El Hana Beach Hotel, Sousse, Tunisia
Hotel Information
Recent Price: £27
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
The El Hana Beach Hotel is a modern comfortable 3 star hotel, situated in a garden of palm trees next to Sousses lovely beach (200 metres) and within proximity of the Medina. The El Hana Beach Hotel has two swimming pools, one indoor and one outdoor. Around the pool area you can find sunbeds and umbrellas. There is a fitness room, tennis court, mini-golf, table-tennis and billiards at extra charge. loading...
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El Hana Beach Hotel Reviews
" I visited El hana beach hotel in... "
Submitted By: Miss E Manning
I visited El hana beach hotel in april last year.
And i had an amazing time there.
I didnt actually stay in the hotel but i went the every day for a relaxing time and socking up the sun.
Its such a great place and the people are very nice.
Ill be coming back to Sousse in july this year for my Birthday. And i really cant wait :)
its a great place to go if you like something different. and you enjoy meeting new people and having a laugh.
Every little thing that we did when i went was just amazing.
i didnt stay in the hotel because my mum has a aparment out there. Because she enjoys t so much shes been there about 30 times.
Xx
And i had an amazing time there.
I didnt actually stay in the hotel but i went the every day for a relaxing time and socking up the sun.
Its such a great place and the people are very nice.
Ill be coming back to Sousse in july this year for my Birthday. And i really cant wait :)
its a great place to go if you like something different. and you enjoy meeting new people and having a laugh.
Every little thing that we did when i went was just amazing.
i didnt stay in the hotel because my mum has a aparment out there. Because she enjoys t so much shes been there about 30 times.
Xx
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- Date of Holiday:Apr 2007
- Board Basis:Room Only
- Tour Operator:MyTravel
" I have been to this hotel 4 times in... "
Submitted By: Mr A Close
I have been to this hotel 4 times in 2 years. I am aware of its shortcomings, but am also smart enough to recognise value for money.
The location on the beach is quite wonderful and the access to Sousse city centre is very good (in fact it is a comfortable walk for the able bodied). I (that is we) have always found the hotel staff to be extremely helpful and friendly, so much so that we visit their homes when we are in Sousse, and we exchange phone calls when we are at home in the U.K.
Surely British tourists are smart enough to appreciate that the 'star ' system in North Africa does not equate to the corresponding systems implemented in Western Europe or the USA. I book the hotel and flights independently via the internet, and we finish up paying about £7.00 per night per person, and I cannot find a guest house in the U.K. that would offer me B&B for that.
Please if you have booked in this hotel go with an open mind and enjoy.
The location on the beach is quite wonderful and the access to Sousse city centre is very good (in fact it is a comfortable walk for the able bodied). I (that is we) have always found the hotel staff to be extremely helpful and friendly, so much so that we visit their homes when we are in Sousse, and we exchange phone calls when we are at home in the U.K.
Surely British tourists are smart enough to appreciate that the 'star ' system in North Africa does not equate to the corresponding systems implemented in Western Europe or the USA. I book the hotel and flights independently via the internet, and we finish up paying about £7.00 per night per person, and I cannot find a guest house in the U.K. that would offer me B&B for that.
Please if you have booked in this hotel go with an open mind and enjoy.
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- Date of Holiday:Apr 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" This was my first visit to El Hana... "
Submitted By: Aslemma
This was my first visit to El Hana Beach although I have stayed at the Residence next door several times.
The hotel is in an excellent location, facing the beach across the road, which being only one-way doesn't cause problems. It is an easy walk to the Medina and the port.
On arrival about 11.30 p.m. I was shown to a room which was totally unsuitable, facing the main road, noisy, balcony furniture in the room, broken telephone and electricity socket and very scruffy bathroom.
I expressed my disappointment and was promised I would be moved in the morning. I went to Reception by 8.30 the next day and was promptly moved to a very nice room on 4th floor overlooking the beach.
This was fairly basic with no TV, fridge, or safe but beds and pillows were comfortable (quite firm) and part of the wardrobe could by lock which worked as a safe.
