Tej Marhaba Hotel

4 readers found this review helpful

We had our honeymoon at the Tej Marhaba,this was our first visit to Tunisa so we were not sure what to expect! The hotel could do with a refurb but we couldnt fault how clean the rooms and hotel were,the maids did a fantastic job and very friendly.In fact we found all the staff to be very friendly and helpful,we did tip as we went along which does make a difference i think.The swimming pool is great and you could always find a lounger with the help of the pool staff,( tip expected ) food was repetative at breakfast but always fresh,evening meal you had plenty of choice and our waiter was very friendly.The animation team worked very hard and always tried to involve everyone,but evening entertainment was not the best, bingo,live music from 3 guys,kids mini disco most nights.
We did 3 trips,2 with thomas cook and 1 with captain smiley who resides in the pool area touting for people to go on a boat trip.The boat trip sounds very nice but its not what you get! The boat is very crowded and you dont go very far out of the port!you dont see any dolphins,you dont get the chance to fish,the food is not as it looks in captain smileys book,and when you stop to have a swim your just outside the port!so be warned!We also did a trip which was African dream, you went to a animal park then had a 3 course meal with a show later which was very good.Also had a trip to the medina ( local market } the tour guide was fantastic and gave you alot of information.Beware when getting a taxi and always get a price before you get in!
The weather was fantastic,very hot!

2 readers found this review helpful

just got back from tunisia tej marhaba 2nd time. this is a good hotel, staff very good cant do enough 4 you.booking now 4 next year.

