Al Hail North Holidays

A little over priced but friendly people

We stayed one night, in the basic tents with put up beds (but they were comfy and clean with warm blankets). Toilet block was nearby and clean. To reach the tents felt like going through an airplane, past the first class accommodation, past business class accommodation to the economy! That said there was therefore less light pollution and the view of the night sky was fantastic. The buffet was good quality and the dining area had a lovely atmosphere with choice of table and chairs or a more traditional Arabian style seating on cushions and low tables. Running up and down the dunes was fun and the sunset view wonderful. Be warned though were were not alone at the top of the dunes - there are lots of tour groups doing the same thing. The do have camels you can ride for 5 or 10 minutes, expensive and a bit cheesy but an experience unlikely to be repeated!

The main attraction is of course the turtle viewing tours. Despite some reviews indicating these were insensitive, poorly run etc, our experience of these was very good. The evening tour was a group of 20, but we felt the guide managed it very well, taking care to interfere as little as possible in the amazing spectacle, often using sub-groups etc. The morning tour was quieter but definitely do both. Hotel itself is fine - nothing special, but does the job well enough. It looks somewhat dated to be honest, but the rooms were clean and bed comfy, which is all you need here really. We found the evening food to be decent and very good value. Breakfast was not so great. We visited in September on a weekday - so I can't speak for what it is like in other times / on weekends when it may be busier.