Reviews of Saadia Hotel, Skanes, Tunisia

We were about to cancel after...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

May 2007

Tour Operator:

Bookable Holidays

Submitted By:

Mrs S Begum

Comments:

We were about to cancel after reading some reviews, but decided to see for ourselves.



You will always get people who will moan about everything. As I deal with the general public daily, I am aware of the people who complain about everything as a hobby.



On arriving at the hotel, we were greeted by friendly staff and a porter took us to our room. Rooms were nice and clean with authentic wooden furniture (not mdf! As in this country) they were Tunisian style.



The food could be described as 5 star, as the choice was excellent. Eggs, fresh fish, and meat was prepared in front of you. The choices also changed every day. They had excellent salads and desserts. We had to restrict our selves in the end.



The reason that they only had one toaster was due to having a range of fancy breads that did not need toasting, and also they had a lot of European people who do not toast the bread.



The pool was nice and clean. Regular entertainment by the animation team was good.



The children loved them (not to mention the adults). There was a free horse carriage to the beach, which was clean with water sports. Also a bar at the beach. The guests were protected by the beach staff from unwanted sellers.



There was an excellent play area for my 4 yr old daughter and also a brand new nursery was opened with an English speaking teacher, with whom you could leave your child, from 10am-7pm. We could not tear our daughter away from the play area and her new European friends. We felt relaxed and was glad that our daughter was not bored.



We visited souse and Monastir, nice shopping areas, Monastir had some nice historical sites to see (ribhat, mosque, train tour). We also went on the pirate ship which was excellent- 3 hr tour included onboard entertainment by the pirates, belly dancing, swimming in the sea, fishing, barbecue, dolphin spotting.



We did not go on the Sahara desert trip as we had a young child.



We would go again, the hotel staff were brilliant, and tried to accommodate our needs. The waiters were excellent being prompt with everything. Plenty of crockery. They had excellent disabled facilities.



The proprietor was personally overseeing the completion of the nursery which looked better than some of the British nurseries. The hotel is looking to further improve the facilities.



We had a wonderful holiday, bearing in mind that it was a poor country.

I don't know why people put...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

May 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss L A Schofield

Comments:

I don't know why people put Hotel Saadia down so much.



This is only my 2nd abroad and now I have the Tunisian bug and want to go back all the time.



Yes the rooms are basic but why do you want to stay in your room all the time you are on Holiday? I found I slept better in the beds at Saadia then I do at home.



The greeting my friends got was untrue as they go year after year and I wondered why until now and I thank them so much for taking me.



The food was good but breakfast was a little bit to be desired. Eggs eggs and more eggs. Evening meals was much better with a wider range of choice.



Room was clean and towels changed every day.



All the staff was superb could not fault anyone at all.



What I liked most was how friendly everyone was especially the Animation team. Jaemes, Mo mo, Kalid, Asfour, Eamon and Dj Ramzi.



I never stopped laughing once. The Cabaret shows they put on at night was the best in fact on my last night I got dragged up to join in which was so funny. (Asfour and James’s fault I think).



What is so nice is that I still keep in touch with Jaemes, Asfour (Adel) and my new crazy brother Ramzi.



This has to be the best holiday of my life it was the BEST.



I have booked for July and can`t really afford but really want to go and now can`t wait.

Having just return I feel I must...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr M Hornsby

Comments:

Having just return I feel I must put my findings down.



The hotel was good, clean rooms perfect, staff great. The food was excellent, anyone who cannot eat the food must be very fussy.



The only down point was the bar statt, they did not like giving change.



We would have no hesitation of going back. Rooms cleaned every day. Great value for 3 star, so give the hotel a chance.

Just got back from a weeks stay...

Overall Rating:

6/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Miss N Gaines

Comments:

Just got back from a weeks stay and found that there wasn’t a lot for children to do. Apart from the kids mini disco which lasted all of 5 songs there was a small play park and a lovely pool other than that it was more for adults.



The food wasn’t to bad most of the time but it was basically the same everyday and not a lot of choice for kids.



The people are lovely very friendly and the entertainment lads are brilliant working very long hours.



The rooms are kept spotless by the lovely cleaners who always had a smile and a friendly hello for you.



