El Hana Palace Hotel

Stayed here November 2006. Having read recent reports we were a little apprehensive, but were pleasantly surprised. Our room was certainly clean, freshly decorated (the painters were moving around the hotel whilst we were there). OK, the carpet was a little worn, and the tiling in the bathroom wasn't perfect, but everything was clean and fresh. Main gripe about the room was lack of comfy seating. Also, because we were in the wing that didn't get any sunshine it was pretty gloomy. The bed was two 4 ft singles so was enormous, although some people might find it too low. The bath was good, but again some people might find it hard to get in and out because of the height. Most of the staff were very good, there were a couple of barmen who seemed to not enjoy serving anyone. The biggest surprise with this hotel is the a la carte restaurant, which don't think has been mentioned in other reviews. Not surprising, as there are no apparent signs that it is there. It is upstairs in the villa, behind the bar. We only found out about it on the last night from another couple who had tried it earlier in the week. We ate in splendid isolation, the food was good and the service was excellent - well, we did have the waiter to ourselves But we did wipe the dust off the plates with our napkins! Tip - if you eat here don't order any starters as you will be given a selection of Tunisian tasters. You also get a sorbet to finish with, so you don't need a dessert either. If you are on half board you get 10% of the price of the food, which is on a level with prices in the better restaurants in the port. The standard was way above what is served in the buffet, but it is a real pity they don't make any effort to let people know it is there. But this is probably just another example of the non-commercialistion in this hotel - there is no shop, you can't even buy stamps for your postcards. Re the price of water, although we had been buying it we were entitled to a litre bottle each day as part of half board - we had been told this when checking in but having been up all night for an early morning flight this bit of info was forgotten - and of course the waiting staff don't mention this when you are ordering wine. The lack of entertainment in this hotel is the worst thing, particularly in the winter months (it gets dark around 5pm). There is a man with a synthesiser and guitar some evenings, but on the nights he was absent the Rotunda bar looked like an old folks home with elderly copuples staring glumly at the German pop music station on the large screen tv - dire. Thankfully, plenty of excursions meant we were getting 6am calls most mornings so early nights were required. Overall, a pleasant place to stay - but it could be wonderful if they tried a little more, and maybe used the space upstairs in the villa

If you simply want to relax without any nightlife, this is the place. Very impressive decor and setting thats now a bit rough round the edges. Food good,hot and plentiful. Staff cannot do enough to please but you get the impression that tipping is the expected end result. Very clean everywhere and rooms are large with a great bathroom (large corner bath). Best to stay by pool area, which supply towels, as beach area to the left of rocks in front of hotel is filthy,and full of seaweed. We saw a man bring his horse down to beach for a spot of sunbathing after which they went for a dip to wash off! The hotel will not allow you to bring in water or any other drinks purchased elsewhere, and charge a lot more for water bought there. The only evening entertainment around apart from the resident keyboard player is in other hotels that charge extortionate prices for drinks, or take a 10-15 minute stroll to the marina that has shops and cafe/bars. This hotel is definately more suited to couples and older guests.

We wanted to find a Hotel to relax in and found it. The Hotel is clean and well managed, the staff are very friendly and look after you well. Food is good with a great selection. (go H/B it's a bargin). It is not for someone looking to be entertained, the kind of place to unwind and relax. The rooms are clean and tidy. We will be going back next year as I think we have found the jewel in the crown.

The hotel was welcoming and relaxing. The quiet hotel welcomed people but is not always for the lively and young people.

We stayed in March for just a week and it was a week of pure relaxation! The fact that there are no kids allowed was an unexpected bonus for my hubby and I - the pool was so peaceful! The service is great - just raise your eyebrow and a nice smart (handsome) young man brings you another drink. No questions, just a smile. Order a bottle of wine to your room and get lots of lovely extras like plump fresh olives (delish) and savoury mixed biscuits.They are very intelligent people and many speak more than 3 languages. Read about their economy - it's fascinating. Travel around and meet the people - they are wonderful and have a really good sense of humour too. Everything is so cheap! The wine is fairly good, a seafood lovers paradise with all the fresh fish. When a holiday turns out to be unexpectedly better than you anticipated - it becomes a whole new experience as a holiday. Truly relaxing. Just what a good holiday should be. Do use the beauty/steam facilities - excellent value and the girls are very expert. PS We didn't feel guilty about filling-up the sunken circular bath every evening to soak in sipping a glass of local wine - pure luxury!

We returned from Tunisia on 1st July and are already thinking of booking a break in October this year. We arrived in the early hours of the morning and were welcomed by a very frendly member of staff who booked us in with no fuss at all. In the morning we were plesently surprised at the hotel surroundings, every thing is kept in a very clean and tidy condition and the gardens are a pleasure to walk through. We originally booked on a B&B basis but were impressed with the standard of service and the quality of the food that we upgraded to HB for the second week. The rooms are big and very clean and the maids do a really good job every day and get to know when you are not in your room so as to cause as little disruption to you as possible. The pool area is excellent and there is no need to come down early for a bed, there are always plenty available. Towels and matresses are provided free with all loungers but a small tip to the "LIVE Guard" ( no it is not a spelling error, this is what is on his "T" shirt) is always appreciated. The pool side bar do a really good range of food and it is also of an excellent standard. Great place for a holiday with excellent weather(bit too hot at times), very friendly locals who are always willing to help. We are looking forward to going back. There is very little entertainment in the hotel each evening but plenty available in the Marina a short 10/15 min walk away.

