Thalassa Monastir Hotel

23.07.2008 to 06.08.2008
The Thalassa Monastir is a great hotel for a relaxing holiday. It sits right on the beach and is only a matter of 5 to 7 minutes transfer from the airport. Aircraft noise is absolutely minimal, considering it’s proximity..in fact it’s fun watching the take-offs. Our party consisted of 3 adults, one girl aged 15 and another girl aged 8. We were accommodated in adjoining rooms, on the ground floor, at pool level. Rooms were of more than adequate size with air conditioning and a small balcony. Beds were the most comfortable we have slept in. Rooms were cleaned and tidied daily…towels constantly changed for fresh. Hotel staff are very friendly and accommodating, especially in the buffet restaurant, which offered quite a varied menu, both for adults and children. The pool area was large with differing types of pool for all ages and capability. There was generally no problem in obtaining sun beds or umbrellas…the ‘poolside boys’ will gladly seek one or two out if asked (be sure to offer them a couple of Dinars as a tip).The beach and sea are fabulous. The water is so shallow and warm…you can walk out as far as the roped off area and the water is still just up to your chest (if you are 5’8” like me!!)…Let the children look for little hermit crabs in the shallow water.
There are NO local shops, should you need toiletries, crisps or etc…There is a VERY small room, beyond the piano bar, run by ‘Abdul’, which is an excuse for a shop, within the hotel. The nearest place for shopping, is in fact the airport…a 20 min. leisurely stroll from the hotel…better done in the evening, when it’s cooler. Monastir is the nearest town to the hotel, with Sousse being a bit further in the opposite direction…and much better in our opinion.
Both can be reached by taxi, from the main gate. (approx 8 Dinar and 12 Dinar respectively)…….Port El Kantaui, is a little further up from Sousse (20 Dinar from the Thalassa…or 5 Dinar from Sousse in the “Noddy Train” at the seafront). The Port is a small purpose built marina, with a range of shops and restaurants. (Pirate ships included, both here and in Sousse)
When shopping, paying taxi’s, etc. you MUST haggle…don’t be afraid…
it’s expected…and great fun…just don’t pay over the odds!...there are only a few shops showing fixed prices. There is a nice souvenir shop with 3 floors, on a corner, close to the Medina, in Sousse where you can shop with fixed prices.
The one real complaint we had, was with the plastic grills surrounding the pools. They are loose and of varying sizes and easily broken. On our first day there, I fell through a section, into the drainage channel that is approx.18” deep…my 8 yr old Granddaughter also fell into this on our second last day.
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the recently refurbished Thalassa Monastir and can thoroughly recommend this hotel for holidaymakers of ALL ages….enjoy!