Tej Marhaba Hotel

My Fiancé and I have just come back from a two week holiday at the Tej Marhaba Hotel in Tunisia. On arrival I was very impressed with the hotel -it is a lovely looking building and is quite grand inside.
We didn’t have any money changed up when we first got there so we gave the porter a pound coin as he was waiting for a tip and he seemed very happy with this (£1= 2.4 Dinars). Our room was nice and just big enough for the two of us and we both found the bed really comfortable. We had a brilliant view from the top floor. We could have done with a fridge though.
The food in the hotel was okay but not brilliant. At breakfast you could get freshly made crepes every morning and croissants too but the cooked breakfast wasn't really appetising. Dinner on the other hand was better and had more selection. There were many different meats on offer every night and always had chips potatoes rice and a selection of veg. One of the options for half board is to swap your evening meal for lunch instead so that you can go out to a restaurant for dinner. We did this on two occasions and we were not disappointed. We went to the saloon Steak house which is part of the complex. The steaks were gorgeous and the equivalent of about a tenner and they were huge. It has a really cool Wild West theme too.
The pool area is nice and relaxing and they had daily activities in the pool. The cafe however beside the pool didn't really have that much variety on the menu and we got bored eating there towards the end.
The hotel arranged an excursion to a local football match which we went to and it was a good experience and well worth the money.
The maid we had was very good and thorough and was really friendly. The majority of the staff in the hotel were friendly apart from the two women on reception who were not always very helpful to me especially when I had a problem with an excursion that we were supposed to be going on.
The evening entertainment wasn't the best but at the worst you can sit and have a laugh at the leather coat fashion show or the Mr. Tej Marhaba contest! They have bingo most nights too.
The hotels beach is quite small and being harassed by vendors selling everything from palm trees to carpets can get annoying when you just want to relax. Be prepared to tip everybody, usually one Dinar which is only about 45p. If you like drinking spirits such as Jack Daniels and Southern Comfort then my advice would be to buy some in the airport to bring with you because you cannot get these drinks out there, and Baileys was very expensive at around £7 per shot!
My advice to anyone who hasn't been to Tunisia before would be to find out if your travel company do an excursion to the Medina (if you are planning to go) because its very informative and can be a very daunting place- we went with the reps and it was really interesting but when we went back on our own it was quite annoying and very easy to get lost!
If you are planning to go anywhere in a cab ask the reps how much a usual fare to your destination is as there were a few cabbies who tried to charge us double the price it cost to get there. All in all it was a nice holiday although we were stuck for things to do towards the end, but if its culture and a relaxing holiday you want then you should like Tunisia.

My 15 year old daughter and I have just spent a week at the hotel and we both did not want to leave. It was a fantastic place.
Upon arrival at the hotel (at around 2.00am in the morning) we were met by the porter who whilst we were checking in took our luggage to our room, he was very friendly and helpful. Everything was organised and waiting for us.
The room was exceptionally clean, the maids cleaned them every day and also made fantastic patterns out of our night wear on the bed and flannels in the bath. We would rush into the room every day after we had been out to check what they had left for us. My only regret is that on my day of leaving I forgot to leave a tip for the lady.
The rest of the hotel was also spotlessly clean.
The night entertainment was also fantastic, the head of the entertainment was a crazy guy, who my daughter and I just feel in love with. The entertainment was the hotel band, followed by bingo (the caller was so funny) nearly every day, which we missed when it was not on. Then we saw a different act each night. There were a man on a bed of nails and did things with swords, a fashion show, magician, belly dancers, juggler and a tej marhabra best mother competition (which I was dragged up into - but did not win). There was nothing we did not enjoy.
During the day there were also different activities around the pool such as water polo and darts. The pool was fantastic.
When going to get the sun beds round the pool there were a groups of guys that made sure you had the best places, getting the beds and the mattresses for you, they were so friendly and helpful.
The food was also fantastic, the breakfasts were basically the same every day, which they did the most amazing pancakes and the evening meals were different every night, although they did have the best ever spaghetti bolognaise every night. There were also little cakes that you just could not get enough of.
This has got to be one of the best hotels that I have ever stayed in and one I will never forget and can not wait to return to.
With regards to Sousse itself I would not recommend it to single women going. My daughter and I were hassled so much by the Tunisian men that we only went outside the hotel once or twice and then got back as quick as we could. But the hotel was that good we were totally happy to stay in it.

The hotel on first impression is very nice. The lobbies are always clean. The rooms and hallways could do with an overhaul but again are very clean.
The pool man is always available to provide you with cushions for beds free of charge though you should tip a couple of dinar is enough. Food was nice in the restaurant although could have a bit more of a breakfast selection but dinner was good.
Did eat out a couple of times people very friendly and food is very cheap.
TIP: take alcohol before you go the shops do not sell any. Women do not go out alone unless you want harassed. Take a taxi journey so kamikazi it is fun.

