Tour Khalef Hotel, Sousse, Tunisia
Hotel Information
Recent Price: £53
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
Set among subtropical gardens, this traditionally-styled accommodation is part of the four-hotel Marhaba complex. Popular with both mature couples and families who'll appreciate the facilities of a large complex, there are plenty of activities on offer. loading...
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Tour Khalef Hotel Reviews
" An excellent resort and even better... "
Submitted By: Mr S Crossley
An excellent resort and even better hotel. This was our second visit to Sousse, Tunisia and I'm sure we will be visiting again in the future. The resort offers a good range of restaurants, a beautiful golden beach and plenty of shops. The medina in Sousse centre is a must visit to experience the hustle bustle and haggling expected in Tunisia. Also worth a visit is the museum located in at one corner of the medina and boasts a wide range of Roman mosaics and statues.
As for the hotel, the food was varied and quite nice although it is so cheap to eat out you can take your choice. The hotel was very grand with marble and carved ceilings everywhere. Our room was amazing and contained a 'double' bed approximately 8 foot wide. A short (1 hour) train ride takes you to the Roman Coliseum at El Jem, which is in amazing condition. Highly recommended.
As for the hotel, the food was varied and quite nice although it is so cheap to eat out you can take your choice. The hotel was very grand with marble and carved ceilings everywhere. Our room was amazing and contained a 'double' bed approximately 8 foot wide. A short (1 hour) train ride takes you to the Roman Coliseum at El Jem, which is in amazing condition. Highly recommended.
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- Date of Holiday:Dec 2005
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" We have just returned from a week at... "
Submitted By: Miss K E Loup
We have just returned from a week at the Tour Khalef, we have had a lovely holiday.
The weather was warm, especially at lunchtime although when the clouds arrived at around 3pm it got a little chilly but we kept ourselves amused by playing pool or table tennis.
The highlight of our holiday was the entertainment staff who spoiled my friends 6 year old rotten, mini disco was a treat even for us adults belly dancing etc!
The all inclusive deal was good value for money the food was always hot and plenty of choice especially for seafood lovers!
The bar serves locally produced wines beer and spirits and Mohammed is a wonderful bar man.
Often we wouldn't have finished our drink before he came with another!
We took a Camel/Horse ride excursion which we booked with the local guy that came by the pool, worked out about £10.00 you get a ride on the camels so fresh bread (sandwich) and a drink the coach is included to and from the hotel.
The hotel staff were excellent eager to please and so attentive, they are always looking for an opportunity to practice their English with you.
Sousse has a beautiful beach and the sea is lovely and warm! The sand is like talcum powder!
My only complaint was the airport... organised chaos it took ages to get through passport control and a lot of waiting around in a hot area, especially with children is not ideal, as it is not a large airport it is not equipped for taking the tens of planes that come in, at the same time!
I didn't like the bartering and pestering from the Tunisian men, so didn't go out of the hotel complex very often, we were lucky that our hotel had everything we needed as normally I would have grown bored easily.
If you choose Tunisia for the first time be open minded and don't expect too much, the people are lovely and do mean well but its still a poor country and along with that you do get the begging etc.. that goes along with it.
I will definitely return , the holiday was made by the animation team if you decide to go send Ahmed and Fahid love from Katie and Emily!
Have a great time!
The weather was warm, especially at lunchtime although when the clouds arrived at around 3pm it got a little chilly but we kept ourselves amused by playing pool or table tennis.
The highlight of our holiday was the entertainment staff who spoiled my friends 6 year old rotten, mini disco was a treat even for us adults belly dancing etc!
The all inclusive deal was good value for money the food was always hot and plenty of choice especially for seafood lovers!
The bar serves locally produced wines beer and spirits and Mohammed is a wonderful bar man.
Often we wouldn't have finished our drink before he came with another!
We took a Camel/Horse ride excursion which we booked with the local guy that came by the pool, worked out about £10.00 you get a ride on the camels so fresh bread (sandwich) and a drink the coach is included to and from the hotel.
The hotel staff were excellent eager to please and so attentive, they are always looking for an opportunity to practice their English with you.
