Reviews of Marhaba Palace Hotel, Port El Kantaoui, Tunisia

Just returned from an excellent...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2006

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mrs C Whiteway

Comments:

Just returned from an excellent week at the Marhaba Palace. The hotel had everything we wanted - the pool area was lovely with plenty of shade, lots of sun beds and a handy bar.



The beach was 2 minutes walk at the most, again with lots of sun beds and a good choice of water sports. Our room was a reasonable size for three and the third bed was a proper bed, not a camp bed as in some hotels; there were also three chairs provided for the balcony.



The hotel seemed to be very well run - staff were friendly and helpful but not intrusive. There was a good choice of food with the opportunity to try different Tunisian specialities.



The highlight of our holiday was a two day trip to the Sahara which enabled us to see the real Tunisia (as Port el Kantaoui is pleasant but a bit fake!). Although it involves a lot of coach travel it was well worth it and you learn a lot about the country just looking out of the coach window.



Finally a word of praise for First Choice for employing Tunisian reps. Fethi was knowledgeable, proud of his country and very conscientious.

What a fantastic holiday in a...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

May 2006

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mr S Arnold

Comments:

What a fantastic holiday in a first rate hotel, having never been to this area before and hearing differing views from so many people, we were a bit dubious.



Amazing how you can be proved wrong, one of the nicest, friendliest, well kept hotels we have ever been to.



The service was excellent and friendly, the food was equally excellent and varied night after night, with theme nights thrown in now and again.

No complaints at all about this place.



Watch out for the head barman though, he's a bit of a joker, nice guy though!

Our first choice rep - Fethi was...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2006

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mrs M L Williamson

Comments:

Our first choice rep - Fethi was fantastic, nothing was too much trouble. The hotel was lovely. Air conditioned, lovely staff. The food was incredible, lots of choice all freshly cooked.



The staff were so friendly and helpful, always helping us to understand the Tunisian money. Yes we got a bit of hassle but nothing to complain about, I would definitely go again!



There was a Russian guy in the restaurant every day (a visitor not a member of staff) he was drop dead gorgeous, he helped to make the stay an interesting one!

First of all, Tunisia as a...

Overall Rating:

3/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

sandipv

Comments:

First of all, Tunisia as a country is a fantastic place for holiday. Unfortunately the people are not the friendliest in the world. Port El Kantaoui was very nice, very "chic" and glamorous. You will enjoy El Kantaoui as long as you were not expecting to see the real Tunisia, which you will not if you spend all your time here.



The Marhaba Palace Hotel was a bit of a disappointment really, the hotel and facilities/amnesties were excellent and fully deserve the 4* rating. however the general attitude and service of the staff deserve nothing more than what you would expect from a 2* hotel.



The general attitude and service all the way from the porters to restaurant waiters, to sports facilities management to restaurant management and even hotel management were extremely poor. In all my years of traveling the world, and having sampled a range of hotels from 2* all the way up to 5*. I can honestly say that this hotel is at the top of the list for absolute worst in service. This is definitely not an over-reaction.



On our arrival to our hotel, the hotel room we were given was shockingly unsuitable as the main bathroom mirror was cracked and removed. They then preceded to offer us a another room, upon which when entering we found to our disgust was still in use, they had not bothered to even check to see if the room had been checked-out of before offering again. Finally, we were given one of the last rooms available after waiting around in the lobby for over two hours and going from room to room to check suitability.

The service from the staff in the restaurant is absolutely shocking, we were flabbergasted at the fact that our table in dining room was never available, or always missing essentials like the napkins or even cutlery at times. The most annoying element and pure laziness exhibited by the staff is when they are asked to get you something as simple as a napkin or fresh cutlery, you will be extremely lucky if you get what you want after asking the first 3 times.



It really is a shame, the hotel is in a perfect location for access into Port El Kantaoui marina and town area, excellent access just a 5 minute walks into the PGA approved 18-golf golf course. The beach area is excellent, and the porter on the beach who puts out the sun beds deserves a special mention for his willingness to help and deliver great service with a smile.



The food in the main restaurant could be a whole lot better, especially if you are a vegetarian. My wife and I are both vegetarians, and at times it really was a struggle to eat the same foods every single day. They seriously need to think about the variety of food they offer and cater to more than just meat-eaters.



A final word, definitely do not be put off by going to this area of Tunisia, there is lots to do and you will have a great holiday, just make sure you do not book to stay at this hotel!

Just returned from the above 14...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr B Gledhill

Comments:

Just returned from the above 14 day holiday. Can recommend hotel and very friendly staff. Our third trip to Port el Kantaoui. We found it restful with a superb beach stretching northwards for a substantial distance. No problems re religion/politics with locals and the English are highly regarded.



