Dahab Paradise

Press Reviews

The Independent, September 2010
"On the south-east Sinai coast, Dahab is prized among divers and backpackers. Adding indulgent appeal is Dahab Paradise, a low-key resort of just 35 tasteful rooms (beaded lamps, carved wooden bedsteads) that overlook a palm-fringed pool and the Red Sea. The hotel has the requisite dive centre and also works with local Bedouin guides to provide insightful excursions to sites such as the National Nature Reserve of Ras Abu Galum."

The Guardian, August 2010
"Located 100km north of its more commercial neighbour, Sharm el-Sheikh, [Dahab] has a chilled backpacker vibe and is renowned for its diving, thanks to its diversity of reefs, and also its windsurfing (the resort has about 270 days a year of wind a year)... Dahab Paradise, on the Red Sea, is right among the action. It has 35 bedrooms with high ceilings, terracotta tiles and handcrafted reclaimed furniture. The hotel also works in conjunction with one of the diving schools."

The Guardian, July 2010
"Dahab Paradise offers easy style, a cool pool, guaranteed sun and excellent value for money. It's a friendly place which stands 10 paces from the sea with views across the Gulf of Aqaba. There is a dive school attached to the hotel, so arrange a trip to Blue Hole or pick up some flippers and go snorkelling."

Guest Reviews

Reviews are only from people who have stayed there and booked through i-escape.

• “We had an amazing time here, enhanced by the friendly and efficient staff who went to great lengths to make our stay amazing, memorable and bliss.”
  amelia, United Kingdom (08.02.12)

• “The Egyptian food buffet is particularly recommended & also the lunchtime BBQ - hopefully they will increase this provision from once a week. The dive centre (Big Blue) with an outlet at the hotel were also very good at accommodating our needs, given we were travelling with a 4year old.”
  ceri, United Kingdom (23.01.12)

• “Very nice hotel!
  But the pool was icecold. Which was a disappointment to us since we really wanted a pool for the kids sake.
  Since they didn´t heat the pool, we could hardly put our foot in it.
  Otherwise very nice staff, very helpful and service-minded.
  A good restaurant in Dahab was Essence, recently oppened with english management. Very good drinks and excellent lamb casserole.”
  Stina, Sweden (04.01.12)

• “We had a great stay. The location is sublime and staff are very nice. The only disapointement was that the pool was very cold, but we would certainly go back!”
  christine, Belgium (07.11.11)

• “This is a great little find. Low key, relaxed and with very accommodating staff. Dahab Paradise has a certain charm and doesn't try to be something it's not (i.e. luxurious). Ground floor rooms have super little terraces that open directly onto the footpath circling the lawns and the pool. Just perfect for sitting enjoying a cup of tea or a cold beer, watching the world go by and listening to the waves lap the shore. This is certainly a good choice if travelling with a baby as we were. If you want super clean rooms, gourmet food and entertainment on site then DP is unlikely to be for you but for an uncomplicated bit of R&R you'll be well served. Massages were excellent, tea in Bedouin tent delicious and milkshakes really very good.”
  Nasreen, United Kingdom (03.11.11)

• “We had a fantastic time at Paradise. A small hotel with a very familiair atmosphere and excellent service. Beautiful location just outside center of dahab with some ok snorkling next to the hotel. The staff happiliy prepared the coffee and served you right on the pool edge after the morning swim. If wishing for anything more it would have been a slightly bigger room and a quiet air-conditioning.”
  Johan, Denmark (01.10.11)

• “Fantastic service... will definitely go there again :)”
  Jude, Germany (31.07.11)

• “Very friendly staff, very relaxed atmosphere”
  Bjorn, Norway (14.07.11)

• “Great place, a little out of town and main windsurfing hang-outs but a cheap taxi ride away so no problem. The staff were fantastic, very friendly, helpful and honest. The rooms were ok I guess, my only complaint will be poor insulation so it gets really hot (we were there in July).”
  Evgeny, Switzerland (10.07.11)

