Hotel berhampiran Viewing point, Carthage

I had previously reviewed the Dar Fatma after my stay in March 2020, when I was trapped in Tunisia for a spell by cascading Covid closures. (It turns out I was the inn's last guest for an entire year.) Three years later, I have returned, now with my wife, under far less stressful circumstances. And it proved even more charming the second time around. There was, however, one snafu: We arrived in the evening, and the overnight staffer had no knowledge we were coming. I whipped out my cell phone to show him my exchange of email messages with the owner five months before, which set off a flurry of phone calls. Bottom line: The room I had reserved, with a (narrow) view to the sea, was occupied, but they did still have available a room with no windows to the outside at all, and that is where we spent our first night. The next morning we were shuffled upstairs to a less claustrophobic room, and my wife could begin to enjoy her stay. Moral of this particular story: before setting out on your trip, it never hurts to take a minute to reconfirm all your hotel reservations, especially if you made them by email. So, to cite the old American saw: ”Aside from THAT, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?” Indeed, aside from the initial confusion about our staying, this play was wonderful. This being off season, we were able to find places just a 2-minute walk away where we could leave our rented car. (Advice: it's best to leave one's car on Rue Taieb Mhiri close to the lighthouse and the panoramic overlook, where you have space to turn around and head out without having to creep, zig-zagging down through the town, to make your way out.) The morning breakfast spread, served by the cheerful Salwa, is varied and tasty. Salwa was also a source of practical advice -- most importantly, in scuttling our plan to take a day to go into Tunis to visit the Bardo Museum. (She warned us it was closed -- apparently a casualty of the president's coup against parliament.) That left us with an unanticipated day at leisure, which we could partially fill by stretching out on Dar Fatma's roof in the early spring sun, reading and watching the pigeons come sip water at the wading pool. Even in the claustrophobic first-night room (named ”Adel”) and certainly in our ”mezzanine” room, ”Lea,” up the narrow winding staircase to the next corridor of rooms and then the rooftop, there was good WiFi and a very good shower. Each room also had a writing desk equipped with convenient electrical connections for a laptop computer. Thanks to Aziza, the rooms are kept clean and well-ordered each day. From the moment one enters through the small carved from the larger one, the Dar Fatma (:house of Fatima”) reeks of North African character and charm. For all this, the price is reasonable, at least off-season: US$90 a night for a double room and breakfast. The owners, Hatem and Hana Ben Rhouma, came by to visit us on our last night, perhaps in part to apologize for the rooming snafu on our arrival, but a

This boutique hotel is an absolute delight. Excellent location, clean, excellent service and superb breakfast. We were visiting Tunisia for the first time. It was quite a little haven away from the hustle and bustle. Beautiful views from the garden and perfect for photographs. We enjoyed the garden(which had olive and orange trees), the pool area (swimming pool was not heated so quite cool) where we ordered beer or cafe au laits. I also utilized the living room area to conduct some business where you can help yourself to some mint tea. The staff was lovely, especially Miriam at the desk and Ibrahim who helped with everything from our luggage to serving us coffee. We were in room 22 which was a beautiful room but if you want a more quiet location I would ask for one further in the back. Our window opened up to the minaret (local mosque) which called to prayer 5 times a day from the loudspeaker. I find it meditative but if you don't want to be awaken at sunrise choose a different room. They also offer massage and spa treatments. We were too busy to use that service but we did have our laundry done at an affordable price. I would say the only drawback would be for those with mobility issues but the entire town of Sidi Bou Said would be difficult in a wheelchair unfortunately. The village is atop a big hill with cobbled stoned streets and alleys. We loved our stay and highly recommend.

After seeing some of the previous reviews my expectations were very low. However after 4 night stay on tour I am pleased to be able submit a really positive review after a most enjoyable stay. The food and service in the restaurant was excellent, a wide selection which varied each day and particularly the hot food stations in the evening serving freshly cooked fish, meat and pasta dishes. Its a vast hotel and some rooms are 5-10 minutes walk to the reception area, but it was always enjoyable walking around the pool particularly at sunrise. The rooms are looking a bit tired and in need of updating but all very clean and everything was in working order. Can definitely recommend.

