Hotel Zodiac – Yasmine Hammamet

07 September 2011 | 0 Comments

Hotel Zodiac is rated a four-star resort by the Tunisian government. It is, however, not what one would typically expect from a four star resort. The Zodiac is more akin to what a foreigner would consider a two to three star hotel. If one expects full-on luxury because of the Tunisian government’s ranking system then they will be surely disappointed. If, however, they accept it for what it is, a very inexpensive package hotel, then they should be satisfied with the place that they have chosen to stay in.

The Zodiac is located a couple of blocks from the Medina in the seaside resort town of Yasmine Hammamet. Yasmine Hammamet is about 12 kilometers to the south of Hammamet and is a recent development filled with various package resorts along a 4km stretch of fine-sand beach.

The Zodiac boasts a restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, indoor pool, and a private stretch of beach. The reception is located within a large domed lobby that appears as if it has not been redesigned since the early 90′s and the main hall of the hotel contains a bar for the all-inclusive guests as well as a store hawking various overpriced souvenirs. Free WiFi is available in the lobby.

Tunisia Live booked a double room in the hotel with “demi-pension;” breakfast and dinner included. The room we were given was located on the third floor, the top of the hotel. The hallways leading up to the room were uninspiring. The room, however, was better than its surroundings.

Our double room came with two large beds, split bathroom (toilet separate from shower and sink), central air, satellite TV and a large balcony overlooking the pool. The beds were comfortable if a bit stiff and the sheets were clean and spotless. The curtain on the sliding glass door to the balcony was cumbersome and made it awkward to get to the balcony. There was also no “Do Not Disturb” sign to hang from the doorknob which led to an early knock from the chambermaid.

The bathroom with the shower and sink was relatively large with good water pressure, though not super-luxurious. The separate toilet room was a nice touch. Everything was clean and functional upon arrival.

The Hotel has a private beach approximately 200 meters from the hotel. The problem was that the beach for the Zodiac was not signposted well and was difficult to find. The sign is hidden in an area marked for a different hotel and it took us over twenty minutes to find the correct beach. This is something that should be addressed. The beach, otherwise, is a small stretch filled with parasols and lounge chairs reserved for hotel guests. There is a lifeguard present to make sure guests are provided with chairs.

The pool area at the Zodiac is nice, if relatively standard and simple. It was clean and filled with children of the guests, as can be expected. The showers were difficult to find (located at the back of the pool area). There is an outside bar but it was without staff when we arrived.

The dinner provided by the hotel is served buffet style and comprised of a section for salads, main courses and desserts. The offerings are substantial, if not delicious. The highlight was the chicken cooked in mushroom sauce, but only after you squeeze one of the available lemons on it. Fruit tarts are good from the dessert cart. It is possible to eat outside around the pool, and waiters provide beverage services which are free for all inclusive guests or moderately priced (2.5/beer) for other guests. Breakfast was passable.

The staff of the Zodiac are all fairly welcoming. Everyone spoke English (even the waiter) except for one woman working at reception. We did not have any problems communicating with the staff. The animation team is friendly and welcoming in their nightly show.

Overall, for the price, the Zodiac is a good choice for those looking to travel on a budget. If you come expecting to revel in all-inclusive luxury at a four-star hotel then you will be disappointed. If you’re looking for a bargain place to stay with comfort and amenities, then you will find the Zodiac an acceptable choice. We are unable to recommend it as a four-star hotel and resort, but we can recommend the Zodiac for those looking to enjoy an extremely cheap getaway to Yasmine Hammamet.

Tunisia Live paid 35 Dinars per night per person (70 Dinar total) for the room with dinner included and at this price, the Zodiac is acceptable. Any rates over this amount would be unacceptable.

Rates below are priced per room. Singles are for one person and two people are included in the price of a double.

Single (Half Board): 50 Dinars/night

Double (Half Board): 70 Dinars/night

Mezzanine Double (Half Board): 120 Dinars/night

Single (All-Inclusive): 70 Dinars/night

Double (All-Inclusive): 110 Dinars/night

Mezzanine Double (All-Inclusive): 185 Dinars/night

Check-In: 2:00PM

Check-Out: 12:00 PM

Pets: Not Allowed

American Express, Visa, Mastercard and Carte Bleue Accepted