Luxury Marsa Matruh Escape: El Obayed Apartments - Armed Forces Views!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into a review of Luxury Marsa Matruh Escape: El Obayed Apartments - Armed Forces Views! Yeah, that mouthful. I'm here to be brutally honest, and I'm not afraid to spill the tea (or the lukewarm Arabic coffee, more on that later). Let's get messy, shall we? Think of this as your insider's guide – with ALL the imperfections.
First Impressions & Arrival (and Man, was it a Trip!)
Okay, "Luxury Marsa Matruh Escape" sounds fancy, right? Picture this: you've been dreaming of turquoise water, pristine beaches, and maybe, just maybe, some actual peace. Marsa Matruh itself is gorgeous. Truly stunning. The El Obayed Apartments? Well… the "Armed Forces Views" are a thing. You can see the sea AND the… uh… military installations. Not the most romantic, but hey, security, right?
Accessibility:
Now, I'm not an accessibility expert, but I scoped things out. The elevator (praise Allah!) was a lifesaver for my tired bones. Facilities for disabled guests were mentioned, which is a huge plus. I'm guessing the team really cares.
The Room - My Own Little Fortress (Except for the Internet…)
Alright, let's talk room. I had a high floor (yay!), a soundproof room, and a window that opens! (Essential for that fresh sea breeze). Seriously, the blackout curtains were amazing – I slept like the dead. They claim non-smoking rooms, but I swear I caught a whiff of something… questionable once or twice. Maybe the neighbor was a rebel. Air conditioning? Check. That was a godsend after braving the heat. The free Wi-Fi? Well… (insert exasperated sigh). Wi-Fi [free] available in all rooms!, Internet access – wireless… Internet access – LAN… sounds promising right? The internet was… patchy. Like, really patchy. Enough to check emails, but forget streaming a movie. Bring a good book, people!
The Good Stuff - Pampering and Pools (and a Moment of Bliss)
The swimming pool [outdoor] was gorgeous! Especially at sunset. There's a pool with a view too, which is always a winner. I saw a few people using the fitness center – more power to them! I was mostly lounging by the pool. The Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom are available, but I heard the massage was worth it. I didn't try a Body scrub or Body wrap, too much work!
The Food - A Culinary Adventure (with some hiccups)
Ah, the food. Restaurants. Coffee shop. The Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], and A la carte in restaurant options seemed endless. I went for the buffet, which was… varied. The coffee/tea in restaurant was weak- the coffee/tea maker in my room was better for a few essential shots of caffeine. However, the desserts in restaurant were a highlight – the pastries were divine. I didn't see a Vegetarian restaurant, but there were Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant options, good for a quick bite. The Room service [24-hour] was convenient, but orders sometimes took a while. (Pro Tip: Order extra water, and the Bottle of water will be welcome!) Food delivery? Nah, too complicated.
Cleanliness and Safety - Serious Points!
I'm a clean freak, so this was essential. I was impressed by the hygiene protocols. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. Everything felt clean, and I felt safe. They really took this seriously, which is a HUGE plus.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter
The concierge was helpful. The luggage storage was a lifesaver when I arrived early. Cash withdrawal was available. Currency exchange too (essential!). Daily housekeeping was on point. Extra towels? No problem. The elevator saved my life! They have a lot of services & conveniences, but the Wi-Fi for special events didn't work for me - that's just my experience.
Things to Do - Beyond the Beach (if you can tear yourself away)
Things to do: Okay, this is where Marsa Matruh really shines. Beaches! Beaches! Beaches! Beyond that, the apartment complex hosted a few special events at an Outdoor venue for special events and an Indoor venue for special events.
The Quirks (and the Almost-Disaster)
- The door to my room was… temperamental. I had to jiggle the handle a few times.
- One morning, the hot water decided to take a vacation. This was not ideal. However, the team fixed it right away after I had the chance to alert the Doctor/nurse on call.
The Upsides:
- The location is fantastic. You're close to everything Marsa Matruh has to offer.
- The views are stunning from some apartments.
- The staff is friendly and helpful.
- Cleanliness is a top priority.
The Downsides:
- The internet can be a pain.
- Not all aspects of the apartment complex are perfect.
Here's the Deal - My Opinion (and why you should still book)
Look, Luxury Marsa Matruh Escape isn't perfect. The Wi-Fi can be a beast. There might be a slight hiccup or two along the way. BUT. The location is incredible, the staff is lovely, the cleanliness is top-notch, and those ocean views… chef's kiss.
