El Mouradi Skanes

The title says it all really. We have just returned from 2 weeks at the El Mouradi Skanes (don't confuse with lots of other El Mouradi hotels!) and I would not recommend this hotel to my worst enemy. The food is absolutely dreadful, unless of course you like cabbage, lentils and under cooked rice for breakfast. Don't worry if you miss out on the scrambled egg, cos there will be plenty left for you to eat at lunch - cold of course! Fear not, if you missed out at lunch time, cos you could of course have some for dinner, always assuming of course that the cold rabbit, liver or fish head stew doesn't take your fancy. As you can see, I have returned home less than impressed. Our first stop was the local curry house (hi Barry and Becks you know what I mean!!), followed by a quick pint or 2 in our local. On the subject of drinks - there is no problem here as long as you are happy to drink 1/4 pint at a time, having fought your way past hoards of Russians, Hungarians, Romanians, Polish...... I think you get the picture. My family and I are fairly well travelled and like to meet people from other cultures etc, but this was ridiculous. There were approximately 5 other English families in the hotel (500 rooms). France, Belgium, Germany and Italy were very well represented and overall these people seemed to be very nice. Unlike our Russian friends. I guess this view could be subjective, however, I do not like to see my children pushed out of the way by a stampede of Russians trying to get ahead of the mashed potatoe queue. In addition, I find it quite rude to be barged away from a bar whilst a man twice my size and weight shouts "VODKA" over my shoulder whilst putting his hand into the ice bucket to help himself. I could go on for hours, but guess that you are getting the message by now. On the positive side, the staff are lovely, especially when they find out that you are English and have manners. The animation team work extremely hard and do an excellent job. Although the hotel is fairly clean and well presented, it does not deserve the 4* rating. More like a 3* really. Love to Gabe from Abs Sam says "hi" Jasper

the hotel was a bit tired and basicaly aimed at the german market. we went as couple and found a bit left ouy as family's were the norm there,but given that the price was v good we found a week there was enough and quite enjoyed it .The pools were v good . we would go back as it was good value for money.

We just got back from this hotel on Sunday 17th June having spent a week there. Fist impressions are that we didnt consider it 4 star. The accomodation was basic, but with a decent level of air conditioning in each room. Our room was tired, especially the bathroom. We were somewhat suprised by this and requested a change of room next day, onkly to find we had one of the better rooms, so we stayed where we were. The main reception and staff etc were quite nice, although i would say the airconditioning in the main bar etc was poor. Food, mmm, again, not exactly as we expected, in fact this was probably the most dissapointing aspect. Whilst there was plenty of choice and variety, it was a tad bland.The salads were not very inviting, and if you didnt get in the buffet hall early enough like we never on a few occaions we found that some of the more popular dishes just got eaten too quick. Breakfast was interesting, plenty of pastries etc, no english brekkie im afraid, and the cereals were a massive three types. Lunch was generally ok, same routine, get there quick if you can.Dinner was about the same. The usual pestering took place walking down to the beach through the hotel, ie want to come on my boat by captain Ali was a daily ritual, come look in my shop, and you need quad bikes etc!! They have to make a living somehow? The beach area was small, beds were free, but a charge was levied for matts at 1TD per matt. Only problem with all this was getting a spot on the beach, unless you got up with the larks. Some of our European neighbours were either poor sleepers or paranoid about getting a bed, i never managed to beat em !! This is our secong time in Tunisia, and for what we paid for a week we couldnt really grumble, plus we booked really last minute. All in all, not 4 star, but if your looking for a chill out and no real frills, then this is probaly ok. PS dont try the local Gin, its awful, plus is only avaialble during happy hour for some reason.

