Grand Hotel

Hi,
It is interesting to read the reviews of the Grand Hotel, Kerkennah, as I am taking my husband for a week in May.
I first visited Kerkennah in 1990, when I was just 18, and have amazing memories of the place. It has since remained an almost magical memory - the stunning location, the fabulous seafood, but mostly the warm and charming people.
I recently came across the website for Samir's 'Island of Dreams' tours, and was amazed to see from that (and subsequent google searches) that nothing seems to have changed much. I couldn't resist booking to go back again.
As you would expect, I have since been to various worldwide locations, but Kerkennah still stands out as one of the best escapes. I am both excited and nervous (what if my paradise has changed or is not as I remember?) about returning in a few weeks. I can't wait.

I first visited Kerkennah in 1982 or maybe earlier when Panorama used to use the Farhat hotel.
I went there year after year with my mother and Sister.
Then I visited the Hotel Grand with my own family, firstly in July 05, then again in August 06.
It’s a haven, a paradise to truly unwind and meet friendly locals and visitors who go there year after year.
The hotel staff are friendly and will do everything they can to meet your needs, although you may hear otherwise from the Panorama rep!
You can enjoy the long (very hot) days by the pool or beach knowing that the children are safe.
Both Freddj and Hedi do excellent boat trips. There’s not a lot to do in the evenings, although there is 'le residence' disco, which is worth a visit.
But do sample the bingo, it’s a scream!
My advice: Don’t be afraid to get out and explore this piece of paradise.

I spent a week in this hotel in September last year. It was part of a 2 centre holiday.
The rooms were basic and fairly clean. The bathrooms left a bit to be desired. The sink was half off the wall & the bathroom flooded whenever we had a shower, so it made walking in there a bit dangerous.

I was impressed that all the rooms had a sea view and there were only 2 floors in the hotel. The beach was nice and sandy and the water was shallow for quite a way out.
There isn't a lot to do on the island itself and the entertainment in the hotel in the evenings left a lot to be desired.
The food was nice but not great. It is a buffet and it does get very busy.

It's great if you just want somewhere to sit, sunbathe, read a book and just chill out. I couldn't spend 2 weeks here as I would get bored. Also when it's raining there isn't a lot to do.
The rep had some board games and did try and sort out a DVD for us to watch.
The downside was the transfer time from Monastir. It took us nearly 5 hours as we missed a ferry and had to wait for the next one.
I would go to this hotel again but only if I could fly into Sfax instead of Monastir.

Well, I’ve been to Kerkennah this year, actually because I'm Kerkenien living in Russia I know approximately all about my island, and booked some days in grand hotel. But what I didn’t like at all is the quality of food, kerkennah is an island normally fish has to be very good quality but it what isn’t exactly what I was waiting for.
the only reason making me booking the grand hotel is the very friendly staff the nice view from the hotel its to close to the sea that sometimes you feel that you are inside.
Also prices are convenient in the hotel or outside the hotel.
Second problem: is that in kerkennah to go to really nice places, a mean of transport is required because taxis are not always available they depend on the traffic of the ferry.
But really such paradise has to be visited every summer to say that I had had really nice holidays.

Booked this via internet. WARNING!!!! Always check if this is featured in package holiday brochures first. We didn’t, this was a featured Panorama holiday. Maybe in winter it is quiet, but in August it was a nightmare.
The island is fine if you can get over the appalling stinking rubbish which is dumped everywhere. The Grand Hotel also is OK, very basic but good food - don’t expect gourmet - but be prepared for the 'entertainment' - bingo, very bad belly dancing (the panorama rep) and CONSTANT bad disco music in every area, day and night.
Very few restaurants outside the hotel, but they are there if you are prepared to walk but remember, they do not serve alcohol. The beach is fine, the sea... Well you have to walk out half a mile to get up to, knee level, but the water is clear and like a warm bath. Just beware the jelly fish! Also, a good walk (about 45mins) along the beach is the fort with a very informative guide -barefoot but with mobile phone - who will let you view the mosaics. Went on the hotel bikes to the capital - a bit like Beirut on a bad day - one bike collapsed - long walk back.
We had a great holiday - just had to make the best of it - but if you hate package tours you will hate this place.

What is it about kerkennah that draws us back every year since 1998? Is it the warm friendly welcome from all the staff, the quite peaceful position the hotel commands, the nearly deserted beach most of the day, the relaxing waters of the med with the comfort that you can walk out 150 metres and still stand up? Is it the weather that during our family holidays we have never had the temperature below 30 deg c? Or can it be that we have found an island that has what we are looking for in a holiday, a two star simple and basic hotel where the food is as you would expect not to everyone’s liking, but for us its a 9 out of 10.
Our children have grown up now Will 18, Chloe 16 and they have always relaxed and slotted into the Kerkennan way, sleeping after a night at the Residence, meeting the friend whom they met in 1998. But its the individuals in Kerkennah Sabar now a daddy, Freddj, Kamel, Sam, Sou-Sou, Nouradine our friends who always look forward to seeing their friends return each year. Where in the world can my six year son Jack build a raft on the beach with wood, rope, bottles and a palm tree log and get me to tow him around the sea.
Get out of the hotel and see the Fort, Remela market, the restaurants Kastil and Cercena, Saba will take you on his horse and carriage, Sousou can take you on a horse or camel ride on the beach. Go to Meletta and see Slim for a haircut, shave and a Kerkennan hair removal, this is for the men only. There are only limited trips by the rep in the hotel, you choose and see for yourself, but it is better to we have found to see Saber, Sousou and Capt. Freddj.
Kerkennah draws us again and we have only been back a week, it will win and we will be back!

