katiegumbo

Petra Hotel review: Valentine Inn

A bit of a hike from the Petra gate, but not unmanageable if you don't mind an uphill walk home. The dorms were crowded but decent enough (a bit of a wait for the showers in the morning with 12 people and 2 bathrooms). The dinner buffet is an unbelievable spread of just about every Middle-Eastern food you can imagine, and it brings out a huge crowd of your fellow travellers, so it's a great way to meet people. And of course, there's the movie room, which probably screens Indiana Jones (by audience consensus) every night like it did the night we were there.

Overall

5

Location

3

Cleanliness

4

Value

4

Facilities

4

Service

5

katiegumbo stayed here in Oct 2008
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Luxor Hotel review: Nefertiti Hotel

This place was great. Really accommodating staff who will hook you up with solid tours - but no hassles trying to sell you stuff you don't want. The room was nice and airy and spacious. It's right in the middle of town by the market and the temple but somehow manages to be quiet even with the windows open.
The rooftop was my favorite place in town to relax - it looked over the Luxor Temple and Avenue of the Sphinxes, and the Nile beyond. My only complaint is that as a woman alone, the young waiters there seemed a little over-eager to charm me and chat when I would rather have been reading or writing. But nothing creepy. Just young guys who probably don't meet too many unchaperoned young women.

Overall

5

Location

5

Cleanliness

5

Value

4

Facilities

5

Service

5

katiegumbo stayed here in Oct 2008
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Dahab Hostel review: Penguin Village

I can't say enough about the Penguin. A total no-hassle place (that's a big deal in Egypt), and it's gorgeous. When I went to check in I asked if they had a single w/ a shared bathroom, and at the time they were all occupied, but rather than just stick me in a more expensive room, they let me wait around at the restaurant until check-out was finished to see if anything opened up for me, which it did. Usually that type of room is kind of dingy, but it was quite clean and comfortable.
Speaking of the the restaurant, it has some really top-notch food, is right on the water and has a fantastic view. I have fond memories of just sitting there with a drink or a tasty meal and enjoying the sea breeze and listening to the little waves. It was the only place in Egypt where I felt totally relaxed. I stayed at a lot of low-budget places in my travels, and this is the only one I dream of going back to someday - not the town, the hotel itself. Awesome.

Overall

5

Location

5

Cleanliness

5

Value

5

Facilities

5

Service

5

katiegumbo stayed here in Jan 2009
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