Vincci Saphir Palace & Spa

We were unsure about booking abroad after 13 years of travelling around the UK, so we spent hours reading reviews about Saphir Palace, the staff, food, housekeeping, location, and the excursions MTS offered. It was worth the research. Our stay was fantastic, and the hotel and room exceeded what we expected. We’d gladly stay there again next year. The transfer bus got us there at 8:30pm, in the dark, and Lotfi from reception welcomed us warmly. He kept our bags safe behind the desk and took us straight to the restaurant, knowing we’d had a long day and were hungry. Over the week he was a gem, answering our questions, and the rest of reception were just as helpful. The waiters looked after us exceptionally well throughout the week. The food was a mix of buffet and a la carte, and it was outstanding. The catering staff really knew what they were doing. My partner and I even joked it was too good for us. One morning we had breakfast brought to our room, and eating it with that gorgeous sea view felt like a “pinch me” moment. Haifa, the Guest Relations Manager, was knowledgeable and helpful, and we were glad to know she was there. She and the whole staff are a real asset to the hotel. At the bar, our all-inclusive price covered national alcoholic drinks, and the bar staff brought a good range to our table. They’d spot from a distance when our drinks were running low and politely ask if we wanted another. We spent quite a few hours there by the outside pool, with olives, nuts, and cheese coming along too. The pool stayed around 18 degrees all week. As Brits, we found that warm enough, though locals might find it cool. The sunloungers were in storage while we were there, but reception got two out within minutes when we asked. We felt a bit of a nuisance, but staff were happy to help. Housekeeping did a brilliant job, cleaning and changing towels and linen when needed. I used to travel a lot, before those 13 years mostly in the UK, and this was a really special return to a holiday abroad. From start to finish, the experience was exemplary. We firmly recommend staying here.

The room was comfortable and spacious, and the hotel itself was pleasant. Still, service fell below average, and the food was just average with little variety. The desserts, especially the cakes, were disappointing. The location could work in summer, but in winter it feels isolated, far from lively areas and with little to do nearby. For me, this doesn’t meet five-star standards. I’d only consider it for a short summer stay with modest expectations, and wouldn’t recommend it as a five-star hotel.

The location is good, the rooms have nice sea views, and staff were friendly much of the time. But that’s about where the positives end. The hotel needs a deep clean everywhere. Our room service only tidied things on the surface. A glass broke in our room on day 3 of our seven-night stay, and it was never cleaned up. The washroom and fridge had strange stains too. Service wasn’t what I expected from a 5-star hotel. If you need water, you have to get it yourself from the lobby. We called twice for an extra blanket and nobody brought it. When I went to reception in person, the staff member complained about having to get it for me. There were cigarette butts all over the beach sand, and the beach shower was poorly maintained. The pool was probably the cleanest area, but even it needs major maintenance. The food was honestly bad, bland across the board, including dessert, and there was no authentic Arabic or Tunisian food. As a woman, I also felt uncomfortable when staff tried to hit on me. I wouldn’t recommend this hotel for a stay in Tunisia. With major maintenance and a deep clean throughout, it might be okay again, but as things are I’d give it at most 3 stars, and that’s generous.

Nearby clubs made noise until 3-4am, so relaxing was impossible. The beach was dirty, the pool area needs serious maintenance, and at dinner we had to fetch our own drinks because there was no service. There was no entertainment either. We had to change rooms four times over different problems, which is completely unacceptable for a so-called 5-star hotel. The food was poor, the rooms weren’t clean, and the whole place felt untidy. There were hardly any staff around, and those we dealt with were rude and unhelpful. It often felt like they didn’t like English guests. This was a very disappointing stay, nowhere near 5 stars, maybe 2 at best. The Love holidays rep only showed up on our last day and didn’t seem to care about any of the problems. He was very rude. Love holidays should remove this hotel. Don’t stay here, you’d be better off going to North Korea, where they’re a lot more welcoming. I wouldn’t recommend this place at all.