Tickets just arrived in post - think I'll start counting down in days now

Pippy, I challenge you to find a photo if they have

As it happens the safe is in the same cupboard as the mini-bar! On top of it! As I said about the mini-bar though, this may be a completely different set-up in the new rooms. Safes are free, you just key in the combination of your choice.

I had an upset tummy in 2005 but not this time. I suggest you go to the pharmacy at the Baron shops on your first day so you're prepared should it happen. Have a look at my posts in the tummy upset thread where you'll see what I found out about a certain antibiotic and how effective it is for holiday tummy.

Pippy

Thanks Pippy, good to know there is a safe and where it is lol.

I already have a supply of antinal from Hurghada in June (the only time I've had problems there) and will problably speak to my gp about the anti-biotic. I've also read that grapefruit seed extract is very effective - my pharmacist is trying to find out whether it can be taken with my medication for hypertension. Does anyone know if taking antinal and immodium can be taken in conjunction with one another? (I've asked that on tummy thread before but not found out). Sorry if the above seems off topic but from the reviews I've read it does seem relevant to the Conrad!!

If you remember I was asking a few weeks ago about sleeping arrangements for same sex friends not couples in double rooms. I've just phoned First Choice with a ticket query and asked whether it was best to e-mail the hotel to make up the third bed. They said they thought that in the event of 2 ladies sharing this would be done anyway. I'll let you know what happens.

Our holiday booking was originally for six people. There should have been my friend, her mum and I in one room and my mum, my daughter and her friend in the next room.

My friend and her mum had to cancel so the booking became one for four people.
As I suspected, the hotel assumed we'd be sleeping two to a room. I didn't want to share a bed with my mum and the girls wanted to stay together so when we checked in we asked for a bed for a third person to be set up in one of the rooms which they did immediately and with no problems.

Thanks for that Pippy. We'll probably e-mail the hotel and ask the third bed made up ready as we shan't be arriving until late.

Do you know if the First Choice reps tend to hold their welcome meeting in the mornings or is it variable?

Both times I've been the welcome meetings have been in the morning, 10am if I remember correctly. I don't usually attend welcome meetings if I'm in Europe but found the ones in Egypt useful.

It would seem one of the reps has changed, hopefully Jay will still be there when you go, I thought he was great. Only twenty but full of confidence and local knowledge without being cocky. Please say 'Hi' to him from me.

I recommend booking the Sunrise Cruise

Pippy

I've seen your pictures of the cruise and it looks great but will they still run it at end of October as it gets dark much earlier then. Can you remember which day of the week it runs Pippy? Many thanks, Caro

Oh yeah, hadn't thought of that coz I've only been to Sharm in the height of the summer. When we were there the cruise ran every day

hi can i just ask are combat 3/4's ok for men to wear for dinner or does it have to be full length trousers?

Many Thanks 6days to go and i will be there

Yes, they'll be absolutely fine

sorry me being thick 3/4 combats r fine

Yes, combats will be fine, as will jeans and trainers

I've just read 2 new reviews on another travel site (Trip Adviser if we are allowed to mention names!), and the sunset cruise was still running last week so it probably is next month too. Certainly looks something worth doing.

Regarding dress code, is it acceptable to wear beachwear and sarong at breakfast at the Conrad? At the Grand or Grand Resort in Hurghada no beachwear is allowed in restaurants (excepting beach restaurant) but I have been to other hotels where it is and it would help to reduce the luggage. Conversely, would one feel out of place 'dressing for dinner' in the evenings?

Does anyone know whether the gym is included in the AI package or how much it costs if not?

Lovethesun,
Have a great time at the Conrad. I don't want to wish your holiday away but I can't wait for the 18th - if you're travelling in and out of Manchester you should be taking off just as we are landing

Caro

You can wear bikini/swimming costume at breakfast and lunch times so long as you cover yourself with a sarong and t-shirt or similar so your 'bits' aren't hanging out!

There was a great variety of evening wear at dinner times from the very casual to the quite dressy.

You can use all the gym equipment and sauna on AI.

Pippy

Thanks Pippy, I'll make sure my bits are covered

hi, can any 1 tell me if there is an iron in the room?

many thanks

Further posts in phone text may be deleted Briar

No, no irons in the rooms but the hotel has a laundry service. You'll find the prices in my 2005 Conrad review, they may have risen slightly since then, I didn't take much notice of prices this year but they were very reasonable.

Pippy

Just back from a relaxing week at the Conrad. Will post a review when I get a bit more time.

Can anyone tell me what time the gym opens in the mornings.

Thanks