Reviews of Iberostar Solaria Hotel, Hammamet

Having visited the Solaria in October 2006, I fully concurred then with the other reports on the Hotel, its great staff and facilities and I happily wrote to the Director to commend the whole Holiday experience.



However, having just returned from another week it is with great sadness that I have to report that the hotel is like "Jackal and Hyde".



The Hotel is operated on a shoestring in their Winter Season.



It had about 50 guest’s maximum, it was cold in all the communal areas - the wind whistled through the bar and lounge areas and everyone sat in their coats.



The food was a mere shadow of itself it terms of quality and selection (a number of the Chefs had left/taken the month off).



A large number of the excellent waiting and bar staff had left to work in other hotels and there appeared to be a skeleton staff in all quarters - most of which were still very attentive and provided good service it has to be said.



The Animation team led by Mustapha still soldiered on brilliantly but with the rainy weather and no English TV (apart from BBC World); Hotel shops as well as the Computer room all closed for the season, the Hotel provided little in the way of alternatives and no-one seemed really bothered.

We were looking for a bit of relaxation and sunshine in a good quality hotel and got just that. The weather was warmer than average for the time of year and we virtually enjoyed a week of unbroken sunshine.



This hotel is relatively new so all facilities were as you would expect. The rooms were nicely furnished and we had a lovely sea view, which I would strongly recommend.



The only thing missing was air conditioning, which is switched on in high season. This meant that the room was often on the warm side of comfortable and, especially at night, when you couldn't leave your door open and enjoy the 'through draught'.



We found the majority of staff to be very friendly and helpful, with the animation team providing a decent program of entertainment. The food was varied and very good (buffet service). The local cuisine is especially commended.



We particularly enjoyed relaxing around the pool, which was maintained at a decent temperature. We had no problems but I suspect that sun beds and space could become a little hard to come by when the hotel is full. My wife enjoyed the Spa and found it good value for money.



Our only criticism is that we found the hotel's beach area absolutely dreadful, to the point that we turned around and went straight back to the pool.



The sand appeared dirty and sparse (sounds odd I know), with the main problem being the huge mounds of rotting seaweed strewn along large areas of the whole Yasmine Hammamet (YH) beach.



This may have been a 'one-off' but I did read a report on another YH hotel where the same observation was made.



So in every respect other than the beach, I would happily recommend this hotel.

Having been disappointed with the hotel originally booked with Thomas Cook, we paid extra to be transferred to this newly opened hotel in Yasmine Hammamet.



We were a little unsure of what to expect as we were told very little but we were very pleasantly surprised as the contrast between our original recommendation and this hotel was marked. The hotel staff were most helpful and friendly at all times and nothing was too much trouble. Our room was spotless and was well equipped with fridge and safe and we had a lovely sea view. There was a very friendly atmosphere and guests were encouraged to meet each other at evening functions but were not pressured into joining in.



The quality and choice of food was excellent and the waiting staff and kitchen staff ensured that their guests were well informed and well served at all times. We would love to return to Yasmine Hammamet and to explore more of the Tunisian culture and history as we did not have the time on this occasion.



We felt welcomed and valued. This resort is still being developed but there were plenty of restaurants, a casino, a marina and night clubs within easy walking distance. Ramadan had just started which might impact on opening times.