Reviews of Saadia Hotel, Skanes

I returned from this supposed three star hotel one week ago and I have never been so glad for a holiday to end.



Whilst the reception and bars have been recently redecorated this only highlights the run down condition of the rooms. All Inclusive option was poor with intermittent availability and service. The service being reserved for guests who were paying.



The plumbing was sporadic with leaking toilets and times without running water.



I am afraid I can think of nothing good to say other that the weather was nice.



If you want basic, dated, threadbare accommodation this could be the place for you. I could not give it one star.

This hotel was not the best I've stayed in but for £250 AI there was clean sheets and towels and good food, great sun and I didn't really want anymore.



Yes the carpet in the halls needed ripping up but I wasn’t sleeping in the hall!



Having stayed next door at the Liberty 2 years ago which was gorgeous perhaps we were spoilt but it was ok for a nice late break.

This was our 4th visit to the Saadia in 18 months, and we would never return even if we were offered a free holiday.



When the holiday was booked we requested a cot for one of the rooms, we arrived at approx 20.15pm on the Sunday evening and had to wait until 14.00pm on the Monday for the cot, and then there were no sheets for it.



The cleanliness of the Saadia is now at a all time low. The pool and surrounding areas were only cleaned twice in the week we were there, on previous visits it was cleaned daily, the dining hall tables still had dirty clothes on them in the morning from the previous night, the rooms were not cleaned properly (baby left some biscuit crumbs on the floor, they were still there the following day), towels only changed twice, sheets were never changed.



One of the things that made us go back to the Saadia was the friendliness of the staff, this is now not the case, they all seemed very subdued.



On the day of departure, we had to vacate our rooms by 12.00pm, on returning to rooms at about 11.00am, the towels had been removed, and whilst one of the party with us, were changing in the bathroom, the chambermaid knocked on the door, and barged in though take the sheets off the bed, this we considered very rude, as we had the right to stay in the room until 12.00pm.



To sum everything up, the taxi driver that took us back to the airport, said on driving away, "goodbye to the rubbish Saadia", which I have to admit we had to fully agree with this comment.

Just returned from this hotel - no matter what anybody says about this so called hotel - DON'T GO!



The only way I can best describe it is 'Alcatraz with the added benefit of disease infested 20 year old rotten carpet'. Hell hole. The staff were rude, rude, rude, and downright hostile.



The rats obviously find the hotel more acceptable than I EVER would as they merrily carried on with day to day life in the sun. The place should be knocked down and incinerated.



We did research into this hotel and understood it had been refurbished, the photos on the websites show a decent looking place, and holiday was cheap, what could go wrong?



We were so wrong. Photos fail to show the huge blocks of cells that actually surround the other half of the unrefurbished side, the angle from where all the 'delightful' photos are taken from - anybody would think Hotel Saadia doesn't want you to see the 'cells' they call hotel rooms! Not in a million years would I ever let anybody I know stay there.



Needless to say within 7 hours of fighting with our Rep to be moved (and being told at 4am when I'm crying down the phone, to get off the 'out of hours' mobile number because it was for 'dead people only' HELLO?) and having no sleep at all got my suitcase (my friends mysteriously disappeared) and booked ourselves into the hotel next door and paid out of our pockets, which in fact would be cheaper for anyone to do rather than accept a transfer at extra cost.



Liberty Hotel were so kind to us and obviously understood how bad it was at the Saadia, for that I am eternally grateful.



Just Sunshine (tour operator) will be hearing from us - in the meantime we want to save others from experiencing the 'Saadia'.

This is the most dreadful hotel I have ever been to. All inclusive does not mean all inclusive.



The one bar to be used by all inclusive guests is situated outside. The only drinks available are cheap beer and wine and the local bhouka which is a fig based drink. The drinks are served in small plastic cups by a surely rude barman who does not seem to understand that you have, in fact paid for the privilege of all inclusive.



The rooms are the most dirty uncomfortable I have ever had the misfortune to stay in. No hairdryers, no TV no fridge no telephone. Our bathroom was filthy and the sink did not work for the duration of our stay despite requests to get it fixed.



No beach towels are provided. The food is ok if, you can get a plate and a knife and fork. The pool area is dangerous and uneven and there are numerous broken sunbeds.



The day is filled with constant loud music from outdoor speakers playing the same tune at the same time each day. I would not recommend this hotel to anyone wanting a relaxing holiday.



There is nothing to do outside the hotel not even a shop. You are, therefore, forced to endure the endless noise at this hotel unless you take a taxi to Sousse or Monastir.