EL MOURADI SKANES - Easter in Tunisia - April 8th 2007 Hotel is just minutes from the airport, we made plans to do our own taxi tranfers once we arrived at Monastir, which was a good idea as it is lots cheaper than booking through travel agent. We needed two taxis as there was 5 of us, which cost 15 Dinars say £6 very good really. Weather was good really a couple of cloudy days drizzle of rain but nothing to stop your holiday. The hotel guests ranged from French, Germans and a minority group of us Brits. '3' Star hotel certainly not a '4' Star after visiting Tunisia for the fourth time during the years, as we usually stay at The Royal Kenz - Port El Kantoui if it's not a children holiday. Food menu did not have much variation, lots of veal, chicken, pork on one day which was a nice change. Fish, pasta dishes, pizza, few vegetables, mashed potatoe galore!! Salad bar with continental meats and cheese. The fourth day we were considering going into Port El Kantaoui for something different to eat, when after going all inclusive it seemed unreal to do this. None of us are fussy eaters and like i mentioned before i've visited Tunisia many times half board and never got bored of the food offered or travelled out to eat something different. Puddings offered variation of cake, chocolate blancmange, fruit which was limited, ice cream and flans. Breakfast offers pancakes, cereal, meats, cheeses, eggs, spicey sausage, sliced potatoe etc. Throughout the day the pool bar offered snacks, starting usually with pancakes then progressing to chips, meet or cheese rolls, salad. You could eat from the pool bar at lunch time instead of going indoors unless you wanted ice-cream. 4pm daily cake with tea, coffee, hot chocolate or milk was served inside at the hotel bar which was all very nice apart from the location as the table diplayed was in the room where everybody smoked. Great !!!! Hotel staff were very friendly, kind and helpful, sometimes the waiters and entertainment staff were over friendly!! The hotel is kept clean and tidy at all times, the waiters are constantly clearing up cups, glasses, plates etc. Maids are very good, for your towels are changed every day, rooms are cleaned, beds decorated nicely, they work really hard and wages are very low. The photographer was most disturbing apart from the smoking as he would not leave you alone, whether your sitting chilling, entering or exiting the dining room. Once you let him take your photograph he would leave you alone, the quality is good but never the less you don't want to be hounded by photographer for your week away. Evening entertainment was good for the children the animation team worked really hard each day. Adult entertainment needed improving, even though as long as my girls enjoyed their sessions with the team that was my concern as for being their holiday. A big downfall with the entertainment room was adults being allowed to smoke, which is not great for children or if you do not smoke yourself. The hotel will put films on in the evening but as long as you like Charlie Chaplin night in night out you will be ok. If your lucky you may get Mr Bean but no promises, and again this is situated next to the bar where half is allowed for smokers. Even though they go out their way to entertain children smoking should not be allowed around these areas. The hotel offers indoor pool which is lovely and warm, outside pool is freezing, 1 Dinar each day for your sunbed mattress. Beach is nice, daily activities include adult beach volleyball, archery etc. Childrens club was organised by Nadia who was lovely, for she worked hard from morning through to the evening entertainment with the children. Our rooms had pool and sea view which was lovely but the hotel positioning made our rooms right above the internal interim. The bar and entertainment room could be rather noisy at night till 1am sometimes. If you have children opt for another part of the hotel for i was told down the corridor it was nice and quiet. Half parted non smoking area in main bar, but the whole place is smokey !!!!! I found this unbearable at times and ruined quality time, so if your like me who is smoke sensitive i suggest you stay well clear!! Overall the hotel is lovely and you could not wish to meet nicer people to make your stay memorable. Skanes has nothing to offer but hotels, there is nothing near by to visit. Taxis are available at the entrance but make sure you agree a price first. If it is your first time to Tunisia you may find it very stressful with visiting the shops and markets, bartering can be difficult at times and Tunisians can be over powering when they pull you into their shop. 'No Hassle' favourite saying but you will get it !! Sousse Soula Center government fixed price shop which has lovely gifts,likewise in Port El Kantaoui entrance of the port, if you find bartering stressful. Excursions that are worth considering are the following, 2 Day Sahara Explorer, El Djem, Kairouan, Carthage, Bardo Museum, Arabian Feast, Camel Caravan, Sidi Bou Said and Sousse market is quite an experience.

