JAZ Aquamarine Hotel

We came at the end of August for a family holiday (2 kids, 7 and 10). We were a bit apprehensive about it because of some of the mixed reviews but we can't really fault the hotel in the slightest. Firstly, the cleanliness is like nothing I've ever seen in any country I've been to. The staff are constantly cleaning and clearing up. Our room (1252) and our housekeeper (Mahmood) was exceptional. Always had a smile on his face and would go out of his way to help us with anything we needed. The room was always cleaned to an immaculate standard. The animal towels were a nice touch, and turned into a family game of guessing which towel animal we'd come back too. Thanks Mahmood, you were fabulous! The food.... After arrival, we had to have a late meal at the four corners restaurant and it was honestly horrific. Just slop and we were all absolutely gutted about it. However, at breakfast and every meal after in the main restaurant, the food was really good and fresh with loads of options for everyone. There are also kiosks all over the hotel grounds serving various snacks such as noodles, spring rolls and the crepes and waffles were a particular kid favourite! We used 3 a la cart restaurants. Burger bay was nice, but also a bit meh. The Italian was amazing. Our favourite was the Teppanyaki restaurant that does cost extra, but is sooo worth it!!! I can't remember the chef's name, but he was fantastic and even got the kids involved in making our dinner which they loved! The cocktails are really nice and freshly made. The drinks arent strong, which we didn't mind as we aren't big drinkers so made little difference to us. Daniel at the la Perla poolside bar made sure our glasses were never empty and again, always had a smile on his face. Thanks Daniel! There are loads of pools with plenty of space for everyone. The sunbeds under the shade get taken up quickly but never had an issue getting beds for the family. At some point of the holiday, we were all hit with a dodgy tummy but nothing severe and the on site pharmacy pretty much sorted us out in a day. Definitely not to do with the food but rather the heat and just different food to what we are used to. It hasn't put us off returning. The biggest negatives of the holiday is being constantly bugged by on site vendors for trips, taxis, spa, beauty salon, photoshoots, camel rides, water sports etc. There is also a huge tipping culture here, so my advice would be to bring loads of dollar notes as it's just easy money to navigate. The hotel staff will not ask for tips but literally every other person outside of the hotel will outright ask you for a tip. To be fair, the hotel staff can't do enough for you though, so I didn't mind tipping the odd dollar here and there. Overall, we all loved staying at this hotel. Would we return??? If we came back to Hurghada, then yes, we would return to a Jaz hotel.