• “We very much appreciated our stay in Dahab and Dahab Paradise.
  If you want to know why I put 4 for the room: they are small, but we didn't stay much in the room and the terraces are really nice.
  The food was ok but not a lot of Egyptian food on the menu, which was a little disappointing.
  This is a very nice hotel and would fully recommend it.”
  Marina, Switzerland (19.04.11)

• “Dahab Paradise was great for a week's lie and fry. Friendly, helpful service.”
  Anthony, United Kingdom (20.03.11)

• “Loved: excellent service, peace, setting
  Not so good points were cold pool, wind: windbreak needed!”
  Jane, United Kingdom (06.03.11)

• “We were really impressed with Dahab Paradise! The staff were so friendly and helpful, the location is beautiful and some fantastic snorkelling to be done right outside the hotel. The hotel is small and away from the other larger hotels the other side of Dahab which makes it very peaceful. All rooms have view of the pool and face out to sea. Food is served 24hrs a day and you can eat anywhere e.g. by the pool on your balcony at the restaurant etc. The hotel has a Bedwin tent for the evenings so if you want to chill out on some cushions with Bedwin tea it is perfect. There is also a dive shop on site so it is easy to arrange snorkelling and diving and Siead who works there is extremely helpful! The only things to note is the wind, it get very windy and the pool is pretty cold (colder than the sea, although during the height of summer it is probably very welcome). I would certainly recommend this place to others!!”
  Frances, United Kingdom (04.03.11)

• “Important to understand that the hotel was really quiet due to the recent political upheaval in Egypt, only about 5 rooms were occupied. How it would cope with a full complement I don’t know but I suspect well.
  It is also important to remember that this is not a 5* hotel and certainly does not charge 5* prices,
  So bearing in mind the cost we thought the hotel was fantastic in every way, yes the rooms were a little basic, the shower a bit of a dribble, the toiletries (soap, shampoo etc.) were dire and breakfast whilst nice was simple but for the price we were paying it was all great.
  The rooms were very acceptable and comfortable, the hotel grounds were really well maintained and as has been said many times before the staff are great.
  We ate at the hotel most of the time and found the food better than average, simple and good value and of course very easy
  Dahab is a bit grim but not awful, the hotels location, a little out of town was a benefit really, Dahab is not the sort of place for a relaxing wander around so the odd taxi drive in was no problem.
  The snorkelling across the road from the hotel was fantastic, so much better than other, more famous snorkelling sites close by. The on-site dive centre hired good equipment at very reasonable prices, i.e. about £6 per day for wet suit, boots, flippers, snorkel and mask
  I would just like to add that we have been really impressed with I-Escape and will certainly look to use you again.”
  Peter, United Kingdom (25.02.11)

• “The staff could ot have been more charning or helpful. We all had rooms on the ground floor because of the baby making it easier to go in and out so they are a little darker. If you are expecting a really chic boutique hotel then this is not for you but the accommodation was very pleasant, the grounds and swimming pool attractive and comfortable. It was great not having all inclusive because we could go to Dahab and enjoy the various restaurants which gave the hols greater variety. The value for money was unbeatable. The hotel is a little off the beaten track but very easy to get to everything. Excellent diving and snorkeling and perfectly safe at the moment as we have just had a wonderful holiday so please encourage people to go as they need the business.”
  sarah, United Kingdom (16.02.11)

• “I loved it and will be back with my friends.”
  Trudy, United Kingdom (07.02.11)

• “This hotel is better than it sounds - and it sounded perfect! it is beautifully landscaped, quiet and brilliantly managed, and yet moments away from Dahab and all the bustle and excitement of this small town on the red sea.
  we two (nearing 50...) snorkled for the first time and if there is anyone out there who thinks there is nothing new to do... try it. it is actually amazing.
  Ali Baba and The Buddha Bar in Dahab were by far the best for food and ambiance. thank you for finding it for us.”
  LUCY, United Kingdom (15.01.11)