The hotel:
The accommodation of this hotel was pretty good. Only complain with the accommodation was that we arrived on a Sunday/Monday and we were put into a room at the front of the hotel, which did not help me as I am a light sleeper. But the next day the man on reception changed the room and it even had a pool view/sea view, slept like a baby! The maids are all really nice; they do supply soap and shampoo but better taking your own, as it is quite cheap. The beds and carpets are maintained everyday (we know this as we were charging our phones and she kept taking them out to Hoover).
The first impression of the hotel is very grand with its gold and marble entrance, red carpet and all! You enter to see the main bar and lots of seats. This is for the evening entertainment or just chilling in the day.
The restaurant is to the left of the bar area. My fella and me thought the brekkie was best with croissants and fresh pancakes, there are also these doughnuts that they make, quite fatty though (good like). They have cereal but it is not very good, bit like smart price stuff. But they do have a range of bread and jams, along with eggs, frankfurters and toms.
The lunch has only a few things to chose from as not many people will pick this as most are half board, best sticking to the dinner.
Dinner has a range of things, soup, fresh pasta (spag bol and penne) with meat and herbs on request. Potatoes, meat, veg, salad,. Desserts were brill as they were tiny little cakes, so as not to fill you too much, ice cream was available, and the only fruit there was oranges. Drinks are not included accept in the morning which is milk, coffee, tea and some lemon or orange. The food was of good quality, but towards the end we had a few meals out as it started to get boring after 2 weeks.
Entertainment:
During the day there is the outdoor and the indoor pool, there is a beauty area, tennis courts, gym, shopping centre attached. Also during the day if you go through the shopping centre and across the road at the back of the hotel there is the Tej beach. Very nice too.
In the evening in the busy periods there is nightly entertainment, more families though as we have none and are 23+25 was not quite are cup of tea. Every night they have the Tej band and bingo, and throughout the week they have shows. They have the traditional Tunis night, belly dancing, the man with the spikes/magic show (that was quite good)
There is a nightclub attached to the club but we never went.
Trips through our operator:
African dream watch the Zulu’s performing traditional tribal dances. Experience north and South Africa cuisine. You also get to go around the zoo during the day as the show is based at the zoo cost 50TD
Four days safari coliseum of El Jem (really good), the Berber troglodytes of matama, go riding on the camel in the Sahara, to go the mountains, gorges, Dar chariet museum, red lizard train into mountains, see the locations of star wars (really good again, I don’t really like star wars). Gafsa see the grand mosque. Lots and lots to do, but on the four-day u is on a jeep. Otherwise its most of this but on a coach, and in the Sahara at night it was 45c. If you have 2 weeks then go. All food and accommodation is included in price 320 TD
There are cruises all vary in prices and place to go but I’m seasick so we didn’t go! Around 35TD
There are lots of other trips and you will get offered these in and around the hotel. I got offered the chance to swim with crocodiles, and you imagine what I said!
Sousse:
They have a big medina in the town centre, lots of cafes and bars too. If there is gang go, but do be warned if there is a group of girls as I go harassed when I was with my boyfriend.
Port al Kantaoui:
Shops, a lovely little fountain, mini zoo, water park. Man made resort
Points we didn’t like about Tunisia:
I found this all over Tunisia, and at times men would stare at me. I even had a few come up to me and tell me of their love for me and for my boyfriend, to leave me there! And they were not joking. Which is ok, but I had it every shop, every restaurant, anywhere! Which made me uneasy and I think that’s why I did not enjoy the holiday.
They expect tips for everything. I do tip but I started to get a bit impatient, as they kind of demand it! Even free beds at the hotel pool or beach, you have to tip. The worst was the airport were they take you bags, and it’s not free like the rep says, they demand a tip. One of the porters came onto the bus and demanded money of one of the guests, when the guests were told it was free. So here is a tip make sure that you take 50p or £1 as otherwise you could end up giving them notes!
Make sure you take anti diarrhea tablets, not cheap ones as our tummies were so poorly. And the toilets in Tunisia are somewhat to be desired.
Unless you are strong willed do not go in the medina, they are pusher than I have ever experienced. And will rip you off.

