JAZ Soma Beach

We have just returned from our stay at Jaz Soma Beach - 2 adults and 2 kids (12 & 7). It had really good reviews and as it was our first holiday to Egypt I wanted somewhere that wasn't massive or overwhelming. There is one main buffet restaurant, one small buffet restaurant by the beach, and a pool restaurant (snack style, burgers, hot dogs etc). There are two ala carte restaurants, Egyptian and Italian. We only ate in the Italian which wasn't all that really. Apprently the Egyptian is very nice serving a mixed grill. The main buffet restaurant is very nice and very clean. All the staff are polite and helpful. The food is good, with a decent variety. There could be a better selection though for kids such as proper chicken nuggets and pizza (not ideal I know, but kids eat these things. A Brita water filter system has been installed so there are no single use bottles. I asked if this is what the food is washed in and was told this was the case. I ate it (veg/salad/fruit) and was fine tummy wise. I also drunk ALOT of water. 1 litre glass bottles are filled with this water and re-stocked in the fridge in your room. The other items in the fridge are chargable so be aware of this. The hotel is very nice and all areas are well kept and very clean. The pools are always being cleaned through out the day and the collected water is always being moved around by the life guards so as not to collect and cause a slip. The day animation team are very good. We didn't participate in anything but it's visible how hard they work. There is a pool party on Sunday and water inflatables on Mondays which is fun! We didn't really rate the night time entertainment and the singing was very bad (sorry!) one night we actually thought it was someone doing karaoke. There is nothing around the hotel by foot, so if you like venturing out of an evening this place isn't for you. We got a taxi to Hurghada Marina on the last night (near the airport) which was nice for a change of scenery. I knew this when booking so was fine with this. All the staff are very friendly and attentive which is nice to see and be around. The alcohol is not very good, I assume it's local. The cocktails are really hit and miss also (as to how they're made) but if you find a good waiter, he'll get to know how you like it so they do improve. We mentioned to guest services they should do a second offering to the all inclusive, such as a premium plan (additinal cost of course) where you can opt for branded alcohol. Top tip - there is a pharmacy in the resort right next to Jaz Soma Beach. Go to their security hut and tell them you want to fo to the pharmacy and their security will take you there. No need for a taxi anywhere. We would definately stay at another Jaz hotel, next time in Sharm perhaps so can venture out every couple of nights.