IBEROTEL IL MERCATO HOTEL REVIEW

As the pick-up coach meandered from the airport slowly making its way towards the centre of IL Mercato Promenade, it was then I first clapped eyes on Iberotel IL Mercato Hotel. Although it was near midnight, there was no mistaken this newly built property’s grandeur and elegance. I knew instantly from my first sighting that I had chosen wisely to spend the next fortnight from the 25 October to 8 November 2010 here.

The Iberotel IL Mercato had only been opened since October 2010. Although a contemporary building, the features, decor and design were clearly inspired by classical Roman and Venetian architecture. You could not but be impressed as guests as you made your way for the first time into the lobby, an area that reminded one of the Renaissance periods in Florence.

The check-in at reception was efficient, courteous and quick. I was in my superior room with a balcony looking out towards the front of the hotel in less than 10 minutes from the time I entered the property.

The room was spacious and stylishly furnished. The queen size bed and pillows were comfortable. There was enough satellite television programmes in English on the large flat screen TV to keep you amused if you wanted just to chill-out in your room. The air-conditioning worked without any hiccups, which was a godsend especially in the Egyptian afternoon heat.

There was a mini-bar (in a form of a fridge) but unlike the In-room safe, this was not free and quite expensive. I did mention to hotel management that I felt that the mini-bar should be part of the all-inclusive package but to no avail.

The shower/tub bathroom was well appointed with quality toiletries provided by the hotel. During my stay there was the issue of the water in the bathroom being slightly discoloured. The brownish-yellow water that gushed from the taps I was told was due to hotel plumbing not being flushed out properly. I was reassured that the situation was being rectified. The water discolouration was still an issue when I departed.

There were two restaurant/food options in the hotel. You had the Giardino, on the lower ground floor, which serves buffet style breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Terrazzina bar located on the hotel’s roof top served up late breakfast, a range of snacks and afternoon tea. The food in general was exemplary. There was much variety, catering for wide range of culinary palettes. I never got bored with the menu once. The only criticism, which came from many guests, was occasionally the cuisine was luke-warm to cold and needed to be re-heated. I understand the management was looking into this problem. Mr Aldo the hotel manager told me that at least one if not two a la carte restaurants are in the process of being built along the promenade accompanied by a sports bar all for the benefit of guests.

Similarly, there is no health spa at present but its being constructed, to be finished by the end of March. There was laughably what they described as a fitness centre, but in reality there was not enough room to swing the proverbial cat unless the feline had a helmet, body armour and a good constitution. However, again I had been reliably informed that the fitness room would be expanded and renovated by March or April of this year.

The three swimming pools (a fourth was also being assembled), two on the rooftop and one on the lower ground floor were luxurious and gave guests a marvellous choice. The pool on the lower ground floor was near Olympic size. All three are heated in the winter.

For young people there was very little entertainment and I would not recommend this property for families with kids. Essentially, the focus of the hotel is directed towards adults and attracting business people for conferences and seminars. Similarly, if you are searching for a conventional beach resort hotel I would not chose this one. There is an overabundance of other properties within Sharm El Sheikh that would provide for your needs far better. In essence this is a city hotel wanting to attract Company Executives who are on business within the region. However, saying that if you adore luxury, splendour, finery and you don’t mind not having a beach on your doorstop (like myself) you will not go far wrong with this hotel.

The IL Mercato do run a free shuttle bus service to a beach, but it’s not particularly private, it’s overcrowded and not to a standard of what you expect from 5 star hotel property. I understand that a new beach area is being sought just for the use of IL Mercato guests. That would be a positive step in the right direction.

The evening entertainment on the initial nights of my arrival was at best poor and at times embarrassing. It was a bloke – who seemed to be totally disinterested – singing very poor karaoke. You needed to consume several gin and tonics just to endure the noise. Thankfully, it did improve over time with far better singers and theme nights (i.e. Arabian dancers – very entertaining).

I would like to give a massive thanks to the hotel’s animation team under the sublime leadership of Jack. The team did their utmost to get guests involved in various activities throughout the day and equally significantly not hassle anyone who did not want to participate.

Along with the animation team the rest of the employees were excellent from the cleaners, security personnel, bar staff to the head of the hotel Mr Aldo. I could not fault any of them. I was treated like royalty and in many ways you expect that from a hotel of this standing. Speaking to other guest the view of their treatment did not differ from what I experienced.

