Reviews of Bel Air Hotel, Hammamet, Tunisia

We have been going to the Bel...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2007

Tour Operator:

Direct Holidays

Submitted By:

Mrs I McKee

Comments:

We have been going to the Bel Air for four years and we are going back this August, we just love it everyone is so friendly and you know your children are safe.



People complain about the food but there is everything in offer you have all your cereals

fruit etc. for breakfast.



Dinner - all you want in the line of salds and hot food and beautiful desserts.



Entertainment excellent.



I would recommend the hotel to everyone of all ages.

THE HOTEL WAS OK, FOOD GOOD,...

Overall Rating:

2/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mr D BULLOCK

Comments:

THE HOTEL WAS OK, FOOD GOOD, STAFF WERE HELPFULL, BUT ONCE OUTSIDE THE HOTEL

IT WAS AWFUL,NOWHERE TO GO,THE BEACH WAS FILTHY IN HAMMAMET,THE STREETS WHERE DIRTY,THE TAXIS RIP YOU OFF,EVERYBODY SEEMS TO WANT TO GET AS MUCH

MONEY AS THEY CAN FROM YOU.ALL IN ALL THIS WAS BY FAR THE WORST HOLLIDAY RESORT WE HAVE EVER BEEN TO, NEVER AGAIN NOT EVEN FOR FREE.

The best holiday ever is all i...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2007

Tour Operator:

Direct Holidays

Submitted By:

Miss K LEE

Comments:

The best holiday ever is all i can say -

I went there three years in a row, it never gets boring!



the entertainment in magnificent!

i loved nino mimi zico kaka

(the entertainers)

and in day time the entertainment was amazing

water polo everyday

and aerobics everyday,

although you never had internet access

that wasn't a problem as yasmine hammamet and the medina is only up

the road!

and its only a 5 minute walk from the beach, and the person who owns the beach is amazing, if you give him a tip he will save you a deck chair,

even at the beach you got entertainment

banana boats, pedeloes, powergliding

and it has a beach bar!



but warning. it is BOILING HOT 36 - 40 degrees usually

remember to cover up (suntan lotions your best bet)

first year i went, i didnt put no suntan lotion on and i fried

it was first seeing as i went the hottest year!



In the hotel is about 3 shops, a bowling alley (amazing) five dinar for a game

but totally worth it!

it has a indoor swimming pool, a gym, a night club (the irish bar) amazing.

although if your hotel room is above it its a pain as music don't stop til

3/4 in the morning!



the food is quite good in the hotel

for breakfast you usually get eggs, crosaints and cereals

and on a night you gets a wide variety, and a water melon (which is fly-infested)



by tunisia i advice you to go carthage land, and yasmine hammamet

where it has rides and it alot of fun to spend the day

and you'll get some bargins!

i also advice you to go on the pirate ship

(a little trip thats arranged by your rep)

which is very fun, good entertainment, BUT BOILING HOT



overall it was the best holiday i have ever been on

i will be going to hammamet yet again this year

but staying in Aziza Residence Thalasso Golf :)



and by the way.

if your going

YOU WILL meet a camel, as they are everywhere

very cute :)

hope this have helped

My other half and I spent a week...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2007

Tour Operator:

Airtours

Submitted By:

Miss F Pugh

Comments:

My other half and I spent a week here in 2007. We had a lovely time. The hotel staff were fantastic, and always willing to help.

The food was excellent and the hotel was always very clean.

The only problem was the noise from the entertainments, but this would stop at 12. If you can adobt an "if you can't beat them join them" attitude you will have a fantastic time. Coming from two people in their late 20's with no children, the kids Snoopy disco was great!

It seemed to be a fantastic hotel whoever you were.

We shall definately be going back.

The hotel was clean and the...

Overall Rating:

6/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2007

Tour Operator:

Sunshine.co.uk

Submitted By:

Mrs T Bouaziz

Comments:

The hotel was clean and the staff were friendly. The rooms were nice but basic, no TV. It was cleaned daily to a very high standard.



However we were disappointed with the food, and ate out most of the time. The hotel was also joined to a lively bar which played very loud music until 3/4 am.



The major problem for us was that the transfers were not included in the price, and as the airport is over an hour a way it was hard to arrange with a young child.



Over all we had nice time and would recommend this hotel to young people or couples with no children.