43 readers found this review helpful

Male aged 31, Female aged 22, Infant male aged 19 months. 2 weeks all inclusive:
Beautiful 4 star hotel in a great location, let down only by the need for updating, redecorating and refurbishment.
Tej Marhaba rates itself as a 4 star. Travel operators rate it as a 3 1/2 star.
In my well travelled opinion I would rate this hotel as 3 1/2 star, only due to the reasons I stated above.
This was our first family holiday, also being Becki's first time abroad.
Having been to Tunisia before, 15 years ago, I remembered it as being a poor country, but had good memories of the hotel we stayed in at that time. So I went with an open mind and a more mature attitude.
Firstly I have to say that for the price we paid for the holiday, we are satisfied with the whole experience.
After looking at reviews on various sites, we chose the Tej Marhaba, booking through On The Beach.
On arrival at the hotel, we were pleasantly suprised by the size and overall quality. Looking almost like a palace, we were happy with our decision.
Reception was friendly and welcoming, although we did have to wait an hour until we could get our All-Inclusive bands to enable us to get drinks.
The hotel porter was friendly and chatty while bringing the luggage up to the room, until I tipped him 1 TDN (Tunisian Dinar), which is about 50p (the usual tip amount).
He stood there with a look on his face, asking if that was it - to which I replied "yes", then he stormed off. A good start to the holiday...
We were very satisfied with the room location, having both a sea and pool view.
We were on the fifth floor, room 548.
The room itself was of a good size, with two twin beds put together, making a queen size bed. This was quite firm, but we slept OK on it. During the second week it became uncomfortable sometimes.
The cleaner wheeled a large wooden cot into our room for our son Mason.
The room was clean and well presented, although there was a smell of urine in the toilet throughout our stay.
The decorating was of a good standard, although like the rest of the hotel, it needs updating to bring it into the 21st century.
There were a few minor problems, which were not reported by us as they were no big deal:
1) One of the two electric plug sockets did not work (meaning we had to unplug the TV to use the iron).
There is a third socket in the bathroom, above the hairdryer fixed on the wall.
2) The TV was old and temperamental, with the ariel lead constantly detaching itself from the rear. Also the remote control had seen better days - instead of having batteries, it had a makeshift wire attaching it to the wall, and the casing kept seperating.
3) The bathroom plug holes were a joke - with a failure to drain water, meaning we were always prying them open to let water out.
4) Outdoor light on the balcony did not work (although a candle is provided on the plastic table).
*When I asked reception for matches to light the candle, I was informed they do not stock matches. So I asked if any of the staff had a lighter I could use.
I ended up having to buy a lighter from the shop over the road. This could be due to the fact that reception do not get tipped like other staff...
Food quality was faultless, with a decent variety. Although watch the burgers as they are undercooked. Desserts were delicious but became repetitive before the end of the first week!
Waiter service was impeccable and like the rest of the staff, they are always smiling and helpful.
We tipped 1 TDN at lunch and also at dinner (as the waiter takes orders for drinks).
We did not tip at breakfast as the coffee and juice are a self-serve affair.
The Oasis restaurant (pool restaurant) cook some of the best pizzas we have ever tasted - and the beer tastes better in there (colder).
You can sit at a table outside, with a nice view of the gardens and pool.
The grounds of the hotel were very well kept, with immaculate lawns and path areas.
Pool was crystal clear - although freezing cold. But this is to be expected at mid-to-late october.
As one of the previous reviews stated, there is a pool attendant that brings mattresses for the sunbeds, and it is the norm to tip him, but this is only 1 TDN. To them it is a lot of money, but 50p is nothing really for us to moan about is it?
The central bar area is of a good standard, but we did not use it as it was for paying guests. A/I guests have the American bar.
This bar is a little dated, but is comfortable and clean. Day staff seem friendlier than night staff.
Regarding tipping, we did not tip for tea, coffee, coke, juice or warm milk.
We did however tip 1 TDN when served cocktails every other trip.
In this bar there are three cocktails available, all very similar. Other cocktails are available from the central bar.
The beer served in the bars were a bit hit-and-miss, coming in small glasses and tasting a little bitter at times. At first I thought it was just the local beer.
However this is not the case in the Oasis bar, where it is served ice cold, in tall glasses.
Daytime and night-time entertainment is mediocre, although the animation team are a great bunch of lads. They do not annoy or pester you at all.
We did not try the English bar, as they do not sell English drinks.
There is a shopping mall which is part of the hotel, but this consists of dozens of clothes shops and nothing more.
*Not recommended for wheelchair or buggy users.
The hotel has it's own private stretch of sandy beach, which you get to by crossing a road.
*Please note: you have to pass along the side of a building site to get to the beach (the owner of the Tej Marhaba is building a huge hotel on the beach). This is due to fininsh November 2009. By the looks of it, a rating of 5 stars will be very likely.
The private beach itself is clean and well kept, with a bar serving limited drinks.
You do get locals going up and down the beach selling goods, which can annoy some people.
But it's not really that much of a big deal. Just be firm and say No Thanks.