Hotel very good although our room was a little 'tired'. TV in room with all World Cup football available. Food excellent. Not enough sun beds however. Three or four bars with 'Happy Hour' facilities. Very little evening entertainment thank goodness. Hotel Night Cub adjoining but no noise. Normal 'hassle' with local traders and best to stick with 'fixed price shops'. Most sports clothing appear to be not genuine (as an opinion) but is cheerfully cheap.



Noddy Train to Sousse good value. Souse is dirty and noisy but is a working port. Forget the Medina and use the Soula Centre fixed price shop next to the medina. Wasn't too impressed by local wines. Good value holiday and under 3 hours from Bristol.

Just had a lovely holiday at the...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mrs Mary Spooner

Comments:

Just had a lovely holiday at the Marhaba Palace Hotel. After reading some of the reviews when we booked the holiday, I have to say I didn’t want to go.



However when we got there, I was pleased that we went. Yes the hotel is a little chipped round the edges but the staff more than make up for this. Nothing is too much trouble.



Located just 5 minutes from the marina and dancing fountains. Check that restaurants do wine and beer as quite a few restaurants do not serve wine and serve non-alcoholic beer.

Lovely hotel, polite and...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Dec 2005

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Carolearmy

Comments:

Lovely hotel, polite and friendly staff. Excellent food.



A terrific holiday overall. My son especially loved it (10 years old at the time) as all the hotel staff made a fuss of him. This hotel is just a few short steps from the beach, which in summer would be fantastic, but it was winter and a bit too wild & chilly for us.



The town centre has plenty to offer for eating a buying typical holiday gifts & souvenirs.

My wife and I booked a week at...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

May 2006

Tour Operator:

Panorama

Submitted By:

Mr J Fardon

Comments:

My wife and I booked a week at the Marhaba Palace hotel for a cheap, relaxing break in the sun. The hotel staff were very friendly and helpful, our room was quite a nice size with en-suite and bath and separate toilet. The room was always kept very clean and although we did not have a sea view, we were on the top floor (7th) the view inland was quite nice, particularly at night. There was a fridge in the room, but no kettle if you like tea/coffee in your room. Room service is pretty cheap.



The food was pretty good - not overly exciting, but for a week it was fine. You could get fresh omlettes, crepes and fried eggs cooked while you waited at breakfast, as well as croissants, toast, etc. The evening meals are buffet style, and there was always a reasonable choice.



A bottle of lager was 3 dinar ( about £1.20), with most other drinks under 6 dinar (about £2.50). If you want a coffee, we found the 'large' cappuccino (3 dinar) much nicer than the standard one.



There is a bar near the outdoor pool, with waiters that will come and serve you at your sun bed.



There is also a snack bar on the beach. The pool was very clean, and there were plenty of sun beds. You can also get cushions to go on the sun beds which cost 1 dinar (about 40p) per day. We did have to start playing the 'lets get up early and reserve a sun bed in the shade' game, but if you were not too bothered about shade there always seemed to be plenty of sun beds around. The indoor pool is nice and like swimming in a hot bath! There are tennis courts, a football pitch and a gym.



The only downside with the hotel was the lack of evening entertainment. There was a karaoke evening (although most songs seemed to be from the 60s!), and a 'Fakir Show' which was worth going to. There is a big, separate disco (but there was never anyone in it - probably due to the rubbish music the DJ was playing!) The American Bar was a bit dark and lifeless (hey Marhaba Palace, just turn the lights up a bit and put some slightly more lively music on and it would be fine).



I think that the hotel would suit older people more than younger ones and children may find it a little boring.



The Marina at Port El Kantaoui is a 5 minute walk up the road. At the supermarket there you can buy 1.5 Litre bottled water (about 40p) and there is a 'take away' where you can get sandwiches/paninis for about 2 dinar (£1). There are a few shops selling souvenirs and loads of fake designer gear. You WILL get hassled to 'come and look' as you go past each shop. You WILL be expected to haggle.



Taxi to Sousse will cost between 5 - 8 dinar. There is not much in Sousse itself, the medina (old town) is just a hive of little shops all selling much the same sort of stuff, but worth a look. The 'Camel Market' (there are no camels as such, it's just a big flea market) is on a Sunday morning. For no hassle shopping in Sousse, try the Slim Centre.



All in all, it was a nice relaxing break. We probably would not race back there, but we could not fault the Marhaba Palace.

This Hotel was absolutely...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr D Dalal

Comments:

This Hotel was absolutely EXCELLENT no other word for it. Everyone was so friendly and my kids had a fabulous time.



Food was not too bad. And staff are most helpful. Great atmosphere and a real sense of relaxation. The marina a few minutes walk away and lots of shops. Taxis are pretty cheap and you can bargain with them if you feel the prices are very high.



Marhaba Palace was a GRAND hotel. It has a 25ft Chandelier which is beautiful. 2 golf courses near by.

There are certain things you...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Mar 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr E Williams

Comments:

There are certain things you expect with any package holiday: flights rammed with chavs, suspect food and service tailored to the herd, not the individual.