Have just returned from 2 weeks...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2007

Tour Operator:

MyTravel

Submitted By:

Mrs P Bowden

Comments:

Have just returned from 2 weeks at the Bel Air - and wish I was still there! Fantastic holiday - although the weather could have been a bit kinder, but no-one can be blamed for that! Still got a tan!



Hotel - yes, pretty basic rooms but enough for what was needed, cleaned daily and always looked forward to what designs had been made with the bedding by the Chambermaid. All staff very friendly - and I don't think the fact that I had a mobility scooter was the only reason, although Nino would have run off with it, given the chance!



Staff in shops very friendly - were given a bag of sweets to take home to my daughter based on a photo they saw, and also had my name engraved on a bracelet and given to me. Food wonderful - something different every day and all well cooked.



Noise - obviously not as bad as in the summer, but we were right over the entertainments bar and it never kept us awake! Flies are a nuisance but what do you expect in an African country?



2 day safari is a must do - lot of time on the coach but definitely worth it, as is the Light and Sound show. Water is an absolute necessity - lots of it! Old Hammamet is beautiful - we only got there once and wished we'd gone earlier. I definitely would recommend this hotel - and the Shakespeare next door if you want to be Anglified for a bit - lovely English bacon!!

I stayed for one week in the Bel...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2007

Tour Operator:

Direct Holidays

Submitted By:

Miss L K  Roberts

Comments:

I stayed for one week in the Bel Air Hotel and had a brilliant time. Plenty of things to do - courtesy of the entertainment team - with shows varying from cabaret to comedy to Arabian dancing.



Staff were extremely friendly - got a lot of attention from them - whether that was to do with the fact that we were a group of 3 very confident girls!



Hotel was lovely, rooms very clean, the chambermaid were great. Pool nice.



Overall, I thought it was a great place to stay, so much so that we are going book next year.

This year is the fourth time...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2007

Tour Operator:

Direct Holidays

Submitted By:

Mrs Y Jackson

Comments:

This year is the fourth time that we have stayed at this hotel, and this year we even brought along close friends with us. As always the staff were friendly and polite and couldn't do enough for us.



Last year saw a renovation and the fitting of double glazed windows to the rooms, which has cut out a lot of the noise that we had previously experienced.

The rooms may be basic but are always very well cleaned.



Meal times were not a problem as there was always plenty of choice, my husband and 14 yr old Daughter who are both very fussy eaters found something different to eat every night. The cakes are delicious.



The pool is fantastic, large, well cleaned and well maintained daily by the two lifeguards.



Sun beds are plentiful and cost 1 Tunisian Dinar per day = 40p.

The entertainment team are fantastic; I don’t know where they get their energy from.



They cater for everybody from 2 to 102 years of age. Great to see the return of Mimi, who is an absolute star.

Our friends loved it and would like to return again.

We have just returned from 2...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2007

Tour Operator:

MyTravel

Submitted By:

Mrs M Reid

Comments:

We have just returned from 2 weeks at the Bel Air in Hammamet and can honestly say we had a wonderful time.



The bedrooms are very basic but clean. The hotel could do with renewing their towels as they have seen better days.



The dining room was large and there was always plenty of choice at breakfast and dinner. The soups were particularly lovely.



The pool area is beautiful and the pool was cleaned every morning. Saiad and Ali were the 2 lifeguards on duty every day. They also dealt with the sun beds.



From 9am onwards barring 2 hours at lunchtime the pool area was alive and kicking thanks to the animation team: Zico, Mimi, Kaka and Max. They started off with stretching exercises followed by aqua aerobics.



They then played French bowls followed by water polo. They then had pool games for the children. All day these lads were mingling with holidaymakers ensuring everyone was happy. In the evening there was bingo compliments of Nino. (Hilarious).



At 9pm they had a mini disco for the kids. The kids loved it. This was followed by a show either by an outside entertainer or by the lads themselves. The Lord of the Dance show was fantastic with the boys doing a rendition of Michael Flattely We were lucky enough to have a champion Irish dancer in the hotel who did a dance in the show. She was fantastic and only 12 years old.



We spent 2 nights at the beach sitting at the waterfront having a drink with just candle light it was a beautiful atmosphere and the bar manager was a gentleman. The locals do approach you but we found them to be inoffensive.



Mostly they were wanting you to look in their shop. The flower sellers eventually got the hint if you refused to take the flower from them. Thankfully our rep Philip from My Travel has lived in Tunisia for a long time and has children and grandchildren there.



He was able to give us very sound advice which made us able to deal with the approaches from the locals without any trouble.