We have just returned from Kerkennah, what a paradise island, we were very impressed!
The Grand Hotel is situated literally on the beach! the sea is calm (no waves at all), very warm and goes out a long, long way before it reaches your knees! Very safe for children.
The staff and local people are so friendly, not pushy like the Tunisians can be on the main land.
Our holiday was made by venturing out of the hotel and meeting the local people and seeing a bit more of the island. We even went to a wedding!!
Don't be afraid to get out and about.
There is a wonderful young man that we became friends with, like so many other guests, his name is Saber. He is extremely friendly, wonderful sense of humour and can speak perfect English and French as well as his native Arabic. He has a horse and carriage at the front gates every morning and will take you any where you want to go or he will take you on one of his mystery tours! He is a lovely man and we guarantee you will have fun!
If you like to get away from it all, have peace and tranquility then this is the place for you. It is quiet but not completely dead.
We had one of the best holidays we have ever had and will be definitely going back.

We are going to the Hotel Grand in August. We have been 4 times before. It can be sun, sea and sand and a lazy time or there are things to do also. The beach is big and the sea is shallow for a long way out. We last went two years ago and you could hire canoes. We always buy a cheap dingy and take it in our suitcase, we then leave it behind when we come home. Also buy some cheap lilos as well as they are about £8 each if you buy them there.
There is a chap called Sami who is a nice guy. He has horses and camels for hire, also he does carriage rides. There is also a chap called Saber who does carriage rides too. There are local men who will take you out on a sea picnic and a dolphin trip, sometimes dolphins will swim along side the ferry as you cross to the main land. A day trip to Sfax is a nice outing and you can shop and barter in the medina, the ferry is very cheap and a taxi will take you to the ferry port for about £4-5. The medina is about a 10 minute walk from the ferry port and there is a 'Fast Food' cafe which supplies a good copy of the MacDonald’s meals. It is called MacDonnar.
When we last went, (May 04) there was a night club (Hotel Residence) which opened specially for a few of the hotel guests. It was lovely and you sat in little coves, I think it is open anyway in august and there are a couple of restaurants just along the beach, you can dine Shirley Valentine style. It's a wonderful place, everyone who likes the quiet life will love it.
When we went 2 years ago the cereals for breakfast were limited to put it mildly but the hotel do not object to you taking your own. They will keep them in the dining room and put them out on your table each morning.
The maids in your room are grateful of any gifts of shampoo, shower gel etc. We found that mobile phones are in demand and the locals will often ask if they can buy your phone from you. If you are in a position to sell your phone and get a new one on return to the UK then take it with you. They will pay a reasonable amount for a phone so think about this, especially if you have a contract phone which is due for renewal.

Our children think it is fantastic and have been the main drive behind our return for the 5th time. I don't mean to imply that we do not adore the place but I am a limited traveler and would like to see more places in the world.
The reviewer is a sad person to not appreciate the Kerkennah islands. The reviewer says the only people from a urban back ground can appreciate the tranquil atmosphere on the Islands of Kerkennah. I am a 'Country Bumpkin' and I appreciate the Kerkennah Islands. It is wonderful, calm, and peaceful. OK! I admit in the summer months the locals do infiltrate into the life at the Hotel Grand but surely you do not expect to visit a foreign country and not encounter local people. It is wonderful.
Our children (13 and 12) think it is brill. They rate it above Florida, Canada and Spain.

Once again we will be returning to The Grand to meet up with our friends Kamil and Sabba, our British friends will also be joining us. As a Family holiday it is second to none, and this year will be our 7th time with all our family.
Yes the rooms are basic, yes there is not a great deal to do, but that is why it is a totally relaxing holiday. The Children, all 4 of them, know there way round, Know the staff, and are safe!
By the way, the friends that are joining us, we met 4 years ago at the Grand and they did us the honour of being our witnesses when we got married in Antigua (WI). Good friends are priceless.

My wife & I went there for a week with friends who had been there 4 times before. They told us before we went that it was idyllic - this was an understatement. When we arrived we were impressed by the smiles on all the staffs faces - not bad for 6:30am!
The rooms are spotless with a sea view in every one of them. The food was excellent & all the people we met were so friendly & helpful, staff & locals alike - nothing is too much trouble, especially Kamil the head waiter. Outside the hotel you will find one of the greatest characters I have ever met, his name is Saber. He runs a horse & carriage service. This man knows just about everyone on the islands, he can always be relied upon to get you anything that you can think of.
If you want a trip on a boat Capt. Hedi is your man, his crew, Columbo also provides excellent entertainment - he is so funny you just don’t get rid of the grin for hours. All 4 of them are very trustworthy reliable and genuine. Trust me they will make your holiday the one you will always remember.
We enjoyed ourselves so much we booked for 2 weeks this year although this time its booked with Panorama Holidays, we didn't go with them last year as they didn't have 4 bookings left, but they did when we booked this years holiday 3 weeks after we got back!