Just returned from a week holiday at the Tej Marhaba hotel with my boyfriend and had an absolutely fantastic time! We were a bit worried before we left for our holiday after reading other reviews about this hotel, but in the end we didn’t know what they were all on about! I just think some people are too fussy, or maybe they forgot that this hotel isn’t a 5 star hotel, and if they want everything to perfection that’s maybe what they should be looking for on there next holiday!
The hotel is situated right in the centre of everything, with the beach only a 2 minute walk across the road and the medina only a short stroll away we had everything we needed at our feet. The hotel was fantastic and looked very grand due to the gorgeous marble layout. The staff were very helpful and always on hand if needed, the waiters were great and the barmen funny!
The food was gorgeous, and you could go up as many times as you liked! So my boyfriend was happy! Breakfast ranged from fruit, cereal, bread rolls, croissants, sausages, eggs, beans, yoghurts, watermelon, and even pancakes! You name it, they had it! And they had two little juice machines which you could help yourself to which were quite refreshing.
At lunch we ate at the restaurant next to the pool which served everything! From pizzas, to steak and chips or you could order food at your lounger and the waiters would bring it over for you so you don’t have to move an inch!
In the evening there was always a wide variety of food for everyone, and they had a vegetarian section. There were lots of meat on offer but many consisting of fish, turkey and beef. There was always veg and some sort of potato (chips, mash, or baby potatoes) And not forgetting of course the pasta and soup section! And the desserts were gorgeous, our waiter bought me ice cream specially every night and there are lots of cakes, profiteroles, doughnuts, and watermelon for dessert! You are designated to the same table each day of your stay, and you have the same two waiters for the week who are great!
The pool area was great, but did find that if you wanted a sun lounger with some shade you had to get up quite early to get one, however if you weren’t too bothered about the shade, there were loads of sun loungers free, but not with an inch of shade near! Unfortunately my boyfriend burnt badly on the 1st day so shade was essential in our case! The pool man was very happy to help you find a lounger for a small tip.
The beach was absolutely stunning there are no other words to describe it! The sea was crystal clear and looked beautiful! The Tej Marhaba has its own private beach which is just across the road if you walk through the shopping centre at the back of the hotel. Once you’ve arrived at the beach you will be greeted by Ali Barba! Who will find you a sun lounger in the shade, then start trying to offer you a boat trip for 20 dinar!
Do not go on an excursion with people who offer you them at the poolside or beach as you are not insured if you get injured, and the safest option is to just go on them with your tour operator. However Ali will try his hardest to persuade you but just be firm and say no! People will try and sell you ice cold fruit, like grapes and bananas which are very refreshing and the Tej Marhaba have there own refreshment block on the beach so you can get ice creams and drinks.
We found Tunisia a very cheap place to go and the food and drinks were very cheap, at the hotel restaurant next to the pool we got a beer, coke, water, steak and chips, pizza and a bowl of ice cream all for 18 dinar which is about £6.50! Its mad! However you must buy bottled water! And don’t drink their ice cubes! But a large bottle of water is only 800 milli which is about 15p
Overall we had a thoroughly good time and would highly recommend this hotel to anyone and everyone of all ages, this was mine and my partners first holiday together aged 17 and 20 and we found something to do every night, they have bingo, and some sort of entertainment afterwards like belly dancing or a magic show for the kids or even Tunisian dancers!, however we were a bit caught up in the world cup matches, which were shown everywhere!
We would definitely go back to this hotel and would rate this hotel 10/10

My boyfriend & I have just got back from this holiday and couldn't fault it. Reading the other comments, I think you get what you pay for. I paid extra for a sea-view room and it was fantastic. The room was spotless with two large twin beds, powerful hot shower, TV (the World Cup is on channel 3 or 10!) superb black out curtains, no noise from traffic. You just need to watch out for the birds nesting in the balcony roof!
The food was great - this isn't a sausage, egg & chips type of place so you must be game to try anything. Breakfast was cereal, yoghurt, meats & cheese, rolls, croissants, frankfurter sausages, eggs (fried, scrambled or boiled), Tunisian baked beans or if you are daring pancakes or large doughnuts! Dinner was varied - there was always soup, loads of salad, a different type of potato every night (chips, sautéed squares, mash), rice, fish, chicken, beef, vegetables and a variety of vegetarian dishes. There was also minced beef with a different pasta shape with bolognaise sauce every night. Puddings were just mouth watering - diddy little cakes and pastries you could devour in one bite or if you were feeling saintly there was fresh fruit.
The swimming pool is lovely and big, plenty of sun loungers - the mattresses are so comfortable, you don't mind tipping the guy 1 dinar (50p). The water is a bit cold, but once you are in its OK.
There's not a lot to do at night - we are in our 30's so staying at the hotel and playing bingo wasn't our thing. There's a great bar across the road at the Rhiad hotel that shows the World cup with English commentary so we spent every night in there! The atmosphere for the England v Trinidad game was amazing!
I would highly recommend this hotel and would certainly stay here again.