Sousse has a beautiful beach and the sea is lovely and warm! The sand is like talcum powder!
My only complaint was the airport... organised chaos it took ages to get through passport control and a lot of waiting around in a hot area, especially with children is not ideal, as it is not a large airport it is not equipped for taking the tens of planes that come in, at the same time!
I didn't like the bartering and pestering from the Tunisian men, so didn't go out of the hotel complex very often, we were lucky that our hotel had everything we needed as normally I would have grown bored easily.
If you choose Tunisia for the first time be open minded and don't expect too much, the people are lovely and do mean well but its still a poor country and along with that you do get the begging etc.. that goes along with it.
I will definitely return , the holiday was made by the animation team if you decide to go send Ahmed and Fahid love from Katie and Emily!
Have a great time!
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- Date of Holiday:Nov 2005
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" We went early in the year as we... "
Submitted By: Mr M Clegg
We went early in the year as we thought that we would get cheaper prices and less crowds, when we got there we were really impressed with the hotel,, it was beautiful and the staff were really helpful, about 10 minutes after moving into the room, we found one of the beds was broken, but that was replaced within half hour.
Being part of a family of 4 kids all under 3, then me who’s 20 I was looking forward to spending time in the swimming pool everyday as that is one of the main factors of a holiday to me. so me and my dad went for a wander to have a look at it, on getting to it, it was boarded up and we then found out that it was getting rebuilt, as you can expect we went to the holiday reps to ask what is going on and they just said that as it was hotel maintenance they were not at liberty to tell us before the holiday that we wouldn’t have a pool, as it was not a requirement of there policy.
next day we go to the beach, which was covered in debris, the beach was directly in front of the hotel and looking at other hotels we found a that our hotel was one of the only hotels that hadn’t made an effort to remove some of this mess, it was very unsightly and not very pleasant to spend time on.
A nice aspect of the holiday would be the food and the holiday reps, my sisters spent a lot of time with the reps in the kids club whilst we went off on our own they were brilliant and showed great skill in keeping them amused, The food was fantastic, a massive supply and selection which was different for the whole 10 days that we were there.
Holiday verdict, bad weather, beach hit by a storm and swimming pool was being renovated, but was made bearable by pleasant, professional staff and great hotel food.
Being part of a family of 4 kids all under 3, then me who’s 20 I was looking forward to spending time in the swimming pool everyday as that is one of the main factors of a holiday to me. so me and my dad went for a wander to have a look at it, on getting to it, it was boarded up and we then found out that it was getting rebuilt, as you can expect we went to the holiday reps to ask what is going on and they just said that as it was hotel maintenance they were not at liberty to tell us before the holiday that we wouldn’t have a pool, as it was not a requirement of there policy.
next day we go to the beach, which was covered in debris, the beach was directly in front of the hotel and looking at other hotels we found a that our hotel was one of the only hotels that hadn’t made an effort to remove some of this mess, it was very unsightly and not very pleasant to spend time on.
A nice aspect of the holiday would be the food and the holiday reps, my sisters spent a lot of time with the reps in the kids club whilst we went off on our own they were brilliant and showed great skill in keeping them amused, The food was fantastic, a massive supply and selection which was different for the whole 10 days that we were there.
Holiday verdict, bad weather, beach hit by a storm and swimming pool was being renovated, but was made bearable by pleasant, professional staff and great hotel food.
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2005
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Heard so many bad reports about hotel... "
Submitted By: Mrs T Hopkins
Heard so many bad reports about hotel and Tunisia what a pleasant surprise.
Hotel great if slightly dated spotless clean, good food, very good kids club, right on lovely beach, best shopping port el Kantoui 4 dinars we haggled shopping no problem you will be called cheeky b alot just laugh and call it back, no hassle from any locals good trips camel safari/quad bikes with smiley miley cheaper than reps but showstoppers with reps a good night out tip as you want to you do not feel pressurised.
We have never been to Tunisia before were very wary and had a great time so good infact we are going back in July.