Staff were friendly and helpful, one even keeping my mobile charged up as my own charger was broken, and he never hinted he expected a tip, though I gave him one the third time he did it for me. The chamber-maid was lovely and always stopped for a chat when I saw her.
Breakfasts were dire unfortunately. I am quite happy with bread, butter and jam with a decent cup of tea but there was no butter, only 'spread' and tea was undrinkable (problem solved with Liptons Yellow Label from supermarket across the road!).
Evening meals were better and the beef was superb, as was the lamb once you'd got it off the bone. Big bowls of strawberries most evenings, and always three flavours of ice-cream.
Entertainment most evenings, which could be noisy, particularly when there were local drummers. Being a large hotel there were plenty of places to sit and relax with a book or to talk with friends.
I would use this hotel again if the price was right, despite its inadequacies, as it is well situated and the staff were so nice, but I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone who might expect rather more in the way of luxury of haute cuisine!
The hotel is in an excellent location, facing the beach across the road, which being only one-way doesn't cause problems. It is an easy walk to the Medina and the port.
On arrival about 11.30 p.m. I was shown to a room which was totally unsuitable, facing the main road, noisy, balcony furniture in the room, broken telephone and electricity socket and very scruffy bathroom.
I expressed my disappointment and was promised I would be moved in the morning. I went to Reception by 8.30 the next day and was promptly moved to a very nice room on 4th floor overlooking the beach.
This was fairly basic with no TV, fridge, or safe but beds and pillows were comfortable (quite firm) and part of the wardrobe could by lock which worked as a safe.
Staff were friendly and helpful, one even keeping my mobile charged up as my own charger was broken, and he never hinted he expected a tip, though I gave him one the third time he did it for me. The chamber-maid was lovely and always stopped for a chat when I saw her.
Breakfasts were dire unfortunately. I am quite happy with bread, butter and jam with a decent cup of tea but there was no butter, only 'spread' and tea was undrinkable (problem solved with Liptons Yellow Label from supermarket across the road!).
Evening meals were better and the beef was superb, as was the lamb once you'd got it off the bone. Big bowls of strawberries most evenings, and always three flavours of ice-cream.
Entertainment most evenings, which could be noisy, particularly when there were local drummers. Being a large hotel there were plenty of places to sit and relax with a book or to talk with friends.
I would use this hotel again if the price was right, despite its inadequacies, as it is well situated and the staff were so nice, but I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone who might expect rather more in the way of luxury of haute cuisine!
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- Date of Holiday:Apr 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" My family and I have attended this... "
Submitted By: Ms J Marlow
My family and I have attended this hotel for 10 years over New Year.
Yes I agree that the hotel is dated but it's the best we have found for entertainment.
Over the years we have attended with a lot of family 11 was our biggest total one year and we have all been treat fantastic.
Last year we went and stayed at an El Mouradi Hotel I agree it looked fabulous but oh I was so disappointed after all when we work all year we wish to enjoy our hols when we go away.
El Hana did everything they could to provide a fabulous service. Staff were so friendly and helpful.
The indoor swimming pool was lovely and hot, as oppose to our icy cold pool at el Mouradi I think I was the only fool to go in the pool whilst there last year.
If I visit Tunisia again next New Year I’ll go to El Hana. It caters for every age from the very young to the very old.
I would rather stay in a dated hotel and get top entertainment than stay in a classy hotel and sit twiddling my thumbs in silence.
Yes I agree that the hotel is dated but it's the best we have found for entertainment.
Over the years we have attended with a lot of family 11 was our biggest total one year and we have all been treat fantastic.
Last year we went and stayed at an El Mouradi Hotel I agree it looked fabulous but oh I was so disappointed after all when we work all year we wish to enjoy our hols when we go away.
El Hana did everything they could to provide a fabulous service. Staff were so friendly and helpful.
The indoor swimming pool was lovely and hot, as oppose to our icy cold pool at el Mouradi I think I was the only fool to go in the pool whilst there last year.
If I visit Tunisia again next New Year I’ll go to El Hana. It caters for every age from the very young to the very old.
I would rather stay in a dated hotel and get top entertainment than stay in a classy hotel and sit twiddling my thumbs in silence.
