Cannot understand why this is not in the top 5.
Anybody who complains about this hotel, must have a weird sense of what to expect from a 'proper 5 star'. We had private transfers to the hotel, accompanied by a guide, upon arrival we were seated in the lobby, given cool towels and a welcome cocktail, our check in was taken care of for us, and our room prepared whilst we enjoyed our cocktails.
In room everything was spotless, our very own housekeeper, kept it perfect for us all week, top class service, regardless of what we requested. The room was perfectly located, there was no noice and we were never disturbed.
All amenities are clearly explained and it is made quite clear what times the restaurants close, so don't turn up for breakfast at 10.15 when it closes at 10.30!.
During the week, at any one of the very nice, spacious and well presented restaurants, we were looked after extremely well and our every whim was attended to.
No tables were close to each other, around the pool and especially the beach, you were not crammed in, had loads of room and again personal service (always with a smile and always on first name terms).

The spa is lovely, we only had the buffett dinner twice, but on both occasions it had a different theme, and was very well done and very varied with some local delicacies (if you want chicken and chips, this is not the buffett for you).

The wine is expensive unless you have local, but this is true of any bar or hotel in Sharm. This is a hotel with choice, space and a little exclusivity, if you want Karoke or disco's or cheap all inclusive this will not be the hotel for you.

We were offered late check out of our room, and (as requested) were given an updated inroom bill every day.

The hotel offers limos for all guests which are cheaper than the taxis, very clean and will always pick you up from your destination and return you to your hotel, at any time.

Having stayed in many 5 star hotels around the world and travelled (on occasion) first class, I can with all honesty say, we had a lovely stay at the Ritz, and the service was impeccable. NO its not the four seasons (but then it didn't cost as much), but it is also not a run of the mill 5 star all inclusive, and therefore is not packed, overrun, noisy or impersonal.

I'm not usually one to write reviews, I tend to go on a holiday and as soon as I'm back I begin to plan my next trip away, however, in light of the negative comments I feel I should share my experiences.

I went to Sharm in June '08 with my Dad. He is 50 and I'm 22. This age gap can sometimes pose problems of what to do, as we both have different 'wants' whilst away. We do also share some common ground, we're both very active, social and up for most thing.
For my Dad this was the 1st time he has been to a county like this, let alone a hotel of this status. I've been fortunate enough to stay at the Ritz in London, as well as Clarages. These are both very much 5 star hotels which is reflected by the cost!!! I actually preferred the Ritz in Sharm to the 2 in London.

Upon arrival we were greeted with cold towels and a drink. The manager then came over and upgraded us to a beach room, at no extra cost! Great start we thought!! From here the service stayed at a consistently high level. The staff in the Reef were extremely friendly (provided you actually talk to them and have a laugh/bit of banter) as were the Room Cleaners. We talked to them each time we saw them and thanked them for doing such a great job. They started giving us extra bottles of water each day.

The grounds are fantastic. It’s a was (hot) pleasure to walk around the buildings, getting from A to B. The cliff / beachy area was great too. It had a bit of character, with naturally worn alcoves and bays. Naturally, being a bay, this did sometimes accumulate a few water bottles. These were not from the hotel, but the dive boats that chugged their way passed on a regular basis. Thanks to the staff, rubbish was never there for long.
The Reef is brilliant. We went on a trip to Ras Mohammed and whilst this was nice, we personally thought the Reef was better at the hotel. There are some amazing colours and fish. We saw sea turtles, Whale Sharks………

Regarding the comment about bug spraying - yes they do this twice a day. It is very advertised that this takes place at sunrise and sunset each day. It's noted on the daily leaflet left in the room by the cleaners. Because of this, there are next to zero bugs around. I didn’t find this to be an inconvenience. Before going on holiday I read loads of posts stating the need to take DEET and the like, I did, but never used it. I got bitten 2 times in Namma Bay.

Overall, we had a fantastic time and are strongly considering going back there next year!

Sharm el Sheik might be great place for diving but our experience , unfortunately , was a very different one with regards to our hotel - we travelled with Thomas Cook- but were told on arrival that actually they have take out the Hotel of their programme (mmmmh- ?)

