Dar El Jeld Hotel and Spa

Dar El Jeld is truly a five-star property, and in almost every respect, it exceeded my expectations. The accommodations were impeccable, the building itself is magnificent, and its location in the heart of the old Medina, within a beautifully restored historic palazzo, makes it a very special place to stay. It is an outstanding hotel, and I thoroughly appreciated the quality and character of the property.

However, despite the exceptional accommodations, I was extremely disappointed by one aspect of my experience, and it is important that I share it. As a woman over 60 travelling alone, I specifically requested a female, English-speaking guide for two excursions: a walking tour of the Medina and a full-day excursion to visit Dougga & Bulla Regia, the Roman ruins outside Tunis. I made this request when booking my reservation on 11 May, and the hotel confirmed it on 12 May. My stay was not until 14 October, so there was ample time to make the necessary arrangements. On 9 October, just days before my arrival, I reconfirmed my request, and once again the hotel assured me that a female, English-speaking guide had been arranged. Imagine my disappointment when I arrived for my Medina tour on the morning of 15 October to discover that a male guide had been assigned to me. Not only that, but he was scheduled to accompany me on both excursions. At that point, cancelling was not a realistic option, as I would have lost the opportunity to enjoy the tours I had specifically booked. I therefore proceeded with the first excursion, but I felt completely let down and, quite frankly, disrespected. My request had been made months in advance and reconfirmed just five days before arrival. At no point had anyone advised me that a female guide was unavailable or that my request could not be accommodated. I want to be very clear: this is not about the quality or professionalism of male guides. It is about respecting a guest's clearly communicated and repeatedly confirmed preference, particularly when that preference relates to her personal comfort and sense of security while travelling alone. The second excursion was a full day, approximately 12 hours, travelling outside the city with a male driver and male guide. For a solo female traveller, this is a very different proposition from a walking tour within the city.

The receptionists, Enis, Siwar, and Hadir, are charming and helpful and always smiling and positive. The Dar is the best place to stay in the Medina of Tunis. The suites are exceptional and the food at the restaurants is unequaled in Tunis. The Dar is beautiful, quiet, and upscale. It is worth every dinar and more. And compared to hotels in Paris, NYC, and Rome it is inexpensive and better.

Nothing

One of a kind in La Medina

I liked everything! The terrace was a bit shabby

Very unique and beautiful hotel on the edge of the medina. Large bedroom, living room and 3 part bathroom(french have separate toilet room). Wonderful, accomodating front desk staff.

The hammam area is quite large; steam room can easily seat 12 people and the heated marble slab could easily have 5 -6 people using it. However, they only allow one room guest to use it at a time.