I was really glad to get home.

We arrived in Tunisia late evening and were met by our rep and a bus. On arrival at the hotel we completed some forms and were then shown to our room. It was basic but clean. It was air-conditioned and had a nice balcony. During our stay it was cleaned everyday by a very nice, cheerful cleaner.



The food was good, as they had to cater for so many different nationalities and tastes. There was always a salad option and plenty of varieties of bread. The menu was varied but there was always pizza and chips for those who would not eat 'proper' food. The restaurant staff were very nice -cheerful and helpful.



The Entertainment team were great. During the day they ran various activities for the adults (children had their own club). At night they put on shows and cabarets - these were great fun. Before the shows they did a bit of song and dance with the children and they were so good with them - even the tiniest ones. There was a Cocktail bar for those who preferred peace and quiet, with live music twice a week.



Overall, there were plenty of facilities - an indoor and outdoor pool, a shop, a lounge with satellite TV (I saw the England/Springboks world cup rugby match on it), bars and a private beach close to the hotel. The staff were all helpful and friendly. The owner walks round the complex a few times a day to make sure everything is running smoothly. Great value for 3 stars.

For the price, hotel Saadia is an amazingly good deal. Very little in the way of frills and luxury, although rooms and hotel very clean and staff very attentive and polite.

We wanted a base from where we could explore, and Saadia is very well located for this with a train station only 15 minutes walk away.



We travelled to Sousse twice by train for the princely sum of about £1.50 return, and even ventured as far as the amphitheatre at El Jem, by train and lounge.

Busses are also frequent and useful for trips to either Monastir or Sousse.



Avoid the rip-off taxis outside the hotel and spend your money in the souk at Sousse on some Berber jewellery which can be had for a very reasonable price if you don't mind a bit of haggling. Also on sale are fabrics, perfumes, spices and all manner of other things.



Fo those who prefer guided tours, the tour of Tunis and Cathage was a very good day out and the guide was excellent. It is quite a way from Skania to tunis by coach, so the guide talked about the modern history, culture, and aspirations of Tunisia.



The hotel seemed to be a bit of a honey pot to various characters trying to sell things as has been mentioned in other reviews, from carpet and leather goods merchants to people offering trips to here and there. I have only heard bad things from people who have been taken in and end up in someone’s shop being given the hard sell for things they don't want.



The courtyard is a cool oasis of calm after a hard days exploring with a fountain in the middle, and songbirds in cages. You can enjoy a Turkish coffee and a shisha pipe as the sun goes down. From our balcony, we could hear the calls to prayer from the local mosque.



The food was an adequate attempt at the usual homogeneous European fayre, but the real surprise was the small variety of traditional Tunisian food which was offered for the adventurous to sample (Stewed Baby Octopus with peas in Cumin was a memorable one). I do hope they still do this.



The hotel was very good for the money, and is ideally situated for a good look at the sites of Tunisia.

Our holiday to Tunisia was going to be extra special this year, because it was going to be our last family holiday! Unfortunately our flights were a real let down.



A 1 hour delay getting there meant we arrived at the hotel at two in the morning! Coming back we were supposed to fly at 00.10 but had a delay. We were supposed to be picked up at 12:30 to fly at 03:00. Bus was late and hotel Saadia had had a wedding and so the car park was full of cars blocking the turning area for all vehicles in and out.



The bus came in and got stuck and decided to reverse half an hour later. When we reached the airport it was to be told we had 12dinars to spend on food (horrible and melted) and we had a further delay. Finally flew back at 06:00 arriving home in Wales at 12:00.



Rooms were clean and tidy. Maid was wonderful and extremely friendly. Took great care of us. Bathroom was a bit of a let down. Water lovely and hot but went all over the floor. Cracks between the bath and the tile wall were horrible. Aircon wasn't working well. Had to stand directly in line and almost under it to feel and air.



The entertainment at night went on till late and was very noisy. Not ideal for those seeking to go to bed before midnight.



Pool was wonderful and clean. On our last day I and my brothers decided to jump into the new indoor pool only to race back out feeling as cold as if you were in the North Pole. The 'Jacuzzi' was the same! Sunbeds all taken. People came down at about 5 in the morning and covered all the beds with towels. We managed to find a table and chairs (not v comfy) but couldn't get under very much shade.



Had two beautiful Henna Tattoos but they haven't lasted long so don't waste your money!



Water Aerobics and other poolside activities were fantastic. I particularly loved the music they played each day. Very modern and up to date and put us all in the right mood.