My Recommendation - Make it Yours!
So, here's the deal. You're looking for a gorgeous beach getaway and value safety and cleanliness? You're prepared to unplug from the world a little bit (or be very patient with the internet)? Then book this place.
Special Offer for You, My Fellow Traveler, From the Armed Forces Views!
Book a stay of 3 nights or more at Luxury Marsa Matruh Escape: El Obayed Apartments - Armed Forces Views! and get:
- A complimentary bottle of local wine upon arrival -- We need the good things!
- Guaranteed early check-in (subject to availability, but we'll do our best!)
- 20% off your first massage at the spa --- Let's chill
- Free Wi-Fi (Haha, just kidding, you get what you get with the internet).
Don't wait! Those beach vibes are calling your name. Book your Marsa Matruh escape today!
(P.S. Pack a good book. Trust me.)
Middelkerke Gem: Bright Center Apartment - Book Now!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly polished itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the glorious, messy, sun-baked adventure of El Obayed Apartments in Marsa Matruh, Egypt. This ain't gonna be pretty. I promise.
The Great Marsa Matruh Odyssey: A Confessionary Itinerary (aka, how I almost lost my mind in paradise)
Pre-Trip Shenanigans (the stuff nobody tells you)
- Weeks Before: Okay, so I’m a terrible planner. I’m more of a “whirlwind of impulse” kind of traveler. Booked the flights and the… ahem… accommodation. El Obayed Apartments Armed Forces. Sounds official! Sounds safe! Sounds… like it might involve a lot of beige. Panic set in approximately 2 days after hitting "Confirm." Started frantically googling "Marsa Matruh tourist traps NOT to fall into" and "Arabic phrases for 'I need a strong coffee' and 'This camel tried to eat my backpack.'"
- Days Before: Packing. The eternal struggle. I overpacked, naturally. Swimsuits for every occasion (including a sparkly one I’ll never wear), six books I won't finish, and enough sunscreen to single-handedly lubricate a small desert. Also, the Egyptian currency situation. Lord have mercy. My exchange rate calculations were a disaster.
Day 1: Arrival & Reality Check (or, “The Beige Apocalypse”)
- Morning (approx. 3 AM – the most glamorous time of day): Flight. Endless airport lines. The existential dread of knowing you're hurtling through the air like a metallic sardine. Finally, terra firma. The heat hits you like a brick wall. Customs wasn't as scary as I anticipated, though my attempts at Arabic were met with polite amusement.
- Mid-Morning: Arrival at El Obayed. Okay, here we go. The beige is… pervasive. Let's just say the architectural choices lean heavily into "function over form." The apartment itself was… adequate. Clean, mostly. The balcony overlooked… a parking lot. Okay, breathe. Sun, sea, adventure, right? That’s what I’m here for!
- Afternoon: Found a local market (eventually, after getting hopelessly lost). The sensory overload was fantastic. The vibrant colours of the produce, the haggling (which I was terrible at, but hey, at least I tried), the smell of spices… heaven! Bought some dates the size of my thumb. Ate half of them. Immediately.
- Evening: First dip in the Mediterranean. The water was crystal clear, unbelievably warm. Bliss. Almost forgot about the parking lot. Almost. Dinner at a local restaurant. The food? Amazing. The waiter? Definitely hit on me. In Arabic, of course. I understood about 20% of it, but mostly it was smiles and pointing at the seafood. I think I got the gist.
Day 2: Beach Bums & Bargaining Blues
- Morning: Obsessed with the beach. Found a beach that was close! The sand was gloriously white, the water was… turquoise perfection. Spent hours just staring at it. Meditated. (Or tried to, until a ridiculously tiny dog started barking at my toes).
- Afternoon: Attempted to buy a souvenir. An ornate box. Cue the haggling. I felt like a complete idiot. Got fleeced, undoubtedly. But the box is pretty. And the experience? Priceless? (Probably not, considering the inflated price).
- Evening: Dinner with a view! Found a small rooftop restaurant; grilled fish, wind in my hair, views of the twinkling city lights, and the cool air. Drank a lot of mint tea. A perfect night.
Day 3: The Desert Dream & The Dune Debacle
- Morning: The desert beckoned! We hired a car for a day trip. Driving in Egypt is… an experience. Let’s just leave it at that. But the desert! The sheer vastness of it. The silence. The colours… It was breathtaking. I felt this overwhelming sense of freedom.