• “Dahab Paradise is a perfect location, if a little windy, just a couple of minutes by taxi from the main strip with stunning views of the gulf.
  If you can request a room on the North end of the hotel as you will get the sun on your balcony which is more sheltered than at the pool. Although the staff do put up wind breaks on one side, but not everyone could benefit if the hotel is full.
  Other comments saying that there is a smell of drains is true and a little off putting but not the end of the world as there is only limited time spent in the room. NB Close your balcony doors if you are leaving or at night as the resident cat, although cute and clean, can climb the balcony and is eager to explore.
  Pick up from Sharm Airport was efficient and I think very good value and staff very welcoming when you arrive and always on hand to order taxi/ offer advise. It was a truly relaxing week.
  Dahab town is good if you can get past the guys hawking for trade in the restaurants etc. We enjoyed the sunset from Yuma (?) bar near the light house on a number of occasions which conveniently coincided with happy hour.
  The beach outside the hotel is not for sunbathing/swimming but you can get a taxi to the resorts at the lagoon and pay for a day pass which includes some food/drink. Its a complicated system of receipts and deposits but it is just worth it for safe and sandy beach for swimming/windsurfing etc.
  Overall would recommend Dahab for relaxation and getting away from the misery of British weather and the Dahab Paradise did seem to be the pick of the hotels in the town. Would definitely recommend it.”
  Hannah, United Kingdom (09.01.11)

• “Service was excellent, very friendly and efficient. Buffet breakfasts offer a fantastic array in terms of quality and choice from traditional Egyption mezze-type selections to freshly cooked eggs to order along with cereal, yoghurt etc. On the down side, the hotel restaurant menu lacked any kind of Egyptian experience, being of total European bias - quality was ok but given what they came up with for breakfast definitely a bit of a disappointment. However this is more than made up for by the setting, service and huge selection of excellent food on offer in Dahab town. We really enjoyed being situated a 10 minute drive (or 35 minute walk - mainly along the beach - enjoyable during daylight hours, a chore at night) from Dahab's main strip as we were looking for tranquility - those up for partying would be better off chosing a place nearer the action. Taxis in to town are cheap at 15 Egyptian pounds each way (less than £2.00) and very easy to come by, the hotel can arrange transport at any time.
  If you are in to diving / snorkelling then you will not be disappointed as the corral reef and array of fish are truly amazing and dramatic. However, Dahab is no longer the hippie haven some guide books refer to and as with any easily accessible beautiful place, it suffers from hordes of tourists, think day trippers from Sharm el Sheikh, 18 - 25 year olds on gap years together with the yoga holiday crowd. Places like the blue hole resemble Blackpool on a sunny day, so if you're going to Dahab to get away from it all, you're very likely to be disappointed. Any excursion in to the Sinai desert has to be official and guided, so independent travellers may feel a bit frustrated”
  Dominique, United Kingdom (08.01.11)

• “Great staff, very friendly.
  Bit isolated. Pool freezing - not heated.
  Costs can quickly add up if you don't watch it.
  Water is briny in bathrooms.
  Food not authentic Egyptian or middle eastern but nonetheless good. Snorkeling good if water is calm in front of hotel.”
  Adil, United Kingdom (04.01.11)