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- Date of Holiday:Dec 2005
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" OK, Hotel is dated and ready for a... "
Submitted By: Mr G Hall
OK, Hotel is dated and ready for a refurbishment but if you are looking for a basic hotel in a great location this is the place to be.
The staff were all friendly, rooms cleaned every day along with towel changes.
Food in the restaurant basic but plentiful and tasty, snacks such as Pizza and burgers available for less than a pound in the hotel snack bars.
The one outside the indoor pool was great as was the pool which was like getting in the bath. In summer the place, pools and gardens must be terrific.
Entertainment was poor but it was first week of January, hotel was warm and rooms had heaters.
The beach is a few meters across the road and the shops and food all around along with banks and cash machines. Taxis cheap, 20 dinar £4 for four of us by taxi to the hotel from the airport don't pay more than 25 dinar.
We ate in various places from restaurants to fast food and all was excellent, kazim open 24 hours for burgers, kebabs, chicken sandwiches, close by is Planet Food where you can get a steak dinner for less than £2.
Prices vary so it is worth asking before you go in Coffee varied from 2.5 dinar down to 0.8 dinar about 30p.
You can haggle on everything including trips, we hired a taxi for the six of us all day and travelled all over for 120 dinar about £50.
Don't be put off by negative comments, if you want a base to visit local areas and see local people and not be stuck out in a soulless resort full of Europeans, then this is the place to be.
The staff were all friendly, rooms cleaned every day along with towel changes.
Food in the restaurant basic but plentiful and tasty, snacks such as Pizza and burgers available for less than a pound in the hotel snack bars.
The one outside the indoor pool was great as was the pool which was like getting in the bath. In summer the place, pools and gardens must be terrific.
Entertainment was poor but it was first week of January, hotel was warm and rooms had heaters.
The beach is a few meters across the road and the shops and food all around along with banks and cash machines. Taxis cheap, 20 dinar £4 for four of us by taxi to the hotel from the airport don't pay more than 25 dinar.
We ate in various places from restaurants to fast food and all was excellent, kazim open 24 hours for burgers, kebabs, chicken sandwiches, close by is Planet Food where you can get a steak dinner for less than £2.
Prices vary so it is worth asking before you go in Coffee varied from 2.5 dinar down to 0.8 dinar about 30p.
You can haggle on everything including trips, we hired a taxi for the six of us all day and travelled all over for 120 dinar about £50.
Don't be put off by negative comments, if you want a base to visit local areas and see local people and not be stuck out in a soulless resort full of Europeans, then this is the place to be.
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- Date of Holiday:Jan 2006
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Expedia
" I’ve stayed in this hotel before... "
Submitted By: Miss N Reynolds
I’ve stayed in this hotel before and love it that’s why I came back so many people have different views on this hotel but I always find the staff to be extremely helpful. There was clean towels and linen every day.
I have been to Tunisia now 4 times and I can’t fault it, yeah ok been blond I did get hassled by the local men/shopkeepers but a polite no thanks and they get the message. I always feel safe on my own out the complex. If you go out the complex you will see that there are lots of nice restaurants and even an English bar called the rose and crown in the Taj Marhaba hotel there is even a good night club which plays international music.
I would recommend this hotel to everyone from parents with young children to the elderly as the location is really good just over the road there is a lovely beach with lovely white sand and even the sea is not cold. Overall I rate this hotel a 9 and I will definitely be returning.
I have been to Tunisia now 4 times and I can’t fault it, yeah ok been blond I did get hassled by the local men/shopkeepers but a polite no thanks and they get the message. I always feel safe on my own out the complex. If you go out the complex you will see that there are lots of nice restaurants and even an English bar called the rose and crown in the Taj Marhaba hotel there is even a good night club which plays international music.
I would recommend this hotel to everyone from parents with young children to the elderly as the location is really good just over the road there is a lovely beach with lovely white sand and even the sea is not cold. Overall I rate this hotel a 9 and I will definitely be returning.
