Just returned from Tunisia where we stayed at the Riu palace oceana, this is a first class hotel with fantastic facilities and some of the friendliest staff we have ever encountered.

All staff could speak at least basic english and most were fluent english speakers, the two lads at the main bar lounge were so fluent they could do regional accents such as scouse, geordie, brummy and yorkshire although my favourites was the cockney geezer, brilliant. There was live music every night whilst we were there and a chance to dance for those more energetic than us.

We booked a sea and pool view room which was enormous with a seperate dressing area and a bathroom with seperate toilet, bath, wash basin and a seperate shower.

We chose to eat in the buffet restaurant and the food was both varied and plentiful, we experimented on a daily basis and enjoyed everything we ate during our stay.

The pool area and beach facilities were plentiful and well maintained, the indoor pool was a big assett for us as we travelled out of season although the weather was brilliant 22-25c everyday.

There is a beautiful marina a short walk along the beach and a chance to haggle on the way there is a part of the fun, the tunisians could sell anything they are brilliant at manipulating the situation, dont be afraid of the sellers ( there were not that many to be honest) and a firm no thanks will suffice if you dont want to be bothered.

If you like your footie then head to shakespeares which shows most premier league games live.

Was our hotel what we expected? actually it was better
Were the staff up to the job? once again they far exceeded what we expected.
Would we stay at the Rui again? definately and we would recommend it to our friends and family.

We went for a good rest and as such couldnt really tell you much about the resort area, we just lazed around the pool or on the beach, when we did go out we enjoyed the experience and never felt intimidated.

I've been to Palace Oceana this January for 3 days. At this time of the year forget about beach, the temperatures are low although the sun is always shining. The hotel was like a base point to discover the north of Tunisia. And it was a very good choice. Likely this summer it will be my choice for a relax/sun holidays.

Short notes:
- The hotel is in a remote area, but not very far from the crowded spots of Hammamet.
- It is right in front of the beach, and the beach is wonderful
- Both pool areas (outside and indoor) are fantastic, clean and spacious.
- Restaurant is good, with great variety of food, which is difficult to find in Tunisia.
- Nightlife is 5 dinars of taxi fare far from the hotel.
- Staff is helpful and speak little english, but don't forget that we are talking about a french tradition speaking country. But even if you only speak english you will have no problem, at the reception they do speak english and they are always ready to help.

We stayed here for a week before Christmas. I am extremely fussy and I
thought this was a beautiful hotel. It was very quiet, and we had a super time.

The spa is lovely and the treatments were absolutely superb. The food was also really good.

Best of all were the incredibly friendly hotel staff, from the cleaners to the bar staff, they all had a smile on their face.

There was a lady there who was there specifically to liven the place up as apparently it's too tranquil - I'm afraid I hope she doesn't succeed as there are enough places with lots noise and screaming kids and the fact that this wasn't one of them really made our week.

Had a really lovely week at the Oceana. It was exactly what we had hoped for and more than we had expected: the room had plenty of space for all luggage and clothes in a separate dressing area; two LARGE towelling robes for strolling around the pool area and down to the beach; clean as a whistle; excellent water pressure in the showers; friendly staff; easy access of taxis; and places to sit comfortably in the room and balcony to read. We were glad we went for a sea-facing junior suite and fell asleep each night to the sounds of the waves crashing on the beach. Glad also to have opted for B+B: the breakfast buffet was good and we did try one evening buffet, but to be honest we aren't all that thrilled with endless hotel buffets and enjoyed exploring the many excellent restaurants in the area. The walk along the beach to Yasamine served as the appetiser for lunch at the fabulous seafood restaurant there, 'La Bouillabaisse'. Its sister restauarant 'Sidi Slim' in Hammamet was equally good. The Manager of Oceana has a finger on the pulse and we appreciated the invitation to a wine tasting (Tunisia has very good wines and beer!) which served as an introduction to fellow guests (mainly smart German golfing couples during our stay) and the senior members of staff: a nice touch. We left a week later, thoroughly rested and relaxed. We were also glad to have asked for the top floor, as ground floor suites would have had difficulty having the patio windows open with all the many domestic cats around. Sadly the remaining 4 days of the holiday were spent in the over-hyped Dar El Medina in Tunis, which we found over-designed, magazine-chic and totally uncomfortable and downright inhospitable!