The hotel was in the middle of nowhere and the pavements were appalling. They were un level and some had deep holes! We were harassed by a horse and carriage as soon as we set foot out of the grounds!



Beach was beautiful! soft sand and lovely water if you traipse through the sea weed first! Went for our evening walks here! Hard going but it kept me fit! We found a floating bar on the sea quite a way along the beach where they served delicious cocktails! The Hotel serves scrumptious hot chocolate, not to be missed!



We were half board. Breakfast was a bit of a letdown. There was no cereal! or Fruit! besides water melon! I had yoghurt but it was natural with syrup mixed through it! Very little of the food had labels so you had to chance what you ate! Lots of stodgy food like croissants etc. Pancakes were yummy though.



Discovered hot rice pudding on the last morning! Didn't think much of cooked b'fast though. All meat was red, dad hated it! You'd think we were entitled to fruit juice, but NO! It was for all inclusive only! We went to the pizzeria for lunch. Cheap and nice however after 1 of 2 weeks we had had enough.



Besides in the heat midday we didn't want to eat. Bought a few snacks from the shop and made do. Evening meal was ok. I tended to stick to the vegetarian options. The veg roast was delicious! Puddings had to be the best, little cakes, flavoured creams, ice cream, and egg custard.



Waiter was exceptional! Always smiling, he made us a pretty table on the last night with many more flower petals than were on their other tables!



Reception was a bit of a letdown! My Nan suffered a nasty cut to her hand from a broken toilet roll holder in one of the main toilets. Our belongings were packed away so we went to the shop, they'd run out of plasters. You'd think reception carried a first aid box. They had no plasters and gave me some cotton wool and iodine. I eventually found some of our own plasters after rooting through our luggage!



Went on the Sahara Explorer Excursion. Not to be missed. Best trip available. It came as a surprise to find ourselves in the best hotel we'd ever stayed in with a thermal pool to help with skin problems, fab! The sunset was amazing as well as the sunrise but you need to be an early riser for this trip. The journey was quite long but they broke it down with stops in towns and oasis'.



The Gallion trip was a real let down. Little entertainment and food. Cruise on the wild side was very good though!



We went into the new piano bar for cocktails to celebrate my nans b-day, they were delicious!



Overall the holiday was a bit of a letdown! However I have decided that I like the Tunisian lifestyle and its culture so I can't wait to return, whether for a short break or permanently, I miss it all!

This is my 6th time at the Saadia Hotel. I've had my ups and downs there but you can't fault the people. The staff are very friendly especially Houda on reception, she is on in the mornings - shes fab. The Animation team are very good, do loads of work for little money but they are what makes the hotel. I never been all inclusive in Tunsia, I'm trying it in Sept at the Neptunia Beach but i'll be up every day to visit the Saadia to see all my friends there.



The food is excellent, too much food at night but the breakfast is limited. If you've got small kids take the packet cereals with you from Morrisons they will be okay. The hotel is well run and the cleaners do a grand job see you in Sept.

Myself my husband and children aged 7, 10, 12, 17, 19 went to the hotel Saadia on 8th August for a 2 week all inclusive holiday. When we reached the airport we got ripped of by the taxi drivers who charged us 25 diner for a 5 min drive which should only cost 10 diner.



Once at the hotel we were welcomed with a drink each and they give you your all inclusive bands. The hotel receptionists were very friendly. The rooms are basic but were cleaned daily. Towels changed daily and bedding changed once a week.



Once down by the pool if you tip the pool boy he will save you beds each day, saves getting up to early to get your beds. I would advice to wear shoes when walking around the pool area as sometimes there is glass on the floor which has been missed from the night before, my daughter stood on glass and the hotel staff are not equipped for these things happening.



We went on the horse and cart for 5 diner each and had a really good ride around the Tunisian streets which you normally don’t get chance to see, we were advised by other holiday makers not to do it but are so glad we did. It would cost you allot more in Blackpool.



The entertainment staff are brilliant and will get you involved with the days activities. There is a small play area for the children. There is also a play room which opens every morning till 1pm for smaller children.



Watch out for the carpet man who comes around the pool area and will tell you that he will take you on a tour around the shops but he takes you to his shop and they will give you tea and biscuits and then give you the hard sell to get you to buy carpets. Which you don’t even get to take out the shop they say that it will be delivered in 60 days to your home address.



The indoor pool is ready to use now. If you go in the piano bar you have to buy a drink even if you are all inclusive. So as there were 7 of us we never bothered with it. Be careful if you have small children as the roof is easy assessable and there is no safety bars.



