Reviews of Iberostar Phenicia Hotel, Hammamet, Tunisia

Overall, this is a fantastic...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2006

Tour Operator:

MyTravel

Submitted By:

Mr M Hayes

Comments:

Overall, this is a fantastic hotel to stay at, if you like an all inclusive where you do not want to leave the hotel very often.



Facilities there were excellent. Food was excellent for an all inclusive, with a wide range to cater for almost every taste.



The "a la Carte" restaurant is well worth a visit during your stay (you can visit there once per week F.O.C) although it was the same set menu both times we went there we thoroughly enjoyed it.



The hotel room was basic, but clean. The evening entertainment became repetitive and there were not many bars to go out to in the local vicinity; however we tended to stay in the main bar and made new friends every night.



The hotel itself was very clean and the staff were all very friendly and helpful.



The only problem we had was that the management decided to turn off the air conditioning at the end of September as it was becoming their winter.



However it was 34 degrees during the day, so was sweltering in the hotel during the evening time.



Everybody complained and they turned it on for another couple of days, then knocked it off again.



All in all a great hotel with a lovely beach joining it, beach bar, sun loungers & parasols - what more could you want.

This is a great hotel. Very...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2006

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Miss L C

Comments:

This is a great hotel. Very clean and staff are all friendly.



Food in the restaurants is of good quality and dishes are varied regularly. The chefs cooking the fresh pasta, and sauces, to your own taste is fantastic.



Waiters in the restaurant are very helpful. We had the same waiter for our whole stay and small tips are much appreciated.



The rooms were basic, but clean and had decent wardrobe/drawer space etc. Only slight issue was that air con only operates at certain times of the year and it was quite difficult to sleep some of the nights when it was very warm in the room.



There isn't a great deal to do within walking distance of the hotel, but it’s a great place just to chill out by the lovely pool, enjoying the food and a few nice glasses of wine.



Would return again for somewhere to relax for a week.

We booked a Christmas Family...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Dec 2006

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mrs M Payne

Comments:

We booked a Christmas Family holiday a year in advance to get sea view rooms.



Just before we went, we was told by First Choice that one of the rooms had to be a ground floor one because of safety reasons as we had a 5yr old.



We flew out on Christmas Eve and arrived late evening, we were given our rooms and told to go straight away to a 7 course Gala dinner which finished 12pm.



In the morning we pulled our curtains expecting to see the sea, but all we could see was a block of rooms, you could only see the sea if you went on the balcony and looked right.



And the ground floor room was at the back of the hotel a few yards from a road with traffic we complained to our rep, who said the hotel chose our rooms. We were told there was no sea views left.



We had to down grade our rooms at our own expense. We weren't over looked, we were given 3 rooms on the 1st floor over looking the pool and had to sign a piece of paper, that we had taken a balcony but we thought it was safer then the road.



After that we had a look round the hotel, although our rooms needed a lick of paint, the hotel was lovely 5*.



The food was excellent, even bacon for breakfast which we wasn’t expecting. Lunch time and evening there was lots of choices lots of the meat was cooked and grilled as you was serving your self and the waiters were great couldn’t do enough for you.



The swimming pool was in door out door and was warm like bath water. As you passed the pool to go to the beach you went through the most beautiful kept gardens right on to a lovely wide sandy beach and bars.



The waiters got your sun beds and mattress and you didn’t even have to pay for beach towels only a small deposit which you got back.



There was evening entertainment which was quite good and a mini club for the children.



In the afternoon there were snacks to be had if you were hungry and a chef made pancakes while you waited and filled them with cheese, chocolate or sugar & lemon.



Most of us had massages which was good about £12 for 45min. a bargain.



We went on a track in the mountains you could choose a horse, camel or a horse & carriage 3hrs. Including the mini bus ride well worth it about £15.



We were lucky with the weather went back to England with a tan.



If we had been given the rooms we had paid for, we would have given this holiday 10/10. But don’t expect Christmas dinner.

My husband and I stayed at this...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2006

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

JSPREHP

Comments:

My husband and I stayed at this hotel on what was our first visit to Tunisia. We were impressed with the standards of service and quality, quantity and choice of food available. The staff were pleasant and helpful and eager to please at all times.

The accommodation was clean and comfortable the bed linen was changed regularly. The towels changed daily. The hotel has its own stretch of private beach which was very clean with free sunloungers and mats provided. The entertainment team worked hard to ensure the more energetic guests were never bored during the day and we had little trouble from local touts.