*Tip: road users do not stop for pedestrians, even on zebra crossings. If taxis flash you, it is not to let you cross, it's to get your attention for a fare.
If they slow down and wave you across, then you can attempt to cross the road, but be aware of other cars and suicidal motorcyclists!
Indoor pool was as cold as the outdoor one, so we asked at reception for the heating to be turned on. The pool went from ice cold to 33 degrees within two days.
This is quite therapeutic, swimming in a hot pool. But is not advisable to people with heart problems or high blood pressure!
The pool itself is in need of draining and retiling (small mozaic style tiles missing here and there, some grittiness on the bottom of the pool).
*Caution: the surface around the pool is a stony type, but beyond that, it is very slippery tiles. Learn from my mistake of walking from the toilets to the pool, but not sticking to the small section of astro-turf, slipping and almost doing a complete somersault in the process...
The fitness room is average, but has enough to keep you going with the basics during your stay. I am a gym-freak and mixed martial artist, so I'll list the equipment for the benefit of other like minded people:
1) Smith machine + inclinable bench
2) Cable station with single, double handed attachments + rope
3) Pull-up/Chin-up bars on the above
4) Pec-Dec/Shoulder press combined (limited weight)
5) Pull-down machine
6) Cable Pull-down station with wide-grip attachments
7) Leg extension machine
8) Cable-weighted rowing machine
8) Leg press machine
9) Flat bench + barbell supports for bench pressing
10) Declinable sit-up/ab crunch bench
11) Horizontal hamstring machine
12) 6x treadmills
13) 2x cross trainers
14) Exercise bike
15) Aerobics area with mirrors
The cost for using the fitness room (even when A/I) is ridiculously high at 15 TDN (approx £7.50) - this is reduced to 70 TDN for a week.
But... like most things in Tunisia, you can barter. I got 8 days for 55 TDN.
*Tip: When bartering, hit them at half price and work up very slowly. Don't feel guilty even if it looks like they are devastated by the final agreed price!
There are beauty, massage, sauna and other treatments, but we cannot comment on these as we did not use them. Mainly due to the price.
*Tip: Do not use the Tej Bazar (shop just up from the stairs from the fitness room/indoor pool) it is very expensive and the woman is dishonest.
She did not have change one day, so I asked for a note. On returning some days later, she tried her best to get out of giving back my change. After being firm with her, she coughed up.
*Tip: count your currency very carefully when changing it at the hotel - we were ripped off by 50p.
### Good points ###
Beautiful, grand hotel, probably the best in Sousse.
Great location - close to beach and a short walk from Sousse.
Gorgeous view (providing you get a room with an even number, to face the pool & sea).
Clean.
Friendly staff.
Excellent cleaners.
Good food quality.
Clean pools.
Relaxing garden areas.
Excellent value for money.
### Bad points ###
In need of updating, redecorating & refubishment (please note, work had started during the second week of our stay).
Many many lightbulbs need replacing.
Indoor pool tiles need replacing.
Small maintenance issues such as faulty plug sockets, bathroom plug holes & missing button in one of the lifts.
Smell of urine in our toilet throughout the stay.
Some steps around the hotel grounds, could prove difficult for wheelchair/pushchair users.
Entertainment programme could be better.
Lack of facilities for children.
A/I guests sometimes made to feel like free guests (in the case of beer served in small glasses in the American bar and most of the time in main restaurant.
Dishonest female shop worker and male bureau de change worker.
### Summary ###
When first built, this hotel would have easily been a 4 star. But a relaxed attitude to maintenance reduces the rating now.
The good points far outweigh the bad points and do not spoil the holiday in any way.
If you can get this hotel at a good price (we paid £1181, before insurance and transfers) then you will get excellent value for money.
We would recommend the hotel to couples of all ages, but not to families with small children, due to the lack of facilities for the little ones.
If you want a relaxing holiday, this hotel is perfect.
Would we return? No, but thats because we plan to visit other countries.
### Advise ###
1) Road safety.
2) Tip 1 TDN.
3) Agree fare price before getting in taxi.
4) Taxi from airport 20 TDN (there will be some commotion as they argue amongst themselves over who will be the lucky driver.
5) Taxi to airport 15 TDN.
6) When bartering, start at half price.
7) Try to use bigger supermarkets as they are cheaper.
8) Take plenty nappies, baby wipes and toiletries, as they are expensive (due to the fact they have to import the goods into their country).
9) For women: when outside of the hotel grounds, be prepared for men (and women) to stare. For men: you'll have to get used to the men checking out your girlfriend/wife's backside...
10) Don't fall for anything you are told outside of the hotel grounds. Particularly in the Medina. Typical lines are "remember me? from the hotel?" - remember poor people will try anything to part you from your cash.
11) Do not take anything (ie nuts, head-band on camel trip) as you will be expected to pay.
12) If you see something you like, look around, you will probably find it cheaper elsewhere.
13) Brush up on some basic french, as it's Tunisia's second language to Arabic.
14) Change your money at STB bank in Sousse for lowest rates. Otherwise use the hotel. Also you cannot take Tunisian currency out of the country.
15) Be prepared for the madness at the airport when returning, try to get there about three hours early, or you will be caught up in chaos and pandemonium!
We hope you enjoy your stay as much as we did :o)

