Vincci Lella Baya, Hammamet

NOTICE: THIS HOTEL DOESN'T ALLOW THE ENTRANCE OF ANY FOOD OR BEVERAGE GOODS. THIS MEANS YOU CANNOT ENTER DRINKING WATER, HOLDING A BOTTLE OF WATTER, ETC. The prices for watter (you'll need a bottle by your side at all times) inside are 5-10x higher than the super-market average and 2-3x higher than restaurants or caf�s. ONLY USE THIS HOTEL IF YOU USUALLY BUY ALL YOUR FOOD AND BEVERAGES GOODS AT YOUR HOTEL. I don't advise going full board or all inclusive (at this time they don't have AI I think) as there are a lot of good restaurants, bars, fast food places (try the Tunisian bread tuna sandwich), italians (din't try any), etc. all around Yasmine (Marina, Medina and the sea side of the hotel line up to the Casino. Notices asside... First impact: The outside facing the Medina street and the lobby create a tale-like atmosfere. Even though, you can notice everything is for your eyes only, like a sand-castle it won't take long to crumble... Staff: Although not rude the reception staff isn't what I call helpfull. You'll find more friendly people in nearby caf�s and fast food places (Medina and Marina). Less specialized staff (like maid or baggagers) tend to be more helpfull and friendly. The rooms: You'll see what you got in the panflet, true. Once you look closer you'll see what isn't unusual in Tunisia in higher grade hotles (minor problems with the sheet, not the best cleanliness, some smells). The beds are so so but the cushions are huge (bring your own if you don't like to sleep too high - my neck is still hurting). The beach: Small, lower quality sand, good watter (if not filled with sea weed - which is brown and dry), OK weather for September (some rain but nice temperatures). The pool and grounds: Averagely clean, the pool is not the best for swiming (due to the shape), VERY NOSY (animation). The buffet: The quality sometimes tops the 4 star hotels in urban regions in Tunisia, but sometimes doesn't. Putting it in context for Yasmine, it's good if you eat there once or twice a week. The animation: A lot of sports during the day (volley, polo, gymnastics in the sun, etc.), but the same every day. Night entertainment may have some different shows but Both the day and night animation is aimed at hitting on women by the staff. Other activities: As usual you can get packages for activities outside the hotel much cheaper ... outside the hotel (like Pirate boats or Carthage Land). You can try the Alltours office (on the way to Karthage hotel entrace, from the beach). MUSTS: The pirate boat trip (beware for medusas when you swim on the coast) it's a must. Very nice staff. But forget about the meal, it's the feeling that matters and you can always grab a bite at the marina if you were hungry. Get your tickets with the pirate folks (usually near Karthage hotel or on the day). Some tours to El Jem, Douga, Carthage/Tunis/Sidi Bou Said. Hammamet city (go by bus, the beach train, taxi - both 5 TND or even on foot - 2 hours). Carthage Land, specially if you travel with kids.