Holiday Reviews > Africa > Tunisia > Port El Kantaoui > Port El Kantaoui Hotels > Marhaba Palace Hotel > Read Reviews
Marhaba Palace Hotel ReviewsPage 1 2 3 4
| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jul 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Detur |
| Submitted
By: |
Dr E Aarholt |
| Overall
Rating: |
9/10 |
| Comments: |
We're a family of five from Oslo, Norway that went to Tunisia for the first time on a one week holiday staying at Marhaba Palace with half board.
The hotel has a perfect setting by the sea with no traffic or noise. The rooms are spacious and clean, and the plumbing works as it should (9/10). The hotel has seven floors and unfortunately, two of the four lifts worked only part of the time which can be annoying (5/10). We were first given a suite but with only one bathroom which the kids had to pass through the parents’ bedroom to get to (no privacy for us). We requested a swop straight away but had to wait until the second day. That was acceptable service. Then we got two rooms (which was what we had paid for) on the same floor (4th), one of them had a fantastic sea-view.
The food served at the hotel is excellent value. The choice at breakfast buffet is good; local breakfast cereals (over-sweet choco-types, and low fibre cornflake lookalikes) with dried fruits and yogurt but no nuts or muesli type cereals, freshly baked mini-croissants (less greasy than the French equivalents, a little disappointing at first, but much better for the waistline!), toast, jam (very sticky, overcooked type), fried eggs and omelettes (excellent) made to order, a selection of fried food (sausages, scrambled eggs, tomatoes etc), fresh fruit, fruit drinks (not juice, but diluted cordial, very sweet) and good, strong coffee (9/10).
The evening buffet has a large choice of salads and hot very interesting vegetable dishes, two very good soups, four warm meat and fish dishes from a carvery. There is a large desert table with cakes, ice cream and fruit (peaches, plums and two types of melon. None of the cakes are filled with real cream, only artificial “Persil-white” cream. Apart from a very good almond cake the cakes were a tremendous let-down. But for a buffet, it is very good value for money (9/10).
We had lunch in Port El Kantaoui every day at an “Italian” restaurant in the New Marina at a fantastic secluded location by the sea away from the busy tourist area in the main marina; lovely food and wine (12 dinars for a bottle of Tunisian rose that cost 20 at the hotel) (10/10).
The location of the hotel is excellent with the sea only 50 m away from the pool area. The hotel has an indoor pool that probably is used more during the cooler season. The outdoor pool is excellent; clean (no grime anywhere) and spacious. Half of the pool is as much as 3.2 m deep which gives a lot of water per person. There is a large number of sunbeds in the pool area, most with parasols. Mattress rental is 2 dinars per day. Remember to bring your own beach towels. The pool is not heated, but the water temperature was 32 degC every day (10/10).
The beach and sea bed is fine sand and the water is clean. The sea temperature was 28 degC in the morning and 30 degC in the afternoon (10/10). But watch out for a few small jellyfish that burn (they are difficult to spot and look like rings of 1 to 5 cm diameter with semitransparent small tentacles). Our family had only two small burns, but take some Xylocaine with you in case.
The Port El Kantaoui area is excellent for walks during the evening, although the doormen at local restaurants and shops are often very annoying (they don’t take no for an answer in any language). On one stretch of the marina it felt like we were going down a slalom course, attempting to avoid them. Just about everything in the shops is fake; clothes with designer logo, jewellery, watches and shoes. Leather can be plastic, silver can be tin metal and gold is definitely not gold. If you plan to buy some jewellery, a tip is to bring a magnet (gold and silver is not magnetic, but other metals are).
We took a day trip to Sousse with taxi. Agree on price before you get into the taxi (costs 8 dinars). Take a walk in the old area of Medina. The souk is well worth a stroll, but don’t expect to find quality goods. It is surprising that it is so difficult to find shops that sell quality goods; the tourists certainly have purchasing power. We found none. Watch out for con artists. A common trick is to say that he recognises you because he is a waiter at your hotel before leading you off to a cousin’s carpet shop. In the Middle East you can always be sure of receiving quality goods at an agreed (and haggled) price. In Tunisia they will flog you for all you are worth.
But it was an excellent holiday!
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jun 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Thomson |
| Submitted
By: |
Miss D Goddard |
| Overall
Rating: |
10/10 |
| Comments: |
Myself and my boyfriend have just returned from a 1 week holiday in Port El Kantoui and we had an absolutely fantastic time!! Both agreed it was the best holiday we'd ever been on!
Firstly the weather was amazing...at least 35'c + every day, clear blue sky but a nice cooling breeze in the evening. Perfect for an evening stroll.
