Aria

The hotel offers a memorable stay, distinguished by its direct access to the Red Sea and a stunning pool area that provides breathtaking views, often described as a "Thai-like" experience. It is particularly well-suited for families seeking spacious accommodations and a variety of amenities, as well as couples looking for a relaxing getaway with beautiful scenery. Guests frequently commend the hotel's spacious rooms, excellent food, and its prime location near key attractions, making it ideal for sightseers and those who prefer walking to explore. While many appreciate the generally attentive staff, some experiences with service have been mixed. To enhance your visit, consider requesting a recently renovated room to ensure the most modern comforts, and be prepared for potential delays during the check-in process, especially during peak times, which can sometimes extend for hours.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts an impressive array of facilities, with the large swimming pool being a central highlight, often praised for its cleanliness and pleasant atmosphere, though some note it can get crowded with personal music playing. While the pool is generally enjoyed, some guests were disappointed that the pool was not heated during colder months, despite expectations. Direct sea access from the pool area is a significant draw, allowing guests to easily enjoy the Red Sea. The fitness center receives mixed reviews, with many guests finding it small, poorly equipped, and requiring an additional fee for use. Wi-Fi connectivity is a common point of frustration, with many reporting it to be unreliable and insufficient for tasks like video calls. Some guests also expressed dissatisfaction with the mandatory wristbands required for hotel access, finding them uncomfortable and an unexpected imposition.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be exceptionally spacious, often described as suites, providing ample living area. Many reviews highlight the cleanliness of the rooms, though some guests reported issues with dust, dirty carpets, or mold in older sections. The hotel has undergone renovations, and guests strongly recommend securing a renovated room as the older sections are described as outdated, with worn furniture and occasional technical problems like broken refrigerators, non-functional lighting, or issues with air conditioning and hair dryers. While some found the beds comfortable, others noted them as less so. Noise levels are a recurring concern, with reports of poor sound insulation leading to disturbances from neighboring rooms, loud pool music, or even construction noise within the hotel, impacting overall tranquility.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience, particularly the breakfast, receives widespread acclaim for its impressive variety and abundance of options, catering to diverse tastes with fresh salads, cheeses, and hot dishes. Many guests describe the food as delicious and of high quality, making it a significant highlight of their stay. However, some feedback on dinner has been mixed, with a few guests reporting issues such as rotten fruit or a less appealing selection compared to breakfast. The restaurant atmosphere is generally positive, though it can become very crowded, especially during peak hours, necessitating early arrival to avoid queues. Overall, the culinary offerings are a strong point, contributing positively to the guest experience, despite occasional inconsistencies with dinner service or specific food items.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently praised, offering convenient proximity to the mall, the promenade, and various restaurants and attractions, allowing guests to explore the city easily on foot without needing public transportation. This prime position is a major advantage for tourists and those seeking entertainment. However, parking is a significant and frequently mentioned challenge. The hotel has limited on-site parking, which is often not guaranteed and comes with a daily fee. Many guests reported having to use paid off-site parking or receiving tickets, particularly on weekends, leading to frustration and unexpected costs. Some even noted a lack of clear communication regarding parking policies upon arrival. Despite the parking difficulties, the hotel's excellent accessibility to the main tourist areas remains a strong positive for most visitors.

Staff & Service
Feedback on staff and service is notably mixed. Many guests commend the friendly staff, highlighting their helpfulness, attentiveness, and willingness to assist with requests, often going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. Specific positive mentions include quick check-in experiences and responsive maintenance teams. However, a significant number of reviews describe negative interactions, citing unprofessional or disrespectful attitudes from some staff members, particularly at the reception and bar. Guests reported long check-in delays, instances of being double-charged, and a perceived lack of apology or accountability for errors. Some also noted issues with housekeeping not cleaning rooms daily or replacing towels, despite requests, and a general impression of indifference from certain employees.

Additional Information
Several important details emerged from guest reviews that do not fit into other categories. The hotel has a policy of requiring guests to wear wristbands at all times, which some found inconvenient and aesthetically unpleasing, especially for activities like diving. Access to the gym and spa facilities often incurs an additional charge, which surprised some guests who expected these to be included. There were recurring complaints about room cleaning services, with some guests reporting that their rooms were not cleaned for the duration of their stay unless specifically and repeatedly requested, leading to issues with towel replacement and trash removal. Furthermore, some guests experienced unexpected issues like a lack of hot water for extended periods, which was not communicated in advance.