IBEROSTAR KURIAT PALACE - TUNISIA - REVIEW

The transfer from the airport to the hotel took approximately 30–45 minutes and was smooth and straightforward.

Upon arrival at the hotel, we were greeted by the concierge, who took care of our luggage while we headed to reception to check in.

The check-in process was quick and efficient. While we completed the paperwork, we were offered complimentary drinks, which was a nice touch after our journey. We were also required to pay a small tourist tax before being given the choice of keeping the room we had originally booked—a standard garden-view room—or upgrading to the hotel's Star Prestige package.

Before making a decision, we were shown both options. The first room was the standard garden-view room. It was comfortable and well-presented, although the view was limited to a small area of greenery.

We were then taken to a Star Prestige room on the top floor of the hotel. This room offered stunning views overlooking the pool and the beautiful Tunisian coastline. Given that the upgrade cost approximately £100 for the entire week, we felt it offered excellent value and decided to upgrade.

The Star Prestige package also included several additional benefits, including exclusive access to a rooftop area reserved for Prestige guests. This adults-only space featured complimentary drinks, two hot tubs, and provided robes and towels for guests to use during their stay.

The room itself was spacious and well-equipped, featuring a large bathroom, plenty of wardrobe space, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Robes and slippers were also provided, adding an extra touch of comfort and luxury.

Beach & Sundbeds

The sandy beach just outside the hotel offers plenty of sunbeds, a pleasant beach bar, and beautiful views overlooking the Tunisian coastline. It's only about a 1 minute walk from the hotel.

When you reach the beach, you'll find the Royal Thallasa Hotel to your right. To the left, there's a lovely stretch of coastline that's perfect for a leisurely walk.

One thing I would recommend is bringing or purchasing some mosquito repellent before toy trip. On both occasions I've visited this area, there have been quite a few insects around, particularly in the evenings. Fortunately, mosquito repellents seem to work well from my experience.

The sun beds on both the beach and within the hotel grounds are free to use, so there's no need to pay extra. There are also plenty of tables and shaded areas around the sun beds, making it easy to relax comfortably and enjoy your time by the sea.

Reception & Customer Service

From our experience, the reception team was excellent. When we arrived, we were offered drinks while we checked in and paid the tourist tax, which was a nice welcome after travelling.

We were also given the option to upgrade our room for an enhanced experience. Throughout our stay, whenever we had a request, the staff always did their best to help.

We arranged taxis through reception without any problems, and on a couple of occasions we accidentally left our room key in the room. Each time, we went down to reception and they helped us straight away with no issues at all.

The staff also explained everything clearly, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner times, as well as other useful information about the hotel and its facilities.

One evening, after 10pm, our toilet wouldn't stop filling and was making a constant noise. We reported it to reception, and within around 10 minutes, a member of the maintenance team arrived and fixed the issue. We were very impressed with how quickly they responded, especially at that time of night.

Overall, the reception seemed to be very well run, with friendly, helpful staff who contributed to making our stay enjoyable and stress-free.

Food

We found the food selection at the Iberostar to be absolutely fantastic. There was a huge variety of food on offer, and the menu changed daily, which helped keep things interesting throughout our stay.

Breakfast was fairly consistent each morning, but that's not a criticism. There was an excellent selection available, including tea, coffee, sausages, bacon, eggs, beans, fresh bread, pastries, cereals, fruit, and much more. There was certainly something for everyone.

Lunch and dinner were where the variety really stood out. The options changed every day, and there were often chefs preparing dishes fresh in front of you. Everything felt fresh, well-presented, and plentiful.

One nice touch that we don't often see at all-inclusive hotels was that lunch was served with large glass bottles of Coca-Cola and lemonade on the tables. These were generous-sized bottles and added a premium feel to the dining experience.

The service throughout the restaurant was excellent. The chefs were friendly and regularly came out to greet guests, while the waiting staff were attentive, showing guests to their tables and bringing drinks directly to them.

Dessert lovers will be particularly impressed, as there was a huge selection of cakes and sweet treats available every day. If you found something you liked, you could always go back for more.

There was also the option to book the à la carte restaurant during our stay. The menu offered a choice between vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, with set courses served at your table. While the service felt a little more formal and the setting was nice, we didn't find the food significantly different from what was available in the buffet restaurant.