I booked a week's all inclusive holiday with two friends last minute to the Sol El Mouradi Skanes Beach at the beginning of April. We were really looking for somewhere to lie in the sun and relax for a week and that's what we got. The room was lovely and the bed linen was changed every day. The only criticism of the room was that the toilet in the separate WC always smelled a bit stale! Our room had a pool/sea view which was lovely but the positioning in the hotel meant we were right above the internal atrium which is where the bar is situated so it could be really noisy at night. There is a half hearted attempt at a non-smoking area in the bar but the whole place is smoky. We all had a bit of a cough from the amount of second hand smoke by the end of the holiday!!! If you are sensitive to smoke I would steer well clear. The outdoor pool and beach are lovely, although the pool was freezing, so if you happen to be going at Easter time, I would suggest swimming in the sea as it was a lot warmer there. The internal pool, however, I didn't really rate. It was so warm it was like getting in a bath and the paint and plaster work is in real need of being done up. Most of the staff were really helpful and nice - hats off to the entertainment team. They were out first thing taking all the kids and organising stuff like archery for the adults and they worked late into the night doing all the entertainment. The entertainment was a bit basic but it was quite funny and a good laugh. It was all aided by the Sangria that was out out in a big punch bowl each evening for you to help yourself too. The AI alcohol was a bit hit and miss. The beer was quite fizzy and the vodka could strip paint if you were given too much, but if you asked for cocktails they often left some of the mixing liquor out. And that leaves the food!!! For the first few days we were there, there was a huge contingent of Austrians there, and even once they had gone, Brits were still very much the minority tourist group. Becuase of this, the food was very much aimed at European tastes, which is all good and well if you are into stewed rabbit, liver, and the likes. We lived off pizza and pasta for a week and we are usually pretty adventurous eaters. This was fine for a week, but if I was there for 2 wks I'd have been pretty narked. There was a real lack of decent vegetables and there was hardly any fruit. Don't get me wrong, the pizza and pasta was amazing but it got a bit boring after a while!!!!!! This may have come across as a really negative review, and that's honestly not the intention. We had a great time, and these were just a few observations we made. I would go back to Tunisia, but I think I would go somewhere bigger, like maybe into Sousse as opposed to staying in Skanes which is in between Monastir and Sousse. We didn't leave the hotel complex at all in the week because we got ripped off by the taxi driver coming from airport. We were charged 15 dinar when it should have only been about 3. And as three young unaccompanied women we were sitting targets! If you are quite willing to stay in a fairly basic hotel and lie in the sun for a week then this place will suit yout fine, but if you are looking for 4* accomodation then this isn't for you.

We have just come back from a week in the El Mouradi Hotel Skanes,The hotel was wonderful,the rooms were clean, bed changed everyday and towels,the staff were veryhelpful and pleasant, nothing was too much trouble. The food we found to be very exceptable, a pleasant choice for everyone, good choice for breakfast eeven pancakes freshly cooked every morning, one morning even fresh strawberries and orange salad.b The jams are lovely especially the quince. Lunch time meals were a good selection with not a lot of chips. Evening meal was very good with a fresh selection of meats every night even roast beef and frshly grilled pork shops . As for Sousse and Monastir we were not very impressed especially with the Medinas, if you like a lot of hassle and I mean hassle you will be fine, but is you dont even look be prepared to be sworn at, we were more than once,believe me it is very frightening to be circle by about 10 -12 shop keepers all trying to get you to go into their shop and when you do they lead you to another part of the building that sells something entirely different, Its a big con to get you to buy. Beware of the taxi drivers they all wait outside the hotel gates for your custom and will charge the earth if you are prepared to pay it, we paid no more than 4 dinnars to souse and 5 dinars to Monastir, If you have to get a taxi from the airport to the hotel becarefull it should cost no more than 10 dinnar we only paid 8. The hotel is very good value for the money . just pray that the weather is good.