The hotel itself was perfect, definitely deserved all of its 4 star rating, having both been to a number of hotels in different countries, we would definitely say this was one of the nicest. Couldnt fault a single thing, the reception/foyer was breathtaking, beautiful marble and chandeliers, was quite jaw droping on arrival. The rooms were lovely and spacious and also very nicely furnished (not sure why people thought they needed updating we are both in our early twenties and we thought the rooms were awesome!!) The maids did a fab job everyday, clean towels and bed linen and always added lots of nice touches such as making up the bed sheets to look like sea shells. The room/hotel in general was exceptionally clean on arrival and continued to be so for the rest of the holiday. The staff were very friendly and funny, we even had flowers on our dinner table as a farewell gesture on our last night, yet another nice touch which I feel sets this hotel apart from others ive stayed in. The hotel had a nice bar and coffee bar, plus a hairdressers, gift shop and indoor pool. The outdoors pool area was very impressive, great size pool always very clean and with beuatiful surrounding area including gardens, palm trees and a pool side bar. Just a walk through the garden area and you are on the beautiful beach, with clear blue sea and white sand. Loads of water sports to take part in too or just to watch. There was also a snack bar which was part of the Marhaba Palace which was set on the beach. As we were half board, we always had our lunch here, great food and a lovely view of the beach.
The area of Port El Kantoui is lovely and an absolutely perfect location. Literally just a five minute walk to the port where we found lots of shops,restaurants, boats and some dancing water fountains which was really nice. Most evenings we went for a nice walk to the Port which we always enjoyed. I will mention that the shop owners do hassle you to go and look around their shops but at the end of the day you are in a different country, this is an entirely different culture, so to me, it was purely just experiencing this. They are not nasty at all, if anything, they are very funny, coming out with phrases such as "have a butchers" and "lovely jubleey" which we found very amusing if anything and generally they will laugh along with you! The men are not that intimidating or as creepy as I was initially made to think, the worst that happened to me was that my boyfriend was offered some camels in exchange for me!! Yes they do like the girls but I personally just found them to be friendly.
There is also a theme park, quad bikes and water park all within walking distance....so if you ask me Port El Kantoui was simply the perfect resort!
We went on the 2 day Sahara Explorer Excursion which was amazing, very good value for money and a once in a lifetime experience. We booked this through the tour company and it was brilliant, everything was vey organised and we got to see some amazing sites...would recommend this to anyone. We also went on a catamaran and the water park (which is small but the first in Tunisia so a good first effort...was still good fun).
All in all was a brilliant holiday, wish we'd have gone for 2 weeks. We are just glad we didnt pay much attention to the very negative reviews we read prior to going. Everyone in the hotel were just as impressed as us with everything. Maybe you could say we are easily pleased but I couldnt fault a single thing....was defiitely our dream holiday!
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jun 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Thomas Cook |
| Submitted
By: |
Mr J Pitchford |
| Overall
Rating: |
9/10 |
| Comments: |
My wife and i have just returned from a 2 week holiday in Tunisia, staying at the Marhaba Palace hotel in Port El Kantaoui. There have been a lot of bad reviews about this hotel, we found it to be a little gem. The rooms are cleaned daily with fresh bedding and towels and laid out in fancy fashions. All the staff are so pleasent and most helpful. The hotel is ideally situated just a stroll past the lovely swimming pool leads onto a lovely white sandy private beach. Also near by just a 5 min walk is the picturesque marina with little shops and restaraunts. By far the best is the Meditteranean all i can say is wow i wont spoil it for you. Just opposite the Marina is the musical fountains, find a bar get a drink sit back and be amazed. We never usually return to a place we have been to before as we like to try different places, but this is now the second time we have been to this resort and Hotel, and we will definately be returning again and again. The one and only fault if im really picky is that the aircon is not turned on till the 15th of june which was the day we came home and we were finding a little bit hot by then. But if you want a lovely relaxing holiday in a lovely setting you wont find much better than this Hotel, HAPPY HOLIDAYING.
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
May 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Travel Republic |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs C Smith |
| Overall
Rating: |
10/10 |
| Comments: |
Just returned from Maharba Palace - (3rd time) - this hotel is fantastic. Rooms are good but could do with updating but this is africa! They are cleaned daily. Food is excellent great choice at breakfast and even better choices in the evening. Yes you get loads of hassle if you venture out at night round the shops etc but gee this is africa, it's their living, just ignore them or just say a firm No. Marina is lovely, golf club do great food too if you fancy a snack at lunch. This year they have added an irish bar across the road - linked to Hotel Kanta - not loud - just nice with entertainment and sky sports. All in all a great place. OH and a big tip forget the bus with the tour company a taxi cost 25 dinar and you get there before all the rest - we did this and got upgraded with a family to a penthouse suite - superb!!
