Egypt

[coolma]

I guess egypt would be short haul for the purposes of my question - which is: where would you lovely lot recommend for a week in December? Must have some kind of kids clubs for almost 4 and 9 year olds, all inclusive pref and not hideously expensive. Have looked on various sites and got some ideas, but would relaly appreciate some from those 'in the know' Thanks!

I assume you mean Sharm - at least you can go out and about as some resorts are very quiet.

Try good companies like Soveriegn and link to Travel Advisor website. I'm not sure if Mark Warner/Powder Byrne have a site there.

Upgrade to Full board instead of AI if necessary. Everytime I looked at reviews of AI hotels the food was always a concern and in very hot climates its not for me.

I cant help you with family friendly hotels but I would deff try travel advisor website.

Research carefully - IIRC the weather in December is very windy indeed, which can cause problems, both with sunbathing and with diving.

Sharm is very reasonable price-wise, but I personally think that what they call 5 star I would call a good 3, maybe 4 tops. TBH I wouldn't go on an all-inclusive here with a 3YO - I am a very seasoned travellor, have lived in Africa, etc and in all 3 times that I have been to Sharm I have had food bugs of some kind - if I were to go here I would either wait for children to be a bit older or pay more for top class hotel with al a carte, rather than risk buffets and the like. But of course someone may know personally a hotel that bucks the trend....

Can't help on the child-friendly bit because my DD is only 3 herself so we haven't taken the DC's out there yet. A friend of mine is going to a Movenpick that is apparently good and has great childcare (near the border towards Jordan) but it is already fully booked for December, I think.

I recommend Dahab.

For sure, Hurghada was a bad experience. Though it might be different on a high budget, we were on a shoestring.

DAHAB is excellent whatever your budget.

I have been to Coral Sea Resort with First Choice which was very good. Look at Holiday Village with First Choice, that has lots of facilities for children. I am going to Hilton Sharks Bay for Christmas. All these have lots of reviews on Trip Advisor