Arrived in Djerba to spend a quiet week relaxing and we were not disappointed.

Clean swimming pools, decent beaches and extensive facilities: this was adequate enough for a week of sunbathing and reading.

We stayed in the spa building and indulged in a heavenly reasonably priced massage. The room was basic (5 star rating was a stretch) but roomy enough with welcome air conditioning. Although there were minor issues with the drainage, the rooms were cleaned reguarly and the service was friendly and unobtrusive.

Evidently, the entertainment and the buffet provision was geared towards the French and German visitors who made up 75% of the tourists here. We enjoyed the pastries created by the resident French chef nevertheless.

The one criticism is that no drinks (even water) was provided with the evening meal. Being half board, we had to pay for drinks separately and the price of these was quite steep, even the mineral water.

We felt no need to venture outside of the complex and did not partake in any of the 'trips.' If we had spent more than a week here then there was danger of us being bored. We would consider returning if we needed a quiet week of sun, sea and chill out.

We went for one week allocation on arrival so were over the moon when told it was a 5*. I wouldn't really agree to English standards that this is correct, more like 3*, but it was tidy and nice anyway. The rooms are clean but have the usual faults that most holiday places do. The complex is large and the two swimming pools seem adequate in size to house all holiday makers at the end of Sept. The beach is REALLY close, we went jet skiing and paragliding- all lots of fun and the guys who run it will give you a bit longer if you smile nicely!
There was an excellent selection for the food, although it was mainly catered to our European counterparts and not very English at all, but it was yummy anyway.
The area was very quiet, we went to the crocodile sanctuary which was ok and the casino for a meal (very yummy) but that was about it. The entertainment is french and the only English TV channel was news 24 so I ended up watching Deal or No Deal in French- quite wierd!
The staff were fab, really- they couldn't have been nicer. After the 1st night, we didn't need to order drinks as the waiter knew them off by heart! The taxis aren't expensive but they are pretty dated and driven at speed!
Overall I would say-
Take good aftersun as it's damn hot.
Watch out for Ramadam (their fasting festival) as we hit the 1st week of it and it did have an affect on the activities available.
Go with no expectations and enjoy what's there.
Any questions you're gagging to ask email me: clustersmile@hotmail.com

What a great place Djerba is!! a desert island with white sand beaches, beautiful warm surf in which to swim with excellent beach cafe's at frequent intervals along the beaches. The Tunisian people are very friendly and most helpful, if you can speak French you may find communicating a little easier but they are very understanding and speak most main languages with ease.
The hotel called Cesars Palace is most welcoming, very nice rooms, well appointed with balcony, the restaurant is very good, great service and fantastic food, The island is quite small, approx 18 miles square, flat and interesting. We will return to this location and hotel without any problem and we are looking forward to it already. There is always a down side to everything and I suppose if you want lager louts and loud discos you will be dissappointed!! there aren't any!! we did not come see either. The airport is probably the best one we have been through, ultra modern, new and very efficient, good duty free shops and even the coffee bars were not a rip off on their prices!!! £1:20 for a decent mug of coffee, sensible prices when compared to the usual overpriced rubbish found in many airports.
Happy holidays
Martin & Diane

I was very disappointed when the coach from the airport pulled up outside this hotel. There were the 5 stars above the door, but you could see immediately it didn't deserve them. Reception was small, dimly lit and shabby. Arriving at 3am due to the holiday company changing our flights at the last minute (we would not have booked if we'd have known this in advance), we were left to wander around the grounds in the dark looking for our own rooms. These were even more disappointing. The bedlinen was yellowed, the carpet stained and the fridge door broken. The bathroom was even worse with a grimy tub surrounded by cracked and dirty tiles. Towels were 'scratchy' and smelled of chlorine (could have been worse). Meals were 'buffet' and of a reasonable standard, though unbelievably no fruit - waiters however, were cheerful and very friendly. The main pool is shared with the Djerba Palace hotel - very noisy, lots of children and loud music. The smaller pool was much better if you wanted some peace. Sunbeds were nearly all broken and old, though cushions were not charged for like at some Tunisian hotels. It was a cheap week's holiday so I can't really complain. I have however, written this for those who make the mistake of upgrading to a 5 star hotel. You will be disappointed if you are expecting the high standards that are normally associated with this merit. Think 3 star (definitely no more) and you'll have a decent holiday.