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Apr 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Thomson |
| Submitted
By: |
Mr TD Blackman |
| Overall
Rating: |
10/10 |
| Comments: |
This is the 2nd time that i have been to this hotel and the staff still remember me as they do with other guests that come back time and time again. I must say that this is the best hotel that i know of in Port El Khantoui i have visited a few Green Park, El Mouradi, Kanz and maharba knocks spots off of them. This hotel is not great for Kids as there is not a lot to do for them unless you take them on the trips which could be cost a fortune(but if you just like to relax this is the place. The staff cannot do enough for you even the cleaners if you are lucky enough to get one that speaks english. I am a very fussy eater but i found the food there i could eat in abundance as they always had something i could eat, fresh meat counter pork, lamb, beef, chicken, turkeyare always available there is a fish counter salad counter bread chesse and the deserts are to die for. The thomson rep (Matt) was always on hand if you needed him and was a great help. The beach sports are cheap 20 dinar for paragliding £8, you can buy a good replica bag D&G for 35 dinar in the fixed price shop across the road £14 unless you want to haggle if you do Offer about a third of what they ask you. 5 dinar is approx £2
A Lacoste Polo shirt plain is abot 10 to 12 dinar fixed price. You can do scuba diving for £18 the cheapest i have heard of. A trip on the Paradise boat in the Port is well worth it to see the dolphins(If your lucky) it's 10 dinar but if there's a few on the boat they will only charge you 5 dinar, you can only buy booze on a hotel complex or a pub that is adjoined to the hotel there is the odd shop that you can buy it from but it is very expensive(and it is in a side door not on the actual shop floor) beer is about £2 to £2.40 a pint. Remember Tunisians have bad wages and rely on there tips ENJOY I WILL B BACK Soon and you will too. I have heard so much about the bad food in tunisia from other people but not at this hotel (Go to thomson videos and what you see is what you get)
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Apr 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Thomson |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs KM Clifton |
| Overall
Rating: |
10/10 |
| Comments: |
I have just returned from Tunisia and it was fantastic !! The Marhaba Palace deserves all 4 of it's stars. We had a wonderful time. There is little to no evening entertainment but the Port and Irish bar more then make up for that. Our room was clean and the staff always rearranged my sons toys to make a fun scene on the bed. The food was different most nights but we always were able to find something to eat. The staff at the Marhaba Palace was always lovely and never let us do anything for ourselves. I was very impressed and will rebook soon!!
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Apr 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Thomson |
| Submitted
By: |
Ms L Dowd |
| Overall
Rating: |
3/10 |
| Comments: |
Just having returned from this hotel I feel very disappointed, especially by the rating this hotel has been allowed to keep. Our room was not ready on arrival and we had to wait over an hour in reception and during this period I found the reception staff unhelpful and unfriendly. The hotel itself was very tired looking and although the room was clean, we discovered cockroaches in the bathroom - an experience I definatley would not expect from a 4 star hotel. The one good thing I can say about the hotel was that the food was of a good standard and there was a lot of choice each morning and evening and the particular waiter we had for our table was very helpful and friendly.
I found the resort itself a nightmare. Whilst I am a great lover of shopping, I began to avoid the marina area as tourists were continually hasseled in order to look in the shops, go in the bars/cafes and restaurants, very few of which sold alcohol by the way. I had my 13 year old daughter with me and we both felt intimated by the constant pestering of the local tunisians and after a week was quite relieved be returning home.
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Mar 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Panorama |
| Submitted
By: |
Mr J Moylan |
| Overall
Rating: |
8/10 |
| Comments: |
My wife and I travelled with our 12 year old son and his pal for a week's stay. We arrived very late (1.30 am) and the darkened reception area (they obviously turn off most of the lights at night) was off-putting. I could hardly see the registration forms as I was filling them out (one for each person). We got put into the wrong room and had to change the next morning. After that, things improved. The weather was mixed - too chilly for the beach but OK for the pool area. A couple of days were rainy. The hotel worked well for us. The travel agent had recommended that we book half-board and it was good advice as the buffet dinner was absolutely great - particularly with children who also loved the beachside restaurant for lunch. Apart from the dour fellow at the money exchange desk (who was most reluctant to give exchange receipts which are necessary if you want to change back at the end of the holiday), the staff were friendly and helpful. We had booked interconnecting rooms which were ideal for us. We also took a two-day, guided coach tour (Sahara Adventure?) which we booked at the hotel and which was very enjoyable, particularly as the weather forecast in Port Al Kantaoui was poor for those days. In my "younger" days, I spent eleven years working in various countries in the middle east (including Egypt !) but, even then, I found the tendency to overcharge (in shops, restaurants and taxis) irritating . This, by the way, did not happen in the hotel. We would happily return there and I would recommend it to anyone who does not mind if things aren't perfect.