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- Date of Holiday:Apr 2006
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Expedia
" After reading various reviews... "
Submitted By: Ms N Forster
After reading various reviews regarding this hotel, I was in fear of what to find. only one positive view was found by a lady who said that if a positive attitude was given, positive responses were received. I found this to be true - oh, and the reason a pen may not have been lent is that they are like gold dust in Tunisia and the Banker was given my Father's pen as a present, which made him eternally grateful!
The location is brilliant, surrounded by restaurants, all good value and with efficient service. The beach was pleasant and could be seen from the balcony. Ok, so the room did not have TV, mini-bar or trouser press! But the price was good and the breakfast edible. French stick, cheeses, croissants and boiled eggs (with everything!?) also, the waiter couldn't do enough and made me laugh trying to beat me to the cups and coffee server! There were a couple of bars, which were nice and the staff were helpful.
As mentioned by others agree a price for the taxi beforehand as there are some who will charge you more than others. The shops are bustling but if you carry on walking and say non, merci you will be ok. The English stick out like sore thumbs in skimpy tops and mini skirts, I wore a scarf out of respect and was grateful. I would not walk up my high street in a thong and in a Muslim country the beach is the place for not many clothes, not the shopping areas.
My Father speaks basic Arabic which also threw them, and many friends were made. Lots of sightseeing to be had - but the driving scared me until I realized it's the norm and I had not seen an accident or ambulance in the whole of my stay. Yes it's basic accommodation, but clean, and I took a book and an i-pod. Overall I loved the culture and the atmosphere.
The location is brilliant, surrounded by restaurants, all good value and with efficient service. The beach was pleasant and could be seen from the balcony. Ok, so the room did not have TV, mini-bar or trouser press! But the price was good and the breakfast edible. French stick, cheeses, croissants and boiled eggs (with everything!?) also, the waiter couldn't do enough and made me laugh trying to beat me to the cups and coffee server! There were a couple of bars, which were nice and the staff were helpful.
As mentioned by others agree a price for the taxi beforehand as there are some who will charge you more than others. The shops are bustling but if you carry on walking and say non, merci you will be ok. The English stick out like sore thumbs in skimpy tops and mini skirts, I wore a scarf out of respect and was grateful. I would not walk up my high street in a thong and in a Muslim country the beach is the place for not many clothes, not the shopping areas.
My Father speaks basic Arabic which also threw them, and many friends were made. Lots of sightseeing to be had - but the driving scared me until I realized it's the norm and I had not seen an accident or ambulance in the whole of my stay. Yes it's basic accommodation, but clean, and I took a book and an i-pod. Overall I loved the culture and the atmosphere.
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- Date of Holiday:Feb 2006
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Med Hotels
" If you’re reading this review and... "
Submitted By: Miss L Smith
If you’re reading this review and haven’t yet booked this hotel, don’t! If you have already booked, try and change it!
After an 18 hour door to door journey, my boyfriend and I were asked to fill in a form at reception. When I asked to borrow his pen, I was informed no because it’s his only pen! Upon entering our room, we were absolutely shocked and disappointed by how disgusting it is. This hotel was probably built in the 60s, and has not been refurbished since. The decor of the room can only be described as disgusting, and looked dirty.
The next morning, we were felt slightly better when we took in the breathtaking view of the Med Sea from our balcony. Although the room still looked disgusting, we realised that it was not actually dirty, it just looked it because it was so old.
The beach is lovely, white powerdery sand, the Med Sea is lovely and turquoise, very shallow up to about 80 metres from shore. Swan in the sea every day and no jellyfish stings! However, the beach was very crowded, you have to be careful not to step on someone when you get off your sun bed! Sun beds are 2 dinars each, good tip is to pay for the next day as well, so you don’t have to rush down and bag one!
The food at the hotel is unfortunately not that great. Reminded me very much of school dinners, edible but nothing to rave about. As a result, we ate out almost every night, even though we paid half board.
The staff on reception are not friendly at all, impossible to get a smile out of them, even when you smile at them first. The cleaning ladies were friendly, and the waiters at the Snack Restaurant were also friendly. A couple of dinar tip will ensure good service!
