Hotel Iberostar Phenicia

The immense Iberostar Phenicia complex is in one of Hammamet's tourist districts, a very peaceful and modern area consisting of large avenues lined with many hotels. More specifically, it is located between the new and old parts of Hammamet, between the old medina and the new one. The hotel has its own private beach, and you could hardly be closer to the sea, thanks to the direct access from the garden, which means you can get there without even having to cross the street

The whole establishment is very spacious, from the hall through to the guest rooms, not to mention the communal areas and main corridors. This feeling of spaciousness will be with you for the duration of your stay. The majority of the summer guests are holidaymakers and families, while in winter, the hotel hosts mainly golf enthusiasts. If you book in under the all-inclusive package, you will be entitled to one free hour of tennis per day, free use of non-motorised water sports (sailing, surfing, scooter), and free access to a bar open from 10:00am until midnight, where local drinks are served along with snacks in the afternoon. There are two computers plus Wifi access for guests at reception.

The complex covers an area of 35 acres, 80% of which consists of gardens (including olive and orange groves) that are both very pretty and well looked after. The hotel property is surrounded by walls that look rather like fortifications and it is watched over 24 hours a day by a security guard. The Iberostar Phenicia hotel actually dates back to 1973, but next to nothing remains of the original building. Today the hotel is a modern establishment, having been fully renovated in 2003. Like almost all the hotels in its category, partial renovations are carried out on an almost annual basis. In addition to the good upkeep of the facilities, they are quite functional and practical, and feature bright colours contrasting with the bright white marble floors. All the areas are very bright, thanks to the large picture windows in the communal spaces that overlook the gardens and swimming pools outside. Set in the midst of these green spaces, with their Caribbean appearance, are two swimming pools, one of which is joined to an indoor pool that is heated in winter. The guest rooms and communal areas are spread out over 3 buildings: one central building 4 storeys high, and two other buildings, each 2 storeys high. The sports facilities are another of the Iberostar Phenicia's strong points. It boasts 7 tennis courts (5 clay courts and 2 concrete courts), 3 of which are floodlit so you can play in the evening, or even at night. Guests staying under the all-inclusive deal can use the courts free of charge, while all other guests are charged nearly 3 poundsper hour. Near the tennis courts you can visit the very pretty and clean stables. You will be able to observe ten or so horses resting, eating (each in their own pen), or making the most of the palm trees in the middle of their enclosure. This hotel is also a great place for golf enthusiasts to stay: It has a training course (complete with driving range and green) as well as the Hammamet golf courses only 3 mi away, including Citrus (45 holes) and Yasmine (27 holes). In order to get to these courses, the hotel organises a free minibus service that picks guests up from the hotel every 30 minutes. As a guest at this hotel, you will also be given a 20% discount from the fee charged to use these golf courses.

The hotel has a total of 372 guest rooms, including 7 suites and 2 presidential suites. All the rooms are spacious and, as the hotel was only recently built, modern. The furniture is up-to-date and well taken care of. The rooms are equipped with a safe (with an approximate £1.5 charge day), a mini bar (fully stocked if this has been requested in advance), satellite television (about twenty channels), and a hair dryer. The large gardens and the swimming pools are just a few of the features you might be able to admire from your balcony or terrace. The equally spacious bathrooms are decorated in a simple, understated manner.

The main restaurant serves up a very varied buffet using quality ingredients. In addition to the hot and cold dishes (meats, vegetables, salads, soups, etc.), several chefs prepare dishes on the spot, for example, chicken curry, pasta, and grilled fish. Guests who have selected the all-inclusive option will also be able to take one breakfast or dinner in another of the hotel's quality à la carte restaurants, free of additional charge. These restaurants include the beach restaurant, which serves barbecued meat and fish during high season, and the swimming pool restaurant, which prepares pizzas, crepes and sandwiches. Another great place to relax after dinner is the Arabian cafe, where delicious mint and almond teas are served up in a practical and very nicely decorated setting. You could also enjoy a drink in the welcoming, comfortable ambience of the piano bar next to the hall.

The hotel is next to the beach, which can be accessed directly from the garden along a little path connecting the main building with the swimming pools, the terrace, and the space set aside for hammocks. The beach itself, a long and clean stretch with a Caribbean feel to it, is reserved for guests staying at the Iberostar Phenicia. It could not be a more peaceful and serene place to relax. Towels are provided by the hotel in exchange for a 9 pound deposit for guests on an all-inclusive package, or 50 pence per day for half-board guests. You can sit back with a good book, relax in one of the comfy plastic deckchairs, or take a dip in the water. If you feel a bit more energetic, why not try some beach volleyball or beach soccer in this natural setting.