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Mar 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Thomson |
| Submitted
By: |
Miss L Thompson |
| Overall
Rating: |
8/10 |
| Comments: |
Overall we had a FAB holiday in Tunisia, food was gorgeous, weather wasnt too great, didnt go in the pool once because it was too cold but we made the most of it. Went quad biking twice, booked the 1st one with our Thomson rep for 30 dinars each (about £12), then the 2nd time we booked it with the owner and got it for 25 dinar each. Went on camel caravan too...BEWARE of saddle rash!!
HOWEVER...a few things really rattled our cages but didnt allow it to spoil our holiday:
1. Went back to room one day and the maid was sat at the end of our bed watching TV.
2. Our toilet always stank (toilet is seperate from the bathroom), and one day we had somebody elses waste come through to our toilet...was not impressed!!
3. Had no towels one day so had to ask for some from reception.
4. Ran out of toilet paper, luckily my bf caught the maid outside and asked for some, but then she turned round and said im not going to clean your room today cause im not feeling well (as though we had to do her a favour in exchange for the toilet paper).
5. Beware of some staff when your due to go home (esp the maids) saying its their day off tomorrow - they're after a tip before you leave!!
6. Dont be fooled if you go for a massage and they tell you how little they get paid...again they are after a tip and trying to make you feel sorry for them.
7. Watch out on your way back home- at the airport the maids deliberately leave no toilet paper in the loos so you ask them for some, then when they give it to you they hold their hands out and say 'Money'...I found this VERY rude. I told the maid I didnt have any money and she knows that you have to change all your dinars back to sterling beforehand, so she then said 'English money' ...Again I felt like telling her to take a hike but insted I just said I didnt have any.
8. One day we got offered drugs when we was taking a stroll round the harbour.
9. No entertainment and we was told there would be.
10. Ladies...I would advise you to cover up because the men stare at you as if they have never seen a woman before, blatantly infront of your man too!!
Ok so maybe thats more than a few things. Hope this hasnt put anybody off Tunisia. I have been to Tunisia twice before this holiday and its a great place. Just dont be fooled.
Oh and one last thing...when you go shopping just haggle. My bf bought me a bag, the guy wanted 120 dinars for it and we haggled and got it for 35 dinars. And sometimes if you say no and walk away, they will soon come chasing you and say you can have it for the price you asked.
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Mar 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Thomas Cook |
| Submitted
By: |
Miss H Cully |
| Overall
Rating: |
8/10 |
| Comments: |
On arrival to the hotel I was placed in the wrong room. There was not enough room, however the staff were efficient in selecting a more appropriate room at no extra cost.
The staff were very friendly and good fun.
Was disappointed that there was no entertainment in the hotel but managed to get by with visiting the port, the fountain displays that dance to classical music with coloured lights and drinking in the Irish Pub!
The food was lovely, especially the breakfasts. A real good start to the day.
Beautiful walks along the beach. The indoor swimming pool was lovely and warm.
I enjoyed this trip so much that im booking again for 5 months time!
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Feb 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Thomson |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs C Gair |
| Overall
Rating: |
8/10 |
| Comments: |
My husband and I stayed in the marhaba palace for a week in february, the staff were very friendly and the hotel was warm and welcoming although our room on the 4th floor was not prepared when we arrived.The food was excelent, there was a lot of work going on around the pool, which was closed,but we sat near to the beach, a man came every morning and gave sunbeds out free but you had to pay 2dn for the cushions.We used the fitness centre, I had a massage and we both use the pool and jaccusi spent a enjoyable two hours.Will be back again in the future.
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jan 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Thomas Cook |
| Submitted
By: |
Mr R.W Harmer |
| Overall
Rating: |
8/10 |
| Comments: |
My wife and I found Maharbra Palace a very friendly and welcoming hotel. The staff were allways very helpfull and curtious. The hotel itself was very clean. Our room was on the 4th floor again it was kept very clean by our maid, however the bathroom was clean but a bit tiered. We faced the pool/sea hence no sun in our room all day.
The food was basic but good with plenty of choice. The hotel is in a fantastic situation being only a 10 minuite walk from the marina and shops and only 15mins by taxi from Sousse
costing about 6/7 Dinar about £2-50. The hotel and surrounding area is ideal for any one with a walking disability.