All in all it was a good holiday so if your looking for a cheap no frills holiday try the hotel saadia.

Stayed in May and returning in...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

May 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs Je Potts

Comments:

Stayed in May and returning in July.



The hotel rooms are basic but cleaned every day with fresh linen always. Our only moan here is there are no lights on balcony we bought a candle makes things even more relaxing.



Entertainment all day and night but does get repetitive, the animation guys never stop working and get paid peanuts!! Bar area needs sorting, very few staff and only one person allowed to take money from you. There are plenty of sun loungers available around the pool for everyone.



We found the food superb never left hungry or dissatisfied, also snack bar available which is cheap and good near the pool for anyone staying half board. The hotel shop is fine, a little bit dear but the nearest supermarket is 30 min walk away and when it’s as hot as it was in May, I would rather pay a bit extra.



There was many refurbs happening when we were there but did not affect us what so ever. Hopefully when we return in July they will all be finished.



If you want a relaxing cheap holiday then I highly recommend the Saadia. We only left the hotel twice in 2 weeks once you venture into the 2 main places Sousse and Monastir be prepared to be hassled!!



The beach however is fantastic and water sports are cheap, cannot wait to return.



Happy Holidays at the Saadia.

Four of us travelled over for a...

Overall Rating:

6/10

Board Basis:

Full Board

Date of Holiday:

May 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr K E Keith

Comments:

Four of us travelled over for a week’s break at the Saadia hotel, Skanes.



We have all travelled throughout the world staying in 5 star hotels and 1 star b and b's.

For a budget hotel the Saadia is not at all bad.



On arrival the courtyard and reception are welcoming and clean and tidy. The reception staff are very helpful and we were very efficiently checked in. A porter took our bags up to the rooms.



The rooms are fairly basic but generally clean. The decor and bathrooms could do with being updated and the plumbing needs some work. The rooms and cupboard space were more than an adequate size.



The bar area does need to be sorted. As we were full board and not AI we were certainly well looked after by the waiters. Then again we did in fact show all the staff a bit of respect and sorry to say this was not the case for some British AI guests. The French, German and eastern European guests were all fine.



The restaurant (recently refurbished) was bright, clean, airy, and comfortable. The staff were a bit slow in making up tables and we sometimes had trouble finding extra cutlery. We asked and were given. The staff were attentive but in their own Tunisian way - that is equivalent to the Spanish "manyana" syndrome.



The food - for a basic 3 star hotel -was very good and whilst it got a bit repetitive we never left the dining room feeling anything other than satisfied.



The pool was excellent but the pool surrounds need to be upgraded. The stones/tiles around the pool needing to be replaced. The pool "boy" was very helpful and for a couple of dinars he ensured we were looked after every day with sunbeds in a prime position. (Dinar around 2.5 to £1)



To sum up:

Overall we enjoyed our week at the Saadia. If we always travelled on a budget break we would have no problems returning. We’re not sure what some of the other reviewers are looking for in a cheap budget hotel but we would remind them that it is in Tunisia and not Spain or Portugal. They are trying really hard but they have not cracked the AI deal yet.



We believe they are looking to do further work on the hotel and grounds at the end of this season.

I have stayed at the Saadia in...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2007

Tour Operator:

Superbreaks

Submitted By:

Ms C Benton

Comments:

I have stayed at the Saadia in 2006 and whilst at the time it needed upgrading, the atmosphere and friendliness of the staff more than made up for the shabbiness of the hotel.



I decided to go again as I had made so many friends amongst the Tunisian people at the hotel, and as I go away on my own, felt safe there.



I am so glad I did, the hotel is undergoing a major refit and although it still has a way to go the improvements they have made are huge. The staff remain friendly and welcoming even remembering me from last year.



The animation team of mo mo, James and Adel who entertain the guests are funny, very entertaining, energetic and friendly and I am sure I did not stop laughing at their antics the whole holiday.



They put brilliant shows on in the evenings but had to do it inside due to the weather but I know in the summer when the weather is guaranteed to be good, all shows and entertainment will be outside and even better, and that is why I am going back in August.

We were really worried after...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2007

Tour Operator:

Travelrepublic

Submitted By:

Miss T Simpson

Comments:

We were really worried after reading all the negative comments on the Saadia but I’m glad we did not cancel.



