The hype
The spa and pools are fantastic, but the '5-star' rating feels more like a solid 4-star due to aging rooms and hit-or-miss food.
Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso Djerba
$88-180/ night
Book this if You want a massive, visually stunning beachfront resort with a world-class thalasso spa and don't mind if the service isn't quite Four Seasons level.
Why People Love It
- The Athénée Thalasso spa is legitimately world-class and one of the best in Tunisia
- Grand, Instagram-worthy lobby with soaring oriental architecture
- Direct access to a wide, sandy beach with a popular beach bar
Quick Take: A grand dame that dazzles in the lobby and spa but shows her age in the unrenovated rooms and inconsistent housekeeping.
Reviewed by @1000_puertos: I was completely blown away by the scale of this place. Walking into the lobby felt like entering a palace, and the mix of marble and traditional Tunisian design is just stunning. It’s the perfect spot if you want to feel small in a grand, luxurious space.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You have to fight the 'towel war' at 7 AM to get a pool lounger, and the unrenovated rooms feel stuck in 2005.
- You are coming specifically for thalassotherapy treatments
- You love a bustling resort vibe with huge pools and evening entertainment
- You are traveling with family and need a mix of kids' club and adult relaxation
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Some days spotless, other days sand is left in the shower or amenities aren't restocked.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean but aging. Watch out for blocked drains and worn grout in unrenovated rooms.
- Maintenance: A struggle. Reports of broken AC knobs, peeling paint in corridors, and pigeon droppings on walkways.
- Linens & towels: Clean but can be worn/scratchy. Beach towels are often in short supply.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of jasmine and incense (lovely), but some rooms have a musty or drain smell.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Doors slamming (no soft-close mechanisms)
- Hallway noise echoing in the open-atrium corridors
- AC rattling in older rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'All Inclusive' often excludes certain bars and the beach restaurant—read the fine print
- Tourist tax of ~3 TND per person/night is payable at checkout
- There is a strict dress code for dinner (no shorts for men)
What to pack
- Strong bug spray (mosquitoes and ants can be an issue in rooms)
- Your own beach towel clips (it gets windy)
- A portable fan if you sleep hot (AC is weak)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Junior Suite (Renovated) - worth the upgrade for modern decor and space
- Premium Room with Lateral Sea View - ensures you are in a refreshed unit
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor Standard Rooms - often have views of sand piles or walls
- Rooms near the elevators in the main atrium - noisiest foot traffic
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a 'Renovated Premium Room' on an upper floor. Please ensure it is NOT on the ground floor. I am a light sleeper and would appreciate a room away from the main elevator bank.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
The large outdoor pool is unheated and can be chilly in winter/spring. The indoor pool is heated and lovely.
Is it really 5-star?
On paper, yes. In reality, it's a 3.5 to 4-star experience with 5-star architecture. Service and maintenance lack the polish of true luxury.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are strictly prohibited.
How is the Wifi?
Surprisingly good. Free high-speed Wifi works well in rooms and even reaches parts of the pool area.
Can I bring water from the supermarket?
Officially, no. Security checks bags at the entrance and may confiscate outside food/drink to force you to buy hotel water.
Is the Thalasso pool free?
No, the saltwater Thalasso pool is part of the spa and requires a paid treatment or access fee.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Turquoise' restaurant by the beach has far better food than the main buffet—go there for lunch.
- ✨
Taxis wait right at the front gate and cost peanuts (~3-5 TND) to get to Midoun or the crocodile park.
- ✨
If you want a lounger, you must place your towel before breakfast (yes, it's annoying, but it's the reality here).
5 things to know before you go
💡Pigeons roost in the open-air corridors, so watch out for droppings on the way to your room.
💡The 'Cat Wars': stray cats will aggressively beg for food at the outdoor tables.
💡The indoor pool is a hidden gem for photos—stunning oriental tile work and often empty.
💡You might get a random fruit plate delivery to your room (a quirky, inconsistent perk).
💡The 'sea view' from some lateral rooms is mostly a view of the roof with a sliver of blue.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso Djerba is located and what's nearby.