Dar Fatma

The location is excellent, close to everything, and the rooftop terrace is charming with a lovely view. The hotel itself was okay, though the beds were hard and uncomfortable enough to make sleeping difficult. The pool was extremely dirty, with birds and feathers in it, so it didn't feel fit for swimming. We arrived around 7 AM, and although the hotel knew we would be early, nobody was there to welcome us. We waited a while before someone came to open the door. Being allowed to check in early was convenient, at least. We weren't told how things worked, including breakfast, facilities, or checkout, which left us feeling unsure and a bit unwelcome. The staff didn't seem especially warm or friendly. Dar Fatma has potential with its great location and rooftop, but the lack of hospitality and comfort made the stay less enjoyable.

The rooftop should have been a highlight, with its fantastic space and unmatched views across the bay and Sidi Bou Said. Instead, pigeons were using the pool as a drinking spot and toilet, leaving it unusable. The pool had been a major reason we chose the hotel, so this was a real disappointment. We also didn't get a change of towels during our stay. The building is beautiful inside and out, with tastefully decorated common areas that feel like a traditional Arabic home. Jasmine's soothing scent greeted us at the entrance and immediately helped us relax. Staff were friendly and attentive throughout, and graciously accommodated our request for a late check-in. The staircase is very small and winding, so it's unsuitable for anyone with mobility issues or large luggage. Our room was surprisingly tiny and felt overpriced for its size and location. The decor was authentic, and we had a nice view, though the window grates partly blocked it. The hotel offers an authentic, original stay, but practical issues like these make the price harder to justify. Taxis are another thing to watch. A staff member arranged one for checkout, but we later found the fare was much higher than it should've been. We may have been naive tourists, but if you're using taxis in Tunisia, installing the Indrive app would be wise.

The staff were so kind, and their attention to little details made this a lovely stay. They remembered how I liked my tea from the first day and kept serving it that way. The room had loose-leaf herbal tea, a nice way to wind down in the evenings. They also helped us find parking and lent us a parking permit. It's a sweet, beautiful boutique hotel in Sidi Bou Said, and I had a positive experience.

We enjoyed the breakfast and rooftop most. The fruit was fresh and delicious, and the roof had an amazing view of the water. The rooms were okay and clean, though ours smelled damp during the stay. Service was all right but not great. It was hard to find hotel staff when we arrived or needed something, and we sometimes had to search around the property. Parking was a nightmare. The hotel is at the top of a hill, tucked into narrow streets better suited to walking than driving. There are no designated hotel spots, so you have to squeeze into residents' driveways. I left the car where a staff member told me to, then the next morning another staff member asked if the police had booted it, since people usually aren't allowed to park there. I was livid, though fortunately there was no boot and no need to escalate things. I'd only consider this hotel if taking a taxi. With a car, it's much better to stay somewhere else.