Marhaba Palace Hotel

4 star??, this hotel is very tired and needs upgrading. The position is very good close to marina and shops, thank goodness as there is absolutly nothing to do in the hotel after evening meal, but even a walk to the marina is spoilt by the hassling shopkeepers all of who want your money. The rooms are old and in need of repair, the sunbeds by the pool are all booked by 7-30am. unless you pay the guy extra to save you one!!. The beach only has tatty old deckchairs in which you cannot lay flat but again cost you if you can get one. The shop in the hotel reception is a joke, they open at 9am for papers that are 2days old and make you wait outside until 3 blokes put all the wares on display (could take 15mins) instead of serving you they move you around rudely.I refused to give them my trade after a couple of days of such bad manners. write bookswap on any you leave in reps room or these will be on sale within the hour!!. The food was poor, warmed up carrots for breakfast??. This was our first visit to Tunisia and sadly will be our last, there was just nothing to like about the place to make you want to return!!!!

Me and My fiance chose Tunisia as a holiday destination as something different and new, and we were suprised, not sure if it was in a good way... The hotel seemed to be much the same as our impression of Tunisia.. Although we paid less for the Hotel as most probably did (we went on the Thomsons Price Breaker deal), we were still slightly dissapointed by the poor attitude of the staff... However, the Rep was a complete star! Cons: One evening our meal contained a crispy fly!!! not as ordered by the way! and we had nosey maids and noisey birds buildingnests on our balcony. andthe air conditioning was not working.. th staff were unhelpful in helping us resolve all the issues, our REP had to make sure things got done! not even an Apology from the waiter for the Fly in the food.. Pros: as we hadthe price deal it was relatively cheap, the thompsons three day sahara trip was amazing and the pool and nearby beach were lovely. The port itself was nice (if you can ignore the market traders who will be persistent and aim to rip you off) The country itself has a lot to learn, and i think it will be quite a while before we visit again! however, if you do enjoy relaxing days in the sun, the hotel is recomended before PEAK!

We have just returned from Marhaba Palace on Sunday night, What a difference seven months makes since our last visit. Back then it was excellent and well now a two star hotel in the uk is better!. The Main restuanrant is double booked tables with food that is cold 80% of the time or just uneatable. We paid for half board and ended up paying in a'la carte just for food u could eat. Breakfast was warmed up carrots & pea's for three days. Staff are rude and take your food before you even can eat it. As two ex holiday rep's we were appauled by the standard of staff working for the holiday company it was the sort of attuided of "i don't have to eat or sleep here" but i'll pretend to be intersted. A'la carte worth a visit if your already booked in Adeale is very funny and a good laugh if you want a steak without blood tell him very very well done. or try the galic sauce it's not on the menu in there but the chef will make it for u very nice... Watch the lifts the sensors are all faulty a child got her hand trapped in them. If you want to complain about the food see sheilk momhammed (little man black suit is too big) he's the main boss. Overall we won't go back to marhaba palace again

When we arrived at the hotel, the room that we were given smelt musty, the bathroom had seen better days and the air-conditioning and fridge didn't work. The man on reception practically barked at my husband when he went down to complain and was rudely told to come back at 9.00am when the shift changed hands. We went down at 9.00am to complain about the room and another obnoxious man was even ruder to me when I asked to change the room, something which would'nt be tolerated in a British 4 star hotel! The breakfast was bearable but were told by other guests that the breakfast was the better of all the meals, so I can't imagine what the dinner was like as we were B&B. The beach however was lovely with bluey green sea and pure white sand. However, we were told you had to tip the pool man as well as pay for the beds, in order to get a bed around the pool and he would put his towel on them, which I didn't agree with as the beds should have been free and for use anytime as part of the hotel's facilities. What really annoyed me was that the hotel had collected used and abandoned books from the hotel guests and had the cheek to sell them in the hotel shop for 4 dinars (approx £1.75). I have travelled the world extensively and this was the first time for me to see a hotel cashing in on guests' used books, something which are generally left for other guests to read and not for sale! On the whole, everywhere you went the Tunisians tried to make money from you, certainly no bargains to be had here, I found Egypt and Turkey to be cheaper. We won't be returning!