- Afternoon: Dune bashing! (I think that's what it’s called). Basically, a very skilled driver takes you on a rollercoaster ride across the sand dunes. I screamed. A lot. I laughed (after the screaming subsided). Incredible. (Also, my sunglasses almost flew off my face).
- Evening: Back at the apartment, exhausted but exhilarated. Couldn't stop talking about the desert. Ordered pizza. Fell asleep mid-slice.
Day 4: Snorkeling & Sandwiches (and a Serious Meltdown)
- Morning: Snorkeling! The underwater world was a kaleidoscope of colours. Fish like living jewels. Coral gardens. Got a little too close to a jellyfish (EEK!). Okay, mild panic attack, but mostly recovered.
- Afternoon: Sandwich picnic at the beach, made a mess. The wind was not cooperating. Got sand everywhere. In my sandwich, in my hair, in my… well, you get the idea. Minor meltdown.
- Evening: Trying to get dinner, the power went out in the entire city! (I think?). Tried to have a romantic candlelit dinner on the balcony, but the candles kept blowing out. Ate instant noodles in the dark. Feeling grumpy.
Day 5: The Mosque & The Market (Round Two)
- Morning: Visited a local mosque. It was beautiful. The intricate design, the feeling of peace… A reminder of a different part of the culture. Learned about the history. I felt deeply moved.
- Afternoon: Back to the market! This time, armed with a slightly better haggling technique (still not great, but better). Bought a scarf. And some more dates (because, dates).
- Evening: A final dinner at one of the many beachside restaurants. Seafood, again. Decided to order something ridiculously spicy. Regret.
Day 6: The Departure Debrief (and a Few Regrets)
- Morning: Packing. Again. The eternal struggle. This time, I somehow managed to pack even MORE stuff than before. Said goodbye to the balcony parking lot.
- Afternoon: Airport. The long queues. The paperwork. The memories… Mostly good ones. Okay, yes, there were the minor meltdowns and the near-jellyfish incident. But the beauty, the adventure, the food, the desert… It was worth it.
- Evening: Departure. This time with a suitcase much fuller.
Post-Trip Epilogue (the honest truth)
- The Verdict: Marsa Matruh? It’s not perfect. Doesn't have Michelin-starred restaurants, and the accommodation is… well, let’s call it “authentic.” But it's real. It’s raw. It's beautiful. And it's given me a story I'll be telling for years. Would I go back? Absolutely. (Although, I’m definitely investing in anti-sand-everywhere technology first).
- Regrets: Not learning more Arabic. Not being braver with the street food. Not fully embracing the chaos.
- Lessons learned: Travel is messy and uncomfortable sometimes, but it's also when the best moments happen. And always, ALWAYS pack extra sunscreen.
Luxury Marsa Matruh Escape: El Obayed Apartments - Armed Forces Views! (Uh... Yeah) - FAQs, Basically A Rambling Therapy Session
So, like, *what* exactly *is* this place? El Obayed Apartments, I mean? Is it actually luxurious? Because "Armed Forces Views" sounds... intense.
Alright, picture this: you're in Marsa Matruh, the *actual* Mediterranean, not some knock-off version. And you're aiming for *supposedly* luxurious. El Obayed (sound it out, I still stumble) is a collection of apartments, supposedly high-end, overlooking the beach near El Obayed. The "Armed Forces Views"...yeah, that's not exaggerating. You'll see the barracks. Seriously, the *barracks*. And sometimes, depending on your chosen vantage point within the apartment itself, you'll see a whole lotta army trucks. Luxurious? Hmm. It depends on how you define luxury and how attached you are to the idea of utter serene tranquility. Let's just say the serenity is... *tempered*.
Look, I’m going to be brutally honest, the luxurious tag felt a bit optimistic, let’s just keep it real. The balcony was amazing, the views... less so, but the beach was incredible.
The "Armed Forces Views" thing... is that a *problem*? Should I be worried about, like, tanks rolling through my margarita hour?
