Shams Prestige Abu Soma Resort - All Inclusive

Shams Prestige Safaga is marketed as a five-star resort, but in practice delivers a high three-star experience, elevated mainly by its people and a few genuine perks. ⸻ The good (and there is plenty of it) The staff are unquestionably the hotel’s greatest asset. • Our room attendant was exceptional — very switched on, kept the room immaculate even after a major sandstorm, and added a towel animal (a surprisingly convincing cobra). • The restaurant managers and chefs, particularly Executive Chef Hassan and Chef Ahmed, were proactive and accommodating with gluten-free requirements. • A major positive is that Prestige guests can also dine at the neighbouring Shams Imperial property, which adds much-needed variety. • During a severe sandstorm (35-knot winds, near white-out conditions), staff worked continuously clearing sand from all guest areas, including the pool. Their response was impressive. Also worth noting: No almond milk for cappuccinos — but the cookies were genuinely to die for, which helped. ⸻ The challenges • Coffee: Despite a barista setup, the only decaffeinated option was instant decaf, which felt underwhelming for a resort at this price point. • Mocktails: Ordering a mojito without alcohol proved unexpectedly difficult. There was no sugar syrup available, and passionfruit kept being added instead — repeatedly — regardless of the request. • Wi-Fi: Unreliable, particularly in the restaurant and bar areas. Guests were advised to repeatedly request new passwords, which did not resolve the issue. • In-room entertainment: Streaming anything beyond Netflix (e.g. BBC World News) was frustrating, with drop-outs every 20–25 seconds. • Showers (newly renovated beach rooms): • Indoor shower temperature fluctuated every 30–40 seconds, alternating between very hot and lukewarm. • The outdoor spa mixer tap initially produced only lukewarm water and required repair. • Bathroom design: The external “one-way mirror” bathroom door, even with an internal blind, still allows visibility into the shower from outside if the blind is not drawn — something guests should be aware of. ⸻ The spa experience (unfortunately, very poor) The complimentary 20-minute weekly spa treatment was, frankly, the weakest part of the stay. • There was no privacy provided for undressing, with therapists remaining present. • No shower was offered, nor was excess oil removed after the massage — despite the amount applied being sufficient to completely soak clothing. • The therapists chatted continuously, which detracted significantly from any sense of relaxation. • When we eventually requested a shower (with some resistance), the facilities were disappointing: • Dirty shower floor • No shower gel container • A used paper towel crumpled under the massage table, visible whenever eyes were open • The therapists appeared not to understand that leaving so much oil on the skin would make it impossible to dress comfortably afterward. • Adding to the lack of privacy, there was a window in the door from the hallway into the massage room, which further diminished the feeling of a private, relaxing treatment. This experience fell well below what would be expected even of a basic spa, let alone one associated with a resort positioning itself as five-star. ⸻ Overall Most issues at Shams Prestige are fixable infrastructure or service-process problems, not a lack of goodwill. The staff — particularly housekeeping and food service — are genuinely excellent and do much of the heavy lifting for the guest experience. However, the spa operation in particular requires urgent attention, both in terms of hygiene and basic professional standards. Would I return? Possibly — if key operational issues are addressed. The people already make this place far better than it would otherwise be.