Your money goes a very long way we took dollars as the exchange rate so good
Hotel great if slightly dated spotless clean, good food, very good kids club, right on lovely beach, best shopping port el Kantoui 4 dinars we haggled shopping no problem you will be called cheeky b alot just laugh and call it back, no hassle from any locals good trips camel safari/quad bikes with smiley miley cheaper than reps but showstoppers with reps a good night out tip as you want to you do not feel pressurised.
We have never been to Tunisia before were very wary and had a great time so good infact we are going back in July.
Your money goes a very long way we took dollars as the exchange rate so good
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- Date of Holiday:Feb 2005
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Selectthompson
" This is a good holiday for more... "
Submitted By: Miss A Earl
This is a good holiday for more mature people but for people aged between 18 and 30 I would not recommend at all. The hotel was nice but unfortunately was in the middle of being decorated and as for the picture on this web page there is no swimming pool its all building works.
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I do recommend the Sahara explorer though for people of all ages it will be the only time you would get to explore Tunisia for what it really is. You will get to see the amphitheatre in El Jem where Gladiator was filmed, the place where part of Star Wars was filmed then onto the Sahara where you get to ride on a camel dressed in traditional clothes.
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Next day you go to see salt lake where the sun rises and the moon goes down at the same time (didn’t get to see that though because of the weather) then you go on a 2 hour ride in the mountains where you get to see tropical oasis, waterfalls and hot springs. Its a good 700 miles journey and 5am starts but well worth it.
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Overall if you go to Sousse I would recommend you do all the excursions otherwise you will be stuck in the complex. Oh and for people who like there whisky...at the airport (and at the resort) 2 50ml shots and a can of lemonade will cost you round about £30 and the larger is cheap but its 2% if that.
<br><br>
I do recommend the Sahara explorer though for people of all ages it will be the only time you would get to explore Tunisia for what it really is. You will get to see the amphitheatre in El Jem where Gladiator was filmed, the place where part of Star Wars was filmed then onto the Sahara where you get to ride on a camel dressed in traditional clothes.
<br><br<>
Next day you go to see salt lake where the sun rises and the moon goes down at the same time (didn’t get to see that though because of the weather) then you go on a 2 hour ride in the mountains where you get to see tropical oasis, waterfalls and hot springs. Its a good 700 miles journey and 5am starts but well worth it.
<br><br>
Overall if you go to Sousse I would recommend you do all the excursions otherwise you will be stuck in the complex. Oh and for people who like there whisky...at the airport (and at the resort) 2 50ml shots and a can of lemonade will cost you round about £30 and the larger is cheap but its 2% if that.
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- Date of Holiday:Oct 2004
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Before arriving I was worried about... "
Submitted By: Mrs F Widzowski
Before arriving I was worried about safety. However I was pleasantly surprised. What a Fantastic Resort, spacious and very lush with grass and trees and the locals so friendly and eager to help.
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Food was a let down, as it catered around the Russians/Germans who had taken over the hotel. Needless to say Beetroot and Sour Kraut were not quite what I wanted for Breakfast. And they were so rude and didn’t care that someone else would like some of the food instead they just piled their plates up and ended up leaving it to be thrown away.
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The holiday was so cheap we didn’t expect the food to be any good. Plenty of good restaurants outside of Tour Khalef and very reasonable prices. I would recommend the 2 days Safari Explorer - by bus and land rovers. The ride into the Sahara Desert at sunset on Camels was fantastic, and being taken on horseback by a Berber leaving my husband and children behind me left many happy memories. He did bring me back much to my husband’s disgust.
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Hotel in the Sahara was brilliant and with the temperatures getting to over 50 degrees celcius the pool was much needed. Visited an oasis in the middle of nowhere with a waterfall and palm trees, a Berber house with its family showing us how they live. Visited El Jem where Gladiator was filmed and had lunch in the house used in the first Star Wars Movie where Luke Skywalkers parents lived.
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Also drove through the Salt Lakes and my daughter won a salt rose for guessing our bus driver’s age. Back at Tour Khelef both my children especially loved the large swimming pool, plus being able to walk through and use all the other 3 hotels facilities next door. The beach was the most beautiful and cleanest I have ever seen, the sea was so warm and a fantastic blue/green colour.