The minus points from our point of view were that the air conditioning was switched off in the hotel in mid September, despite temperatures of 34C some days. This had not been pointed out to us by our tour operators and caused some upset to many of the guests, including ourselves, especially at night.

We were also a little disappointed that the water in one of the swimming pools was supposed to be over 23-25C most days, but never reached anything like this and was empty for most of the time because it was so cold.



The hotel is situated out of town and it is necessary to get a taxi or road train into Hammamet or Yasmine Hammemet as neither is within walking distance. This proved a little restrictive in the evenings.



Overall, we were impressed with the hotel and look forward to returning at some time in the future.

Hotel was absolutely amazing!...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss DH Harrison

Comments:

Hotel was absolutely amazing! Going back again in December! The staff are brilliant loved them all, especially Chico (Taki), and Ali from reception, the animation team are great and work tirelessly all day, all of the staff there were so polite and would do everything to make sure you have a great time.. it was my dads birthday when we were staying here and the people in the restaurant made things so nice for him, baking a cake with 'happy birthday Jim' written on it, with sparklers and the lot! Nizar in the restaurant was so much fun, and so cute! food was amazing, the hospitality was amazing, everything was just great, the only fault is.. I can’t stay there forever!

If you would like to go to a...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2006

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mr AJ Maile

Comments:

If you would like to go to a hotel that has air conditioning but somebody high up thinks that it is acceptable to turn it off because it is "out of season" then try this hotel. This meant that while the temperature outside was around the 34 mark and in our room in the afternoon was 30, they still felt it unnecessary to turn it on. After making several complaints, it was turned on for 2 days but turned off again even though it was not getting any cooler. Sitting in the bar area in the evening was similar to sitting in a Turkish bath having a drink. When you pay 4 stroke 5 star hotel prices you expect every effort to be made to make your stay comfortable. The person whose decision it was to take this action totally ruined my holiday therefore wasting me a considerable amount of money. DO NOT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE. This is in no way a criticism of our tour operator who tried extremely hard to solve the problem.

Duration - We went for a two...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2006

Tour Operator:

Panorama

Submitted By:

Mr Happy

Comments:

Duration - We went for a two week holiday



Bedrooms - The bed room was massive, (the double bed could easily sleep 3 people) the bathroom was large too, you had a TV in the room although the only English channels were BBC World and CNN.



Staff - The staff were a little moody and as the resort is all inclusive, they would take their time in serving you.



Animation team - the animation were very friendly and tried to get people involved in all the activities (although they were not seen for dust when it rained)



Food - The food was pretty good, although it did get a little repetitive. There was always lots to choose from and no-one ever went hungry.



Beach - massive beach with volleyball court, football goals and plenty of umbrella's and sun loungers for everyone, beware of the camels walking along the beach and also the vendors a good tip is to totally ignore them, that way they have no idea what nationality you are and won't know what language to try, works every time and they usually walk away very quickly.



Swimming pool - fantastic!

Stayed at this hotel Nov 2005,...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2005

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mrs L Coppenhall

Comments:

Stayed at this hotel Nov 2005, was the best holiday ever! Found the staff a bit offish when first arrived but as you get to know them and learn their names and a little tip goes a long way they warm up very quickly indeed! The food was gorgeous fresh pastries soups, fry ups for brekkie, lovely grill where there was a different meat every night, pancakes and coffee to snack on and unlimited drinks made it brill. The place was keep spotless there was always someone cleaning even at 2am!



Animation team were amazing they worked tirelessly from 8am to midnight! We got friendly with one of the guys and some English couples and they took us to a local club for the night it was so much fun danced til my feet hurt! Pool was cleaned every morning and the beach was too, the sea had loads of seaweed in it on the first day but had completely disappeared by the next day!



Looky, looky men on beach pain but if you ignore them they go away, while we were there, there was a mounted policeman patrolling he beach to keep them to a minimum! Went camel riding and parasailing which is really worth it very cheap! All in all can’t wait to go back would highly recommend it to anyone!

I just want to say the animation...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Dec 2005

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Miss B Simpson

Comments:

I just want to say the animation team were sooooooo much fun and I absolutely fell in love with Walid, he was gorgeous and I cried my eyes out when I had to leave him, we got on so well.



Anyway overall the hotel was fantastic all round and I would recommend it to anyone! I would also recommend drinking the Tunisian perno (pastise) with lemonade you get drunk quick and it tastes gorgeous!



