Iberostar Chich Khan, Hammamet

My partner and I stayed here from 20 May until 3 June this year for our 10 year anniversary. We stayed here back in May 2008 and thought the service was outstanding which was the main reason we went back. From the airport we had a short transfer to the hotel which was around 40 minutes. When we arrived we were shown to a more comfortable room just off reception, offered a drink and filled in the necessary forms. We were then given brief information about the all inclusive times for meals and drinks etc and told our room wouldn’t be ready for about half an hour therefore we were able to get a drink, have lunch and relax.

Rooms: -

My partner and I were given a double room on the 3rd floor which is the very top floor. The room was great with a huge bed, dressing table, big wardrobes with lots of storage space and a TV. The TV had a great movie channel which was perfect for when you couldn’t sleep. The bathroom was a good size with a bath and overhead shower, and a large basin. There was also a separate toilet. We had a decent sized balcony which faced another hotel but to your left you had a sea view. The only thing I can say about the room is that the air conditioning doesn’t come on until June therefore it was sometimes quite uncomfortable at night when trying to sleep as it was so hot. By the end of the holiday we had to leave the balcony door open a little. The cleaners were great and our room was cleaned every day with clean bedding and clean towels. We had some spare Euros from a previously holiday and the maid seemed more than happy to take them. Some days when we came back to the room we would find various things made out of the towels and also flowers on the bed which was really nice.

Pool, beach and daytime entertainment : -

The hotel has a large pool which covers most of the grounds, indoor pool and spa. We were out sunbathing from about 8.00-8.30 each morning and never had a problem with getting a lounger and the lifeguard would bring you mattresses as soon as he saw you. In fact from the first day we were lucky enough to keep the same loungers in the same place which was the garden area. We found this area to be the best as you didn’t get hassled as much from the animation team to join in with the games. I think if you sit around the pool then expect to get hassled, you can’t really moan about that. The hotel isn’t situated on the beach, but you just turn right outside of the hotel then left across the road and it is right at the end. We didn’t go but walked passed and it looked really peaceful. The animation had various activities throughout the day such as water polo, archery, stretching etc. Again we didn’t do any of these so cannot really comment. It was quite funny some days watching the activities in the pool with the surfboard though.

Breakfast, lunch and evening meals: -

Breakfast was served from 7.00am-10.00am. They had fried/scrambled/boiled eggs, fresh omelettes and pancakes, lots of pastries, sausages (which were like hotdogs really) potatoes, tomatoes and cheese and many other things. They also served yoghurt, fresh fruit, cereal and you could make your own toast. The fresh bread was lovely.

Lunch was served from 1.00pm-2.30pm. The first week we ate outside at the pool bar where they served burgers, sausages, chicken, fish, pizzas, fries and omelettes – all fresh. We only started to eat in the restaurant for lunch on the second week as there was more variety. Quite similar to what they served for evening meals.

Evening meal was served from 7.00pm-9.30pm. They served turkey, chicken, fish, fries, soups, salads, 3 Tunisian dishes which were lovely. There was so much choice that I really don’t know how people moan about it. There was always something for everyone in my opinion.

You also had the choice to do the Dine Around. This is where you get to choose between Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean, Oriental etc and they are all served in the different Iberostars in Yasmine Hammamet. We done this the last time we stayed and this time chose the Mexican which was already in the Chich Khan. The starter of nachos weren’t really nachos and weren’t that nice but the main course of chicken fajitas and chilli con carne was gorgeous. They also give out sombreros to everyone to get their picture taken which was a laugh. The wine is also included with this so no need to pay (you had to pay for your drinks back in 2008!)

Inside bars and evening entertainment: -

There were 2 bars located on the reception floor and bottom floor. We only went to the bottom floor bar during the day which is where our waiter would come from to bring us beers etc throughout the day to our loungers – no need to even move if you don’t want to as they will come around and take your orders. My partner and I would even get a lovely bottle of wine in an ice bucket filled with flowers at around 2.15 every afternoon. The bar staff and waiters in this bar were fantastic. They would also bring cocktails which were decorated with fruit and more flowers. On an evening we would usually sit in the restaurant until late and then use the reception bar and either sit in the bar or on the balcony bar and sometimes watch the evening entertainment which is usually on the stage near the pool. When we first arrived the evening entertainment was held in the nightclub. The nightclub is included in your all inclusive until 1.00am so you can still get a drink when the bar closes at 12.00am.

Outside of the hotel: -

Turn right outside of the hotel and you will pass some fixed priced shops and then eventually come to the Medina which is full of restaurants and a couple of bars. We went into The Steakhouse just for a drink as it was only £1 for a bottle of Celtia. There are also loads of shops to haggle in. The locals don’t really hassle you that much, they are just trying to make some money I guess.

Turn left outside of the hotel and you will pass some more fixed priced shops and then a supermarket on the corner. There is also the Marina which is full of restaurants and ice cream places. We walked along here a couple of times, really lovely in the morning. To those people who say it isn't safe to walk the streets - total rubbish, it is fine.

Finally, we met a lot of people in our 2 weeks who were really lovely and if they are reading this will know who they are.

Was so sad to come home and wish we were there now, really can’t wait to go back!