Only to happy to help. We've had some nice holiday banter this morning and I'm still in my PJ's.

So am i whilst Sam is painting the living room

I must confess i am also still in p'js this is to addictive ... thanks again

When we went to the Tropicana Grand Azure at Easter there were a few small babies around. There were loads of umbrellas there, and many shady areas. It was very warm there at Easter, but at least it's a dry heat, no sweat pouring off you constantly. The main dining room had a little section for small children with highchairs, and low tables. I saw mums wiping down the highchairs with Dettol wipes, which would be a good idea. Is your little one a fussy eater, because if so, you might struggle with meals, as there isn't much plain food. Most things were in some sort of sauce. There was always jacket potatoes, chips, pasta, and usually a plain meat, such as chicken or veal, but they do like their sauces. One of those UV protection suits would be a must for me, along with one of those caps that protects the back of the neck. There are lots of simple things you can do, like watching you don't push the buggy into the sun,(eye glare for little one), cool drinks e.t.c I'm not sure what the immunisation advice would be for an 18 month old - might be worth you checking. Whatever you decide, you have to feel comfortable with it.

Hi again

Regarding Helen's post about food, made me think I would post this.

The hotel next door to the one that Helen stayed in is The Red Sea Holiday Village, I'm not sure but you used to only be able to beek it through First Choice but that may have changed, and it can be quite expensive but it is AI.

Because its a Holiday Village that is aimed at families with young kids, it had a seperate section of the buffet for little ones, don't know if that would be of any use to you.

Although I would imagine that all buffets would have a bit of pasta, bread or chicken or some veggies that you could give to a small child.

Also at Nabq where the HV and the Grand Azure are, you have a kind of gradual entry into the sea, for little ones to splash in, you need to check some of the hotels in other areas, as you can only get into the sea from a jetty and you go straight into deep water.

I'd agree with that Doe - you could walk out for ages at the Tropicana, and still only be up to your knees.

Thanks doe and helen i agree with you helen i would a all in one uv suit for my toddler to be ..and one of those hats and i am also guilty of wiping down highchairs before he sits in them ... we were definatly thinking of the tropicana grand azura resort as it has very high reviews apart from the odd holiday maker having there usual moan I am looking for as much advise of this area and hotel so if you could help i would appreciate it ...thanks so much

I knew I had seen those UV clothes somewhere recently http://www.lidl.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg//SID-D40E3B09-7E63D6FB/lidl_uk/hs.xsl/index_20473.htm?offerdate=&idcheck=true&ar2=&ERR=IDNOTFOUND

Thanks kiltman .. 6.99 a bargain and I saw aqua shoes .. will be popping there next week thanks

Just ask away, and I'll do my best to help. I have done my review of the Tropicana. How old are your other boys?

well helen !!!! my two other boys are 12 and 10 !! what did you think of the tropicana?? good for kids?? did you get cold drinks in the fridges in room??? the price i recieved was for a family room which i am guessing is quite big !!! wow there is so much i could ask thanks

Just water in the fridge, and when you left the restaurant after brekkie in the morning, they were giving you water to take with you, to the beach/pool. They had 4 pool tables - free and a table tennis table, also organised daytime activites round the pool. There were a few slides which were open for a couple of hours in the morning, and again in the afternoon. Pizzas and frezh rolls made in front of you in the restauarant along with the usual pancakes, omelettes e.t.c. We'd certainly return there.

Thank you !!! I must admit i am getting very excited now .. hotel looks amazing

If you fancy a change of scenery you can go across to the two malls opposite, on the other side of Peace Road (cross carefully, you will know what I mean when you get there )

Helen's info is more up to date than mine, but I think there is one English type mall and one Egyptian, from menory there is Starbucks, McD's, Chinese, a pub etc all the usual suspects really, you shouldn't need them, but just incase.

There are also banks, ATM's etc if you stay on the same side as the hotel but walk along a bit, there isn't really much to spend your money on, so you wont need a lot of spends. Unless you want to do any trips, but I think that might be difficult with an 18 month old. It's really more of a relax and chill out in the sun place.

The Tropicana looks a lovely hotel, you sound so excited.

Doe

Hi Doe ohhhhhhh yesss i am very excited ..last time I was like this is when we went to america ... would you say the malls were cheap ?? I was so worried that people would think i was bad for taking a baby ..but now I am a bit more relieved this is a totally different holiday for us including Al we have never done that before

claire

Doe - I was just going to say that all entertainment in Egypt is very low key, whether it's for adults or children. We went up to Soho Square for an evening, just for a walk out of the hotel. I tink the taxi cost us around £14 for a return - there was 4 of us, and it was booked through the hotel. We had 2 drinks each while we were up there, and apart from tipping that was all we spent. doe you're info on the malls is correct, and the "usual suspects" food wise, but we never found the need to eat out. One night there was a BBQ, another night there was Indian on offer, another chinese, as well as the everyday dishes. Of course there's also the speciality restaurants, but to be honest we prefered the main restaurant.

Do you think you will book claire or have you done it already

Hey lyn !!!! we are going to book next week lol... I sound like a young teenager on her first holiday dont I ?? x

First time we'd ever stayed in Egypt too Claire, although we had been on a ship down to Cairo and the pyramids. We will certainly be going back Things have been pretty dire for the Egyptians recently Claire, and when hubby went outside the hotel for a walk he said there was a lot of hassle, shopkeepers even following him down the street. Hopefully this will calm down as things in Egypt settle. I must say that when we went up to Soho Square, we weren't approached at all.