probably from the best angle, with the perfect lighting. Let me be honest, some of them are a bit… dated. But! And it's a big but, especially after that buffet (more on that later), they're comfortable. The aircon works, which is GOLD in that heat. The view? Almost always stunning. I got upgraded once (lucky me!). It was a honeymoon suite, for someone who was decidedly NOT on their honeymoon, so I just wallowed in the sheer space of it all, which felt incredibly wrong, and incredibly right. Seriously, the view of the Red Sea from my balcony was worth every single slightly-worn-out towel in the bathroom. The lighting could be better, it was a bit dim, and I’m quite convinced the shower drain nearly ate my flip-flop, but overall? *Fine*. Definitely fine.
What's the food situation like? I NEED to know! (Are we talking bland beige buffets or culinary adventures?)
Okay, buckle up. The food… ah, the food. The buffet? Let's call it *eclectic*. There's a lot of…stuff. Some of it's delicious, some of it's… interesting. I swear, I had a mystery meat encounter one morning that I still wake up thinking about (in a good way, or a bad way? I can't decide). The breakfast? Hit or miss. The eggs are generally good; the coffee, not so much. Lunch and dinner, well, you'll find something. I’m convinced the chef has a soft spot for pasta. It makes sense, pasta is easy. And sometimes, at the end of the day after a long day of lounging, you just *need* pasta, no matter what it tastes like. The on-site seafood restaurant is where it's at. Just, do yourselves a favor and don't show up late. If you do, you'll eat a plate of cold, sad fries and regret your life choices.
Is it good for families? Because my kids... well, they're tiny terrorists.
Okay, I saw a lot of families when I was there. The pool is definitely kid-friendly, it caters to the little ones. There's a kids’ club, which I spied with intrigue (never been a kid, so the allure is strong). I'm guessing it's good. The beach is generally calm, perfect for paddling. *However*, remember the sun I mentioned at question 1? Yeah, keep those tiny terrorists covered in sunscreen or you'll be dealing with a whole different kind of terror – sunburned and cranky. Also, the walk from the rooms to the beach... long. Lots of sweaty walking. Pack lots of water. I did. My kids? I don’t have any. But I saw the struggle, I felt it. It's *probably* fine for families, but pack patience. And maybe a good lawyer.
What about activities? Am I going to be bored senseless? (Because I'm a hyperactive person.)
Bored? Nah. Dahab is a playground for watersports, and Star of Dahab is the perfect base. Snorkeling and diving are the big draws, go out on the reef, because it's beautiful! You can learn to kitesurf (and fall down a LOT, as I can personally vouch for). There are camel rides. Enough said! And sunset is a big deal and its beautiful. The hotel arranges trips, and it's all pretty easy to organize. I preferred the laid-back approach, personally. Lounging by the pool reading a book is a perfectly legitimate activity, in my book. Just don't expect constant entertainment. This isn't a cruise ship, it's a laid-back beach town. Embrace the chill! And maybe learn to identify the different species of fish. You'll feel cultured. Or just nap. That works too.
The Staff...Are they nice? (Because a surly hotel staff can ruin anything!)
Oh, the staff. These folks are a mix of lovely and, well, *human*. They’re generally helpful, especially if you're polite and speak a little Arabic (even if it's just "Shukran!" – thank you!). Bear in mind, they are stretched and the word efficiency might be an alien concept. But I found them genuinely nice and trying hard to do their best. Little acts of kindness go a long way, I always gave a good tip at the end of the stay, which I would recommend. There was one guy who was really lovely, he had a terrible sense of humor and I kept trying to get him to laugh, and he kept trying to make me feel a little bit relaxed. And it worked.
Okay, so... the *beach* then? Is it a pristine, white-sand paradise, or... something else?
The beach… it’s… there. Okay. It's not *perfectly* white, white sand. It's more…goldish-grey. And the water? Gorgeous, crystal clear. But on your way in, you'll have to dodge some rocks. Rocks that cut your feet. I speak from experience. Wear water shoes, people! Seriously. Learn from my mistakes! Some areas are sandy, some are rocky. But the snorkeling? AMAZING. That's really what it's all about. And, you know, the sun. The general beach vibe is all about the sun, the sea, and the relaxation.
Value for money: Is it worth the price tag?!? (Because budgets, am I right?)
Alright, the big question. Value for money… It's… a balancing act. Compared to some other big, fancy resorts? Sure. But it’s not super cheap. If you find a good deal, I'd say it's worth it. The location is amazing. The views are worth it. The generalEscape to Paradise: San Paolo Hotel, Montegiorgio, Italy
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