Riviera Hotel

1 reader found this review helpful

What a fantastic holiday. We have stayed at this hotel three times in the last 3 years and are going again in May and Sept this year.
The Animation team are first class and we had no second thoughts about leaving our teenage daughter alone by the pool while we wandered onto the beach, Knowing that Ramses (who is no longer there) and his team would keep their eye on her.
The people are fantastic, the maid service second to none and the food out of this world.
Okay okay I may be going overboard a little but having read many of the other reviews I couldn't in all fairness not big this place up.
We personally have never found a problem with the food, drink or staff. Yes the hotel is a little run down but the friendliness of the staff and the whole atmosphere make up for that PLUS the hotel has had a new annex built which looks amazing.
If you have a problem the management are always on hand and try their very best to remedy it.
The food has on occasion been warm rather than hot, but delicious non the less and more than plentiful. If you like cake then this is the place for you (Drool)
The evenings entertainment starts with Lotfi, a keyboard playing singer who murders most english songs but is magnificent when singing in French or Arabic.
Then around 9pm the animation team (who start at 8am) continue the evenings entertainment with sometimes cringingly embarrassing results but altogether entertaining. Especially for the youngsters. (who are generally few and far between)
The head barman Hedi is a most singular stand up bloke. Not only does he remember what you drink (from year to year) but often has your drinks prepared as you are walking to the bar.
Whilst there in 2006 I asked Hedi to buy me some flowers for my Anniversary, I gave him 20 Dinar, the bunch of flowers he bought would have set me back at least £50.00 sterling they were amazing peonies roses (13 of them) ferns, lace they did the trick AND he offered me the change, which obviously I gave him.
The Riviera Hotel is really geared towards the more mature traveller, there is very little for kids but the animation team really keep them entertained, It's a very quiet hotel so if night life is your thing, look elsewhere.
Like I said it may be slightly run down but the people and atmosphere make up for it, and besides how long do you spend indoors.
All in all I give this hotel 9 out of 10 and can't wait for my Holiday there this month.

I think this hotel is brilliant, i go there twice every year, and have been going for 6 years. The Hotel is well located itis close to the port/marina also it has a nice cafe just up the road that do light snax. The staff in the hotel are the best they are very plesant and have a good service manner, sometimes yes they would like tips but however they do not pressurice you into giving them, unlike what Mrs L Evans said they do not make 700 - 800 dinars a month yes they make good tips however not that much around 200 dinars they make in tips they earn also earn 10dinars approx £4 a day from the hotel that is for 8 hours work maybe more sometimes and if you do choose do give a tip then they are really greatfull for that.
The Hotel is 3/4 star hotel. When you walk into the hotel it looks amazing the lights and the decoration it is amazing, it would be a 5star in europe. When you arrive there is a nice welcome and when you leave everyone is so kind.
I would recommend this holiday to everyone there is something there for them, the entertainment is brilliant a different show every night. There is also a night club in the complex in the sister hotel which is open till 2am and is still all-inclusive, they play all music.
Please if you are looking for a holiday for all the family or just on your own then this will suit you.

