Shalimar

As a Tunisian myself, the food is a real authentic Tunisian cuisine, very varied and delicious Entertainment team did not disappoint The hotel is old though and needs to be refreshed but very clean

Hotel looks lovely, lots of greenery and a great pool. Unfortunately The Shalimar is let down by the rudeness of the staff, especially reception. We reported to them that my partner’s phone had been stolen in Hammamet and they were uninterested and unsympathetic. Even when we asked for the police station to go to so that we could report for insurance they replied “I don’t live near here”. When you’re abroad you’re in a vulnerable position and the hotel could have made that experience so much easier for us, or at least said “I’m sorry that happened to you” rather than rolling their eyes when you approach the desk. Also be warned you will be hassled for money, even in your all inclusive hotel! People trying to sell you tat in the onsite shop, sell you excursions, spa treatments and henna. We were approached whilst having a drink together in the evening by the henna lady (yes even at night people at the hotel will try to sell you things). As I’d had a few drinks and it was my birthday the next day I thought why not? Unfortunately the henna she gave me looked bad, smudged by morning (I’ve never had that happen to me with henna before) and faded quickly. She did offer to top it up before I left but honestly I didn’t want it on my skin anymore. The spa treatments however we did use and were really happy with, maybe a bit expensive but the massage rocked! Food is decent, lots of traditional Tunisian food which I really appreciated, but could taste a little bland. If you don’t go to the restaurant bang on 7, none of the tables will be reset, you will have to walk around the restaurant trying to nick cutlery off tables to use. Then when it comes to dessert you will have to do the same again. If you have not tipped them, the staff will be very inattentive to you. We’d seen about the à la carte restaurant and wanted to book for my partners birthday (yes both of us had birthdays whilst there), upon coming into the hotel nobody told us how this could be booked and of course reception couldn’t help. Eventually we overheard people saying you had to talk to the waiters at dinner, the restaurant manager was called over and rolled his eyes before coming over. Told us it was fully booked and then pointed down at the cous cous on my plate and just repeated at me “it’s just cous cous in the restaurant, so you’ve had it, just cous cous, just cous cous”. No apologies just loud and condescending. I found him very rude. Thought the cleaning ladies were lovely and did a great job. And the jewel of the hotel is Khaled on the bar. Clearly beloved by all of the guests, so personable, kind and funny and a great bartender. If not for him I would’ve given the hotel 1 star.

Absolutely disgusting the place is filthy rotten, if you like flies on your food, poo on the floor and rooms where you balcony door does not close or lock this is the place for you. Otherwise stay away! Was meant to stay a week lasted one night and moved, whole place is dirty, staff unhelpful and rude should be shut down

Good hotel for the price, entertainment team are great and lots of activities to do during the day, rooms are nice and big and the pool is great.

Great staff very friendly and up for a laugh. Darts games are great and lots of activities throughout the day. Would be more than happy to return again!