We have just returned from the Mouradi, where we had a great time. We did a last minute deal and were after relaxation and warm weather - we found both here. The hotel was huge but only partly full due to time of year, but they were preparing for many more guests in the next few weeks. The outdoor pool was lovely but very cold, so we used the indoor pool every day and although it was not very big we only found it with lots of people once, we often had it to ourselves. The staff were all friendly, entertainment staff asked if you wanted to join in but did not pester. All the bar staff were constantly clearing-up and had a smile or good word. Being a muslim country the all-inclusive bars were never crowded, often there was no queue at all. The waiters in the restaurant were great, all except one who was over-friendly and tried to tell us to sit at his table for every meal, but this was not necessary and we could choose our own table every meal. The food was fantastic, and so much of it, help yourself to as much as you want. Snacks were available morning, noon and night., although not many people ever took supper in the entertainment room as they had already eaten far too much!! The pool bar was open from morning to late afternoon, so no need to go into the restaurant for lunch, but you could always pop in for an ice-cream. The only draw backs were the photographer who wanted you to buy his photos and the lack of evening entertainment - it might have kept children occupied, but we resorted to alcohol and playing cards. The hotel was not in a good position for external entertainment as it was a taxi ride away from anything else. We were told the taxi ride to Sousse was no more than 8 dinar but everyone outside the hotel was out to make as much out of you as possible. It was impossible to buy anything much in Sousse as any European was under constant hassle and being pulled into shops with the constant words "no hassle" and ripped-off as much as possible. I know the country works by bartering but it was overpowering and we found it quite threatening. However for a relaxing holiday, with plenty of good food, drink and swimming this hotel was ideal.