1 reader found this review helpful

Just returned from a week R+R here, meeting my neighbours who had travelled the week before.
Travelled alone, the airline Portland used was a Tunisian airline, Kathargo.
Well, what can I say? It was a really old run down 737, broken ripped seats, dirty, toilets that stank, and I had to sit on a broken spring for 3 hours. We had to wait for clearance. The crew stood motionless in various points in the aisled for 30 mins, not saying a word, just eyeing the passengers.
By the time we took of my inside was like a jelly, I thought the grenades were coming out any minute, so did the lady next to me who had never flown before! There was no safety drill as such, and no-one checked seat belts etc. On the return flight the flight deck door was open for a while. NEVER AGAIN!!
The hotel was OK, generally not 4 * standard in my books. I had a double room to myself, not far from my friends. I had a clean bed and towels every day, and the room was mopped every day.
The TV showed German, French and local shows but only old movies for us English speakers. Deposits required for everything from TV remote to pool towels (which I didn’t use- they needed a good boiling).
The pool area was clean, as was the pool itself, the young man attending, Ameur, tested the water several times a day. He was really helpful with beds and mattresses.
Food was Ok; plentiful but very predictable, mountains of salad, oily meat dishes, fried fish etc. disappointingly cous cous was only served once, but carrots all day and every day!! The snack bar served the usual snack bar fare.
The staff were friendly enough but expected their tip as well. One young waiter showed us his pay slip, 183 dinars (about £60) for the month, we think he was hoping for a bit tip, but a 'seasoned' Tunisian holiday maker assured us that the waged are made by tips to on average 700- 800 dinars a month.
Hygiene in the dining room left much to be desired, high chairs wiped with the hand, crumbs brushed onto the floor, cloths turned etc. You also had to sift through plated to make sure you had a clean one.
Also the food area was accessed by high marble steps, lethal if wet.
Entertainment was plentiful all day every day; the animation team were one of the best I have ever seen.
We didn’t try any excursions; the week for me was a pure chill out. We did go into Sousse, to the Medina, where I felt so intimidated I was glad to leave, put it to experience!
The Port was Ok for a visit, we made the mistake of going the night Ramadan ended, and there were so many people about to enjoy it properly.
Taxis are dirt cheap, but it amused my friend and I that the door was opened for her husband but we were left to struggle!!
I found the people in the hotel very friendly and helpful, but did not feel the same outside.
I had a brush with a shopkeeper in the Port who was trying to get me into his shop to buy 'gold'. He grabbed my late husband’s wedding ring I wear on a chain and became abusive when I politely asked him to let it go, he then followed my friend and I into the next shop, asked if we were English, we replied we were Welsh. He let us leave the shop, then ran at us and grabbed us, shouting at us. Sounds funny, believe me it was not.
I would go back, there are things I want to see, and would use this hotel again, but not alone. I found the whole experience outside the Hotel too intimidating.

2 readers found this review helpful

I think for my first holiday abroad it was fantastic as soon as I walked in I was saying wow. The rooms are cleaned everyday and the towels are changed every day.
If you are looking to shop you can come out of the hotel and turn right for the supermarket or turn left for pot el kontaoui, which you will get hassled if you go to the left but if you keep to the right you will not get hassled.
As soon as you get to the hotel there are people waiting for you and they will take your room number which George will probably give you and they take your suitcases to your room for you.
Also as you get there you have fill out a form which doesn’t take long but then it could if you see habib who does like to say hello and make you laugh.
All the staff are very friendly and I would love to go back just to see them.
There was lots of food to choose from and I don’t know anyone who came back and said they didn’t like it. If you stick to bottled water and watch what your eating you won’t be ill, I was only ill one night when we went to the Italian.
Overall I think it was a fantastic holiday and would definitely go back

1 reader found this review helpful

I loved the hotel, it was great plenty to do there and there is a sister hotel which you can use their stuff as well.
Food there was very nice.
This hotel has indoor and outdoor pool, rent towels; it’s near the beach, coffee room bar, cocktail bar, crazy golf, ping pong, and tiny games room and loads more.
Hotel staff are very friendly but don’t tell them when you are leaving because although they get a wage they expect and I mean expect a good tip off you.
I would recommend stay away from sousse because they will not leave you alone and they will hustle you to go into their shops all the time but all you have to do is tell them NO! And they might leave you alone. But it can be quite scary if you are by your self.
But other wise the hotel impressed me the star rating of the Riviera is 4 but its more live 5.
If you need to get any where there is always taxi's out side the hotel and they are very cheap but you have to haggle with them because they try to getting more out of you.
Taxi fairs are mostly 3 dinars which is quite cheap.
I really would recommend staying at this hotel this is the best hotel I’ve stayed in so far.