We had a great time. Hotel was clean, room was cleaned daily, fresh towels, if you’re up early enough you will see the hotel being cleaned to.



Food was good, never was there a time where there was,'t anything to eat. Lots of salads, meat and veg.



Breakfast, there was no toaster but we made do with eggs cheese and bread. You have to remember they are catering for all nationalities. Not one of our group of six had an upset tummy all the time we were there!



Was a few minutes’ walk to the beach it was clean soft sand cos of time of year we couldn’t swim but in summer it will be lovely to.



Entertainment staff were great bunch, khaliff is now back from England with his wife Jo as for James and mow mow, lovely lads work hard for very little money!



Had activities on in the day we joined in archery, darts, water aerobics and belly dancing!!



If you want a relaxing holiday you can there. Joined in all night entertainment was fun, had a Mr. and Mrs. Saadia, a quiz a magic show and the lads put on a show, even got our group involved!!



Bit hectic at the bar but you get a drink eventually not the end of the world!



After the entertainment had finished we all went to the disco, we never went to bed before 3am. The dj Ramzi will put on any record you want you only have to ask and also remember, he has to put on music for all nationalities too.



Round the pool was a good place to be, we had a great time.



Going to go back again. Not much to do outside hotel but taxis are so cheap so go and visit Sousse and Monastir markets, we got some good bargains and if you don’t want to haggle, go to the fixed priced shops at the Yasmine centre.



A holiday is what you make it, try this hotel for yourself you’ll be pleasantly surprised!!



Try the camel trip to ali ba ba what a guy! We were out about 3 hours had a great time bit sore but well worth it!!

As a seasoned traveller I went...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Full Board

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2007

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mrs D Bhatti

Comments:

As a seasoned traveller I went to this hotel with an open mind and was not expecting luxury. I was pleasantly surprised when I first arrived.



It looked OK from the outside. Went in to the lobby and was told rooms were not ready and to take a seat while a member of staff took away booking receipt.



He never came back and I then had to prove that I had booked despite me seeing the invoice on the desk. Then when they found it they still weren't satisfied.



We eventually got a room. It was quite basic and there was a leaking tap and missing chair for balcony and no towels. We wanted to use the safety deposit box but were told the key was missing and were offered another room so we could use it.



However this one was filthy dirty, twice as small and hadn't been cleaned. We asked about this and also asked to rent a TV and were told 'No Problem" but several hours later nothing had been done.



Eventually we got a chair ourselves and as for the TV we were told there would be no point as there were no English speaking channels. Furthermore the bed hadn't been changed and we spent the rest of the holiday sleeping in someone else's dirty sheets until they were eventually changed on the last day, after we complained.



Trying to sleep was a nightmare. The air-conditioning didn't work so it was very stuffy and the noise from the nightclub until gone 2am and repetitive drum beats over and over made it impossible to go to sleep in the first place.



Plus the fact there were some very inconsiderate people to put it mildly who thought it would be fun to make howling noises in the corridor at 3am.



After a sleepless night we tried to get a lie in but were woken up by a recording of a cockerel crowing repeatedly and a hunting horn/military bugle noise and ordered to wake up.



Food was OK basic but fair first couple of days before getting much worse. Menu also became very repetitive. On the last day there was no breakfast whatsoever just the previous night’s leftovers including ratatouille.



Hygiene was a definite problem. I witnessed many guests handling the food and then putting it back not using utensils provided.



You would be well advised to go and wait by the servery where they grill meat, and do fresh chips which involved a 15 to 20 min wait, just stood around but at least food would be hot/cooked/unmauled.



Trying to get a drink was a nightmare. Basically you are trapped in the hotel as there is nothing at all in Skanes just the airport. It wasn't till the last day we discovered another hotel which was far better.



The bar area was small and overcrowded with people queuing up for their all inclusive drinks served in plastic cups. If you were paying for your drinks though you got glasses and they topped up the drinks. Getting served was the problem, a waiter would take your order never to be seen again, so you need to insist on staying at the bar.



All in all I wouldn't ever recommend this hotel to anyone and couldn't wait to leave. It was like a building site. They were knocking down the walls, dust sheets and rubble everywhere.



