This was my family's first time in Tunisia. We had considered the country a few years ago but the though of 40+ celcius put us off. However, now our son was old enough we decided to give it a go.

We were looking for an All Inclusive and as we'd stayed at another Iberostar hotel in town of Cavtat in Croatia, we knew the hotel would be good. We weren't disappointed!!

We travelled First Choice, who were excellent, especially the lovely Joanne at the hotel. She's English but has lived in Tunisia for many years, so can offer expert advice. The only to be aware of with FC is the hand-luggage allowance and dimensions - they check-in people are very strict.

On arrival at Monistar airport FC are very good at getting you onto the correct coach. Be careful, there are dozens of coaches, so do make sure you ask and ask again!!! Unfortunately, a couple of people who needed our coach did not and we had to wait over 40 minutes for them to board the coach!!

After a 90 minute drive through some barron country we arrived a the hotel. What an you say, like everyone else says, it is truely excellent. The food, staff, grounds, beach ,sea all excellent. Some people comment about the rooms but on a summer holiday you only need that room to sleep in, to wash and get ready for the day!!

I'd recommend the El Jem trip to see where Gladiators was filmed. Awesome sight! However, on the same trip is a 60 minute trip of a pirate ship. aweful food and be careful of diving into the sea when they stop for a break. The currents are quite strong and it took all my strength to keep my son and myself near the ship!!! Stay on-board!!!

The entertainment in the hotel is simple and fun. The animation team really try all day and most of the time it is good simple fun entertainment.

If you go to Hammemet medina then be prepared to just say No to the sellers!!! no problems really. avoid the carpet shops which try to keep you inside by closeing the curtain behind you. Simply turn and leave they won't stop you. the shop-keapers will often try the "you are my first customer of the day and it's bad luck for the first customer not to buy something" routine. If you don't want anything don't buy!!

Jasmine Hammamet is nice. A new medina but more friendly, less pushy!!! Still good fun bartering!!!!

Anyway, we enjoyed the holiday so much w're going again this summer.

This hotel is amazing, we arrived quite late but was quickly checked in and told that food was waiting for us. Our air con absolutly stunk, we told reception and they sent up a porter to move us straight away. Rooms are very clean and the chambermaids are very friendly and polite, the staff always have a smile on their faces and always say hello in what ever language you speak. The remote for our TV didn't work, wasn't bothered by it as we weren't in the room that much anyway but the chambermaid still changed it without being asked. Top bloke, I changed some sterling for him and he gave me a vase full of flowers for my girlfriend.

The waiters are awesome, your glass is never empty. Just give them a few Dinars here and there and you'll never have to go back to the bar.

The food is amazing, there's so much choice it's unbelievable. And it all just tastes great. Honestly there's always something there for everyone, no matter how fussy an eater you may be. The deserts are out of this world, the cakes are so fresh and tasty. Ice-cream is great and there's always something different. The a la carte restaurant has to be booked with the headwaiter in the dining hall and is well worth doing. The beach bar also does lunch and there's snacks available all day from either the beach bar or dining room.

The main pool is stunning, but for some strange reason the fountain was only on once a day (in the morning) and that was it. Very clean and quite busy, the pool bar is good. There's also a little pool up there. The smaller pool with the indoor heated pool is very quiet and relaxing but not many sunbeds around.

We only did 1 trip and that was the pirate ship trip. I would highly recommend this trip, it's well worth price (about £16 each). The coach picks you up from the hotel at 8.30(one more pick up after) and takes you to Yasmine Hammermet Harbour. They tell you that you MIGHT see dolphins but do not guarantee it, Luckily for us we saw them 10 minutes in to the trip and even got to swim with them when the boat stopped and let people jump off the side or climb down the ladder for a dip in the beautiful and warm blue sea. They serve you food and drinks after you've had a swim and there's a cameraman that goes around taking pictures. The crew are great, they put on a brilliant show and entertain you throughout the trip. Well worth it.

