Hi Michelle.

I stayed at the Jolie Ville Casino (formerly Moevenpick) in September and the Novotel in March. They are both good (if a bit pricy) B&B hotels along the promenade in Naama Bay with easy access to bars and restaurants. Both hotels had animation teams but it was VERY low key at both of them - neither hotel was what I would call lively though this suited me perfectly.

As far as I am aware you can access the sea into shallow water without jetties at all the hotels along the promenade (not too sure about Sonesta but I'm sure the Sonesta beach queen can advise on this one). There is sometimes rock or coral fairly near the shoreline (more at the Novotel than Jolie Ville) but this is visible so can be easily avoided.

If you want to snorkle the coral at the Jolie Ville is in deep water accessed from the jetty. At the Novotel there is a stretch which runs practically the length of their beach fairly near the shore. The coral beach side is not brilliant although there are still fish, but better on sea side accessed by the jetty. At low tide this is still quite shallow and you can easily stand (perhaps with your grandson) to look at the corals. The coral at the Hilton Fayrouz next door to the Novotel is very poor - perhaps as a result of being trampled on for years by our Russian friends!

The quality of sand along the promenade varies - the Jolie Ville and Novotel have relatively soft, light coloured sand whilst I noticed the Ghazala Beach and Hilton Fayrouz had the coarser coral sand.

All hotels seem to have their own cordoned off 'safe' swimming area away from boats and water sports but you can walk across any beach and swim in the sea at any hotel.

Hope this helps and if you have any queries please feel free to ask.
Caro

Hi Michelle

We get loads of young children at the beach at the Sonesta beach resort.
The water hasn't any waves, or very little and you can walk straight in, very safe for children. The coral is in plentiful, and can be a little slippery near the rocks, but all in all a great place to see the fish.
If you don't want to wade in the sea over the rocks, then there is a jetty with ladders to miss them, great for seeing fish as well.
I have been to the SBR a lot of times, very nice hotel and half an hours walk into the centre of Naama Bay, the hotel has loads of pools as well.

It is a A1 hotel complex now and it maybe around your budget, but i have an alternative.

The Oonas dive bar and restaurant have there own rooms, and some are huge, all mainly with sea-view. They do not charge very much for them. They will pick you from the airport, and check your flights for getting home. They do all the trips at half the price. The only thing is, you will have to get your own flight thats all.

We do not go diving, but they are great people and serve more english foods in there, if you want a change, great for a child that wants pizza for a quid. It also has a roof top bar with a view all over Naama bay, it is the only view you are ever likely to see. The price of the Oonas bar also includes breakfast.
http://www.oonasdiveclub.com/low-oonas/hotels.htm

It is situated next door to the Sonesta beach resort and Latoyah runs it.
We shall use them next time we go, it would save us heaps. The rooms are lovely.

Please let me know if you have more questions.

Michelle x

sonesta beach resort queen