It wasn't clean, dirty nappies discarded on the corridor and brown stains on the walls, cold tile floors in the bedroom, a constantly leaking tap, lots of noise, rubbish food, no entertainment (except euro pop versions of the birdie song) no facilities except for an overpriced shop, nothing in the area and staff who just couldn't be bothered.

I booked this hotel for the gym,...

Overall Rating:

2/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Ms B 

Comments:

I booked this hotel for the gym, the Turkish bath and the massage - none of which were open.



Okay, so they've been refurbishing, but they have not finished and so should not have re-opened yet. I doubt I would rate it as 3* even when finished.



It's indeed quieter than the 3* Sahara Beach further up the road, but if you're half-board there is nowhere to purchase food other than the hotel shop.



The basic beach facilities were starting to open as I left.



The staff are friendly, and the room was fine - if you're okay with basic - but I was lucky that my room was in the main block and not the partially-refurbished 2nd block.

Hotel only reopened end of March...

Overall Rating:

2/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2007

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mrs F Crook

Comments:

Hotel only reopened end of March after refurbishment, many facilities still not finished.



Food poor, entertainment poor and hotel used as base for large groups of raucous French and Belgian students. Not suitable for children or teenagers.



We have 2 all inclusive holidays a year and found the Saadia to be our worst yet--not at all what we expected having booked on the basis of facilities and snacks etc offered on the website.



For a few pounds more we could have enjoyed the Sahara beach where we have stayed before but wanted to try somewhere smaller, a big mistake with a 15 year old.



Thank goodness it was hot and sunny most of the time.

Well were do I start, this is a...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss K Brighten

Comments:

Well were do I start, this is a great holiday place. I've been there twice, the first time there were 6 of us in total.



Well the rooms I would say are average for the price your paying there, just basic with 3 beds and a bathroom which is mainly all you need.



I'ts not a top of the range bathroom suite like you could get in England but if your like us and are by the pool all day and watching entertainment at night, that is all you need and the hotel don’t exactly cost you an arm and a leg.



As for the pool, it is cleaned out every morning and if your early birds you will see this being done. Also the cleaners will clean your rooms every day, putting petals on your beds and fanning out clothes and towels.



They sweep your room from top to bottom, they don’t just do this in your rooms its all around the hotel. They wash the bar floor and club floor and restaurant and reception floor every morning.



Now on to the food - its not the best I've had but it get you through the day. Other wise there is a little cafe type thing that sells sandwiches through out the day and also pizza and chips salads and fish or you can go in the shop, which have very friendly staff who are happy to help you find what you are looking for.



They sell gifts, food, cigarettes and drinks so its not like there is nothing when the restaurant closed.



Entertainment - well these are a great bunch of people they are so funny and keep you motivated day and night with games dancing and even Arabic lessons. They work from about 8am till 3am in the morning and get paid very little.



One thing I will say is that they are very friendly with the women but don’t be fooled as they either have wives to be or about 4 girlfriends as we found out.



I would like to say thank you to che-cho (cheeky) bless him only 17 and working very hard, then there’s chief entertainer bo-bo/badri (great dj put your hands up in the air).



Then there's mairher (smurf) bless him he made the holiday, go-go ( very friendly and welcoming) asha (great smile one to make you smile when leaving) and finally mahamed, he did so much for us the best bar man ever and che-cho even like to see you off on the coach, make sure you are not crying as in my case.



Beware of the indoor swimming pool, very refreshing and the camels as that is a very bumpy ride.



So overall this was the best holiday by far and I suggest going there, if anywhere, try it for your selves and find out, as everyone has different opinions.

This was my 10th...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2006

Tour Operator:

OT Beach

Submitted By:

Miss Cheryl Bissell

Comments:

This was my 10th time staying at the Saadia I have been going 3 times a year for the past 3 years sneaking in 4 times last year :).



I am going to be as honest as I can with you, The Hotel is very very basic, the food is not up to British standard but then what do you expect you are in a poor country where money is very tight.



The rooms are very basic but very clean. If you have any problems whilst staying here all you need to do is speak to Houda or Nebil on reception and they will try to sort it out for you.