Went to the Soula Centre, only place where the staff do not hassle you. Everywhere else, you are continuously hassled, and even though you politely and firmly tell them no thank you, they still persist. Found it very tedious.
Not much to do in way of nightlife, just dining out and drinking. The Le Regal restaurant is nice place to dine, excellent service, a singer and belly dance to entertain. Le 3 Dauphins restaurant is also very nice, excellent service. 3 course meal with bottle of wine averaged 60 dinars. The Mediterranean Restaurant in Port El Kantou also very nice.
Taxis very cheap, make sure they agree to put their meter on before you set off, otherwise they will try and charge you double. Some taxi drivers refused and got in a grump, at which point we just got out and hailed another one! Plenty about!
Went on the Sahara trip, very good value for money, definitely recommend It.
All in all, hotel very disappointing, although beach and excursion was lovely, but will not return.
After an 18 hour door to door journey, my boyfriend and I were asked to fill in a form at reception. When I asked to borrow his pen, I was informed no because it’s his only pen! Upon entering our room, we were absolutely shocked and disappointed by how disgusting it is. This hotel was probably built in the 60s, and has not been refurbished since. The decor of the room can only be described as disgusting, and looked dirty.
The next morning, we were felt slightly better when we took in the breathtaking view of the Med Sea from our balcony. Although the room still looked disgusting, we realised that it was not actually dirty, it just looked it because it was so old.
The beach is lovely, white powerdery sand, the Med Sea is lovely and turquoise, very shallow up to about 80 metres from shore. Swan in the sea every day and no jellyfish stings! However, the beach was very crowded, you have to be careful not to step on someone when you get off your sun bed! Sun beds are 2 dinars each, good tip is to pay for the next day as well, so you don’t have to rush down and bag one!
The food at the hotel is unfortunately not that great. Reminded me very much of school dinners, edible but nothing to rave about. As a result, we ate out almost every night, even though we paid half board.
The staff on reception are not friendly at all, impossible to get a smile out of them, even when you smile at them first. The cleaning ladies were friendly, and the waiters at the Snack Restaurant were also friendly. A couple of dinar tip will ensure good service!
Went to the Soula Centre, only place where the staff do not hassle you. Everywhere else, you are continuously hassled, and even though you politely and firmly tell them no thank you, they still persist. Found it very tedious.
Not much to do in way of nightlife, just dining out and drinking. The Le Regal restaurant is nice place to dine, excellent service, a singer and belly dance to entertain. Le 3 Dauphins restaurant is also very nice, excellent service. 3 course meal with bottle of wine averaged 60 dinars. The Mediterranean Restaurant in Port El Kantou also very nice.
Taxis very cheap, make sure they agree to put their meter on before you set off, otherwise they will try and charge you double. Some taxi drivers refused and got in a grump, at which point we just got out and hailed another one! Plenty about!
Went on the Sahara trip, very good value for money, definitely recommend It.
All in all, hotel very disappointing, although beach and excursion was lovely, but will not return.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2004
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Airtours
" On arrival to the hotel and just from... "
Submitted By: tamer13
On arrival to the hotel and just from looking at the exterior I could tell straight away that this is a hotel for the low budget end traveller and not much for customer services or comforts, and I was right.
The rooms are very simple with something that resembles a bed and a mattress but wasn’t, and air conditioning that we were told is available wasn’t working throughout our stay and we were told that they only turn it on during July, and August only. There’s nothing in the room at all. There was no TV, mini bar, dryer or anything like that at all, just the beds. The room is cleaned daily, and the sheets, and towels changed daily as well. So, that’s' a bonus.
As far as the food goes all I can say is ever resident in the hotel is on either half or full board basis because they only have a restaurant or food hall that only has open buffet and serves all the residents during certain serving times. So, if you are hungry outside those times you have to go outside the hotel to get a meal, and there is no room service.
The hotel share the same outdoor pool with its neighbouring hotel Elhana as well which is surprisingly enough is a very nice pool and very well looked after and very well maintained. The beach is also a across the street from the hotel and is very nice although you are always pestered by the sellers that come and try to sell you whatever they can.
