Decide what you want from the hotel

B&B, half Board don't always work out cheaper than AI but the AI hotels are further away from the middle of Neama

for the first time DIY is not an option in my opinion as it's sucha sprawling place to visit and there are so many new hotels springing up you need to get some protection

http://www.goredsea.com/en_gomaps+1-0-redseatravelguide.aspx
click on the map for Sharm and it will show you about 90% of the hotels might help you decide

Hi di39,

Can't helpyou on your questions,but there alot of people on this site that can------------------But just to say we are going to Sharm Feb half-term, first time for us as well, We are staying at the Three Corners Kirosiez and also have a 12yr old coming with us-----so as long as ther's a pool,a reasonable amount of sun, everything will be OK

Regards Doreen

Hi Di39,

We went to the Crowne Plaza last year for the first time on a diy hotel and got on fine. We did plenty of research beforehand so knew what to expect in the airport etc and had emailed the hotel to ask if they could pick us up which they did free of charge and they were waiting outside for us. They also took us back to the airport. It was much cheaper booking the flights and hotels separately. I can't comment on AI as we did B&B. The Crowne is a lovely hotel although not much for kids to do apart from snorkelling and the pools although it was only a 5 minute drive to Namma Bay. We seriously considered going back to the same hotel this year but eventually decided on the Baron Resort. Again we have done a diy holiday and got it much much cheaper .

Sorry if this just confuses you more. Feel free to ask any other questions.

The one thing I would try to look out for is a hotel with at least one heated pool (some hotels have 3 or 4 pools but only heat one some dont heat any )

We went to the Crowne Plaza in April this year and whilst the weather was lovely, the pools were still pretty cold. My 13 and 11 year managed to go in them but alot of the adults didnt bother.

Often the cost between AI or going B&B plus eating out isn't much different. So its just personal preference. If you go B&B you need to be nearish to Namma otherwise you will spend quite a bit on cabs.

Dont be nervous, its not that much different from any other area given over to tourism.

portland often have good prices for the crowne plaza.