With these things in mind, all we really wanted out of this holiday was some guaranteed February heat in pleasant surroundings and within easy flying time of England.



We arrived late on a Sunday night, following the seemingly inevitable transfer delays, and settled down in a modest room in anticipation of a much-needed night’s sleep. But at 6.30am we were awoken by the sound of gushing water in the corridor outside out room. Much of the second floor was flooded, including our room. Staff rushed around outside our room trying to mop up the deluge with noisy vacuum cleaners. No assistance was forthcoming. We had to gather our sopping possessions and make our way reception where staff eventually agreed to provide a replacement room [here the plumbing was sound, but the electrics haywire], but refused to offer any apology.



Not wanting to have our holiday spoiled by a shabby hotel, we got on with things, avoided the chavs and had a remarkably pleasant holiday. In particular, we enjoyed a two-day trip taking in the Sahara - and not only because this meant a night away from the Marhaba ‘Palace’.



Back at the Palace, eager as we were to put the day one wash out behind us, it was difficult not to notice that almost every aspect of the hotel was not up to scratch.



In particular, the food, even by package holiday standards, was at best repetitive and arguably bland and even unhealthy—hardly what you want from a week of relaxation in a location where the local Mediterranean catch is second to none. What made the eating experience worse were the Communist-style waiting arrangements. Hoards of dickie-bowed and frankly rather gormless ‘waiters’ seemed incapable of clearing plates, setting tables and fetching drinks, their only tasks in this self-service establishment.



At breakfast, one man was assigned the task of clearing teapots, another charged with doling out coffee and another still with dishing out the napkins. A novel system of running a restaurant and probably one which I would not have noticed had it worked. The plain truth is that it did not work. If you asked the napkin man for a fork, he would agree to get you one and then carry on regardless with his paper distribution. Meanwhile the fork man was nowhere to be seen. Yes, such niggles may seem small, but they cropped up at every turn – with reception staff, in the bar, the gym and by the pool - and as such grated.



There was a constant sense that the Palace over-promised and under-delivered. Had the hotel been described as 3 Star and not an implausible 4, we may have tempered our expectations accordingly. In the absence of such candour, I feel unable to rely on Thomson ratings again. We didn’t expect much, but we got significantly less than we expected. Avoid.

Stayed at the Marhaba Hotel in...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Feb 2006

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mr J Mulligan

Comments:

Stayed at the Marhaba Hotel in February this year, food was first class, service was buffet style, and waiters very friendly.



Hotel very clean and maid service daily. Lovely walks to marina and beach 5 min from hotel. Entertainment low key, but would be busier in the summer months. for children over 6 years of age Port El Kantaoui would not have enough attractions.



Overall a very relaxing holiday.

Fab hotel- staff are really...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Dec 2005

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss H Lau

Comments:

Fab hotel- staff are really friendly especially the waiters in the reception area. I came for a week at the beginning of December to see my boyfriend who lives in Hammamet - Sousse and really enjoyed it.



The food was great and tasty! There was something for everyone there.

Rooms were nice especially if you had a sea view. It was nice to watch the sun rise over the horizon on a morning.



THANKS FOR A GREAT WEEK!! :D

I came to the Marhaba Palace for...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Dec 2005

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss S Swinscoe

Comments:

I came to the Marhaba Palace for 1 week and what a fantastic time me & my fella had here. As you walk into the hotel there is a gorgeous chandelier hanging from the ceiling as well as stunning decor and marble flooring all around. The sea view room was fantastic, as well as the beds being made really nice everyday, the maids always fanned your quilt covers & also my nightwear which looked great.



We went on half board basis which was great, the food was really nice and catered for all tastes with lots of variety. It was good too because if you ever wanted to go out in the evening for a meal you can have your half board meal at lunchtime instead so your not missing out or having to pay for your lunch.



I really enjoyed my time here, I especially enjoyed the perfect service from all the staff at the hotel & the reps Ian & Joe were great too. I would recommend this hotel to anyone looking for luxury with good service.

Me and my girlfriend came here...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Dec 2005

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr G Wilsoncroft

Comments:

Me and my girlfriend came here for one week in December. It was a lovely hotel and there are very nice rooms too.



Food was great at the hotel too, we were on half board and there was an excellent selection of foods to choose from.



The area was very nice too but not many places to go out to at night. You would have to go to Sousse for more choice on restaurants etc.

We had a fantastic week at this...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

May 2005

Tour Operator:

Panorama

Submitted By:

animaniac

Comments:

We had a fantastic week at this beautiful hotel, it was clean bright and spacious, and the staff were friendly and attentive, the breakfast was lovely, you could choose from a great range of food and have fresh omelettes cooked while you waited.



The pool was lovely and in an excellent position, a short walk through the hotel grounds and you were on the beach. A short stroll away and you were at the marina with its many shops and nice restaurants. We would highly recommend this hotel!!