Iberostar Selection Diar El Andalous

We arrived around 8pm and carried our luggage in, there is a security scanner on arrival. We were seated and provided with a drink and flower whilst we were being checked in. The welcome was pleasant and payment including taxes was taken swiftly. We were shown to our room, a large double bed although a twin was requested but we were okay with this. The room had a view of the back garden area with palm trees, very quiet, it was clean enough, nothing to suggest 5* but then we need to respect that Tunisia is still developing and the 5* standard for UK and other countries may not reflect here. The bed was comfortable, pillows too. Bathroom was clean, shower gel, hair wash provided but bring your own if you prefer it. Shower was slow to drain the water but we weren't bothered by this. The wardrobe is spacious and there is plenty of storage for your holiday clothes, iron available from housekeeping. After 2 nights we were moved to a sea view room which became available, this was great as we could sit on our balcony for a good view of the entertainment. Sometimes the chairs are all taken before the entertainment starts. The entertainment is good, music, dancing, quizzes etc. The staff in all areas of this hotel are fantastic, they are so kind and friendly and take great pride in looking after guests. We would like to thank our cleaners along with all other staff who made our stay enjoyable. A special thank you to Aziz who was very professional and really cared about our feedback, he also helped arrange a private taxi driver to Carthage and El Jem. The holiday Rep was friendly but stopped saying hello once we didn't book through him, whoops! The resort has a souvenir shop, jewellery shop, henna etc. Sports bar etc. The food in the restaurant has a varied choice and is ample for all guests. Those with allergies can advise reception who will liaise with the chef to take care of guests with allergies. The sunbeds around the pool and beach area are often taken by 8am, we did eventually get availability and this is common for a lot of busy resorts, the hotel was fully booked. I went for a walk along the beach at 7am and it was cooler and nice, quite a few people in the sea and walking/jogging. There are activities available, we did a paraglide. Camels and horses are on the beach at 7am for rides. Boats trips, jet ski etc can be booked. The ambience around the foyer was relaxing, nicely decorated too. The bar is near the exit to outside so convenient, there is filtered water in the corridor on each floor near the rooms. The Marina is a 20 minute walk and has a nice evening atmosphere, plenty of restaurants and shops, a nice walk. The staff should be proud of their hard work that keeps the resort functioning to a high standard. Overall we had a very pleasant experience and I would recommend this hotel and we would stay here again.

I just had to leave a review for Aziz and Lela (I hope I spelt it correctly) from the reception and housekeeping team. My husband’s 40th birthday happened during our stay, and they went so far above and beyond to make it memorable. We came back to our room to find the most beautiful setup — towels folded into shapes, a birthday message, a birthday cake and extra attention to detail everywhere. Lela also made sure the room was extra clean and even arranged things to surprise him. It was clear this wasn’t just “doing a job” — it was care. From myself and my family thank you Aziz and Lela and the whole housekeeping team for turning a regular hotel stay into a celebration. You made my husbands 40th milestone truly special. A very special thanks also to the lovely Sousou from the kids club. Your kindness, attentiveness and hospitality is first class and has not gone unrecognised. My daughter loved spending time with you and is eagerly anticipating returning to play again. It is because of the service we have received from you all that we will be returning in the near future. Kitchen staff, waiters (especially AbdelAziz, Ali and Moussa), bar staff and all those we encountered were professional and a delight to speak with. Thank you, I highly recommend this hotel. Nothing short of amazing. Being next to the beach is also priceless.

Fantastic hotel and staff had a great experience here. The room was clean, all staff were friendly and amazing. The entertainment was good too! Not one thing I could fault. Food tasted brillant too. Aymen was great at teaching archery! And Fethi always kept our drinks topped up.

It was so lovely going back to this hotel again. All the staff are so nice and helpful. They can't do enough for you The only disappointment was not seeing a very good staff member who we met last September Saber Mahmoudi. He was one of the most attentive bar waiters we had met. Always had a huge smile on his face remembered our drinks and kept us topped up without having to be asked. We love this hotel and all the staff which is why we go back at least once a year and have done for several years.

First trip solo as an older female with limited mobility so I spent time choosing a hotel best suited to accomodate my needs. Staff were attentive and responsive to my needs without being overwhelming. There are some environmental adaptations that would enhance the expeeience of travellers with disabilities and I spoke with guest relations about this who seened receptive to my suggestions. Checking in was disappointing - no cold towel, no welcome drink and initially asked to pay 420tnd in tourist tax ! I queried this as a gross exagerration (5star hotel = 12tnd per night paid for a maximum of 10 nigjts = 120tnd. I did not get an apology at this point however the amount was adjusted accordingly. I have to add that many countries have tourist tax and I do not have an issue with paying a tourist tax due to the denands on resoirces that my stay will entail. I booked Star Prestige because this gave me access to child free areas (nothing against kids but, my balance is very poor and the unpredictable nature of kids enjoying themselves while I'm walking is anxiety provoking) and appreciated the hospitality from Mohammed and his colleague. I found there to be no issues getting a sunbed throughout my stay. My room - sea view double - exceeded my expectations and housekeeping - Ralma and team - ensured high levels of cleanliness throughout my stay. However, my mini bar was not replenished once during my stay and towel art was non existent. Bathroom was well laid out and maintained immaculately throughout my stay, plenty of wardrobe space and hangers, coffee machine pods replenished when requsted, I like a huge, sprawly bed with a hardish mattress so it suited me and the sunrise from my balcony was so beautiful. Star Prestige hotel residents get a 25% discount at the spa on already very reasonable prices - I treated myself to a hammam and clay wrap (amazing) and a deep tissue massage (exactly what was needed following a coupla days exploring Dougga, Bulla Reggia and Testour). I made use of the indoor pool and had it to myself each time, sorry but, I didn't get the chaps' name who ensured the pool area was clean and supplied me with hand towels for my hair - thank you so much. I don't understand criticism of the buffet restaurant - the variety and freshness of produce, multiple showcase cooking stations ensuring hot food, labelling in several languages, gluten free options, dairy free options but advised to notify reception when checking in or speak directly with the chefs who ensure their presence throughout meal times. Staff here helped me with drinks but, availability of tables with the space to accomodate a rollator, a wheelchair or a pram/pushchair is very poor indeed. The themed Italian restauranf was disappointing and when I asked to book the Tunisian themed restaurant was told I was not entitled to this. I had limited use of the outdoor pools and beach area but, other residents said that cleanliness, snack bar, beach bar, staff and entertainment team went out of their way to ensure you were having a good time without being pushy. Evening cocktail and canapes is a lovely touch well attended by residents and staff. Many residents indulged in a shisha pipe but, maybe several mothpieces that can be used individually would be a welcome addition ? Shisha is very much a social event and hygiene or contamination is a bit of an issue for me. Evening enyertainment was varied and enjoyed by residents and I had a better view of performers from the balcony of my room which for me was a good thing. Tunisia continues to develop as a tourist destination so don't expect a European 5 star experience however, the hospitality and authentic kindness is the best I have experienced. The hotel maintenance team work hard to address day to day wear and tear and there are scheduled updates to the environment in general - for example newly installed automatic doors between the lobby Boutre bar and external patio. Tunisia has much to offer the sight seer and I used Tunisian Adventures to create a personalised itenrary to visit several of the Roman sites which are Unesco listed and protected. I also used MedsPeds to hire a rollator for the duration of my holiday and highly recommend both. I've already booked for next year which says a lot !