We did the all inclusive thing at this hotel. A 1 week last-minute getaway at the back end of Feb was booked up for £330 each, we heard other people got it cheaper but only up to £50 less. Firstly, I've never been to anywhere like Tunisia, it was my first trip to this part of the world and also to a Muslim country for that matter. If you are going to this hotel here's a quick tip, don't bother with the overly priced transfer from the airport. The hotel is a matter of minutes from the airport. We had to wait around for the stragglers before the bus could leave so you're well advised to just arrange your own taxi at the front and side-step the rip-off coach. It is probably around 5 dinars (£2 in real money). I think the tour operators will have you believe that that particular stretch of road is worth £25 of you hard-earned cash. Don't bother with that. After wading your way through building sites (not complaining, is possibly the right time of year to be improving the area), you will reach the el mouradi. It isn't a bad looking hotel and does have the minimum requirements to be a four star. Personally, it is more of 3 stars. The quality was just not there. The basics were evident but nothing more. As would be understandable at this low-season time of year, some of the amenities were not open or in a bit of a state. They'd, how can I say, let the grass grow in the quieter section of the hotel. I also had to walk 175 steps to get a beer as they wouldn’t open the outside bar. On your hols that is a long way to go get a drink- the glasses are also very small so you can imagine how many trips you would be making if you fancied a few cool ones by the pool. Food wise- there were good meals. Breakfast is not English, but it is after all Tunisia. Actually, breakfast was the least enjoyable. Lunch, on the other hand, was very good- there was a good salad bar, good selection of pasta/ meats, and the desert wasn't bad either. You can really fill your plate and have a good feed. Although maybe for a two week break the food would become repetitive due to a limited selection at times. Snack bar, what snack bar? This is a sham and doesn’t exist. The only snacks are available at the snacking hours of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Oh, there are some leftovers left in silver troffs outside the restaurant- I wouldn’t presume to give that the title of snack ‘bar’. The pool looks the business but sadly wasn’t up to much mainly because an Eskimo would find the temperature cold! I mean it was freezing. I dived in once and I felt like I was a marine on some kind of ‘welcome to the ranks arctic expedition’. The sea was warmer so I just went in there. In stark contrast was the indoor pool. This was like a pond in the middle of the Sahara desert- it was damn hot, but nice if you like scolding temperatures. I must say I enjoyed the indoor pool at around 4pm when the sun went in. Next to the indoor pool is a health spa that offers massages, manicures, Turkish baths- you get the gist of it. I had two massages and a Turkish bath during the week. Massages are highly recommended and very cheap compared with the UK. BE VERY careful with your valuables, I dropped a right clanger by leaving my bag, (wallet in the top pocket), hidden under my towel. Got back to the room and realised 20 of my UK pounds had vanished, and 20 dinars to boot. I confronted the staff in the morning (it could only have been two people and they were both members of staff). I complained to the hotel and they denied all responsibility- not very admirable guest service to say the very least. The hotel was pretty secure though and the cleaners didn’t, well, take me to the… if you see what I mean. Other minor quibbles would be the reinforcement of some of the other reviews- I really can’t see how this hotel and staff would cope in the peak season. Their organisation and customer service was poor. However, there wasn’t too much by way of hand-out gestures. The bar staff are miserable, it is true. Asking for more than one drink was like asking them for an explanation of Einstein’s theory of relativity (huh?). Excursions offered up a poor selection. You can choose between a train of mistreated camels or the locally abused horses. This may seem harsh but the horses did look very tired and thin. One report I heard was that the horses were very dangerous- an accident waiting …etc If I went for 2 wks I would have done the desert safari- it sounded very good. Taxis- if the guy (tout) outside the front says ‘taxi to Monastir for 15 dinars each way’ he is having an absolute laugh. It should cost 5-7d nothing more. They will try it on, just walk away and then the prices will start to tumble. The bar closes at 12pm, unlike England where they serve to last man and beyond, the locals actually put a clock on the bar and no amount of ‘come on, mate its only 00:01’ will work. They just refer your gaze to the clock. This is my first review of any hotel and I am doing so because I found the reviews here extremely helpful and accurate. You can only review what you encountered on a particular trip so this is the heads-up you may need. Would I go back? Definitely not. I found the area uninspiring, there is very little to do in and out of the hotel, the entertainment available was very poor, and as previous reviewers mention, the German & French colonies within the hotel flourish while England (UK) do come a distant fourth-also behind the Spanish. In summary, I had a good time based on the fact that all I needed from this holiday was to drink beer, eat decent but nowhere near a’ la carte food, and find solace in relaxing under a very hot March sun.

just returned from tunisia (2 weeks ) flew from cardiff, under 3 hour flight. stayed at the el mouradi hotel in monastir, just a few minutes from monastir airport. very good value £299 all inc. we had mixed weather warm and sunny most days, odd shower and cloudy on odd days. thunder storms on 2 nights, fab to watch from hotel. we went from the 28th jan to 11 of feb would go a little later next year, the day we left was glorious so go in mid to late feb. hotel was good only a couple of hundred there, mixed french (playing golf ) germans and brits. food good but limited menu, most staff helpful and friendly but with the PALM out every 5 minutes, they think we are millionaires. a poor but up and coming country, tunis was like london and all the coastal resorts thriving. souks are amazing, so many bargains so travel light as you WILL buy. excellent trips, port el kantaoui tunis, sousse, sidi bou said and many more including a 2 day desert trip, with a camel ride,a tour of the gorge in the red lizard train. great holiday would go again but next trip will be to sousse, there more to do in the evenings, booked with yourholidays and flew with thompson

This was our best holiday and we have been to New York, Florida, Malta, Las Vegas we loved it. The staff were incredibly friendly, food was good. The kids entertainers were brilliant and terribly kind, especially Hedia and DJ Momo who made the kids holiday. They love kids and treated ours wonderfully. Not a lot of entertainment but it was out of season and so cheap to get cab into Sousse or Monastir. (we only paid £950 for whole holiday all inclusive so can hardly complain) The Tunisian people in general were so friendly. We are going to go back as soon as we can.