8 readers found this review helpful

We found the hotel fairly clean and the food of a reasonable standard but what we did have to watch out for was the reception cashier who makes lots of mistakes when exchanging your money. The pools were well maintained although we kept seeing what appeared to be toilet paper floating about in the water. We found that all the staff were pleasant but very money orientated when it came to ways of getting a tip out of you. Waiters do not like you to go to the bar for a drink but prefer you to sit and wait until they attend you, that way they get a tip. Same at the pool. The attendent removes any mattresses from the sunbeds and when you go along he appears with a mattress of which you have to tip him for. Yes they are very money orientated but pleasant with it. We had 14 days at this hotel of which it was an experiance not all bad but not all good. Do not forget to tip the Receptionist, the food waiter, the house waiters. the cleaners, and the pool attendent irrespective of the service recieved. On a lighter note though this is one of the better hotels in Sousse.

7 readers found this review helpful

Im the sort of person who goes on holiday atleast once a year i have only just turned 18 so this holiday was a big one for me, clubbing, drinking i had a lot of freedom, it was just me and my mum who went a way and we must of had the most laughs ever. all of the staff were lovely from reception, waiters, chefs, bar staff, entertainment staff and the boys that work down on the beach, all i can say is a smile and a bit of conversation goes a long way. they like too see that you are enjoying your self, if you look miserable they tend too look miserable, me and my mum were constantly smiling and this helped we must have spoke to most of the staff in the hotel, the chefs spoke to us and showed us all the dishes, the entertainment staff came and sat and spoke too us everynight it was lovely, i got that attached to the new people that i met i didnt want too come home. and as for the beach well it was perfect and i dont tend to like beaches the sea was lovely and so was the atmosphere, you walked from the hotel down to the beach and as soon as you stepped on the beach one of the boys that worked there bought over your sun beds, and i have to say we were looked and made completely welcome. one tip is make sure you tip early and they will do anything for you. i have only been back 3 days and im looking too book my next holiday out there in the same hotel but even earlier :) i cant wait.

10 readers found this review helpful

Although there are many bad reviews there must be at least 100 good ones for each bad one! this was the most amazing holiday ever! My sister and my parents all travelled with me and it was very easy and simple with thomas cook! The hotel itself is absolutely gorgeous. We walked into the lobby in absolute awe because it really is stunning! the marble and ponds all add to its beauty! As soon as we got there a man took our cases in which was brilliant as it was boiling! The rooms were all brilliantly kitted out with everything we needed and they were clean and comfortable. One day a bulb went so we filled out a simple form, hung it on our door and as soon as we came back from the pool about two hours later it had been done!! All the staff were really friendly and so smart! we couldn't have asked for anymore from the cleaners, chefs and everyone else!
There has been many complaints on this website about the food but I have to say that it was the most gorgeous food we have ever had! there was always a wide range of food for everyone and it was always perfectly cooked and boiling hot. It really was the most beautiful food ever!! I can't rave about it enough! :) don't even get me started on the weather! It was 40 odd degrees everyday and not a cloud in the sky! Absolutely heaven! the only trouble was coming back to this lovely country! ;)