There are mossys in Tunisia so buy some repellents to plug in. The dining room is very large and you will always get a seat together. The only problem I had was in the mornings I like cereal and there was never any bowels so I always had to wait.

Also the pop machine was always breaking down. And the gas I think was turned up to high.



I read in other reports that all inclusive people seemed to be second class and half boarders got better treatment. I think they must have changed things because there is one bar for the all inclusive holiday makers and the half boarders go inside the hotel to get their drinks at a different bar. Which was much better.



I also noticed people moaning about there only being 1 toaster on other reviews to be honest there was never any waiting for the toaster so I don’t see any problems. We also could have plastic or glass for our drinks in the dining hall. And my daughters always had glass for their drinks not plastic. You will not starve but the food is always nearly the same. Always pizza on hand and pancakes.



If you like cakes you will be pleased as there is allot of cakes each day to eat. Nice hotel if you want a relaxing holiday by the pool but nothing outside the hotel to do.



Once on your way back to the airport on arriving you will have men trying to help you with your luggage but they want paying, when we told them we had no money left they said no problem, but they still want paying so be firm.



We had a lovely day out at Eden water park only a 5 min drive away, don’t go to the palace one as other holiday makers said it was not good. Only small rides.

So I went to Tunisia last year, to be more exact Skanes - Hotel Saadia - and it was fantastic. Since I'm a smoker and this hotel was definitely made for smokers it was like heaven.



Food was fantastic, staff very nice, everything was clean. We paid for 1 week all inclusive 400 Euros = about 300 pounds!



We had a cleaning lady, you could go to a massage, and they called cabs for you.



Monastir is very nice and not too far, we walked there...23 kilometres about 2 hours (which I wouldn’t advise if you’re scared!) so take a cab.



It was fantastic and the best vacation ever.

First off, I would personally not take any notice of reviews before around May/June 2007, because work was being done to the hotel to make it better, so obviously the reviews are about the 'old Saadia'!



I came back on 29th July and I can honestly say it was the best holiday ever! It was my first time in Tunisia and I’ve already booked to go back in September!



We went full board for two weeks and the food was lush - there was pancakes, omelettes, sausages, eggs (sometimes a bit undercooked) melon, cereal, etc for the breakfast and such a huge choice of food in the dinner and evening meals. Yum!



The rooms were big and fully air-conned, it was lovely walking into the room after a day by the pool, and feeling the coldness hit you :)



the hotel bar staff were very friendly and would bring you drinks to where you were sitting - in the newly opened plush 'piano-bar' they would give complimentary nuts/olives/cheese biscuits etc when you ordered drinks.



The entertainment team - 'animators' - were amazing! I have never come across such a friendly group of lads (ash, James, max, smurfy, ninja) who genuinely care for the children AND adults!



In the day there was loads going on - aqua aerobics, water polo, beach volleyball, minigolf, belly dancing, etc, etc and in the night from 9-9.30 there was the kiddies disco (got a bit boring after hearing the same songs every night) and then a show would start at 10pm. it was great!



About midnight the hotel's nightclub would open and this was amazing (I’m 19 - I would love it!)



The pool was lush, nice, and big with a small kiddie’s pool, and also an indoor pool which was freezing - lovely and refreshing as we had 48 degrees heat most days!



Not far from the beach and there’s plenty to do there - banana boats, paragliding, etc is all very cheap!



I would recommend booking a camel tour with 'smiley miley' - he usually spots you on your 1st day and approaches you - after riding the camels you get to see the way traditional bread is made and it really is an eye opener to how some Tunisians live out there!!



Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed and can’t wait to go back!

I can not fault anybody or anything I love hotel Saadia so much.

Even though I had a few problems during my week the staff could not do enough for me.



I was on my own at Hotel Saadia and I was treated like a princess or even part of the family as I got told.



Animation as always work far to hard. But this time they had more than 3 people at one time. Animation consisted of Tarrik (the boss) Ash, Max, Jaemes, Eamon (or ninja as they called him), Maher (I thought looked a bit like Asfour (Adel), New girl who was Chech.

I would love to see Asfour back as animation he was good. Not forgetting the Dj`s from the night club my crazy sweet brother Ramzi and Haikel.



Between bar staff, shop, reception, animation, the staff from the new piano bar chef and Saber. All looked after me so much.



If you don’t like the Disco, the Piano Bar is so nice and relaxing.



Thank you to all of the staff at hotel Saadia . Miss you all already!

After reading the reviews on this hotel I will admit I was dreading our holiday!