I've been at Novotel Tunis Lac during a workshop and everything has been perfect. Great service and nice staff. Breakfast was rich with lots of choice, and I also had dinner at restaurant with full satisfaction. When I will return in Tunis, for sure this hotel will be my choice.

Beautiful resort with just the most attentive and amazing staff :) everyone we met was so helpful and friendly, going the extra mile to help us or suggest things to see and do. I love their sustainability initiative and in-house herb garden! The direct access to a private beach is perfect as well, we will be back with the rest of our family.

Avevamo prenotato una camera tripla invece appena arrivati abbiamo ricevuto un up grade in suite piccola ! Davvero gentilissimi!! Camera con letto matrimoniale,sala con cucina e divano letto e bagno tutto in stile moderno. Mi son sentita a casa.Il posto è molto pulito, silenzioso e accogliente. Lo staff gentilissimo e sempre disponibile a qualsiasi ora. Abbiamo chiesto delle coperte che mancavano per il divano letto e subito ci hanno servito con cuscini e coperte appena uscite dalla lavanderia. Peccato che non ci sia un ristorante che serve anche per la cena perché nelle vicinanze non ci sono fast food o ristoranti con cucina del posto ma solo un locale a fianco del hotel Maia che serve caffè e sandwich/dolci semplici. La mattina dopo siamo scesi per la colazione e devo dire che il tutto era delizioso sopratutto il succo di fragole fresco e il pane. Abbiamo soggiornato per una notte passata tutto in tranquillità... Hotel Maia ottimo il prezzo e soggiorno gradevole. L'unico lato negativo è la non disponibilità della cena in hotel e la lontananza dal centro della capitale per il resto è tutto ottimo!

La Tunisia è decisamente economica. Per mangiare, fare benzina, shopping… Gli hotel, però, non sono proprio regalati. Almeno, non se si prenota dall’Italia, tramite Booking e cercando un minimo di rapporto qualità/prezzo. Questo albergo, a dieci minuti a piedi da Porte de France e, quindi, dall’ingresso della Medina, ha un buon rapporto qualità/prezzo ed è perfetto per girare la città. Le camere - noi avevamo una tripla - sono ampie e funzionali. I letti comodi. Il bagno grande e ben organizzato. Buono anche il livello igienico e varia la colazione compresa nel prezzo. Unica cosa, forse, migliorabile il segnale Wi-Fi nelle stanze. La reception è aperta h24 e per chi viaggia in macchina poco distante c’è un parcheggio a pagamento custodito. Consigliato.

I liked the location and the staff at this hotel. I disliked the basic rooms, lack of hairdryer, poor amenities and lack of soundproof. I stayed at this hotel for 4 nights. Its central location was convenient for accessing city amenities. Check-in was efficient, and payment with a card was accepted. Staff was amazing, very kind and professional, always smiling and ready to help. However, the rooms are basic, lacking soundproofing. I could hear water flowing through pipes, noise from breakfast preparation, and experienced a persistent humming from the ceiling in room 101, possibly from the air conditioning. After relocating to room 401, the lack of noise improved, though bring your earplugs. There is a space under your door and you can hear your neighbors closing doors, walking, breathing. The breakfast selection was minimal, consisting mainly of bread, butter, one egg, kids juice, coffee and milk. On the last night, the elevator was out of order, causing disruptive noise until morning. The lack of amenities and noise disturbances affected the overall quality of my stay. Despite the convenient location, clean rooms, the value for money was questionable.

Located centrally in the Tunis souk, my father and I loved our stay. Surrounded by bars, cafes and restaurants, it makes for a great night out. Clean, lavish and traditional hotel operated by a smiling, hard working team. Our room was extremely nice with air condition, a clean bathroom and strong Wi-Fi. The dining area is also well maintained and kitchen staff are super sweet - even serving us extra food without us even asking! The rooftop is also next level, where staff brought us tea and pastries while we enjoyed the sunset over the city. Amazing staff. Amazing hotel.