As far as customer services go. Well, what can I say except it doesn’t exist. On one occasion I told them that the rice was raw he simply muttered "raw", and then waved his hands and walked off. Additionally, we had a problem with the toilet that was over flooding and told them about it but again nothing was done about it, and I almost forget that we saw a cockroach as well but we were lucky that the weather wasn’t really very hot otherwise we would have had to meet a few more.
I would definitely not recommend the hotel unless you are really on a tight budget or not bothered about the comforts. But definitely check how much more you would have to pay for a 4 or 5 star before booking this one.
The rooms are very simple with something that resembles a bed and a mattress but wasn’t, and air conditioning that we were told is available wasn’t working throughout our stay and we were told that they only turn it on during July, and August only. There’s nothing in the room at all. There was no TV, mini bar, dryer or anything like that at all, just the beds. The room is cleaned daily, and the sheets, and towels changed daily as well. So, that’s' a bonus.
As far as the food goes all I can say is ever resident in the hotel is on either half or full board basis because they only have a restaurant or food hall that only has open buffet and serves all the residents during certain serving times. So, if you are hungry outside those times you have to go outside the hotel to get a meal, and there is no room service.
The hotel share the same outdoor pool with its neighbouring hotel Elhana as well which is surprisingly enough is a very nice pool and very well looked after and very well maintained. The beach is also a across the street from the hotel and is very nice although you are always pestered by the sellers that come and try to sell you whatever they can.
As far as customer services go. Well, what can I say except it doesn’t exist. On one occasion I told them that the rice was raw he simply muttered "raw", and then waved his hands and walked off. Additionally, we had a problem with the toilet that was over flooding and told them about it but again nothing was done about it, and I almost forget that we saw a cockroach as well but we were lucky that the weather wasn’t really very hot otherwise we would have had to meet a few more.
I would definitely not recommend the hotel unless you are really on a tight budget or not bothered about the comforts. But definitely check how much more you would have to pay for a 4 or 5 star before booking this one.
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2004
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Med Hotels
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Good location to all the amenities, esp beach.
Reception staff have limited patience, however.
I spent about £110 for two weeks at this hotel and the food was surprisingly ok (two meals a day). The waiters were a bit weird, tho. They don't get paid much, however. Neither do the maids.
For more in depth stuff on this hotel, see below.
The hotel was ok overall - very good for the money. In this sense i'd rate it at least 4/5 because it was only £110 (with tips) for two weeks with food (half board - 'breakfast & evening meal'). So, the food was essentially free!
If you had to pay extra for the food (as with other more expensive hotels, which are no different in terms of the dining arrangement), then it would not be as good because the waiters are weird, daft and quite unfriendly at times. I was going to give my tip at the end, as explained in the travel guide from Sunshine Tours (excursion people). But maybe they thought that i wasn't going to give them anything.
They do a weird spoon thing whereby they keep the spoons so that they end up giving you one and hope for a tip. Very bad idea, even tho it is self-serve (buffet).
The food was ok, esp if you eat meat. I just ate the fish, which was served in a variety of ways almost every evening. Veggies will have some choice; but it will be hard for them when they eat out. Tunisia is not good for vegetarians.
The food is cooked ok, but never to chef standards. I guess they were just simple desert people at one time [i don't mean dessert here - more on that later]. The buffet at the hotel has a fair variety to eat including salads and is at least potentially very good - but most of the hot (heated) food is meat, like stews etc.
Dessert is ok; but no real cream or really good things you would get on a cruise. The ice-cream was rather cheap and watery, for ex. The strawberries were often over-ripe or under-ripe. I found a few good red ones in there, tho - i had too look hard, however.
Breakfast was decent - a choice of boiled, poached (or fried eggs or scrambled) with brown or white french stick slices of bread. Margarine, not butter; and the jam was not great. There was a bit of salad in the morning, if u wanted?! Freid/boiled tomatoes, etc. Three different types of cheeses - slices of edam, feta, and cottage type cheese. No tasty cheeses in this country, i'm afraid - not even in the supermarket (i might be wrong there, tho - but you'll have to pay for it!).
I took my own tea-bags with me. The tea and juice drinks were not great.
