Hidden Gem #2: Three Corners St George, Sharm el Sheikh
We launched our series of Hidden Gems with the St Joseph in Luxor. Today, we continue with a look at yet another saintly-named Egyptian Hotel….
When it comes to accommodation, Sharm el Sheikh is packed with the all-inclusive beachfront giants that British holidaymakers love. Most of them have a four or five star rating and some pretty impressive facilities: huge lagoon pools, international restaurants, boutiques, waterparks and fancy gyms. It’s little wonder that many people don’t notice St George Three Corners, which isn’t even on the beach. This small hotel is officially a four star, but is given a more realistic three by the UK tour operators.
The important thing to remember about star ratings in Egypt is that they are often based on quantity of facilities rather than quality. This means that the enormous (but mediocre) complex with its array of eateries, Jacuzzis and activities can have a five star rating, even if the quality and service is inferior to that of the tiny guesthouse round the corner. Many visitors to Egypt insist on ‘luxury’ hotels and don’t even give the three stars a look-in, which is where they can miss out.
The St George is part of the Egyptian Three Corners groups of hotels. It has its own private beach, 5km away, which is reached by courtesy bus, but what it lacks in location it more than makes up for in reputation. The friendly staff here go out of their way to ensure guests have a pleasant stay and that the spacious, air-conditioned guest rooms are spotless. There’s no chintz here; everything is clean, bright and modern. It’s a particularly good choice for families with a kids’ club, separate swimming pool and playground giving children plenty to do. St George Three Corners has won awards from UK tour operators based on the feedback they collect from guests at the end of their holiday - true testament to the quality on offer. The hotel has all the facilities you need for an enjoyable holiday: two swimming pools, entertainment, a spa and sauna – but if you want to explore lively Naama Bay, you can jump on the free shuttle bus.
Large hotel complexes are often criticised for repetetive, bland food but there’s no danger of that here. An all-inclusive holiday is only good value for money when you eat at the hotel, as soon as you start to dine out, you might as well have booked a bed and breakfast holiday. Luckily, the meals on offer at St George’s are varied, so you should be happy to stay put at dinnertimes.
You can’t get a better endorsement for a hotel than satisfied customers. All the glossy brochures in the world can’t make up for attentive service and quality accommodation. No one wants to spend their holiday complaining about a room with a rubbish view, poor food and lacklustre service. At the St George Three Corners, you don’t get marble staircases, water features and fancy fittings, but you can expect a warm welcome, clean rooms and the kind of holiday experience that has people coming back for more.
Hays Travel have 7 nights on an all-inclusive basis at the St George Three Corners departing Newcastle on 25th June from £499 each, based on two adults sharing. Resort transfers are included in this price. Other airport and departure dates are available. Click here or call 0800 408 4131.
Prices are always correct at the time of blogging, but subject to availability and change.
Clean, bright and modern guest rooms at St George Three Corners