Wonderful holiday.Hotel 's beautiful marbled reception area was lovely and cool (temp got up to 47) Pool area was perfect and pool bar was a brilliant place to relax and sea breeze was a wonderful restbite from the heat. Rooms were cleaned everyday, free towels and mattresses for poolside loungers.Staff very helpful and friendly, especially the head barman in the reception bar. Food was excellent with something for every taste. Hotel was in a perfect position set back from the main road, Port El Kantaoui marina is only a short walk. If you are looking for a total relaxation holiday with excellent service,and good food then hotel El Hana Palace is the place to go. I look forward to returning.

Just returned from a fab week. Arrived at the hotel in the early hours of the morning to be greeted by very friendly reception night staff. Hotel and grounds kept spotless, Pool area a must as beach not up to much - although worth risking for a dip in the Med. Weather superb although extremely hot at times (SPF 10 required). Poolside bar gives excellent choice. Sandwiches great, but make sure you are hungry. Personal touches offered by the maid were welcomed but sometimes amusing. Just be on your guard for the resident carpet man - a bit in your face, but if you mean "no" say so and he will eventually get the message. Hotel staff all very friendly even when not speaking much english. Hotel restaurant and food very nice with a wide choice. The pancakes are superb and are available every day and made fresh to order (best with cinnamon sugar and vanilla ice cream). Ideal for couples wanting some quiet and relaxation, but with limited evening entertainment. Should you require more Port El Kantaoui is only a 10 minute walk away. If you are looking for something a bit different, try a Noddy Train ride to Sousse (£1 per person each way) This was our first visit to Tunisia and my partner's first trip abroad and we would definitely go back again some day.

My partner and I were originally booked at the Royal Kenz but ended up at the El Hana Place. We had read reviews on trip advisor so arrived with mixed feelings. How wrong we were, the El Hana Palace was a real gem! We agree with other reviewers that the rooms do need refurbishing but are clean and comfortable. We could not fault the food at all , there was plenty of choice at dinner from gorgeous salads to tunisian specialities, and a good selection of wines. We had wine with dinner every night which cost about £4.50. The grounds and the pool area are beautiful and clean and there was always a lovely breeze which helps when sunbathing. The staff were friendly and helpful and very discreet , there if you needed them. The hotel is ten minute walk from the Port by road or along the beach. Port el Kantaoui is delightful and there are good restaurants and bars and plenty of shops. Contrary to other reviewers we were not unduly hassled by shopkeepers a firm but friendly no will be sufficient and please haggle its great fun and you can usually get your price. Try the hotel's beauty salon where we had a morning of massage, reflexology, indian head massage and steam room it was 40 Dinars about £18 a real bargain! If you are a young or older couple who appreciate child free surroundings then choose the El Hana Palace for total peace, quiet and relaxation. Enjoy it , we did!!!!

For a first ever visit to Tunisia the El Hana was chosen via an Internet search and booking Panorama Holidays via My Travel the return flights between Stansted and Monastir were comfortable, timeous and even the meals worthy of praise. Changing sterling to Tunisian dinars was straightforward and can be done at a couple of desks adjacent to baggage collection and is recommended as local currency (particularly having some 1 and 5 dinar coins) will be needed immediately [The Hotel will change sterling/travellers cheques 24 hrs a day} Pre- booking a private taxi for both journies between Monastir Airportand the hotel proved to be worth the extra pounds, particularly for a midnight arrival. The El Hana Palace stands about 10 minutes outside of the main resort of Port El Kantauoi and is distinguished from the other resort hotels not only by its separate location but also by its size, smaller, more personal, its design and colour white and yellow, and its "no children" policy. The entrance foyer, lounge and bar are quiet and cool (particularly welcome if seeking some respite from the outside heat) , the restaurant, situated separately in the magnificent "villa" building provides views on to the pool ( ask for a table numbered 90 and above) All staff were brilliant, obliging, smiling,and always available and well deserving of their "tips" The rooms have been adequately described in other reviews but for the best views seek rooms in the 300s or 400s. If you expect TV , like at home, dont go here unless you like German stations but if you are a TV addict you wont go anyway! The pool area we found to be simply marvellous (we were blessed with even better weather than expected, a cloudless blue sky and temperatures into the 90s) room for everyone, sunbeds and towels provided by an ever smiling pool staff, a swim up pool bar and poolside "cafe" . The layout is such that there are no regimented straight lines of sun beds so aften found elswhere. All the ingredients for a marvellous quiet and relaxing time. Unlike the other reviewers we found the little beach area , a few steps down from the left side of the pool area to be PERFECT. The hotel staff raked the golden sand each morning and set up sunbeds under the umbrellas. It is small and we found barely no others used it,,try it and see. That beach leads to Port El Kantaoui and that route takes about 10 minutes, past La Sirene Beach cafe and into the marina. The "hassling/haggling" can start there but get into the mood and enjoy and have some banter with the local traders etc. Its all part of the holiday!. From the Hotel pool and exiting to the beach on the right side the walk takes about 30 mins to reach the first Sousse hotel That beach is more populated by locals and teenage beach football matches. A few tips for English guests.. there are no "tea making" facilites in the rooms, so maybe a travel kettle for your early morning cuppa!.Tthere is a general store "The Miami Shopping Centre" across the main road from the front of the building (again very smiling helpful staff) for extra provisions. Drink only bottled water (buy it from the Hotel bar , just 2 dinars and very cold) Use local yellow taxis (many speak English and love to chat about footie!) 5 dinars to Sousse. Learn a few Arabic words, particularly "thank you" and mean it when you say it. If you want karaoke, kids jumping into the pool and lots of noise dont go to the El Hana but if you want lovely gardens good service, a touch of elegance (even if slightly faded) and the feeling of truly being refreshed go the the EL Hana Palace