As for going down to the medina, as I am only 16 (15 at the time) all the Tunisian men were very interested in me and my sister and it was a bit scary!! If you’re a young girl, I would advise you not to wear a skirt and just cover up outside of the hotel.



I would recommend riding a camel, it’s so great but a bit scary too but if you get nervous I wouldn’t bother because they do tend to throw you off as I got thrown off.



I forgot to mention that whilst I was there the were recording a what seemed like Tunisian version of top of the pops so if your lucky you might see something like that.



Overall I would either go to this hotel or the oriental resort in Sharm el sheikh, Egypt (that’s even better).

I thought this hotel was a good...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2006

Tour Operator:

Panorama

Submitted By:

Miss J Binns

Comments:

I thought this hotel was a good choice although not up to 4* standard I have experienced in the past! The staff were helpful and friendly, the food was very varied, and the beach and pool facilities were excellent.



We went for a real chill out holiday so didn't do too much exploring. Word of advice, don't go on the Wine Tasting Tour offered by Panorama, it was rubbish! We were dropped off in a 'locals' market for 1.5 hours and most us were back at the coach in 20 minutes as it was a bit like a giant jumble sale. Great to get a real feel for the country but not good for buying anything. Then you get taken to the wine tasting 'Chateau' where there are 10 bottles of mediocre wines and a few glasses, no wine tasting tutoring or anything! We just drank as much as we could cope with and left!



The Medina in Hammamet was a great experience. It is worth twisting your All Inclusive bracelet over so they can't see which hotel you are from when you arrive as you always get the odd bloke saying 'I'm your waiter from the Phenicia, let me show you around' when all they want to do is to take you to a shop in which they have a personal interest!



Our rep told us that a polite but firm 'no' and minimal eye contact is all that is required if you just want to browse. If the try to hold your arm (this is not meant to be threatening) just politely push past as this is what they are used to. We got some got bargains but found it all a bit samey. The hotel has a good shop if you don't feel like bartering and want to get rid of some Dinars before you fly home.



All in all this is a good hotel for people wanting a lively yet relaxing stay and who don't mind lots of kids. I would probably not go back, but simply because I would like to try other Iberostar hotels e.g. in Morocco.

This is the second time I have...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Miss C Brown

Comments:

This is the second time I have visited this hotel and I would happily return every year! The weather is lovely, hot but with a breeze but the sun is really strong so its easy to get sun-burnt.



The food is nice with a good range, something for everyone every night.

The rooms are always cleaned well and clean towels are always provided. The room stays cool throughout the day and night.



The pool is large and fairly lively with 'water gym' and pool games taking place. There are plenty of sun beds but to get the best spots its best to get up around 8. There is a man that brings mats to put on the sun beds but this can take a while but if you slip him a small tip on the first couple of days he tends to come to you first!



The beach too has plenty of activities including water sports etc. The entertainment is good if you’re willing to laugh at them a bit! The entertainers work extremely hard to put on a good show for everyone and they usually succeed. They are a very friendly group too and very willing to chat if they have a bit of spare time. If that’s not your cup of tea there’s other places to sit in the evening and there is usually some form of quiet music here.



Out of the hotel there are a few bars and clubs, the most popular being the British bar which gets extremely busy but if you’re English you will have no trouble getting in. At the weekends Manhattan is a proper nightclub and inside is very sophisticated, there is a 10 dinar charge to get in and the drinks are quite expensive but I think it was worth it just once. If you do go out make sure you drink plenty of water as it does get very hot even in the British bar which is open air.



The men in Tunisia are not as bad as they are made out to be, me and my friends found it best to just say no and ignore them and they get the message. Overall the hotel is fantastic and it is good for people of all ages, including teenagers. Best holiday so far this year, and hoping to return next year!

This hotel is wonderful!
...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

May 2006

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Ericaone

Comments:

This hotel is wonderful!



Rooms:- good size, maybe a little basic but at the end of the day all you want to do is use your room to change, shower and sleep.



Facilities:- whilst there we used the tennis courts and swimming pools and also went to the riding stables where the horses are looked after well and seemed happy in their work.



Note - do not get on the horses that are dragged up and down the beach, they have no insurance!



Food:- there was a wide range of food that even the most fussiest of eaters could survive, waiting staff are excellent



Drink:- Wide range of alcohol and soft drinks - bar staff excellent.



Service in general. Fantastic! If you travel with first choice the rep is absolutely fab, really knowledgeable.