We would definitely go back and I would be happier about my daughter going there as anywhere else. The crime rate is very very low as the locals wouldn't dare do anything against a tourist for fear of the punishment they would get. They are a very good looking, friendly race who have a wonderful sense of humour.



Their command of the English and French language is admirable. We would definitely recommend it.

First time my boyfriend and I...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2007

Tour Operator:

Airtours

Submitted By:

Miss Annelise Harrhy

Comments:

First time my boyfriend and I went to Tunisia and to be honest we were a bit nervous after reading some of the bad comments on this site. But all I’ve got to say is what a load of rubbish. The Bel air hotel is everything you could want on a holiday, and as for the people that said there was nothing to do when you step out of the hotel.



There is a strip of nightclubs, bars and restaurants at the end of the street not to mention the trips you can go on and the local market (which was good).



Some people are just too fussy but we loved every moment we spent on the 2 week holiday and we will definitely be back next year!



The entertainment team mimi, max, kaka, zico and nino were the nicest people you will ever meet, they work so hard for so little money. After speaking to one of them we found out that they only get 10 dinas a day which is about 4 pound and they work from 9 in the morning until gone 12 at night, but we found that they really appreciate it if you buy their CD/DVD or buy a T - shirt because it helps them out allot.



The waiters were also really friendly people and we always left a tip. I loved the water aerobics and stretching in the morning and my boyfriend loved getting involved in the French bowls and the water polo.



The shows in the night were also really good and ninos bingo will have you in stitches. I found myself being dragged into dancing at the kids disco and onto the stage to stand on a mans neck as he put a sword against his throat but these are moments I will never forget about the holiday.



One night we went to the Bel air beach party bbq which was also really good with good entertainment. The only thing I would say is that if your a vegetarian there are limited choices in the hotel but just ask the chef to make an omelette or something and they are happy to do it for you.



I would also definitely recommend going to the safari park or going on a camel ride through the hotel as we found both trips really good fun. Over all the holiday was brilliant and I nearly cried as I left the hotel with some on the staff waving goodbye, but we will be going back next year!!

The week me and my parents...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2007

Tour Operator:

MyTravel

Submitted By:

Miss A Annonomous

Comments:

The week me and my parents stayed was not enough. From the night we walked in, we were happy. The entertainment lads do a fantastic job working really long hours and they never seem to get tired. We found zico, max, mimi, nino and kaka were always trying to get people involved.



There was something for everyone no matter what your ability was. Even if it was just dancing at the snoopy disco that ran for the kids at night. I did find that max, zico and mimi liked everyone to dance at some point, and through the whole week I was there I think everyone had a go at something.



Their shows they put on afterwards were excellent, they really had to pinned to your seat, and how they managed to conduct another mini disco afterward and still stay up until the cheers bar closed, is beyond me.



The food was fantastic, I have heard reports about there being hardly anything to eat, but I am a slight fussy eater and I ate perfectly fine at every meal. The waiters were really friendly and helpful. They always had a smile on their faces and were happy to help out with any problems.



The two day Sahara trip was fantastic, although the hotel we stayed at over night wasn't one of the best, we were only there for around about 6hours and some of that was sleeping so it didn’t really matter.



I would say that anyone thinking of going, should take so much water because it gets so hot on the coach and in the desert , you start to dehydrate quicker than you think.



Overall, the holiday was fantastic and I can't wait to go back. I do miss getting up and playing water polo, French bowls and anything else, I know that everyday the 5 lads are there, they'll make everyone's holiday as good as they made mine.

What a fantastic holiday!
...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2007

Tour Operator:

Airtours

Submitted By:

Mrs S Moore

Comments:

What a fantastic holiday!



The hotel is great. The staff are friendly. The entertainment guys are working all day. There is lots to do e.g. Water polo, French Bowles, Aqua Aerobics etc.



This was our first time in Tunisia but we can honestly say that we thoroughly enjoyed it. Met some great friends who we've stayed in contact with and hope to see them there again next year.



Yes, the food is a bit repetitive, but if you really don't like it there are a couple of British bars around and it really is quite cheap to eat out. Not much for kids to eat though.



My one word of advice is do not buy anything from the jewellery shop at the hotel. They will tell you that it is 14 carat gold but is in fact gold plated, as both my husband and I have found out since returning to the UK. We will be having a word when we return next year!



All in all we had a really fab sunny relaxing holiday and will definitely be going back next year.