That said, it was included at no extra cost, so it's worth trying for a change of scenery and a slightly different dining experience. Overall, however, we felt the buffet restaurant offered just as much variety and quality.

Overall, the food and dining experience exceeded our expectations and was one of the highlights of our stay.

Entertainment

We attended the evening entertainment on a couple of nights during our stay. The entertainment area is located just behind the reception and has plenty of seating, along with a large bar serving a wide range of drinks included in the all-inclusive package.

There were various pre-mixed cocktails available, and while we found them enjoyable, they were also very strong, which may not suit everyone's taste.

The entertainment programme usually started with activities and shows aimed at children, helping to keep younger guests entertained. Later in the evening, the focus shifted towards adults, with performances including dancing, fire shows, karaoke, and audience participation events.

Overall, we found the entertainment to be enjoyable and felt that the entertainment team put a lot of effort into creating a fun atmosphere for guests. The shows were well organised, and there was always something going on to keep people engaged.

One aspect we didn't particularly enjoy was being approached by members of the entertainment team and encouraged to leave a Google review while they waited nearby. We had already intended to leave a positive review based on our experience, but being asked to complete it on the spot and then having it checked afterwards felt a little uncomfortable and unnecessary.

That said, this was only a minor negative in what was otherwise a very positive experience. The entertainment team worked hard throughout our stay and clearly cared about ensuring guests had a good time.

Overall, we really enjoyed the evening entertainment and appreciated the effort that went into it each night.

The Room

We found the room to be spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped. The bed was particularly large, probably king-size or even bigger, and provided a great night's sleep.

The room included complimentary robes and slippers, along with plenty of storage space for clothes and luggage. The bathroom was modern and featured a large marble shower, as well as a toilet, sink, and all the facilities you would expect from a hotel of this standard.

Our room also had a balcony overlooking both the pool and the sea, which provided some fantastic views. However, it's worth noting that we paid extra for the Prestige package, as mentioned earlier in this review. Other rooms overlook the gardens and surrounding hotel grounds.

Each guest is provided with a key card, making it easy to access the room, and the air conditioning worked very well throughout our stay, which was particularly welcome during the warmer weather.

The room also came equipped with a television, coffee machine, kettle, tea and coffee supplies, a hairdryer, and a minibar fridge. Overall, it included all the essentials you would expect for a comfortable stay.

The only minor issue we encountered related to milk for tea and coffee. As British travellers, we're used to having milk readily available for hot drinks, but this didn't seem to be common practice. We asked at reception on a couple of occasions if milk could be provided for the room, but there appeared to be some confusion about why we wanted it, even for coffee.

In the end, we found a simple solution by taking a takeaway cup of milk from the restaurant or bar area and storing it in the fridge in our room. It wasn't a major problem, but it's something worth being aware of if you enjoy a traditional cup of tea with milk.

Overall, we were very pleased with the room and found it comfortable, clean, and well-equipped for our stay.

One thing worth mentioning is the drinking water situation. As is commonly advised when visiting Tunisia, we chose not to drink water directly from the tap.

The hotel provides each room with a reusable glass water bottle, which can be refilled at water stations located throughout the hotel, including near the guest rooms. These stations offer both still and sparkling water, all of which is safe to drink.

When we first arrived, there was also bottled water available, but throughout the rest of our stay we mainly used the refillable glass bottle. The process was very straightforward, and the water was always available cold, which was especially refreshing in the warm weather.

We found this to be a great system, as it was both convenient and environmentally friendly, while ensuring we always had easy access to safe drinking water during our stay.

Facilities

There are plenty of facilities and activities available within the hotel for guests looking to stay entertained or relax during their stay.

Outside, near the main bar area, there is a table tennis table which is available for guests to use. At the front of the hotel, close to the entrance gate, you'll also find a mini-golf area and tennis courts. While these facilities appeared to be well maintained, they didn't seem to be used very often during our stay.

On the lower ground floor, accessible via the stairs near reception, there is a wellness and leisure area. This includes a spa, which features facilities such as a sauna and steam room and looked to be of a good standard.

There is also a large indoor swimming pool with plenty of loungers around it, providing a quieter alternative to the outdoor pool area. In addition, guests have access to a fully equipped gym, which never appeared overly busy during our visit, making it easy to use the equipment without having to wait.

Other facilities on this level include a hairdresser's and a henna artist's shop. However, the henna shop appeared to be closed whenever we passed by, so we were unable to try it ourselves.

