Maritim Alhambra Thalasso Hotel

During a 7 day trip to Tunisia, I spend 3 days at Maritim Alhambra Thalasso Hotel in Hammamet. This was the most boring days of the whole trip.

I could easily compare this hotel with a hospital and a army camp. To start I had my first bad experience from the moment I checked in. I was given a card for my room's door which was not working so I had to walk back to the reception in order to get a new one. Except the fact that the words "we're sorry" didn't cross the receptionists mouth. What surprised me the most was the fact that she didn't try to verify that the key of the room was given to right customer (Security???)

We were given a connecting room (which we didn't need) and we, thankfully in time, found out that the internal door was unlocked. We had to call the reception twice and wait almost half an hour for someone to come and lock it. Again we received no apology (maybe we were bothering them?).

After our dinner (at 20:30) and a long day trip in the desert, we wished for a swim at the hotels pool. We were disappointed when we were informed that the pool closes at 19:00. We confirmed the same thing the next day when the employee who was in charge of the pool showed us his watch at exactly 19:00. Although we were not swimming at the time and mentioned him that we were just waiting to dry, he showed us the exit. I found it extremely rude, especially when the next day no-one from the staff was bothering about some other tourists who were swimming, shouting and diving in the pool until 22:00(even though there was a sign forbidding it).

I started my review by saying that I compare this hotel to a hospital. The reason is that after 21:00 nothing seems to work in the hotel. Everything is closed (even the pool bar). If you don't want to go somewhere else the only thing is left for you to do in there is to sleep. Sorry but I'm Greek and below the age of 80!

I also compared this hotel to an army camp. I was surprised to find out that you're not allowed to walk around the hotel with shorts. Excuse me but the month of July refers to your country to the winter season? Your staff was so strict about this rule that some people from my group were not able to have dinner (even though it was included to the price we have paid). Maybe you should give out uniforms when we enter your hotel.

To conclude you have a nice hotel (as a building) with rude staff, and stupid rules. I would hardly recommend it to someone else. Maybe you should travel to Greece in order to learn what it means hospitality.

Have just returned from a week at this hotel which I booked only a couple of weeks beforehand.

There were a few mixed reviews so I was a little nervous but thankfully any negative comments quickly proved to be unfounded; we've had a great break.

The hotel is small enough to be friendly and yet big enough to have a wide range of services. The lobby is impressive and an indication of good things to come.

Rooms are very comfortable and well appointed. It's not a 5* hotel by international standards - I think 4* would be more appropriate but from what we saw of the resort it stands head and shoulders above most others.

Rooms with pool view are worth the supplement.

Food through half-board basis is served in a stylish buffet-style restaurant but you can also dine a la carte and get a 25% discount, something not promoted.

The staff were excellent from informative reception team, helpful porters, friendly pool and beach attendants and good-humoured and very attentive waiting staff.

The spa is impressive and a massage session is definitely recommended.

I really recommend this hotel!