I only came home from the Saadia on the 12th of November, I and my friend where the last people to leave the hotel as it was closing for winter, whilst it is closed it is being refurbished.



The pool area is fantastic with plenty of sun loungers to go around there is also an indoor pool which is peaceful and quiet nice to have a relaxing swim with no kids bothering you, I managed to have a lovely massage whilst I was there the first time from Houda in the Turkish bath, she is such a lovely lady and since my first visit I always go to her house for a meal every time I go.



The hotel has something going on all day over from 10am until the early hours when the disco closes, unfortunately a lot of the old entertainment team have left, and Kalid is now living in England as is Meher and Lu Lu. The entertainments manager is bo bo he is a lovely guy and they work very hard for very little money.



The maids work very hard from 6am ... they move every piece of furniture every day to make sure the floors are swept and mopped, the rooms are cleaned daily with fresh bedding and towels.



Please don't be put off by the reviews if you want a low cost holiday that’s going to be fun try it. There are seven of us going back in May and I can’t wait.

Firstly, I cannot believe that...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2005

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs A Bird

Comments:

Firstly, I cannot believe that people are rating this hotel as 10/10!! They must be in a different hotel and country. On arriving at the hotel, I could not believe the state of it inside.



It was shabby, dark and pokey to say the least. We had to fill in more visa forms and wait for our room to be allocated. The first room we were given was dirty and dingey. It looked like a room that would be in keeping with a prison cell abroad.



The bedding was dirty, the pillows were about 3 inches thick and badly stained with God knows what. The bathroom was a joke - the tiles on the floor were cracked and chipped, the grouting was filthy and there was hardly any electric lighting in there.



My husband was so gutted with the state of the room we went back to reception and tried to move to a different hotel. I will stress here that we came to Skanes in 1999 at stayed at the Sahara Beach Hotel which was fantastically modern and clean.



We phoned Thomsons 24hr helpline where you could speak to a rep from the operator if there were any problems with your hotel. We were told that it was full occupancy at the Sahara - probably full with people who moved from the Saadia Hotel.



Incidently, the Sahara Beach is also a 3* the same as Saadia and I can tell you now, there is no way the Saadia should be the same rating! I would not rate the Saadia at all. It needs demolishing and re-building. We were told that Thomsons would try and sort something out for us.



The food was a complete joke. I think eating stale bread and croissants every day for breakfast became a bit tedious. The fresh fruit choice was a waste of time. As for the cooked bacon - take a razor wth you to shave the bacon first!!!, uncooked scrambled egg and greasy looking sausage, steer well clear.



This hotel was excellent if you wanted to diet and stick to it. The food in the evening was abysmal - flies settling on the food and no covers on any of the food at the buffet service. Problem was, there is nowhere else to eat as you cant really eat out at night. A lot of other guest were going to the Sahara Beach Hotel and eating there and paying - they said the food was top notch (for Tunisia standards).



Whilst we were there, the water would run out late afternoon as everyone was getting ready for the evening. You had to time getting back to your room and getting showered to a deadline or no water!!!



Evening entertainment was boring and tedious unless you were either German or any other nationality. It was the same thing every week. It seemed that the British were the only ones who participated in the audience based games and once the numbers of British were dwindling so did the entertainment.



I can honestly say without a doubt, i would never recommend or go to this excuse of an hotel. We were counting down the days till we came home. This is not acceptable when it is your only main holiday.

I have just got back from the...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2006

Tour Operator:

Otbeach

Submitted By:

Miss H Ord

Comments:

I have just got back from the Saadia with four of my friends, and I do not know where to start the hotel was awful the food was disgusting and the entertainment was non-existent. The only nice thing I can say about the hotel was that the pool was great.



We went all inclusive and ended up paying for our drinks as the drinks offered were disgusting. We spent most of our time at other hotels the Sahara beach and the Neptunia which both had fantastic entertainment and facilities and made us all welcome.



I have been to Tunisia seven times and can’t believe that this hotel is aloud to stay open. I would advise anybody who has booked this hotel to cancel and go to another hotel. The experience has not put me or my friends off Tunisia and I am going back with all my family in April for my 21st staying at the Sahara beach hotel where everybody knows my name.