Feel free to ask me anything. You will not be dissapointed with this hotel, staff or locals. I also recommend that you check out the Shakespeare bar and stay away from the British Bar (stupidly high prices, best seats are saved for locals or prostitutes. No joke).

Having been to Tunisia many times before we semi knew what to expect. However the hotel exceeded our expectations. We had an amazing week here at the Le phenicia. I travelled here to celebrate my 18th birthday on 25th June 2008

We travelled here ALL INCLUSIVE and found this to be great. There are lots of drinks included including many international brands unlike many hotels. The cocktails are amazing by the way, especially the Phenicia and Gin fizz ones.


All of the staff are lovely and work their hardest to ensure you have a brilliant holiday.

The hotel its self was well maintained and is spotless, the maids work extremly hard, its a shame just how little they are paid. The rooms although basic are bright, clean and airy. The air con was definatly welcomed by us as the weather was between 35-45 degrees throughout the week.

The restaurant was lovely, the food was varied and there was something for everyone, they even tried to cater for the english by cooking steak burgers, pork chops etc. Each evening the desserts were different and there was show cooking every evening. The waiters were lovely they would remember what you liked to drink and would have it ready on ice for you. However as we were only a party of 2 we had to share a table which was not a problem as they were also english and of a simular age to ourselves. However men DO have to wear long trousers, sonething which our travel agent did not tell us. Luckily my partner took trousers just in case.

The entertainment was not in full swing unitl the end of june, which is when peak-season begins. However we had a fab time and enjoyed the evenings entertainment.

We travelled about quite a lot during our stay, Taxis are cheap and plentiful. We went into YASMINE HAMMAMET and HAMMAMET to visit friends we had met the year before. Although when out and about there are several people trying to sell you things dont be scared to say NO and mean it, they do not take offence and actually enjoy bartering. which makes the purchase all the more fun.

We only done the pirate ship trip this year as we have done most previous years.

The hotels private beach is beautiful just like the many pools that the hotel has. Each pool is clean and has plently of sunbeds so it doesnt mean you have to get up early to reserve one for yourself.

Overall we really enjoyed our week and are looking forward to our next trip to Tunisia.

Feel free to contact us if you want to know more

My fiance and I returned on the 6th July from the Phenicia and we were sad to leave. Having never tried All Inclusive before I wasn't sure what to expect but the hotel more than exceeded my expectations.
The whole place was immaculately clean. The staff were freindly but never pushy (we did tip every few days, but not all the time for every drink - if you were polite and friendly to them and said thank you with a smile, they returned the sentiment).
The food was always hot and freshly cooked. Everything was constantly replenished.
There was also plenty of choice with something to suit the fussy ( pizza, chips) and the more adventurous (local cous cous dishes etc). There were always options such as red meat/ poultry/ fish and plenty of veg and salads. The freshly preaperd pasta dishes were exceptionally good according to my other half! We never went hungry at all. Far from it!
You did share your table if you were a couple. From what I've heard this is similar to the cruise ship style of doing things and really isn't a problem unless you don't like to be social.
The food in the a la carte restaurant wasn't as good as the main buffet, but it was a nice change from having to go and fill your own plate.
The pool areas and beach were lovely and well kept, though you did have to rise early for sunbeds by the main pool. This is no criticism of the hotel though - I have seen this in most places around the Med.
It was also refreshing to be surrounded by not just Brits but lots of European nationalities.
The entertainment was enjoyable. The team were friendly and funny and work very hard as well as speaking about 10 languages! The shows are good fun and I disagree with other reviews that have slated some of the evening entertainment. You have to appreciate it's not Las Vegas and just enjoy it!
All in all the holiday was fabulous. Completely restful. We didn't venture out because all we wanted to do was relax. I would suggest perhaps it's not for you if you like to go out wandering etc. But if you want to chill out with the option of the odd game of water polo/ karaoke session if you like it, then this is a great option and I'd go back in a second.