Eden Yasmine Resort and SPA

Honest review from an English family with teenagers. 1. Rooms: we arrived and were shown to our room, we quickly realised that the balcony door did not have a lock on it. The safe did not work and the fridge door was hanging off. We went to reception who sent a technician up to us about 10 minutes later. The technician couldn’t fix any of it so, we went back to reception, the receptionist seemed a reluctant to move us and couldn’t see the issue of a family sleeping in a room that wasn’t secure. She was quite rude to us, rolling her eyes and being really grumpy. Eventually, she moved us. Room 2: same issue with the balcony door except this time it didn’t open. The safe didn’t work again either. We head back to reception who sent the technician to us again, he couldn’t get the door open. We were then moved again. Room 3: the safe & the balcony door were in working order. Overall the rooms are ‘ok’ a bit tired in places and smell of smoke as smoking is permitted in rooms but, generally clean, maids came daily. The pillows were like teabags along with itchy wool blankets on the beds. We were near the road and road noise was an issue as well as locals shouting and dogs barking at all hours. We could hear everything and were woken up frequently. Which brings me to the next point. 2. The hotel: as well as being a hotel, it is also an old people’s care home! We had no idea, it wasn’t made clear anywhere pre booking. Ok, not a huge issue just not what you expect. We shared the pool and communal areas with residents and their nurses. Many in wheelchairs and frail being assisted around the hotel. They would tend to come out in the mornings for a few hours and take sun-beds around the pool. There was not enough beds for everyone, they were often all taken by 9am. We were on the first floor above some of the elderly residents, when we went back to our room in the late afternoon there was a lady who constantly whaled over and over again into the early hours. It was really frustrating and made it difficult to switch off or sleep. Her room must have been directly below us, it was relentless and sounded like what I can only describe as a wounded cow. Not the poor ladies fault of course but, not what I expect to listen to whilst I’m on holiday, it was constant. In general the hotel areas are fine, clean and comfortable. It lacks some atmosphere particularly in the evenings with what can only be described as ‘lift music’ on repeat in the bar area. They have an animation team who try to get people to go upstairs to the ‘cosy bar’ where they tried to have a bit of a disco vibe but, there was never any guests in there. It was often 10pm before anything would start upstairs and I think most people had gone to bed through boredom by that time. Guests were mainly Europeans and local Tunisians, they didn’t tend to sit in the bar area in the evenings. There is a big screen in the bar area with football on- we managed to get all the games that were on back home, huge bonus and the only thing that kept us in the bar really. We cannot fault the bar staff, absolutely fantastic and so attentive. All staff in general were lovely and welcoming it was the receptionist that really lets them down. 3. The food: if you’re expecting any home comforts or English food then, that’s not what you’ll get here. It was quite traditional, which on the first day was great. We want to try different things whilst in a different country but, it got very repetitive. All of the food tasted the same and was in my opinion, quite bland. It really lacked any variety, it was the same thing everyday. We were hungry most of the time. The restaurant is quite small for the number of guests there, we had to queue for a table a few times- we went at Easter so, not even peak time. There is only 1 restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It says snacks in the bar area AM & PM but, it was just what was left over from the buffet- often cold and dry. It also mentions a bbq hut that does snacks, that wasn’t ever open. 4. Outside the hotel: really close to the Medina and about a 15 minute walk to the beach. The medina was smaller than we expected. There’s lots of traditional stalls but, it was rife for hassle. Every single stall owner tried to sell you something or ask you to ‘just look’ same goes with the cafes and restaurants- constant hassle that’s really off putting. We also went to Hammamet, that was the exact same. There is a real lack of restaurants in Yasmine, it’s mainly shops all selling the same thing. If it’s a lively atmosphere or, music type bars you want then this isn’t the place for you. That is non existent throughout the whole resort, it’s mainly cafes, shisha and the odd restaurant- all offering the same food and very traditional. The side streets are very run down, littered with rubbish, broken tiles and graffiti. It wasn’t an awful experience but, not brilliant either, it wasn’t for us.

We had a great stay here. It's a beautiful setting with lots of lovely rich foliage. The weather wasn't great so we were pleased there was an indoor pool, board games, pool table, kids club, disco etc. Plenty to do when it's raining! The staff were all really kind and friendly. The room was clean and spacious and we were pleased to have a balcony to hang swimming costumes etc. I'd read reviews complaining that it was joined to a retirement home but this didn't bother us at all, if anything, we found it endearing. The food is varied, lots of options and by day 2 you work out what you like and what you don't! We also had a massage and full body scrub which was an interesting experience, we didn't really know what we signed up for but Aziz swayed us. We were glad we did though.

Great hotel nice and clean. The staff are amazing. Spa was lovely great activities put on by the entertainment staff. Food was nice and fresh

very clean, staff are lovely. foods bot great not alot of options especially if a fussy eater. entertainment staff were great and so was the massage

Hotel was good very clean food is sometimes cold and could have more selection. Entertainment staff are great all very friendly. Rocky isn’t good at ping pong