Iberostar Selection Diar El Andalous

“Great Staff”

Great staff got to mention the following Kim, Sammi,Ayhem,Brechi and his side kick, Arkhm,Amir,Egg Man and all the staff at the spa. Food was excellent with a great selection never a problem. Bed a bit hard but good size room. The Spa is so good and prices are very good. Already booked to go back. … more

Great staff got to mention the following Kim, Sammi,Ayhem,Brechi and his side kick, Arkhm,Amir,Egg Man and all the staff at the spa. Food was excellent with a great selection never a problem. Bed a bit hard but good size room. The Spa is so good and prices are very good. Already booked to go back. Loved the staff and the hotel.

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“Amazing, Fantastic and Incredible”

Where do I start… By far one of the best hotel holidays we’ve ever had and all thanks to the following! Amazing! The pool staff and waiters were just that. They could not have done more and made our holiday. Special shout out to Yassine (the best pool waiter) Dali & Emile (the friendliest and ha… more

Where do I start… By far one of the best hotel holidays we’ve ever had and all thanks to the following! Amazing! The pool staff and waiters were just that. They could not have done more and made our holiday. Special shout out to Yassine (the best pool waiter) Dali & Emile (the friendliest and hard working of pool guys) and Kit the poolside boss keeping it all perfect. Fantastic! We could not fault the food as there was more than enough choice of the highest standard to keep anyone happy. Shout out to Zadine who always welcomed us with a special table. I really can’t explain just how much choice there was and that’s across breakfast, lunch and dinner. Super fresh and always tasty. The desserts were to die for! Incredible! Location wise it was a perfect set up with amazing pools, private beach and an entertainment staff that had various activities to do throughout the day right into the evening entertainment. A final shout out to the reception staff and porters all of who couldn’t have been more helpful. We were there at the beginning of June and booked as soon as we got back to go in September!

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“Exceptional staff and highly organised hotel”

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 dis… more

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 !

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“Overall good experience and absolutely amazing staff”

Overall, very good experience. I would recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a 4 star accommodation. It is branded as a 5 start but I have stayed in many other 5 star hotels around the world and there are a few things that doesn't quite make this as a 5 star in my humble opinion - examples (so… more

Overall, very good experience. I would recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a 4 star accommodation. It is branded as a 5 start but I have stayed in many other 5 star hotels around the world and there are a few things that doesn't quite make this as a 5 star in my humble opinion - examples (some of the communal areas need updating, some of the furniture need updating, no hot/cold towel at checkin in, no turn down service, only two main restaurants, quality assurance on room amenities is somewhat lacking, other small details include non-branded toiletries, etc.). However, there were qualities at this hotel that surpassed many other 5 star resorts and hotels I have stayed at (e.g. the responsiveness, professionalism, and friendliness of staff is honestly one of the best I have ever experienced). Housekeeping staff like Laila and another female member of staff whose name I can't recall were really outstanding - in fact if there were 6 stars, I would give them that! Oh and by the way, they were not expecting tips to do what they were doing. Guest Relations Manager Aziz was outstanding in his hospitality and professionalism - extremely experienced and responsive. The reception staff were very nice too. I think the welcome drink could have been served better - I was standing at the reception desk when checking in and wasn't invited to sit down when the drink was served at the counter...... In every other 5 star hotel I have stayed in, you are asked to take a seat and drinks are served there. When reading this review please take into account that Tunisia is still developing its tourism industry following somewhat of a decline after the terrible tragedy some years ago and the staff and hotel management are doing their best to ensure guests have the best experience. It is a popular hotel and so it was quite full when I stayed and unfortunately some guests have very narrow world view and their behaviour leaves one a bit disappointed. The pools were very busy and given their sizes (on the smaller side) looked overcrowded at times. I didn't use the pools. However, on the most part, I saw families, couples, mature travellers in friends groups enjoying themselves as they should do. The beach was very good, mostly clean, very good quality sand. Some of the sun beds need updating but the padding provided by the hotel covers these anyway. I would suggest that the hotel looks at the AC in the Lobby and buffet restaurant as it seemed to be either turned off or not available fully in these areas. In temperatures of 29 degrees outside, these areas were quite uncomfortable at times. But the staff more than make up for this - I had several requests to adjust things or make things right and the speed at which these were followed up meant I was able to overlook some of the smaller negative things. Staff members such as Anis, Ibrahim, and the lady (at the snack bar who made my Iced Latte) are some of the best I've come across. When people stay at hotels, the best test is whether they'll go back or recommend them to family or friends. And I have put my money where my mouth is, already booked a five-night stay and will be going back with my family in August and would definitely recommend this hotel to my friends. But please dont expect international quality lux 5 star standards because Tunisia is not there yet (well certainly not Sousse) but I believe with some tweaks it will get there very quickly. For example, I happened to visit some friends at a nearby hotel and that was branded as s 4 star but what I saw was barely 3 star. My advice would be please keep an open mind and dont expect the world because you might be disappointed. All things considered, I believe this is a very good value for money hotel.

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