Mahdia Palace Thalasso Mini-hotel

I recently stayed at this so-called 5-star all-inclusive hotel, and I feel compelled to share my experience in the hope that it helps future travelers make a more informed decision. Upon arrival, we were asked to pay a 60 TND deposit for beach towels, which could only be exchanged in the evening and picked up again the next morning before 8 a.m., if available at all. Sunbeds were “reserved” with towels as early as 6 a.m., making it nearly impossible to find a spot later in the day. The rooms are outdated and poorly maintained. One of the light switches was dangerously loose, exposing us to a real risk of electric shock. The air conditioning did not work for the first three days of our stay. The food was well below acceptable standards: limited variety, and on multiple occasions we were served undercooked fish, turkey, and even omelets. When we raised this with the staff, we were told they were understaffed and “that’s just how it is.” Around the pool area, many tiles were cracked or chipped, creating a safety hazard, especially for children. The beach was dirty, littered with plastic bottles, wrappers, and cigarette butts. Moreover, beach services are not included in the all-inclusive package and must be paid separately. Housekeeping was inconsistent and superficial—our room was cleaned only 4 times in 6 days, toiletries were never replenished, the closets were full of dust, and the room had ants and even a few cockroaches. The staff was largely unresponsive. Reporting an issue would usually be met with a simple “okay,” and no follow-up or resolution. Even tipping did not improve the service. Lastly, breakfast ends at 10:00 a.m. sharp—and at 10:02, I was asked to leave the restaurant even though I was still eating. In summary, this hotel does not meet even basic 3-star standards, let alone five. The facilities are outdated, hygiene is lacking, and service is far from what one should expect from a high-rated resort. I strongly advise reconsidering if you are looking for a clean, relaxing, and professionally managed holiday