We went back in September 2011 after the revolution and our experience was as good or better than in November 2010.
For one thing the weather was warmer so we used the pool a lot. It is very clean and because it uses the ozone cleaning system, there is NO chlorine at all, and no leaves or other debris. Great pool.
We got a ground floor room (1004) with a large sunny private patio with table and chairs, which really made a difference. We also had a fridge and although the room was on the smaller side, the patio made it perfect for us.
Hammamet is the same as before the troubles and there is no problem at all for visitors...No fears of any kind.
You still get hassled by guys trying to sell you stuff though. 'Hi, I'm the waiter in your hotel'. 'NON merci'! I wish they wouldn't do that, but after a while you get used to it.
Bear in mind that the hotel only serves low/no alcohol beer, so you have to go and pick up your wine and other drinks at the liquor store 'downtown' at the Magazin General by the Medina.
You can drink whatever you bring back to the hotel in your room or by the pool. Down the street is the 'Black and White' restaurant/bar which serves great food and all drinks. (Ask for Aymen, he's a great waiter).
Across the street is the large Royal Azur Hotel, which is a bit pricey but very nice.
We usually went to the Royal Azure's beach, which has food/drinks, and you access it across the street through a tourist store attached to the Royal Azur hotel.
The Romane's beach is about an 8 minute walk to your left as you exit the hotel, and is quiet, with a hut and some umbrellas, but basic.
The Med in September is warm and clear and fantastic. Beautiful quiet beach.
As always the staff are friendly and the brothers who own it, Rhidha, Sammi and Heiki are great hosts.
You can get any excursions and rentals through Ridha (the boss).
This visit we were taken out to the zoo by a Tunisian friend we met on the last trip. It's about 35 minutes by car out of Hammamet and worth a visit. African animals of all kinds and the usual camel rides etc.
Don't expect luxury at the Romane, but the rooms are clean and basic. The showers work and the toilets flush, but stock up on TP, because the rolls don't last long. Make sure you get a floor towel as they get slippery.
We had a slight problem with flies at certain times of day, but apart from that the only 'critters' we saw at the hotel was a tortoise wandering across the pool area. The beach is devoid of flies.
We didn't eat much at the hotel except breakfast as the menu is basic. The Black and White saw a lot of us though. The night/breakfast manager Kaiss is a neat guy and will help with anything you need.
We felt very welcomed at the Romane and will be back again.
(See my other review for more comments about our visits)
- Residence Romane Hammamet