If you stay in the Ritz Carlton, you would think, it might be good ( a so called 5 *Hotel) and you have the amenities of
a relaxing and joyful holiday - we experienced rather a nightmare.

We do know other Ritz Carlton Hotels in Europe and the U.S. and is has not the slightest thing to do with this Hotel. We arrived on a Thursday evening very late and had already the mass- processing at the airport behind us , so all we we very looking for was a small relief from all that, but we did not even receive a warm welcome. We were treated rather lethargic. (photo copie of a map from the hotel plan -that"s all) We had booked half-board which means you can "eat" in the buffet room, but everything in one of the other Restaurants is with extra charge (horrendous prices) Our room was far away from the main pool area and the asphalt way up was loaded with like 50 degree or more during the day and our room was just next to the clarification plant (?) of the hotel . It was rather loud and extremely fetidness every day (esp.with the hot temperatures )
Just behind this Hotel complex you will hear a huge Aquapark with loud entertainment until midnight.
For the cheaper rooms we guessed ....


The room itself was o.k. but the bathroom was rather a 3* standard. The air conditioning was working perfectly well and that's as far as it goes.

We tried the regular restaurant (buffet) the first evening. It was around 9.30 H and not many guests were around and the buffet choice was minimized to what is needed.
Do not expect anything special , one guests whispered to us.Every evening you will have almost the same choice.
We asked for a beer and got a Can (style !) The chairs and the table cloth were very filthy . The good part for some people is, that you can show up even in beach wear and sandalled -nobody would care -no dress code it appears......

The pool area was rather ok. We staff was friendly . You can hardly swim in the pool and you can certainly not refresh as the water is very warm and the pool deepness is around 1.20 M ish
The garden is area is very nice .The beach is small and steep .

The breakfast is served in the buffet room as well. Around 10.15H we were told we should hurry up if we would like to have something more from the buffet as its gonna be closed soon.
We tried the second evening the Lebanese restaurant with a menu, it was pretty good but the wine carte another rip off , even for average wines.

We did not visit the SPA area, which was also a problem to enter during our stay . The Hotel decided to start to scarify the surface of the SPA entrance floor at 11 H in the evening, while belly dancing and local music was presented on the upper level. In the entrance hall /bar- some music entertainment at the same time ,a TV-flat screen outside on the balcony gave an extra annoying sound level just to complete another great and romantic evening. If a holiday brochure tells you , that at the end of June the temperature is around 35 degree... be careful . Rather expect 40/43 and it is not cooling much down during the night but that is not at all criticism.

After 4 days (we had booked and paid for 7 days-did not ask for anything-bothered ) we decided -whatever it costs to leave this place . We did find a flight to Cairo, which was a great decision.
"If you do wish to use our internet and print your tickets you will need to pay 25 $ for half an hour or so minimum rate ."- Yeah whatever ....... why not .

And so we asked for the bill after our very last and lovely buffet dining . (not much of a change from the first evening- as promised from the other guest)

We asked for the bill and were told first, that the bill can only be made in the morning cause they would need to check the Mini bar . We told them we had ONE Beer today and nothing will be taken out until tomorrow morning, so they could charge that beer right away on the bill. After half an hour we got the bill. Noone asked WHY we would leave 3 Days before our scheduled departure. For some reason the Beer was not charged, and we thought the russian receptionist must have thought- ok lets forget about this bagatelle - Wrong ! So at 5.45 H the wake up call (no extra charges here) and AT 5.48 !! the man from the room service knocked at our door to CHECK THE MINI BAR and to told us to go back to the reception to pay there.

It was one of the most pathetic places we have ever seen in our whole life .

I came back from the Ritz Carl;ton Sharm El-Sheikh yesterday. Unlike some other reviews I cannot fault the place. The staff were extremely polite and helpful. I have a problem walking and managed to get a buggy/golf cart to take me wherever I needed to go.
I stayed in a standard room, which is large with all the ameneties you might need. nice terrace and garden.. large bathroom with seperate shower and toilet.

The pool area is very spacious and quiet, there is a good variety of food for breakfast and the buffet in the evening is quite good. I would definately return.