We had enjoyable fortnight but I would warn everyone that when changing monies at the hotel to watch your change DONT leave the desk until you have checked the monies against your receipt.
We tipped our maid and waiter at the end of each week and gave a small tip for other services i.e. barman,doorman etc.
Enjoy your holiday.
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Dec 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Thomson |
| Submitted
By: |
Mr Alan Thomas |
| Overall
Rating: |
8/10 |
| Comments: |
My Stay, during Xmas 2007 + New Year 2007, at Marhaba Palace, Port El Kantaoui, Tunisia, was GREAT.
Being an wheelchair user, I was very cautious about the accessibility of the hotel.
Even though the ramps, in Tunisia, are STEEP and are usually Marble, within the hotels, marble is slippery, especially when damp. On my stay, I met a few “mobility impaired” people, who found the hotel good, for the area
The staff are very helpful, if you tip them, they will do all they can.
There are four lifts, at opposite ends of the huge (flat) reception, which has a magnificent centre candelabra. Short pile carpet, on all other floors, does not hinder wheelability.
Rooms are big, (sea views, to the rear, town views else where) bathroom with over shower-bath, basin, Hairdrier, Towels clean every day. Separate toilet (which is on the small side). Hotel is a VERY LARGE H shape, with the beach side in the shade, after mid-day.
Maid service every day, very thorough, even art sculptures with the bed linen and bed clothes and net curtains. Laundry service available.
Restaurant has 3 levels (accessed by steps or ramps) Food is “Buffet” style, plenty of choice, and plenty of it. (you always have the same table, every night).
Breakfast is in a different room, again buffet style, plenty of choice. Waiters direct you to your table, some tables are wider than others (good for a wheelchair).
The hotel has a shop, hair salon, Al a Carte resturaunt, Fitness centre, tennis courts, mini golf, sauna and massage suite, indoor (heated) outdoor swimming pools. Short path to the beach 100 mtrs. Pool and beach bar.
When weather, is not so good, main hotel rooms, can become “chilly”, floor one has some settees, so you can still sit in the sun.
The town of Port El Kantaoui is only 2minutes walk, along cobbled pavements or “wheel” on the road, but beware in a wheelchair (or even crossing, on crossings) you feel a bit of a target.
Entertainment was abit scarce, but it was December (not the high season).
Christmas and New Year GALA dinners were waiter service, 7 course meals (menu issued in advance, so you can notify them of any dislikes). With music and dancers.
On Christmas morning the children have gifs from Father Christmas (and even WHEELCHAIR users!!).
We took an excursion to the desert, to ride a camel, visit El Jem, the salt lakes, on the Red Lizard train into the Atlas Mountains.
Trip on a Galeon ship and a anther trip on the Albatross Catamaran.
Would return, to this hotel, knowing that it has acceptable access and that this hotel is NOT in the centre of a built up area.
More information via www.llanboidy.com and http://alanroygbiv.blogspot.com/
Photos on http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/
Videos on http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=alanroygbiv
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Dec 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Thomson |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs A Newall |
| Overall
Rating: |
6/10 |
| Comments: |
Hotel located within 10 minutes walk of the port at Port El Kantaoui. There is lots of shops and cafes. Reception area in the hotel was cold as lots of marble.
Staff spoke good English and were friendly. No entertainment in the hotel though, but there is an Irish bar across the road. Lots of choice of food, it was self service, each evening you sit at the same table, but in the morning you can sit anywhere.
There is inside and outside pool, both were cold though in December. Gym, sauna and steam room but you have to pay extra for these things.
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Oct 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Thomas Cook |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs A Brown |
| Overall
Rating: |
1/10 |
| Comments: |
We arrived to Marhaba Palace on the 28th October, when we arrived we had to wait 2 hours for our room as we checked in and they gave us our key and our room hadn’t been cleaned.
The staff in reception were very ignorant and rude. Food choice was not very good, all repetitive and catered more for the Germans and Swedish.
When you went out on the street you got a lot of verbal abuse if you didn’t go in their shops.
There were hardly any shops; they all sold the same things. Nothing around to go see to help pass any time on. Because of the abuse you got we never really went out on the streets only went out if we wanted to go to the supermarket.
I would not recommend this hotel to anyone or go back again. We spent main of our holiday stuck in our hotel rooms reading, watching TV, and sleeping. This was not a very good holiday at all, also there was bad weather and there were no entertainment, it was like staying in an old people's retirement home.
The only good thing about this holiday is: the staff in the restaurant (morning and evening) was very kind and helpful and also the staff from the bar was very kind and friendly!
Overall I did not like this holiday at all!
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