Anyway, this is free in a way - so, you can't complain.
If you are a single female then you might find it hard to get used to the dimly lit corridors. There can also be a lot of rowdy Tunisians at this hotel. The door slamming woke me up the first few nights.
I never put this hotel down as good for families because of the busy nearby roads and the balconies can be scary for toddlers - wide holes and a long way down.
I met a few old ladies (English too - they are more up the road in Port El Kantoui) and they were fine with this hotel and they were on their own.
You have to cross a busy road (constant traffic with no traffic lights) to get to the beach. It is right next to the hotel, but there is a road between the hotel and the beach; which is a shame. The promenade and beach is nice, tho.
Once, you get used to Tunisian traffic, then it is ok. Not good for kids tho. You need a kind of mature know-how to cross the road. Some old people will find it hard. The ones in the hotel were ok, tho.
Tunisian drivers seem pretty bad - it's just the way it is over there; they have a policy of only stopping at the last moment, even at crossways. They sort of expect you to stop them/the traffic. I just waited a while (sometimes quite a while) before i got a chance to cross quickly, but in the normal british way. [See tips below.]
The Bank (safety deposit boxes behind the reception) is a good thing - you can keep your passport there and other things. It is safe. Tunisians in general are trustworthy in this sense. This place can also change money fast at a good rate. Other banks can be slow and awkward. You will get a receipt just in case, but it is not as strict now; unless you declared a lot of money coming in.
You get 2 dinars to the pound (as of the date of this review) - it has been like this for a while and is good for the pound; unlike the euro now.
Don't use the phones near reception. National & International calls can be made at the Publitel just over the road and the Publinet (Internet) around the corner is good. It is about a dinar for a 1.5 min call to the UK and really cheap to another Tunisian City. Use smaller change for local calls. It is 2 dinars an hour for the internet.
Buy water at the Supermarket - e.g., Magasin Generale. Take a back-pack with you - it is heavy and it is not good etiquette to display food shopping in the hotel. There is some of food and toiletries there at a good price. A 1.5 litre of water costs about 20p. Safia, the best water, is often 2L and is the same price. Jektiss is good carbonated water. All the others are floridated (maybe naturally) and taste a bit weird. I went to the toilet a few times after i drank/bought the Garce gaseous water from one of the waiters for 1.5 dinars. I bought one or two more a few days later and was ok, tho. It's flouride content is 2ppm - the highest, but not too bad.
I wouldn't try the tap water - altho, they say it is ok. They must wash the salad in it. Perhaps you get used to it after a while. My bowels were ok in the 2nd week and i never got diarrhea. I used a Brita filter kettle for extra tea, soups, pot noodles, etc.
Take a kettle. I also took a lot of dried food with me, because i wasn't sure how i would like the food in the hotel. I never ate all my dried food. I ate out a few times. I took loads of nuts. Pistachios are not so cheap in Tunisia. I took lots of chocolate. Good choc is hard to come by in Tunisia and Lindt bars are very expensive there.
My kettle had a brita filter in it so that i could use the cooled water for cleaning my teeth.
I went on an excursion to one of the best roman sites in the world - Douga. It was good, but avoid organised excursions if you can, because you don't get much time at the sites and the people that go on these trips are very superficial and make for very poor conversation, esp the non-english ones.
Douga is hard to get to, tho. You have to spend a nite in the nearby town of Beja after getting a Louage thingy from a small town near Douga (Teboursouk) and that's after hitching a ride from the actual site. It is easy to get a cheap taxi from Teboursouk to Douga.
Get a 'carte bleu' - railcard for 45 dinars. It will get you all over Tunisia for free. You usually have to spend a dinar or so to reserve a seat. They are confort class and the seats recline and you can sleap, esp on the midnite trains. I saw all the major tourist attractions like that at a fraction of the price an excursion would cost.
The Douga Excursion was all in one day and used a crowded mini-bus full of germans and it cost 65 dinars. The longers excursions cost at least 150.
Advice: Very interesting historical city and has good beaches.
Activities: The Indian Food Restaurant near the hotel is good. The Ribat - castle thingy - very good!
Good for: Beach