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The hotel was right on the beach so didn’t have to walk very far. I loved sitting and watching the Para gliders. My children also loved the cats that roamed free on the hotel grounds as cats are sacred in Tunisia. No problem getting sun beds. Beds made every day with sheets folded into decorative shapes. We paid for a mini fridge in the room, but it didn’t do much to keep the drinks cool. Didn’t really need it as the bar was always open and everything was so cheap.
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Went into Sousse but didn’t bother with the Medhina, just went into the Government shop which you didn’t get hassled in, and goods were of a very high standard and cheap. El Kantaoui was my favourite, it is so pretty. I am sad that we left this till the end of the holiday as the Marina at night with all the lit up restaurants was gorgeous. The kids made friends with our waiter. Every night we ate out the kids had pork chops or steak as it was so reasonably priced. I enjoyed haggling to get prices down. You just wave the money in front of them and tell them you don’t have any more and they will accept it. Cut then down to at least half price if not more.
<br><br>
I even refused to get into taxis if they were charging too much, Sousse to El Kantaoui cost 5 dinars. Tipping helps the people a lot as they only earn a small amount e.g. one weeks wages to us will pay them for a months work. The kids were not so sure about being patted on the head by the locals, as they love and adore children. My son even looked like a local at the end of the holiday he was so brown and tanned.
<br><br>
The kids lived in the pool whenever possible leaving my husband and I to relax and listen to the other English visitors complaining about everything going. I couldn’t see what there could possibly be to complain about. After all you don’t go to Tunisia to get fish and chips or egg and beans, otherwise you would stay in England. I would recommend a Brick which is a deep fried filo like pastry with an egg cracked into it, can also have tuna inside as well.
<br><br>
We personally didn’t stay up for the entertainment as were are early risers and had usually worn ourselves out. Did a day trip to a zoo and Hammamet, went on a Pirate Ship for the day but didn’t realise that the ship stops and you are allowed to swim in the middle of the sea. We hadn’t even brought our swimming costumes or towels so the kids were disappointed.
<br><br>
I would recommend this resort to anyone with children. My son wants us to go back again as it was the best holiday he has ever had.
<br><br>
Food was a let down, as it catered around the Russians/Germans who had taken over the hotel. Needless to say Beetroot and Sour Kraut were not quite what I wanted for Breakfast. And they were so rude and didn’t care that someone else would like some of the food instead they just piled their plates up and ended up leaving it to be thrown away.
<br><br>
The holiday was so cheap we didn’t expect the food to be any good. Plenty of good restaurants outside of Tour Khalef and very reasonable prices. I would recommend the 2 days Safari Explorer - by bus and land rovers. The ride into the Sahara Desert at sunset on Camels was fantastic, and being taken on horseback by a Berber leaving my husband and children behind me left many happy memories. He did bring me back much to my husband’s disgust.
<br><br>
Hotel in the Sahara was brilliant and with the temperatures getting to over 50 degrees celcius the pool was much needed. Visited an oasis in the middle of nowhere with a waterfall and palm trees, a Berber house with its family showing us how they live. Visited El Jem where Gladiator was filmed and had lunch in the house used in the first Star Wars Movie where Luke Skywalkers parents lived.
<br><br>
Also drove through the Salt Lakes and my daughter won a salt rose for guessing our bus driver’s age. Back at Tour Khelef both my children especially loved the large swimming pool, plus being able to walk through and use all the other 3 hotels facilities next door. The beach was the most beautiful and cleanest I have ever seen, the sea was so warm and a fantastic blue/green colour.
<br><br>
The hotel was right on the beach so didn’t have to walk very far. I loved sitting and watching the Para gliders. My children also loved the cats that roamed free on the hotel grounds as cats are sacred in Tunisia. No problem getting sun beds. Beds made every day with sheets folded into decorative shapes. We paid for a mini fridge in the room, but it didn’t do much to keep the drinks cool. Didn’t really need it as the bar was always open and everything was so cheap.