Just returned from the Tej Merhaba in Tunisia where my wife and I stayed for a week. Overall we thought it was excellent and probably our best holiday to date.
The food at the hotel was great, different food as it is a different country so try some! The chicken was 1st class as were the Tunisian sausages. We went out for dinner one night to Port El Kantaoui and can recommend Le Mediterranean by the port itself.
The entertainment in the Tej Merhaba ranged from good to amusing - again all was good. We are in our 30's and not really into bingo as such but the bingo caller was nuts so even that was entertaining. The various bars are good, particularly the Rose & Crown and the main reception bar.
All of the hotel staff were absolutely brilliant and couldn't do enough for you. In general we found the people of Tunisia to be pleasant and kind.
Do try the various trips as they were excellent value for money and very interesting.
All in all - excellent, we couldn't recommend it enough.

I went on a week holiday with my husband and our 20 month old son. The hotel was lovely and clean, staff are friendly and always happy to help.
Food was your average buffet style, breakfast was ok didn't like the baked beans or sausages but the pancakes were great. Evening meal was better with more choice and great desserts! If you're staying on half board the hotel gives you the option to switch your evening meal to lunch which means you can go out in the evenings. Only moan on the food is there was only ever a choice of one fruit in the evening.
The rooms are nice and clean, with a daily maid service. There is no fridge or kettle in the room and you can't hire one which is a bit of a shame.
We could always get a sun bed by the pool and they always did their best to have it in a shady area because of the little one.
Entertainment was only in the evening, there was no poolside activity like aqua aerobics or volley ball in the pool. Also there was no activities for children, luckily our son was too young but for older children the hotel might get a bit boring.
Location of hotel was excellent, close to the beach and the Medina. Looking at hotels in Sousse I definitely think the Tej Marhaba was the best. Great holiday for couples of all ages or group of friends but wouldn't really recommend for families because of the lack of entertainment for kids.

My boyfriend and I have just returned from a week in Tunisia. We had a fantastic time and wished we had gone for two weeks. The weather was great.
The hotel was lovely and so clean. We found there was a lot to do in the hotel as there were shops and a few bars including an English bar called the rose and crown. The pool area was really nice, there were loads of sun beds which were all free you just tip the sun bed man 1 dinar. The same applies on the beach. The staff at the hotel are really friendly and are always happy to help you and they speak very good English.
The food is your usual buffet, there was plenty of choice English and Tunisian. There is also a nice poolside restaurant where you can get really nice pizzas during the day.
The evening entertainment is always a live band followed by bingo then there is some organised entertainment such as a magician or belly dancing etc.
Overall we had a fantastic holiday and would go back next year!

My boyfriend and I have also returned from a week in the Tej Maharaba hotel. It was a lovely hotel, although little to do in the immediate area.
Although the outdoor pool wasn’t open when we were there (they were renovating the outdoor area) we still made good use of the indoor facilities, the indoor pool was like a warm bath and its well worth a visit to the Turkish Hammam in the beauty area downstairs, I had a seaweed wrap, a salt scrub, an hour in the Hammam and a wonderful (professional) massage for just £25 what an absolute bargain!! You could easily pay double that back here!
Within the shopping centre which is part of the hotel, there are plenty of shops and places to eat if you want a change from the hotel food. We frequented the English bar called the Rose and Crown. Where I became rather partial to their cocktails starting from as little as £2.50, we got so friendly with the barman he started putting extra vodka in mine!!
The staff as a whole in the hotel cannot do enough for you, the cleaners are polite and always make time to say good morning, although there was one particular porter who was extremely cheeky when asking for a tip, he dropped our cases in our room when we arrived (bearing in mind we had no English or Tunisian change) and expected a tip, we then said we had no change but he was quite persistent, my boyfriend practically had to push him out of the door! He then saw us on our last day and reminded us he was the one who dropped our cases in, so his tip dropped to 1 dinar (about 50p)!!! Its wise to take a couple of English pounds in change for circumstances like that as they seem happy to take whatever is going!!

We stayed on a half board basis, the food was a good variety of dishes, they even did a Tunisian night which was an experience.
One of the highlights of the holiday for me was going to the Medina in Sousse centre, a 2-3 dinar taxi trip depending on the taxi driver that picked you up, but to be honest who is going to argue over 50p! Its worth going into the Soula Centre first (a fixed price shop) on the outskirts of the medina so you can check out what you would expect to pay for goods that you are haggling for! We found it easier to haggle in groups as you get more buying power!!
We also went on an organised trip to a safari park nearby, it had a good selection of animals and as part of our trip it included a meal, African and Tunisian music and dancing, and as much red wine and soft drinks you could drink, which is great if you are on a budget!! Needless to say be careful of the belly dancers as I ended up on the stage belly dancing!!!
We didn’t get chance to see Port El Kantaoui, but drove past it on excursions we went on and the Tej Maharaba was definitely the nicest hotel by far in the area!
On a whole it was a truly amazing holiday, in a destination I wouldn’t have picked out of a brochure, but I would definitely go again and do the overnight safari tour.