Overall, the hotel offers a good range of facilities beyond the pools and beach, ensuring there is something for guests to enjoy regardless of the weather or their interests.

The hotel also offers a few useful services for guests. There are cash machines located near reception if you need to withdraw money during your stay. Reception can also assist with exchanging currency and providing smaller denominations, which can be helpful for tips, taxis, or shopping.

There is also a small convenience shop located along the corridor to the right as you enter the hotel. We used this shop on a couple of occasions and found the prices to be reasonable and convenient for purchasing essentials without leaving the hotel.

One thing we would advise is to pay attention to the amount you hand over and the change you should receive, particularly if you're still getting used to the local currency. During our first visit to the shop, we believed we were given the wrong amount of change after making a purchase. We queried it, and the issue was resolved immediately, with the correct change being provided.

This may well have been an honest mistake, especially as we were unfamiliar with Tunisian dinars at the time, but it's always worth double-checking your change, as you would anywhere when travelling abroad.

Aside from that experience, we found the shop to be a useful facility and appreciated having it available on-site for snacks, drinks, and other essentials.

Pools

The hotel offers a good selection of swimming pools, catering for guests of all ages.

The main outdoor pool is aimed more towards adults and provides a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. It is surrounded by plenty of sunbeds, making it a great place to spend the day. Within the pool itself, there are several raised island areas with additional loungers, which add to the overall appearance and provide unique places to relax.

One feature we particularly liked was the seating areas built into the pool. These are set slightly lower in the water and include glass viewing panels, allowing you to look underwater while enjoying a drink or simply relaxing. It's a nice touch that gives the pool a more premium feel.

For families with younger children, there is a dedicated children's pool featuring a small climbing frame, slides, and water play equipment. This area is designed for younger guests and provides a safe and fun environment for them to enjoy.

There is also a separate pool with larger water slides, which proved popular with both older children and adults looking for a bit more excitement.

In addition to the outdoor facilities, the hotel also has a large indoor swimming pool, providing a great alternative on cooler days or if you prefer a quieter swimming environment.

Overall, the hotel offers an excellent range of pool facilities, with options available for adults seeking relaxation, families with young children, and guests looking for a bit more fun and activity.

Travelling outside the hotel

Getting around and exploring the local area from the hotel is relatively straightforward. Organised excursions and coach trips can be arranged through the hotel, with pick-up and drop-off taking place directly outside reception.

If you need a taxi, reception can arrange one for you, and it will collect and return you directly to the hotel. Alternatively, there are usually taxis waiting outside the hotel gates, where you can negotiate a fare directly with the drivers.

During our stay, we took a taxi to Monastir, which cost 60 Tunisian dinars (approximately £15 return). While the journey itself was only around five minutes each way, our experience wasn't ideal. The driver dropped us off at a local shop and arranged to collect us later. However, when it came time to return, we had to go back to the same shop and felt some pressure to browse and potentially make purchases before being taken back to the hotel.

This may not happen every time, but it's something worth being aware of when arranging transport independently.

After this experience, we decided to try the local train service. Initially, we were a little hesitant, as there wasn't a huge amount of information available online, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made during our trip.

The nearest train station is only around a four-minute walk from the hotel and is located directly opposite. To reach it, you do need to cross a busy dual carriageway. There is a pedestrian crossing available, but drivers do not always appear to slow down, so it's important to take extra care and only cross when it is safe to do so.

Once we started using the train, it quickly became our preferred way of travelling. We used it to visit both Sousse and Monastir and found it to be extremely cheap compared to taxis. In fact, the fare was less than £1 each way for both of us combined, making it exceptional value for money.

One thing to note is that when boarding at the station near the hotel (Monastir Airport station), tickets are often purchased on board the train, so it's useful to carry some cash in Tunisian dinars. On the return journey from larger staffed stations, you are normally expected to buy your ticket before boarding.

We found the trains easy to use, quiet, and comfortable. There was no pressure from sellers or shop owners, and it was nice to travel alongside local people and experience a more authentic side of Tunisia. The stations were easy to navigate, and whenever we needed assistance, staff and other passengers seemed happy to help.

Overall, while taxis are convenient, we personally preferred using the train. It was significantly cheaper, easy to use, and throughout our journeys we felt safe and comfortable. Considering it cost less than £1 each way for both of us, it was one of the best-value parts of our entire holiday.