Firstly, thanks to the info. on this forum, we got through the airport with no problems and even managed to avoid being 'ripped off' by the porters! So 'thank you' to everyone for their advice.
The hotel was much as we expected having been to Riu hotels before. Reception and check-in went smoothly and our room was large, comfortable and clean. I had e:mailed the hotel and asked for a quiet room - we were given room no. 4023 which, although it was at the front of the hotel overlooking the entrance, was very quiet. Maid service was very good - we always had clean towels and were often left 'sweeties' on our pillows!
The food in the main buffet was good with enough choice and was always hot and plentiful. I believe that there had been complaints in the past and the hotel had brought in people to improve it. We tried both the Asian and Mediterranean restaurants. We were not overly impressed with the Mediterranean but loved the Asian and dined there on 5 nights! Yes, I know! but it was never overful and we were very well looked after - wine ready in an ice bucket etc.
All the staff - from Managers to cleaners - were pleasant, helpful and always smiling. Cannot fault any of them. The bar staff were excellent and soon got used to what you wanted - often having your drinks ready before you got to the bar! Naceur made the best 'special' pina coladas!
We walked to the Marina most mornings for our daily 'excercise', stopping for a cold drink and to watch the world go by for a little while. The town was pleasant to walk around and we never felt uncomfortable at all. Fortunately, we knew about the 'chef from the hotel on his day off'! It amazes me that we ever got fed there were so many on their day off!!!
The walk down the 'canal' was a revelation! Posh apartments and even 'posher' boats! The only downside was the First Choice (TUI) rep. at the hotel - his 'welcome' meeting was all about him and selling trips. He portrayed the Tunisians as thieves and liars - but women could walk round 'topless' according to him because the men would enjoy that! The Italian guests had, apparently, been a burden to him and we should all be thankful that they were leaving that weekend. We should all expect to get stomach problems and immodium etc. wouldn't work - would have to get something stronger from the pharmacy. He suggested not putting ice in drinks as if this was the only cause - he would have been better suggesting that washing hands after visiting the toilet would have been more helpful. If you had a problem he didn't want to know unless you had been drinking at the bar with him or had paid for trips with him.
Sorry about that rant but he was the only downside and I have passed on my comments to First Choice.
We will be going back to Tunisia but may visit PEK next time - not because there was anything wrong with Yasmine but only because it has been recommended by people on here and it would be nice to compare the two.