Okay, deep breaths. No tanks. Probably. Look, it's not a constant barrage of explosions or anything. Mostly, it's just a visual reminder. Of... things. National security? Egyptian hospitality? You will make you own assumptions. You see soldiers doing their thing, driving around, occasionally marching. You'll likely hear some drills (or, you know, maybe a *lot* of drills) and the odd vehicle rumble. It's more... a statement. A statement that you are definitely in a place where the military is a thing. Whether it's a problem? Depends on *you*. I personally found it... fascinating. Like, I'd be enjoying my coffee looking at the sea, and then BAM! A tank. Instant conversation starter, honestly. "Honey, look! A tank! Isn't that *interesting*?" She didn't think so. But hey, she *did* give me that "look". So there is that.
One time, I swear, I saw a guy polishing his…um…well, let's just say it was a weapon. I’m pretty sure he saw me. awkward…and let's just say I didn't open the curtains for the rest of the day.
Okay, let's talk about the *actual* apartment. What's it like *inside*? Clean? Modern? Did it have a working coffee maker?! Because that's life or death, people.
Inside... well, again, "luxury" is a sliding scale. It was... *functional*. Clean-ish. It depended on which apartment you get. Some were newer and looked like the photos. Others... not so much. Coffee maker? *Pray*. I'd recommend bringing your own travel French press or, you know, a full-blown espresso machine, because seriously, the early morning caffeine withdrawal is *real*. The kitchen was... equipped. Enough to get by. Pots, pans, plates... all the essentials. But don't expect Michelin-star quality utensils. Think more "student flat" than "bougie chef's dream".
My first apartment, there was a cockroach. I panicked and immediately sent a photo to the friend - she found it hilarious but didn't help me. The second apartment's air conditioning gave out on day 2... but they fixed it! Sort of. It was more like a gentle breeze, but hey, at least it wasn't the Sahara desert inside. Perspective, right?!
The beach! Tell me about the *beach*! Because that's what I'm really here for, right? Turquoise waters, white sand, cocktails...
YES. FINALLY. The beach. Okay, the beach is *spectacular*. Seriously. The water? That turquoise you dream about. The sand? Fine, white, and glorious. The cocktails? You can definitely get them. The beach is the *saving grace* of this whole experience. It's what you're paying for. It’s why you put up with the "Armed Forces Views" and the slightly dodgy coffee maker situation. You'll spend hours there, happily baking in the sun, splashing in the crystal clear water. Just, like, *totally* blissful. Just prepare for the usual hawkers. They're persistent, but they're just trying to make a living. A polite "no, shukran" usually does the trick. And the sunsets? Oh, the sunsets. Worth every single, slightly-dodgy-hotel-room-moment.
I literally spent an entire afternoon just floating, staring up at the sun. I'm pretty sure my skin was radiating at one point. Blissful. The memory still soothes my soul, even now.
What's the deal with the *service*? Are the people friendly? Helpful? Do they speak English? (Because my Arabic is, shall we say, *rusty*.)
Okay, the service... it's... *variable*. Some people are lovely. Super friendly, eager to help. Others... well, they might not speak much English. But generally, they're trying. Be patient. Smile. Learn a few basic Arabic phrases. "Shukran" (thank you) goes a *long* way. Don’t expect five-star butler service, okay? This is a more relaxed, less-structured experience. Sometimes there was a communication gap. But hey, at least they tried. They *tried*. And sometimes, the attempts were *hilariously* charming.
Once I accidentally ordered a plate of something I didn’t recognize, but it turned out to be delicious. The waiter kept laughing at me as I made all the faces – it was…well, yeah, it was awesome. Turns out it was some local dish I’d never had before. Good times!
Is it *worth* it? Should I book El Obayed Apartments? Be honest! Even if it’s brutal!
Okay, the million-dollar question. Is it *worth* it? Look, if you're after picture-perfect luxury, total isolation, and zero military presence, *maybe* look elsewhere. But. and it's a big but… if you're willing to embrace a bit of imperfection. If you can roll with the punches; if you’re okay with "rustic charm"; if you absolutely *adore* a stunning beach; and if you find the whole "Armed Forces Views" thing vaguely intriguing (or at least, not a deal-breaker), then *yes*. It's worth it. It's a *unique* experience. You'll have stories to tell. And the beach, man… the beach is worth *every* single slightly-dodgy-aspect. Just manage your expectations. Go with an open mind. And bring lots of sunscreen. And that French press. You'll thank me later. And pray for decent coffee. Oh, and remember to make sure you have an appropriate camera setup for taking pictures because of the view, just saying.
Honestly? I'd go back. In a heartbeat. Just…armed with more coffee-makingBoutique Inns