4 readers found this review helpful

My partner and i jus got back from a holiday to Tunisia stayin at the Tej Marhaba with Thomas cook. Since it was our first holiday together to Tunisia, we were a little reluctant as to how things would be. To be honest before we left we did prper research and read a million and one reviews about the hotel. To all those people who are doing the same this is for you...Have an open mind..people complain about such little things that we didnt even notice any of the complains. The hotel is absolutly beautiful, The interior and exterior was definatly 4stars.
OMG the fooooood woz unbelievably gawjus..i picked up 2 kgs in 7 days..the next time we go(definatly next year)lol i would definatly go full board as we were half board!! For breakfast theres alot to choose from eggs,(in every form u can imagine)meat,beans,salads,yogurts,pastries,breads,cheeses,oo try da lemon juice BUFF ...daymm not forgettin the freshly made doughnuts and pancakes with all types of Jams...mmmm
All those that are goin half board..walk out the enterance at luch turn left cross the road and find a resturant called Frites...have a double cheese burger or a crazy burgerand chips,, i swear ive never tasted a burger that delicious all for not more den £2!
For dinner,There is freshly made noodles which are divine and ALOT of other choices you have..i always ended up takin more then i could actually eat..Desserts are a dream them tiny squares of heaven lol
Since both my partner and i are in our very early 20's..we wanted to see the nightlife and do some fun things at night, the hotel had entertainment but it was aimed for older people. The Tej Mahal, jus outside the hotel does the best shisha one can imagine!!compared to uk's £15 a shisha we payed 4dinar which is 2 pounds for as much shisha as we wanted !!The nightclub The Arena,,was Liiiiiiive every night .Drinks are rather steep worked out to £5 for 2 redbulls!i no dats steep!!but the dancing the music everythin was jus amazing..we only got to the hotel at 5 every mornin!
Be aware of people trying to sell you trips or activities for days out...yhh we got bumped hehe the quad bikes were amazing..we loved it however only to find out the 40 dinar per person woz more den twice the amount you would pay if you did it alone..ask taxi drivers to take you to Port el kantaui quad bikes..Aziza quads i fink yh..ooo and dont pay more then 3 dinar to get to the Port.
On our first day we attempted the Medina market only to be ambushed by millions of people calling us into thier shops tryin to sell us EVERYTHING ;iterally..but this was mostly due to the fact that we were both were dressed in holiday clothes vest tops and 3/4s and looked like vulnerable tourists..,,abit of advise DRESS AS DECENT AS POSSIble the second time..I wore a head scarf and it was as peaceful as ever!!
OMG the boat was absoluuuuuuuuuuutly BORING..we expected alot more..The people selling you the boat trip activity will trick you by saying you will see dolphins haha nothing of that sort and unlimited drinks..ONLY OFFERED HALF A CUP!dont pay more then 20 dinar (£10) for both people..they start of at 30 dinar per personat the hotel!!try not mentioning you are from the uk as the price of things will double considerably!
Oh and you will be prepared to pay for the gym which was 8 dinar for each time you go..as well a sthe sauna and other beauty activities..The indoor pool was absolutly gawjuss proper hotter den a bath i would usually take!
The Hotel had a lot of older people as we were reaaaly young comapred to them, but we had no problem, they took care of us as if we were thier own..we met many lovely people :D Oh and at reception you can change money opens at 5 in the afternoon,although its adivasble not to change to much as you are not allowed to take it outside of thier country,,the more you take out there might be a charge to pay at the airport.We changed money as we needed it and in an emergency case of us needin money and the beaurae not bein open, we changed our pounds with the waiter at dinner (it woz a lifesaver we thought we wud have to stay indoord that night!)
Overall,we had an amazing holiday and we would definatly go back soon!!

we have been to tunisia many times and love it, 2 year ago we stayed at the \tej Marhaba and it was lovey- but it has gone down hill very fast we have just come home after 6 weeks there and we are very disappointed the food was no way near the standard it use to be, there use to be several choices of meat and fruit but not this year if you don't like oranges you have had it ,the food was very boring again if you like chicken well you will get it nearly every night-
The indoor heated pool was dirty so that was a no go-
We also thought the standard of hygiene had slipped quite a bit- and they were always running out of things toilet rolls were in demand at one time- and to add to all this they are building a massive hotel straight in front of the tej so the sea view has gone- and while we were there we could not get onto the beach it was like a building site- from the new hotel- and we found the reception very unhelpful again this is unusual in Tunisia- they are lovely caring people
Some that have gone there 14 and 15 years long stay say they will never go back. so be warned but do try Tunisia it is Lovely