My wife and I had never been to Tunisia before and considered this holiday a bit of an experiment. We were not quite sure what to expect but found it to be quite delightful. This hotel is somewhat of a slight contradiction. It is 4*, that's not in doubt and I would ignore those who would argue otherwise. However, in some respects it is in need of refurbishment but that does not detract from it's charm. The Hotel's presence is almost imposing on it's surroundings and we felt reassured when we arrived, almost a relief: a vindication of our choice as first holiday in Tunisia. We found the food first class, an endorsement of the Country's historical French influence. It has it's own private beach, within easy walking distance of the harbour and a taxi ride away from Souse. We had some minor problems with the room (water leak from the next room) but that seemed trivial in terms of the overall holiday experience that we didn't feel the need to make an issue of it. Quite frankly, it's one of the few places we've been to that we would comfortably consider going back to. One word of caution though - do not have a massage from the local canvassers. consult your rep first (Thomson were first rate) as the locals are not 'qualified' (my wife swears she has twinges even now!). If you are a Thomson customer, I highly recommend their "Night Out" - it turned out to be a gas!

Just returned from an amazing week in the Marhaba Palce hotel and all I can say is what a spectacular hotel. The whole place is inpressive with a great reception area and lovely rooms. I would suggest a sea view because it is a joy to wake up to but I met people with a front facing room and the view of the surrounding area who said the same. The food is lovely even for fussy eaters and you get to know the chefs and waiters who always remember what you like when you walk in. Room service is cheap and really really nice if you fancy something to snack on later in the night. The cafe on the beach sells nice food at good prices too if you are half board and fancy a day of not moving too far from the beach some days. Although the beach is lovely and the pool is great I would suggest everyone goes out to see a little of the country. We packed lots into this holiday and saw so much I can't even remember it all (although I only got back to the uk last night). A few seconds walk away is Port el kantaoui marina where you can have a nice cheap meal and go on boat trips. There are also some shops but please just look here and try the madina in Sousse. Although you will be told to go to the fixed price shop (the Zoula centre) its not cheap. The medina is not as frighting as it sounds honestly. Even if the haggling is not for you just say no thank you to the shop holders and make your way to the fixed price shops inside which are fantastic. I couldn't even haggle prices that good and I love haggling! We went on the sarhara trip which I would say everyone should do once in a life time but I have to say it gets really hot so not one for small children and there is some walking involved if you want to see the best views so maybe not for people who have mobility problems. It's well worth the money because it's two full packed days for only about £70. All meals are included but not drinks although you will get these for pence. Although we packed lots in (too much to even say here) anyone wanting a relaxed holiday would love this place just as much as us. All that is left to say to anyone going to this hotel soon is I hate you I want to be be back there now (we're already looking to book again to do all the stuff we didn't have time to do) and if anyone has room in their suitcase for me let me know!

Just back from holiday and found this hotel to be a somewhat mixed bag... Location was excellent; on the beach (with fantastic watersports very reasonably priced) and a short walk to the marina. The pools (outdoor and indoor) were great.... However, the general impression of the hotel was that in some ways it has seen better days - the main reception area and bars were fine but the rooms we had were definitely in need of work doing to them. However, the real disappointment was the food - breakfast was bearable but the evening meals were appalling. Would recommend anyone staying here go B&B and eat out in the evenings. Finally, it is a mad rush in the mornings to get sunbeds with brollies around the pool - very important given the heat - yet many beds stayed unused throughout the day with towels left on them....

Spent a week at the Marhaba palace in June, we were very pleased with the location, as it was walking distance to the Marina, but we were generally disappointed with the hotel. It was rated as a 4 star, but i don't think the facilities were those from a 4 star hotel. We did ask for an iron one night and we were told we could only have it for half an hour as it was the only one they had. The table for dinner was allocated on the first day you arrived, but all the table were so close to each other that you couldn't get up without moving everybody around you. You couldn't add the drinks you had to your room, I think all the waiters they wanted to make sure they got a tip. Overall we were disappointed with the whole experience, we weren't expecting any luxuries, but appart form the location everything else was a let down.

Just returned 7th this month, had a lovely holiday, hotel situated in good position but there needs to be some big changes. Food for breakfast fine, lunches at beach bar fine, evening meal terrible. I don`t know how people can say evening meals are lovely and are as good as five star as we have stayed five star and never had to go out to eat on an evening like we did here. We became friendly with a few couples who had been to this hotel 3 years running and advised us the food used to be great however this year they ate out, also they said there used to be entertainment every evening including bbq`s at the pool bar but this never happend just a game of bingo or karaoke. The pool area is lovely but never hosed down so you needed to wear you flip flops to go backwards and forwards to your sunbed otherwise your feet were filthy. Also i think the scam Ali who looks after the pool has should be sorted, to get a brolly you need to see him at the beginning of the holiday and pay him, he puts his own towels on and collects them when you arrive. Although the mats for the beds are only about 40p this is not the issue of the money it`s a 4star hotel this should not happen we paid for the brolly and the mats but i did feel guilty when i could see people with children who could not get them it does need sorting out. After saying all this i would go back but only B & B as the rooms were lovely as were the staff just a few things need a little bit of attention, mainly the food.