<br><br>
Went into Sousse but didn’t bother with the Medhina, just went into the Government shop which you didn’t get hassled in, and goods were of a very high standard and cheap. El Kantaoui was my favourite, it is so pretty. I am sad that we left this till the end of the holiday as the Marina at night with all the lit up restaurants was gorgeous. The kids made friends with our waiter. Every night we ate out the kids had pork chops or steak as it was so reasonably priced. I enjoyed haggling to get prices down. You just wave the money in front of them and tell them you don’t have any more and they will accept it. Cut then down to at least half price if not more.
<br><br>
I even refused to get into taxis if they were charging too much, Sousse to El Kantaoui cost 5 dinars. Tipping helps the people a lot as they only earn a small amount e.g. one weeks wages to us will pay them for a months work. The kids were not so sure about being patted on the head by the locals, as they love and adore children. My son even looked like a local at the end of the holiday he was so brown and tanned.
<br><br>
The kids lived in the pool whenever possible leaving my husband and I to relax and listen to the other English visitors complaining about everything going. I couldn’t see what there could possibly be to complain about. After all you don’t go to Tunisia to get fish and chips or egg and beans, otherwise you would stay in England. I would recommend a Brick which is a deep fried filo like pastry with an egg cracked into it, can also have tuna inside as well.
<br><br>
We personally didn’t stay up for the entertainment as were are early risers and had usually worn ourselves out. Did a day trip to a zoo and Hammamet, went on a Pirate Ship for the day but didn’t realise that the ship stops and you are allowed to swim in the middle of the sea. We hadn’t even brought our swimming costumes or towels so the kids were disappointed.
<br><br>
I would recommend this resort to anyone with children. My son wants us to go back again as it was the best holiday he has ever had.
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2004
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Portland Direct
" We had a wonderful 2 week stay at... "
Submitted By: madabouthols
We had a wonderful 2 week stay at this hotel. Our only concern was the heat!! It was just too hot to do anything other than lay in the pool!!! It was sunny for the whole 2 weeks.
Having been before we knew what to expect of Tunisia - We will certainly be returning, sooner rather than later. It is very different to Spain - you will either love it or hate it!
The hotel was a perfect location on the beach - located between Port El Kantouie and Sousse. We enjoyed a ride on the 'noddy train' to Port El Kantouie - which is a lovely harbour. Definitely worth a visit - there are lovely restaurants and cafes and some rides for children in the small fair/park.
The hotel was clean and lots of variety of food in the restaurant. The chips are lovely - you won't be able to resist them! The outdoor pool has been improved since we were last there - it is lovely.
The waiters were super - if you tip them they really appreciate it and you do get better service for it - and lets face it, it doesn't have to be much - They don't earn very much!
Our children went to the children’s club and thoroughly enjoyed the mini disco on an evening outside on the show area.
As this hotel is part of a complex you can use the other hotel facilities including the indoor pool at Marhaba beach.
We now look forward to returning!
Having been before we knew what to expect of Tunisia - We will certainly be returning, sooner rather than later. It is very different to Spain - you will either love it or hate it!
The hotel was a perfect location on the beach - located between Port El Kantouie and Sousse. We enjoyed a ride on the 'noddy train' to Port El Kantouie - which is a lovely harbour. Definitely worth a visit - there are lovely restaurants and cafes and some rides for children in the small fair/park.
The hotel was clean and lots of variety of food in the restaurant. The chips are lovely - you won't be able to resist them! The outdoor pool has been improved since we were last there - it is lovely.
The waiters were super - if you tip them they really appreciate it and you do get better service for it - and lets face it, it doesn't have to be much - They don't earn very much!
Our children went to the children’s club and thoroughly enjoyed the mini disco on an evening outside on the show area.
As this hotel is part of a complex you can use the other hotel facilities including the indoor pool at Marhaba beach.
We now look forward to returning!
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2005
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Portland Direct
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The accommodation was clean, the food was very good and our waiter was excellent. Overall the hotel lived up to our expectations. Although on previous visits to the hotel our children have been to the Thomson’s children’s club, however it was closed on this occasion - I assume as it was because it was so close to Christmas and their were very few children staying at the accommodation.
We had a few rainy days and a few warm sunny days, Some lovely walks on the beach and a ride on the noddy train to Port el Kantaoui and bought some freshly baked nuts from the nutman on the harbour.