Haven't a bad word to say about the hotel, entertainment is great the animation team worked tirelessly whilst we were there, evening entertainment hit and miss but with all the alcohol it's all good! Be careful about trips, we went on the pirate ship 1/2 day cruise, a complete waste of time, don't bother!



Would definitely return again.

Four of us went to the Phenicia...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

May 2006

Tour Operator:

Panorama

Submitted By:

Karen Bentley

Comments:

Four of us went to the Phenicia at the beginning of May with panorama holidays a bargain at only £350 each all inclusive. This Hotel went fully all inclusive from 8th May so was in the change over period when we arrived still making charges for some things e.g. 5 dinar for gym (£2.50). The man who brings the mattresses for the sun loungers told us they cost 1 dinar each but turns out this was a tip. There was no indication that charges would be dropped once all inclusive became fully operational.



Can't fault the food we have stayed in Iberostars in Mexico, Dominican and Lanzarote and the food here was on a par with Caribbean hotels. Breakfast choice was a bit limited but lunch and dinner were great, a good range of foods for everyone, Try the Tunisian food, it is good especially the couscous.



Have read reviews about surly staff, but staff couldn't have been more helpful, especially Taki on reception and Samil in the Bar, although it was a challenge to get a smile out of the man at the pool bar! It helps if you tip during your stay even though it's all inclusive, bear in mind these people only earn about £200 a month.



The pool was very cold while we were there but I would think it would be warmer in high season, Beach is clean and only a short walk, didn't have a problem with loungers but may be one if hotel was full.



Rooms were fine and always cleaned by lunch time, only problem no drawer space.



Went to the Medina at Hammamet, don't believe all the scare stories, you can look and even haggle a polite no was all it took but you may need more than one. Goods for sale in medina are typical of what you find in markets all over the world, mostly tourist tat. But if that’s what you want you can get a good bargain, we were offered a leather bag for 2dinar (less than a pound)



A word of warning you can't take dinar out of Tunisia so only change what you need. Hotel charges 20 dinar deposit on towels for use at pool which you get back when you check out this meant we had 80 dinar. We assumed we would be able to spend it in duty free but no you must change your money BEFORE duty free and only 3 or 4 small shops before that and when you change it back you get 30% less than it's value.



We had a great holiday despite heavy rain for the first 2 days this hotel lives up to it's 4 star rating and we would probably return but for 2 weeks so we could do the safari tour.

Fantastic hotel and the staff...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jan 2006

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Miss D Derrick

Comments:

Fantastic hotel and the staff were really helpful and friendly. Have already booked to go again for January 2007. From May 2006 hotel no longer offers half board which is a shame. The price has gone up because it will be all inclusive. Was on the same flight home as Mr S Green and agree that the cabin staff left something to be desired!!!



If you are under 40 and expect plenty of night life in January then this hotel is probably not for you, but other than that excellent value for money.



Jo the First Choice rep in the hotel is lovely and very helpful.

The hotel is rated at 4 star...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jan 2006

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

stangreen2001

Comments:

The hotel is rated at 4 star which is about right very clean and the rooms are large giving you room to move about. The Hotel facilities where very good but didn't go a bundle on the nightly entertainment.



Read a couple of reviews on the hotel before going, they all said the bar staff were not very good someone must have had a word because we found them great as well as the restaurant and reception staff. Great pools and a good beach good for kids.



Being January the weather was a bit variable but when the sun was out it was hot, only went 1/2 board but the offer of going all inclusive was available but did not take it, glad I didn't as it ties you to the hotel and there are plenty of bars etc just outside the hotel which were cheap and friendly and do great snacks or full meals and the staff where great. (bottle of beer in the hotel 3 dinar that’s the local stuff about 1/2 pint, just outside the hotel in the "London bar" or the "British bar" 2 1/2 dinar for a pint about a £1.00 and cheaper in the happy hour which seemed to last all day).



Possible that the prices would increase for the summer season if so I don't think it would be by all that much . Getting around was no problem the taxis dirt cheap and plentiful (make sure the meter goes on when you get in)the reception will give you a guide as to rates to various places.



Overall enjoyed the holiday and would go back. As for the tour operator Reps they were well clued up on the area and very helpful. Main gripe with the tour operator would be that the seating in the First Choice Planes left a lot to be desired and the cabin staff could do with a few lessons on being happy in their work.



Last thing, when you arrive at the airport beware of the baggage carriers who take your luggage off you without asking take it to the coach you are travelling on to you hotel, then want paying and its the same when you arrive at the airport when you are going home.