3 readers found this review helpful

I've just returned from 2 weeks at this hotel, and I did a bit of research beforehand, so I knew it was a bit dated, but I wasn't really prepared for what we got.
Reception and the bar area, and the outdoor pool all look great, tho the furnishings around the bar are a bit dated. You go to your floor and it hits you! Everywhere is carpeted, carpets get wet as people traipse in from the pool and they look and indeed smell awful. the bedrooms are also carpeted, to half way up the wall for some reason. Our room was reasonable, but other people said their's were quite threadbare. The beds and furnishings are old. Bedding thin sheets and horrible old looking blankets and bedspreads, towels generally a bit better.
The bathrooms tho are something else, although they are cleaned daily they still smell constantly of urine, as do large parts of Sousse itself.
It would be unfair to say the hotel isn't clean because the maids are there throughout the day, but there is a general shabbiness about the hotel, not helped by the cracked and chipped glasses and crockery.
There are plenty of things on offer in the restaurant, but they are pretty much the same most evenings so its very repetitive. Breakfast and desert hardly change, you might get pancakes instead of donuts, and apple instead of rhubarb pie, the rest is the same every day, dinner is the same 3/4 types of salads, with the same food the same day of the week, so every Thursday is cous cous every Friday beef pie. There are other mains but all repeated one day a week. The outside a la carte restaurant serves good reasonably priced lunch and the staff said no one really cares about the main dining room as they don't make money on it.
Tunisia has a strange attitude to alcohol, it is served in the hotels, but they can only serve their own beer, tastes like kaliber so is probably about 2% proof, and they import spirits but charge an exorbitant price, for probably about half the measure you would get in the UK. The bars are the same and the clubs appear to charge twice as much, so you'll be paying around £2.50 for a smallish bottle of very weak beer. The draught in the hotels is around the same price for about a pint - where they fill the glass to is a bit hit and miss.
The staff, with the exception of reception, are generally helpful and friendly, but they rely on tips and reception don't, work it out yourself...
They'll defer to a "tab" when you first arrive, but will quickly work out if you pay each round and therefore give them a tip each round, and will ask for payment each time. Let them leave the bills and settle at the end of the evening with one tip, or ask to credit to your room, they'll try to dissuade you, but so long as you tip them they'll get the idea.
Sousse is a short taxi-ride or 30 min walk, but you're unlikely to get much different the alcohol is all the same and the restaurants all have similar menus. The Saloon, part of the Tej complex serves a decent steak, but they overcharged me on the bill, and the club downstairs overcharged me on drinks.
There's no kids club, just the pool, and a very shabby looking indoor pool, the hammam and the massage centre are great, but again shabby to look at.
Animation is a joke, again its a weekly programme so you'll get to see everything twice, or three times if you're really unlucky. the bingow (the w is there for pronunciation purposes) is fixed, look for the black star on the back of the tickets.
The beach is private, over the fairly busy road, small, and you have to walk past a dodgy building site. It's reasonably clean, and sells drinks and ice-creams, or they'll go to hotel and bring you back a sandwich or pizza.
Tunisia itself is pretty dirty, there's rubbish strewn everywhere, even high up in the mountains. Yes the people you'll encounter are poor, but they seem to work long hard hours in the hotels, and the banter isn't too bad from the local men. The owner pops by from time to time in his lambourghini, so clearly he's turning a profit somewhere!
The country is an experience, this hotel, I am told, is one of the better ones, and yes people really do go back every year, but I doubt I'll be one of them.

1 reader found this review helpful

me my husband my 16 year old daugthter and mother stayed at the tej marhaba hotel this was the 1st time in tunisia
tunisia it self we found to be very dirty and the locals wasnt to friendly you get hurassed all the time by the locals from rugs to shopping to flowers from young to the old every where we went.
the hotel and complax was out of this world the hotel is 4 star and was very clean it really does take pride in its self you do have to keep tipping the staff but just give them a dinnier (40p) and they are happing.
the rooms are basic but comfortable and very clean the maids are so busy and do work very hard to make your stay as comfortable as being at home.
the meals where not always up to scratch but if you like pancakes fish chicken and pasta then you wont starve.
the pool is really lovely and the water is warm as is the sea
the entertainment nneeds to be improved as its very basic and not always fun.
i didnt feel comfortable walking around of a night and the boys and men do noy leave you alone the saying out there is the less you wear the more they stear and its so true
but if you just like to relax by the pool or go to the beach with little entertainment then its for you