Nerolia Hotel & Spa

The beach was a 10-15 minute walk away, and it's a nice stretch with few people, no music, and changing sea conditions. Some days there were big waves and rubbish in the water; other days it was clear and still, though warm like soup. I had safety concerns: no lifeguard or visible buoys marking the swimming limit, while boats and jet skis came too close to people in the water. The beach bar looked like a shabby wooden shed with no sign to tell you what it was. The workers mostly lounged, slept on sunbeds or swam, and sometimes hit on guests. There were few soft drinks, served in plastic cups. The food had highlights: one evening a cook cut and fried a whole fresh tuna in front of us, and it was the best tuna I've had. I also liked the chichi with fig jam at breakfast. But the chicken was very dry, the cheese wasn't good, and I wouldn't touch the cream cakes or biscuits. Restaurant service was confusing too, with food on only one side causing queues and water in a single self-service canister. They should bring a bottle to each table as other hotels do. My room looked clean, new, and neat at first, but problems showed up over the week. The AC couldn't be switched off and made me feel sick. The bathroom door wouldn't close, leaving a large gap. The cleaner stopped changing towels after a few days without a tip. AC water collected in a balcony bucket that could overflow onto the floor, and the power sometimes cut out. The noise from the evening show went on until midnight. The hotel grounds aren't remarkable, though the patio with olive trees, palms, and metal chairs is lovely. It gets too hot to sit there during the day, and the colorful Christmas-like lights at night spoil the look. Stylish hanging bulbs would make it cozier. The air conditioning is poor, especially in the restaurant, and the reception gets too hot as well. It's the only place with WiFi, and even that doesn't always work. The “A” in “Nerolia” doesn't light up, parking is limited, and the pool is pleasant and well maintained. Staff were generally helpful and nice, and beach towels were free. The young animation team danced for children and held birthday celebrations. After a week in August 2022, I'd call Nerolia a pleasant hotel with plenty of flaws, and probably not deserving of four stars. Go without high expectations and enjoy a cheap Tunisian resort break.