• “Excellent friendly service, small scale, well designed and presented. Helpful staff, particularly the dive centre but in fact everyone was delightful and willing to help and offer assistance in all ways. Food in the restaurant was ok but rather bland and uninteresting - an opportunity missed we thought. The Bedouin tent was a nice idea, but was normally unoccupied and not very inviting (perhaps occasional music or other events or activities in there?) The weather was great but very windy most of the time, which I believe is normal for the winter, but the hotel was well designed with wind-breaks and it didn't really detract from our holiday - the only problem was that the pool was too cold, but I'm sure it's warm in the summer! Transfer arrangements to/from airports was dealt with very efficiently (we flew to Taba, probably less hassle than ghastly Sharm but further away).
  The hotel is well out of town which to us was an advantage as it's quite busy and noisy in Dahab, though actually a quite quirky and interesting place (the history is one of travellers, hippies and dive enthusiasts rather than tourist development, so its all low-rise and fairly individual). Good range of restaurants though the usual hassle factor in Middle Eastern countries. Taxis were very cheap, easy to arrange. Best thing there was the really stunning coral reef - we went snorkelling and some diving - and lots of amazing dive sites with quite funky cafes set up under awnings with cushions and carpets for lounging and snacking. We also did some wind surfing whch was excellent at a superbly equipped school / centre at the Lagoona on the other side of Dahab (kite-surfing also available though expensive - our kids were interested). However I certainly wouldn't go there for the attractive landscape.”
  Ingrid, United Kingdom (28.12.10)

• “Windbreaks by the pool would be great! I think that a hotel courtesy minibus, branded with the hotel name, would fit very nicely with its standard of service. This could do the airport transfers, and maybe provide an complimentary evening shuttle into and from Dahab town, maybe 7.30pm/11pm.
  The Dahab Paradise mugs would be a nice touch to purchase to.
  The staff are wonderful-attentive, friendly and so so polite.
  We look forward to a return trip!”
  Roger, United Kingdom (12.12.10)

• “The people there were really nice and helpful, the place is really nice but we think that it could be an inproved on the food. Even if the breakfast was ok. It could be really a place we would like to go again for one week. The food generally in Dahab was not good apart from an Italian restaurant,Ai pescatori.”
  JAQUENOUD, Switzerland (13.11.10)

• “The hotel was fantastic and exactly as you described, so thank you! Very peaceful place with really helpful, friendly staff, so much to see and do nearby day or eve so we had a perfect mix of relaxing, activities and a great choice of restaurants and bars in Dahab when we wanted to go out. It was all organised [taxis etc] very efficiently by the hotel and they gave great advice on what to do. Would definitely recommend and would love to go back soon!”
  venetia, United Kingdom (07.11.10)

• “Staff were fantastic, all prior reports true. With regard to the room, the shower is a bit small to turn around in but bed comfortable and veranda is very nice opening out onto the garden. A real oasis of calm after the madness of Dahab.
  Food can get a bit repetitive but staff did say the menu will be changing in the future. Starters on the menu do not have to be the same size as the main course as this is quite wasteful, one feels too full after fully finishing one starter and is not able to eat a full main course. My boys loved their milk shakes though.
  
  Blue Beach Thai food v good, so was Ali Baba’s.”
  June, United Kingdom (31.10.10)

• “Room was nice - not fancy but perfect for the ambiance. No beach - so not great for those who want to hang around a beach close to the hotel. Breakfast and dinner were very poor so we ate out every day.The staff were extremely friendly and helpful and made my stay a special one.”
  Iris, Israel (16.10.10)

• “A beautiful location and great view from the room and balcony. The service is impeccable.”
  Andy, United Kingdom (12.10.10)

• “Excellent hotel, excellent service, beautiful and clean surrounding! Very friendly, cool and speedy in everything they do for you. All promises given on the website have been more than kept. Indeed a little bit hard to access but even the house reef is an excellent diving area (Mum's the word! So the crowd keeps on diving at blue hole ;-) Dahab Paradise is really a paradise island and absolutely recommendable. The only downer unfortunately is the partially extremely polluted environment an the chaotic and planless urban development. I (still) hope the Egyptians get a grip on these problems soon!”
  Thomas, Germany (17.08.10)

• “Dahab Paradise was absolutely wonderful - excellent value for money, the staff couldn't have been more helpful and the hotel was beautiful. It was really peaceful and relaxing, but there's plenty to do in Dahab if you're looking for something a little more lively. The bedouin tent was fantastic with delicious tea and shisha. My only, very small criticism, would be that I would have liked more Egyptian options on the menu but the food was very good.”
  Rosa, United Kingdom (22.05.10)