This hotel is the best hotel in...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2006

Tour Operator:

Select

Submitted By:

Miss N Banks

Comments:

This hotel is the best hotel in the world! Me and my family loved it so much we're going back in august 2007.



The entertainment is excellent. I have to say that the staff are the best, Nino, Zico and Kaka. They were so funny and so much fun and they cared about you. My room was massive it was a suite.



The only bad thing was that I got an ear infection.



I was so upset when we had to go home but I was so excited to go back next year!!



You should definitely come to Hotel Bel Air. It's great for any ages!

Well I am back from my third...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2007

Tour Operator:

MyTravel

Submitted By:

Miss A McEwan

Comments:

Well I am back from my third trip to the Bel Air Hotel and yet again had a wonderful time.

I love it there; I was there last year and in Oct 05.



The first thing I should mention is the entertainment staff, they are great. I do consider Nino and Zico friends and will continue to keep in touch. Nino does so much for that place and deserves more recognition than he gets. He works the hardest out of the lot, and Zico is just simply lovely as is Mimi, Max, and Kaka.



The hotel is improving slowly but gradually I did notice that, and they are extending the building too. I can't wait to see what it is like next year.



Also I did notice the improvement to the food at the hotel, even though people still complain about it I have to admit I actually ate some of it this year. The waiters in the restaurant are great too, always polite.



I love the beach and found that this year they have made improvements down there too; they have a new Chinese restaurant. However I still will not use the toilets down there.



Jamel, Moses and the rest of the boys will look after you though.



I feel like I should also mention the bar staff who do a wonderful job supplying all us holidaymakers with what we all so desperately want.



Finally this year I took my friend with me and at first she was like where have you brought me to? But now she is just as in love with the place as I am and we are hoping to go back next year for a month and are already excited about it.



I have no doubt that when we have to leave again next year there will be more tears.

First time I have ever been to...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2007

Tour Operator:

MyTravel

Submitted By:

Mr J  Wallace

Comments:

First time I have ever been to the Tunisia and The Bel Air and I had been on here reading the reports before I went, some say good and others were bad, so I was a bit worried to be honest, as I worry about most things but I have to say... I love this place!



The rooms were basic but clean, no fridge but we hired one for 5 dinar a day which worked out at £2.00



Previous posts mentioned the locals being a bit intimidating but when I went out with my Girlfriend, I found as long as you were to the point and polite, you didn't get any hassle. We even went to the Nabul Market which was a great experience haggling with all the stall owners.



As mentioned previously by in other postings my holiday was really made by the entertainment guys MIMI (who I have to say is like an Tunisian version of Vin Diesel), KAKA, ZICO, MAX & NINO, these guys just don't get paid enough for the effort the put in.



They are running about the pool from 9am all through the day, getting all the holiday makers involved in the activities such as Water Polo and French Bowls. Then they put on a kids disco at 9pm followed by the prize bingo before the cabaret shows which finish about 11:30 – 11:45pm.



The guys earn about £70 per Month, Yes a MONTH not only this but we also found out that all the CD's that were played and costumes that the guys wore were all bought by themselves.



This was the first holiday I had went on without my 2 young girls as they were away with their Gran and I am usually down the beach all the time, but I have to say I was only at the beach this time for 1 day as I enjoyed the hotel that much.



For the previous postings to say that there was nothing to do, please get real! The hotel had a Tenpin Bowling alley as well as a nightclub in it, there were also 2 British bars within 1 minutes walking distance from the front door and as mentioned the shows were on every night.



Another thing I found that was amazing and that has to be the amount of other guest that were so friendly. We ended up making a few good friends that we will certainly be keeping in touch with and which always makes your holiday extra special.



The food I thought was great as you have lots of salads and veg with different Chicken and Fish dishes most nights although my girlfriend struggled with this, so we ate out most of the second week.



But there were 2 British bars just outside the doors of the hotel and a pizzeria just round the corner, it is also so cheap to eat out as one night we went out with a friend and had 3 main courses with a drink each, 1 large milkshake and 2 large Ice cream Sundays which work out at about £8.00.



If I ever go back to Tunisia I will definitely go back to the Bel Air, I met a few people who have been back 3, 4 and even 5 times.



I just want to say a bid thanks to everyone that I met including Chris, Lucy, Alan, Annette and family and everyone else I met, but I am really terrible with names and can't remember you all. I was there between 23rd June to the 7th July and you all made my holiday one of the best I have ever had, I was the Scottish guy that loved playing in the Water Polo but could only really use one arm due to an accident I had as a boy.