1 reader found this review helpful

Arrived home on the 15th July 07 from a week away 2 adults 2 kids aged 14 and 16.
Ideal for us parents in our 40's with 2 kids of this age as lack of drink for them at the hotel and around as there is nowhere for them to go! We could go to bed and leave them on the hotel premises.
The animation team were great here for all ages, it had to be good as there is nowhere else to go. The two hotels that make up the complex are different.
The Sofiane is busier and less relaxed but it is nearer the beach and less of a stroll to go and eat in the mid day sun. You cannot eat at the Sofiane if you are in the Riviera but we got sick of walking from the beach so the kids got the food from the pool area for us in the day as there bangle colour was the same as the kids at the Sofiane, yellow. Our colour was green while Sofiane was orange.
Not all staff know what you can eat and drink at both hotels!! It took me two days to find out for sure from another company rep! You can drink anywhere but only eat in your hotel.
One barman still said we couldn’t drink but would do it this time!!
Don’t go on the free courtesy ride to the mosque or carpet factory unless you want to buy a carpet! This was organised through the hotel so we thought it must be ok, lovely rugs interesting how they are made, poor wages for the workers but you will be shown into a room to purchase!
The organizer in the car will ask you questions on the way and pass this info onto the seller at the carpet factory! If you look for it you will spot it!! Such a crafty race!! Be warned. The food is good mainly, sometimes it seems a bit sloppy prayed for a bit of chicken on its own without sauce or gravy.
Normally something can be found for most tastes so you will be fine, i.e. Pizza crepes fish. Rooms are ok a little small not quite 4* more a 3.
Haggle with everyone from the henna man in the Rivera lobby to the water sports on the beach i.e. Jet ski, haggle extra time and take your own watch as they will flag you in earlier if you don’t! If you go on them twice reduce the price they will do it.
Even the hotel photographer will start his price at 10 or 12 dinar and go down to 5 dinar or less!! Everyone wants your money ,remember that the women who make the rugs are paid 2 pound sterling each day for a 8 hr day, so your money is worth a lot more here in Tunisia than the same item at home.
The 2 free meals were not for us, the Italian was dreadful! Not a clue !We didn’t bother with Tunisian meal I cancelled it after having the Italian, stuck to usual. If you stay at the Rivera make sure they drop you at the Rivera when you arrive.
We were dropped at the Sofiane ,went to check in 10 mins later was told we were at the other one!4 cases 20 steps and a stroll later we arrived on foot at the Riviera!!
Enjoyed the difference of this country it was good for the kids. It was ok for a week but I wouldn’t go for 2 weeks as I like to travel about more, i.e. Eating out more and towns within walking distance.
The port was ok, but I didn’t feel I could browse without the staff wrapping the items before id even looked! Drinks are ok in the hotels, stronger than I was led to believe from the reviews but not as strong as at home.
If you have walking problems the Riviera, is not for you. The ramp in the Riviera dining room had a ramp for wheel chairs but it was rather steep, I can’t imagine risking a trip up it in a chair. The reception has times for different things. Bottled water once a day for each room, collect tokens for the bar after 4 pm.
Reserve meals at the 2 free restaurants per stay between 10-11.30 money change 2 times during the day and a different time for safe key I think it was after 4!! Can get a bit confusing! I would put your key behind reception as it rather big and noisy.
Well that’s about it ,we enjoyed it but we won’t go back.

We really enjoyed our stay at the Allegro Riviera. It was our first time on an all inclusive holiday so we made the most of all the free (locally produced) alcohol.
The activities on offer are plenty, we played mini golf, table tennis, went in the arcades, and went to see the shows in the evening, although these were a bit tacky! Kids seemed to really be enjoying themselves though.
Just wished the hotel was in a different country! As soon as we left the hotel we were pestered! On the beach we had people coming up to us trying to sell us souvenirs and in the town you have to haggle for everything, as the first price they give you is ridiculous.
The excursions were good and enjoyable as long as no shopping was involved as you would get more hassle. In one market we were taken too I found myself trapped by the stall owner trying to make me buy something I didn't even pick up, thankfully my partner was not too far away to help pull me out of there.
Definitely not a place for women to go on their own.
Our reps were very helpful and we would travel with Thomsons again. Not back to Tunisia again though.