The Marhaba Palace will certainly exceed all your expectations as it did mine. This very grand Hotel is indeed as impressive on the inside as it is on the outside. Situated on the stunning powder white sand beach of Port El Kantaoui, it is perfectly placed for a five minute stroll to the Marina area where there are a large assortment of Shops,Restaurants and Pavement Cafes. Our room was well equipped with a Television, Radio,Telephone, seperate Bathroom and Toilet and very plush carpet on the floor. Toiletries are also provided. The air-conditioning system was very efficient and the room was always lovely and cool when we returned at night. All rooms have a mini fridge that can be stocked with drinks of your choice. The prices are very reasonable and we asked for 12 soft drinks and 6 bottles of lager, the grand total was £15. The room service is available 24 hours a day, it must be the cheapest on the planet, where else can you have a cappucino delivered to your room for 69p?! All the prices for room service are the same as you will pay in the Bars. There are two Bars in the Hotel , in the American Bar they host a Happy Hour between 6 and 8pm every evening. The hotel has an Indoor Pool, a Nightclub which opens at 9pm until 2pm each evening except Sunday, when it is closed. An Authentic Moorish Cafe can be found just off the Reception area. The sports facilities include 2 Tennis courts, Squash Courts a Gymnasium and a Massage & Jacuzzi centre. English Papers can be purchased at the Hotel shop and cost around 80p each. Breakfast is taken in the A la Carte Restaurant between 7 and 10 am. You can help yourself to Juices, Cereals, Toast,Rolls & Jam,various Pastries and Croissants,Scrambled Eggs,Sausages, Beans, Tomatoes,Sauted Potatoes and occasionally, Bacon. Omelettes and Fried Eggs are cooked as you wait. Pots of freshly brewed Coffee and Tea are served at the table by the Waiters. The main Restaurant serves Dinner between the hours of 6.30 and 9pm. You will keep the same table for the duration of your stay. The food is excellent and very plentiful. There are usually around five different Meat dishes ,Fish,Pasta, Rice,Chips,lots of Veg and an extensive Salad Bar. Apparently, the Pastry Chef at the Hotel has won various awards for his creations and deservedly so. Choose from Gateaus, Fruit Tarts,individual small Pastries, Fresh Fruit and a different selection of Ice Creams each evening. No one should go hungry with such choice. The Pool area is spacious and is spotlessly clean. Sunbeds are free but Mattresses cost 40p each. The Pool Bar serves cold drinks and coffee. Sometimes you can order Crepes which cost around £1.40 but they are large and very filling. There is also a Cafe on the beach that serves snacks such as Pizza,Large Filled Rolls,Kebabs,Beefburgers,Chips and drinks. Pizzas cost between £2.60-£3.00, Chips £1.60 and Rolls £1.95. Please don't quote me on prices as they are all from memory. Jet Skis, Parascending, Banana Boats and Pedaloes are all available on the beach. Although there were children staying at the Hotel i would think it was more suited to Adults and Teenagers as there were not many facilities for little ones. There was entertainment by the pool every evening but really this is a very relaxing sort of holiday. The Resort of Port El Kantaoui is very upmarket and the terrain is lush and green. There are many shops and Haggling is the order of the day here. If you want to pay fixed prices there are a couple of establishments where the prices are clearly marked and what you see is what you pay. Best buys are Leatherware,Brass,Ceramics and Carpets. For a really wonderful shopping experience, take a Taxi into Sousse (£2.50 approx)and visit The Soula Centre. This is the equivalent of our Department Stores and has three floors of Handicrafts and Gifts.Take lots of money, you will spend it! Next to the Soula Centre is the walled Medina which is worth a visit before you come out laden with your purchases. There are many sightseeing opportunities in Tunisia and trips available from Port El Kantaoui include: A Two day trip to the Sahara Desert £108 Shopping in Tunis £15 Kairouan,El Jem and Monastir £25 A 2 hour Catamaran trip £11 Quad Biking £12.50 All prices are approximate and are based on an exchange rate of 2.30 Tunisian Dinars to the £. I have stayed in 5 Star Hotels that have not been as good as this.I am sure that if they provided a Beach and Pool Towel service and upgraded the Deckchairs on the Beach to Sunloungers they would easily attain the rating. All the Staff at the Hotel were helpful and they all work really hard to ensure you enjoy your stay. I would rate this Holiday as one of the best that i have taken in the Med.