First time to Tunisia and spent two weeks here from the end of Jan to Mid Feb. The hotel is clean, spacious and the vast majority of staff helpful and considerate. Most of the guests were English or German and a few Tunisians who were very nice and polite too. The hotel was very quiet and we enjoyed this.

The weather was pretty cold but the rooms were kept nice and warm with air conditioning. I have to laugh about some of the comments about the reception being cold, some of the guests also made this comment. The reception ceiling stretches to the 2nd floor. This is obviously designed to keep the hotel cool in summer, unfortunately it means it will be cold in winter. Heat rises - so no amount of central heating would ever keep this area warm in cold weather. Yet people expected it to somehow magically be warmed up.

The food was good, I mainly like to stick to a vegetarian diet, though I will eat fish if there is nothing else suitable. I did not need to eat fish at all, due to the good selection of vegetarian food. We went half board and found breakfast and evening meal enough. The drinks at the bar were also very cheap.

It was too cold to use the out door pool or the beautiful beach owned by the hotel, however, the hotel has a very fine in door pool which was lovely to use on a daily basis. We also made full use of the spa facilities. We had a programme of massages, body scrubs, manicures and pedicures. I worked it out that the same treatment in the UK would be 3 or 4 times as expensive.

There was free wi fi and even a computer provided, which was also free. As there were only a few guests there was only minor problems with individuals hogging the computer. However, in summer with a lot of guests I could imagine this would be a problem. Maybe the hotel should consider investing in a couple more computers and charging individuals.

Probably the nicest hotel I have stayed in on a package holiday. However, I do believe the general standard of hotels in Tunisia is higher than Spain, Greece, Turkey etc.

Most of the other guests were fine. Especially the Germans. Some of the British were loud and at times rude e.g. pushing ahead at meal times. Yes I am British so I can say this!

The marina was only 5 minutes away and lovely. Again everything was cheap, however, the constant touting for business by traders, obviously suffering from low tourist numbers, got a bit much especially after two weeks. Nothing in Tunisia is free, even asking a question or direction from a local would require payment.

It was unfortunate that civil disrest happened while we were there. We did not witness any. But we were wary of travelling to Tunis. We did do the Sahara experience in the first week before the troubles started. A very tiring but not to be missed adventure. I really hope Tunisia sorts out its politics and remains a tourist destination. Its lovely.

Once again I am here staying at the Marhaba Palace Hotel in Port El Kantoui,Tunisia.despite the fact there are so few tourists here unfortunately the staff are still giving a very good service and there is nothing lacking,the food is as always excellent with such a varied choice that there is always something to please even the pickiest of guest!Who could complain at a Dinner menu of a choice of Garlic Prawns,Grilled Steak,Roast Chicken,Fried Calfs Liver(my favourite!)and battered Fish and that was just the main course because there are two soup varieties followed by a selection of salads to choose from and two local Tunisian dishes,then of course there are the many desserts and fruits eg Oranges,Apples and Dates so I definitely never have a problem finding something to enjoy!
The breakfast menu is still exceptionally good with fruit juices,cereals,plain and flavoured yoghurts,salads,hot selections like eggs done any way you want,pancakes with syrup,sugar or plain if you want!croissants,pain au chocolats and other varieties,cakes and fruits also.
Off the food now!As I said before there are a lack of guests here which is a pity but the staff go all out to please the ones that are here,the Entertainment staff struggle to entertain against the apathy of some of the guests!
The rooms are provided daily with clean sheets and towels and they are kept clean.
Unfortunately like the majority of hotels this hotel has decided to go 'All Inclusive'but it also provides the option for Half Board and Bed and Breakfast,I opted for Half Board as I feel the local traders are really struggling especially when there are so few tourists anyway!What is the point in coming on holiday to a new country and then spend the time in your hotel just waiting till the next mealtime?I believe in exploring new countries and their cultures.
Off my soapbox now and if anyone wants to know anything just ask.

We have just returned from our very enjoyable two week holiday staying at the Marhaba Palace. We booked through a travel agent only a couple of weeks before, so did not have any time to research the hotel. However, we have to say that we were not in any way disappointed with our stay. In fact we are extremely pleased that we stayed here and not some of the other hotels along the bay.

The staff were fantastic, especially the guys in the bars and Ben and his team at dinner. Nothing was too much trouble and they were always smiling.

The hotel is spotlessly clean and we appointed, with two bars open during the time we were there and the coffee lounge. The indoor swimming pool was an added bonus and extremely clean.

The hotel is conveniently situated, with only a five minute walk to the Port either along the beach or via the main road. Marhaba Palace is the first hotel before the Port, so it takes longer to visit the Port from the other hotels. There is also an "Irish Bar" located opposite the hotel which makes a change from the hotel bars. There is a nice bar in the Port to visit in the evenings as well.

The Port is beautiful. A great place to stroll, visit the shops, go on a boat trip (we can highly recommend the pirate galleon trip, they really make it fun and look after you), have a meal in a restaurant or grab a beer in the bar and watch the world go by.

The food at the hotel was great and they thoughtfully catered for everybody. A great choice of the salad bar and soup to start. A couple of Tunisian dishes each night which were great to try. Plenty of different meat and fish dishes each night. Also, pizza and pasta dishes to order. The vegetables choices each night were different (at least 8 different veg dishes) and all tasted delicious.

We had such a relaxing holiday in Port El Kantaoui and the Marhaba Palace was fantastic and we would highly recommend. Quite a few people we spoke to said they would come back again and there were also a number who come time and gain to this hotel.

We went on the two day trip to the Sahara, booked via our Thomson rep which was absolutely fantastic. We saw so much and really found out a lot about the country. The sahara area is amazing and is not too be missed.

When visiting Souse, visit the museums which are in the back streets of the Medina and well worth getting off the beaten track (perfectly safe). Can't remember the name of it, but there is one museum which is an old house belonging to a wealthy merchant in the old days, which is absolutely delightful (just jup from the Ribat along the walls heading north - keep to the right - there are signs from the Medina entrance above the Ribat). The quiet back streets of the Medina are worth a visit and have quiet cafes and shops.

Also, get yourself onto the Metro and jump on the train to Monastir (about 1 hour) or Medhia (about 2 hours). You can't get lost, the Metro train runs from Souse to Monastir and then on to Medhia - just the one route. These are quiet places and is nice to get away from the hussle of Souse and see some of the real country. Medhia especially is worth a visit - go through the town, keep to the right heading out to the lighthouse. Great sea views and very quiet.

The hotel, Port El Kantaoui and Tunisia are well worth visiting. Lovely people, lovely hotel, lovely country. Can't wait to return.

Enjoy

Jane and Sue

PS - a Hello to Alan and Carol from Aber, who stayed at Marhaba Palace for ten weeks and were very helpful and good fun.

We stayed here for a week in early July before the summer rush. we payed £20 each upgrade for a sea view and what we saw of other rooms it was well worth it. Room was on the top floor, large and well appointed. Cleaned very well everyday.
Breakfast was adequate but not exciting. Lunch and dinner were better and the a la carte was very good.
Fasel in the American bar was brilliant, the rest of the staff were very attentive and your glass was never empty at meal times.
Adequate amount of sun beds around the pool and on the beach.
Enjoyed the break but wouldn't rush back to Tunisia.