2 readers found this review helpful

OK Let’s start with bad points:-
Shopping is a major pain in the backside. You are constantly pestered to buy buy buy. If you find something you are looking for then you can get some bargains but please have a look in the few (very few) fixed price shops first to get an idea of prices.
When you get a price, knock about 20% off and go barter! These shops will quite happily rip you off for 4 or 5 times the actual value of the item.
If looking for everyday items, there is the Magazin General near the port area. This is a government shop and the prices are fixed with no hassle.
Stay well clear of the ‘Free Tour’ of the Berber town. Basically we were abducted, driven to a rug factory and pressure sold rugs. They will try every trick in the book to get your credit card details so please beware.
The beach is really not that good but has plenty of reasonably priced water sports that can be knocked down even lower if you try. 20 mins on a jet ski for 15 dinar (6GBP) is pretty cheap I think.
Good points:-
The hotel, we found was fantastic! OK it’s not 4 star UK standards but not that far off. The food was brilliant with lots of choice. The fruit and salad was very fresh but is usually drenched in dressing. We were surprised to see pork available whish was delicious I may add.
We did not visit the Tunisian a la carte restaurant but the Italian was superb. Not that much choice but the food and service was really good (wine glass never has the chance to be emptied as they came round and topped you up constantly).
The alcohol was a bit weak. I like whisky and could tell that it was watered down. In saying that, it was made in Canada so it may have just been the cheapest of the cheap?
I suggest a tip at the beginning of the night to ensure large measures, even a couple of dinar (about 80p) is warmly received. Go see Kamel in the cocktail bar, a really nice chap who will make your cocktail as weak or as strong as you like.
The rooms are comfortable but we didn’t get the ‘sea view’ we paid for. I really don’t think you will get much of a sea view from anywhere at this hotel. The maids are really friendly and from our experience very trustworthy. Left some money lying around and it was untouched. Still worthwhile getting a safe though.
All the staff are great. They are always smiling. The animation team are particularly good and although we didn’t bring the kids, we felt that we would be comfortable with them entertaining them had we brought them.
The entertainment was a bet red coat at butlins like but good all the same. I recommend the ‘Indian strong man show’ which is the bed of nails, walking on glass etc, really quite impressive.
The grounds of the hotel are well kept and the pool area ideal for lazing in the sun and getting a tan, especially with the snack bar just a few feet away. There is some building works being carried out but this did not distract us at all. I think all the really noisy stuff has been completed, just the odd bang here and there.
The extras I would recommend getting is the Turkish bath followed by a massage. Quad biking and camel riding (which was surprisingly a lot more comfortable than a horse).
Here is a quick guide to pricing of goods…
£1 = 2.5 DT approx.
Pair of branded Nike etc. (not sure if genuine) trainers 25 DT
T Shirt 10-15 DT
Little silver plated bracelets 5-10 DT inclusive of engraving.
Hamburger with fries 6-10 DT
Steak with fries and side 12-16 DT
Taxi ride from hotel to shops around port (3/4 mile) 3 DT
Taxi ride to Sousse (bigger town about 4 miles away) 6 DT
Pair of branded jeans 20-35 DT
Leather Jacket 80 – 150 DT
Baseball Cap 5 DT
2 hour boat trip 20 DT each
There is a lot of gold and silver for sale. My advice, if you are looking to buy this, is to check out the fixed price stores first.
Overall we could not fault the hotel but because of the shopping, which we like to do when on holiday, I do not think I would return. If you plan on a week of soaking up the sun then this would be a decent choice.
I hope this helps someone!