Outside the property the IL Mercato Promenade like the hotel itself is not yet completed, but again like the hotel it has vast bags of potential and will offer an excellent and varied selection of cafes and restaurants when all constructed. I spent many an evening sitting in one of several street cafes watching sport on large screen TVs whilst smoking a Shisha (water pipe). Apart from the entertainment at the hotel and along the promenade, if you prefer going further afield, Naam Bay is no more than 10 minutes taxi drive away where you could dance from dusk till dawn at the many night clubs. My favourite amongst them was the Hard Rock Café closely followed by Pacha. It’s worth a visit if that’s your scene.

In conclusion, the harsh truth is that this is not at present a top-notch 5 star property. Much construction still needs to be undertaken to get to this goal. But undeniably, under the shrewd and excellent stewardship of the hotel manager Mr Aldo, I have no doubt that this will be only a matter of time and when it does I believe it will rank alongside the very top hotels in Sharm El Sheik.

The hotel management has informed me that March/April will complete most if not all the works planned. I like this hotel so much that I intend to go back and review this property around this period to see if my prediction of it rivalling with the Four Seasons and the Royal Savoy hotels is realised.

I would highly recommend booking this hotel now to anyone who prefers lavishness, sumptuousness and opulence at a bargain rate. Be in no doubt that as soon as this magnificent hotel is fully functional and the teething problems solved, the prices are going to skyrocket to the stars and beyond.

The Egypt Diaries - Monday 8th November 2010

Last day - decided not to do any exercise. Said goodbye to the animation team. Unfortunately, today was for most their day-off. I had a temporary tattoo done by the swimming pool and poised for pictures with 2 of the female animation team. I then took pictures of the hotel inside and out.

I bid farewell to Mr Aldo and for the last time said how much I enjoyed my stay at the Il Mercato.

Had a robust conversation with Natalya about various aspects of the property. We eventually came to the conclusion to agree to disagree about areas of the hotel which could be improved upon but which she clearly did not think needed to be. Of the many subjects discussed the two which drew most heat was first bringing food into the hotel and second 24 hour all inclusivity (I felt that the mini-bar in the room should be free). I said that my review would be constructive and very positive about Il Mercato. She and I left on good terms.

Dreading the flight back and what awaits me. I know that I have been broken into by my toerag of a neighbour that I have mentioned in my previous diaries. I need to brace myself and expect the worse.

The Thomson plane home was not particularly comfortable. It was akin to me riding my obstinate camel in the dessert. I sometimes feel that Thomson should get rid of the seats and install hand rails and be done with it.

I had no need to worry my flat was in the same condition as I left it 2 weeks ago. All that stress was for nothing and it did put a cloud over my holiday. My most sincere apologies to my neighbour he's not a bad guy after all - he helped me up the 3 flight of stairs with my heavy suitcase on my return - Top Bloke!

The Egypt Diaries - Sunday 7th November 2010

Sweated like a stuff pig whilst running or more to the point jogging very slowly around my preferred route. When I get home its powered soup and fruit until I am 10 stone something.

No exaggeration but during a 24 hour period at least a dozen staff ask how I am doing and am I enjoying the hotel and its facilities. My stock answer is always the same: 'great', 'wonderful', 'brilliant'. I have this nefarious thought that if I stray away from my scripted answer I may form part of the extensive building work - buried underneath the 4th swimming pool.

Tarek my tour guide visited me at the hotel to apologise for the conduct of the person I moaned about on the Cairo trip. He convinced me like a seasoned snake oil salesman that the price I paid was VFM. On reflection I had to admit it was, and apart from the behaviour of a member of staff and some ill-mannered passengers it was indeed a memorable visit. I must confess also that I for my sins purchased a bottle of musk whilst at the perfume shop - I was guaranteed that it would pull the ladiezz! - hasn't worked.

After returning from the Internet cafe and bank I had a siesta which was ably assisted by a brace of my favourite holiday tipple of whiskey and 7-up.

I watched in admiration Diana playing before dinner. I was equally impressed after my meal by the Arabian dancers which the hotel hired for the evening. Undeniably, that from the beginning of my vacation till the last night of my stay, the hotel entertainment has immeasurably improved.

Went to the Bus Stop bar and played pool. The costs of entering Pacha was for me prohibitive. Thus headed to the Hard Rock. To my pleasant astonishment Tom and his friend were there. Surprisingly, both were good dancers (or at least enthusiastic). I joined them and all 3 of us were there until the lights went up at 4.00am. The last song of the night was Gangster Paradise by Coolio which we danced and sang to with great gusto. We promised that we would meet up in London to continue our foray into the world of disco. I mentioned Tiger Tiger they looked at me in disgust - we're not going there that's for certain.