Decided to make the best of what we have, off we went to the hotel Saadia!



On our arrival we found the hotel immaculate and the staff so friendly. The room was basic clean the beds very comfortable. The cleaners do a excellent job and nothing is too much for them!



The food was fine as the chefs were catering for so many nationalities in fact you never went hungry. There were snacks available in between meals.



The staff were fantastic and would bend over backwards to assist you! The entertainment staff did a marvellous job on the go from 10 am straight thro till 3am!



There was aqua aerobic yoga darts archery mini golf football water polo and of course the evening entertainment! This may not have been the best in the world but as they had no budget 2 work with they were excellent!



After all you get what you pay for in life! Well don’t hotel Saadia see you in September!

Firstly we were worried by some of the reviews left on this website, but decided to go with an open mind, we were pleasantly surprised.



On arrival to Monastir airport, there will be porters who take your luggage to the coach or taxi, they expect English money from you for this service as the Tunisian Dinar is closed currency, my partner gave the guy approx £2, and the guy looked really annoyed by this!!



We didn't ask him to take our luggage and when we said no, he persisted. So be aware as this gesture is not free.



On arrival at the Hotel Saadia, we were impressed with the reception area and the lobby, there was a short wait to check in, approx 15-20 mins, and we were supplied with a drink whilst waiting.



We were then shown to our rooms, which are basic, but we found the bed very comfortable, all the rooms are air conditioned, and have a safe, which is about 10 dinar a week (about £4) or 15 Dinar for 2 weeks, (£6) they also have a large wardrobe with shelves and some hangers, a long wooden dressing table and stool with a full length mirror and a mirror over the dressing table, the balcony doors are covered by blackout curtains, so if ya fancy a lie in then ya can.



The bathroom had a bath with shower over, (we did have a small leak from the shower onto the floor every time we used it, but it didn't cause us any problems, the rooms are very clean, but seem like they could do with some updating, the toilet was separate from the bathroom area, but accessed through the main bathroom. We had a lovely balcony area, which seemed very private and had a small washing line and drying rack to dry small items on.



The hotel is the last privately owned hotel in Monastir, as a result of this, there are ongoing repairs being carried out on a daily basis, but none of these interfered with our stay. The hotel has a lot of character, it has a courtyard near the restaurant that you can eat in, the restaurant was clean and the waiting staff very friendly. The hotel caters for many nationalities and as a result the meals are quite varied.



Breakfast they have amazing omelettes, made to order if you want them plain, or with something else in them, they have pancakes, boiled eggs, some form of sausages and scalloped potatoes, they have fruit and yoghurt and fresh breads and jams daily, they also have cold cuts and cheeses.



For lunches and dinners the meals did vary, often with a good choice, again there was fresh bread at every meal, and my partner and I were never ill off the food. The food wasn't gourmet, but it was edible and we often enjoyed the choices we made.



The bar was very reasonable, it was approx £2 a pint and £7 for a bottle of red wine, called Sidi Saa, it was rather nice. The shop at the hotel is very good, if you're up early enough you will get a newspaper for about 3 dinar, about £1.25, and you can buy bottles of juice and soft drinks for about the same price as the UK.



The outdoor pool is lovely, it is really big and was always clean, there is a old guy who will get you sunbeds each morning if you give him 2 Diner (80p). The indoor pool is also clean, and usually very quiet. The staff at the hotel are really polite and very helpful.



The Animation team work very very hard, they organise activities throughout the day and also in the evening, they have a mini disco for kids then some form of entertainment for the family, there is also a disco which opens after the entertainment has finished.



The one thing I will say to be aware of is the horse and carriages outside the hotel, there is one that takes you to the beach from the hotel, but the others charge, and sometimes if you want to go somewhere them and the taxi drivers will take you somewhere else, just be really firm with them and agree a price before you get in.



There is an amazing trips that my partner and I went on to the Sahara desert, if you get the chance then you should go on it. And lastly Tunisia is a very poor country and it relies on tourism for its main source of income, when shopping in the medinas and markets, make sure you haggle, an example that we came across was when I wanted to buy a statue for my mum, and the shop keeper was trying to charge me 230 dinar, (£85) I was having none of it, and kept insisting that I only had 20 Dinar to spend, in the end after I walked away the guy followed and told me I could have it for 20 dinar, (£8), so if you're persistent with them then they will give in if you walk away, as they really want your business. So remember to haggle.



All in all we had a really great holiday and have recommended the hotel to our friends and families, and would love to return there in the future. If you decide to go, have a great holiday.