Very nice looking hotel, stunning reception and lounge area. The buffet restaurant was really good plenty of choice. The A la Carte restaurants were a bit of a disappointment.
I'd recommend getting a massage whilst you're there, the treatment room at the Riviera is a lot nicer than the one at the sister hotel which is just a back room.
The indoor pool is a really nice place to just chill out the water was a bit chilly, the indoor pool at the other hotel is a lot bigger and a lot warmer.
The hotel is constructing another block at the moment but luckily the main shell is built and our tour operator ensured that our room was nowhere near the site. There is a bit of noise from the workmen during the day but it would only become annoying if you let it, walk down to the beach and escape the noise.
Our hotel room was nice however the bed has seen better days, the mattress springs had just given up refused to spring anymore! We couldn't be bothered to ask to change rooms but I'm sure if we'd asked they would've moved us.
The hotel staff were all really nice (apart from a dictator look alike maitre'd in the Italian A la carte restaurant). The head waiter was great at remembering what you are drinking he even had our drinks waiting for us!
Watch out for the guy wandering around trying to nail you on your first/second day for a "free" trip courtesy of the hotel.
We went and we drove to the nearest local town and a few things pointed out, stood and waiting while the guy chatted with his mate then proceeded to the carpet factory where you get to see the rugs being made then you're taken upstairs and given the hard sell for about 30minutes.
And if carpets are not your thing then they'll move on to leather jackets. We finally managed to get through to the guy that we were not interested by saying we bought hardly any cash and NO Cards, really point that out! The drive back was really quiet, funny that!! It's fine if you actually want to buy a rug but we really did not.
There is also a guy wandering around the hotel taking photos make sure you only get nailed once as the photos are a little pricey 28dinar for 8 photos!
We did 2 trips with Thomson, Walk on Wild Side & Sahara Explorer.
Walk on Wide side cost £25 each and went to a huge open air market in the morning which was interesting and fun to try out your haggling skills. Then on to Yasmin Hammamet for lunch (included in price) I was only expecting a small lunch not 3 courses! After lunch it was onto the Wildlife Park, we only had about 2 & a half hours there which to be fair was plenty of time.
Sahara Explorer cost £68 each we booked this before we left the UK - Wished we'd done the more expensive one at £88 each but the day didn't really suit us.
This was absolutely fantastic - I would recommend this to everyone! Our bus driver was an absolute demon on the road we were the fastest thing on the road! Our guide was brilliant giving lots of information as we were going along and plenty of tips of what prices to pay and what to look out for at the places.
You have to pay an extra 18 dinar each for the camel & carriage rides but well worth it so cough up! The second day is a rather early start (alarm call at 4:15am anybody?!) but to see the sun rise over the desert was worth it.
Things I would recommend you take with you on the bus seeing as you are covering 1150 km in 2 days - Neck cushion because you will want to sleep at some point, bottles of water, sweeties and/or some snacks.
If you go from the Riveria you'll be picked up at 6:20am before breakfast is served at the hotel, so don't be like me and not take any food because lunch was not until 2pm ish. Also remember to utilise those pee stops!!
All in all we had a great time in Tunisia; however I was disappointed that they don't appear to have any pride in their country mainly due to the amount of rubbish strewn about at the roadside of which there is a lot.

We stayed in the smaller (but next to the beach) Abou Sofian. Although the accommodation was basic (more like a 3 star hotel), it was clean and pleasant. The rooms were cleaned daily, towels were changed daily and the beds changed every so often. Maid service was helpful; one day they scattered flowers on our beds, which was lovely.
The entertainment staff were mainly Tunisian, and how wonderful they were! They didn't seem to be in it for 'I started out as a holiday rep, and now I'm famous', rather for the love of the job. The children adored them, and they adored the children. What was nice, was that strict paedophile taboos haven't seemed to enter their criterion of entertainment, so they were tossing children around the pool, sitting with them on their knees, holding their hands, and all in innocence.
The night time entertainment was fine if you enjoyed watching dance shows. There was also a 'fire spectacular' at the swimming pool, belly dancing, acrobats etc. A criticism is, the dance club on site opened at eleven, and catered for young people. It would have been good if it opened earlier and played music for us 'oldies' (I'm mid-forties).
Food was varied and plentiful. Didn't really enjoy the Italian A La Carte, but the Tunisian option was fine. Don't forget to book these 'extras' as soon as you arrive, or you may miss dining there if you really want to.
Port El Kantoui was like being in Spain, so very pleasant if you like Spain, although I enjoyed going to the more authentic Tunisian resorts. Sousse is very close, costs a few pounds in a taxi, and feels more like being in Tunisia. The camel outing, booked in the grounds of the hotel, is good value and worth going on.
This was a cheap, spur of the moment holiday. Portland was £1000 cheaper than Thomsons, but we had use of the Thomson's rep while we were there. For such an impulsive, unresearched holiday I was really pleased with my choice. Excellent value for money, in an uncrowded resort. We could have ended up in a packed Spanish resort, so I'm feeling quite smug!