Royal Azur Thalasso

The hotel looks fantastic in the photos, but don’t take everything at face value. The additional pool with jacuzzi is not included in the room rate and comes at an extra cost — make sure you check the website carefully before booking so you’re not surprised. Check-in was smooth and the reception staff were helpful with information. The hotel itself is clean and maintained to a good standard. The rooms are spacious, which is a plus, but the wardrobe is tiny. If you’re staying longer than a week, you’ll probably end up living out of your suitcase. A few room details could be improved. They only provide two towels and a couple of bottles of water when they clean, and the bedding felt a bit tired. We don’t think it was changed during our stay, as it stayed the same for several days. Food-wise, there’s a decent choice and the quality is good, but I wouldn’t call it outstanding. The main buffet has loud live music most evenings. If you enjoy that lively atmosphere while eating, you’ll be happy. If you prefer a quieter, more relaxed meal, the main restaurant probably isn’t the best fit. The spa facilities are pleasant. However, the on-site gym costs 50 Tunisian dinars per day (around £12), which feels steep. There’s a gym about 200 metres outside the resort that charges just £7 for the whole week if you prefer to save money. Overall, I feel the hotel could be more transparent in its advertising about the spa, fitness facilities, and extra charges. The location is convenient — there are a few shops and bars nearby, and you’re only about 10 minutes from the main Medina. Would I recommend it? No. In my view, a hotel calling itself 5-star should include the key facilities in the price and offer a few extra thoughtful touches that make the stay feel special. Too many things that should be standard end up costing extra, and some basic details (towels, bedding, storage) fall short of that level.

The hotel itself was very nice, the view and the pool areas were fantastic. The rooms were of a vast size, although not a lot of wardrobe space, no drawers, so we had to practically live out of a suitcase throughout our stay. We found the staff to be very pleasant, however, reception could do with a little more 'customer service' skills. We found the lady on customer relations was the best point of contact and very helpful. We were disappointed that there was no courtesy room or no late check out rooms available, which I find poor for those that have late night flights and very unaccommodating by the hotel, especially as it's clear the hotel isn't at full capacity! The food on offer looked really nice, and a great selection of hot and cold food but sadly due to the number of flies being ALL OVER the food we found a lot was inedible. I understand flies outside the hotel can't be controlled, but in the actual dining areas is not acceptable. I think more could be done to resolve this issue. A lot of the food hot or cold isn't covered and could be. This was a huge problem for us as we were both ill during our stay. All in all we had a pleasant stay but with the negative points mentioned I wouldn't say it was a 5* stay.

The hotel is very clean and well presented. Quiet and very mellow atmosphere during both days and nights. The grounds are small, but clean. We were here in Oct - I would bet during peak season it would be hard to get a bed by the pool as people were towel positioning very early in the mornings. Really nice aroma from the flowers - beautiful. Entertainment: None at all - Maybe just some live music at nights in or near the bars would have been nice? Loved the art at the hotel, its everywhere - very nice touch. The room: We were given a suite and this was fantastic, tons of space, dual balconies, living area and was modern with great-speed USB sockets. Tv in lounge and bedroom. all very nice. Wifi: Generally good - even down at the private beach, but like all wifi, it had drops at busy times. Private beach: Outstanding, clean, great sand, clean water, hardly any touts, a bar serving drinks, toilets a few mins walk, great beds, seating, nooks and all-round great location. The staff: Outstanding, never had an issue, always very nice, friendly, happy to help. From the reception, to the bar staff, the pool bar, beach and room cleaners - everyone was amazing and friendly. We read reviews saying tipping was essential; for the first few days we didn’t tip, but the service was so good we felt we wanted to, so we did - we had great service if tipping or not. The food: It was OK, generally, there was always something i could find, but its hit and miss. Hardly ever anything hot (invest in some heat lamps or ban marries) some nights had an overbalance of fish focus - and we just don’t like fish. Salads though all great, and the deserts my wife loved and they looked good but also tasted good. Being a fussy eater though not liking much meat, fish or dairy, for me it was pretty limited with lots of breads and salads every day. But this is a general hotel issue with food. I just wish that if they commit to a theme they do it right. so if you do Asian then do it properly. and so on. Sister Hotel: Ok, for a walk and for different views but not much else. Overall: A great week, great upgraded room to a site, friendly, quiet/chilled, great beach - we would return. OH, just one thing - out of control of the hotel. No one mentioned the flies. OMG, some days they were intolerable, so many, all day. This is the only downside o the holiday. Be warned they are a lot.

Very tired hotel. Communal areas are clean enough. Staff unmotivated to help unless you tip them. Food cold, not labelled and the same every day Hammemet itself is run down. Do not recommend

We felt valued guests in this lovely hotel. Spotless throughout and well appointed, the staff were friendly, professional and took pride in giving great service. The pools were crystal clear and gardens immaculate. Chefs produced a variety of tasty dishes at every service with plenty of choice for the most particular of palettes. The hotel’s location, an easily walked mile from the medina, is ideal. It’s a taxi ride to the larger shopping area in Nabeul and an interesting day trip will take in Tunis, Carthage and Sidi Bou Said. I would not hesitate to strongly recommend the Royal Azur for a holiday in Tunisia; it is without doubt a gem.