Allegro Abou Sofiane Hotel, Port El Kantaoui, Tunisia
Hotel Information
Recent Price: £103
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
In a secluded location, yet only 1.5 km from the centre of Port El Kantaoui, the Abou Sofiane boasts an excellent seafront position. You can opt to sunbathe and relax on the hotel's private beach, or sip a refreshing long drink by the outdoor pool. This hotel may not be suitable for customers with walking difficulties. loading...
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Allegro Abou Sofiane Hotel Reviews
" We've been there 4 times amazing! "
Submitted By: sofianneabou
Me and My mother have been to the abou sofianne 4 times now feb 2007 may 2007 may 2008 and may 2009 It is suitable for the whole family, for children there is a small pool inside or out and kids club running all day from 9am until 6pm there is a kids disco on from 8:30 until 9:00pm before the show starts, for teenagers like myself you can also go to the kids club, or just hang by the pool or beach, also there is a games room, which includes air hockey, pool and car racing games. Most nights after dinner there will be some kind of entertainment out on the terrace which could be a quiz or music playing where the entertainment team dance with you. The shows on a night are excellent but if you have been there more than once the routines become quite familiour but still seem to improve. If you are an adult you might prefer relaxing on the beach, as most children are bye the pool, or if you don't fancy that you can sit by the pool or sun bathe on the grass. The days never become boring, as the entertainment team keep you entertained through out the day there are many activaties which include, darts, volleyball, french bowls, archery, mini golf, water polo, aqua gym, yoga, football, tennis, ping pong, and some times salsa. once a week there is a cocktail hour by the pool, that is an opertunity to meet who have been running the hotel and to try some amazing cocktails and watch the animation team show off there skills.
The food at the hotel is of very high standards, and there is some thing for every one, there are chips every night, a vegartarian option, and pasta. It is in buffet style and they have different themes for example italyian food and tunisian food. The service is fast and very good once you have ordered ine drink the waiters will keep topping up your glass. There is also a snack bar open during the day for small snacks like pancakes, omlets and pizza. There is also drinks available all day and because its all inclusive you don't have to pay a thing. The staff are very friendly and if you do find any problems you can tell them and they will make sure its fixed for you. The animation team do change over the years but there are still people there from 2007 :) Every night they put on a show of different genres for example, crazy show, cabaret, funny, fakir show, mini show. The mini show is where all the kids in kids club work together to put on a show to entertain the whole hotel. There are many dances in the shows but are also some funny scenes, that CAN get a bit out of control. Also at the hotel you have the choice to buy a t-shirt with your name on it and a design of your choice, these t-shirts are of good quality, I should know, I own 3 :) you can also buy i cd which have the club dances on it which are also very good.
Shops wise there are a few in the hotel itself there is a sweet shop and general things, a jewelry shop, a hair dressers and even a beauty sallon. But if none of that gets your fancy you can simply walk to the town of port el kantoui as it only takes 10 minutes or you can get a taxi for almost nothing. While you are in tunisia you can go on a number of different trips, and on arriving at the hotel you get tickets to eat at the tunisian retaurant in the hotel for free, but you must book in advance, also free to the italian restaurant in the hotel riviera next door. If you want to travel to sousse I recommend you turn your all inclusive band inside out as you can get people asking about you. You can haggle in most shops but some are a fixed price for things.
If you fancy a change of scenery for a few days you can go out on a trip which lasts 2 days and stay in another hotel, you get to watch the sun rise on the salt lake, go on an hour long camal ride in tunisian clothes, visit the place where star wars was filmed, which is actually a hotel, and do many other things which all together make the trip amazing.
I've never writen so much in such a short amout of time about one place it just gos to show you its an amazing place and a brilliant holiday.
I could wel be a holiday rep when i'm older haha I hope you like what you've heard
The food at the hotel is of very high standards, and there is some thing for every one, there are chips every night, a vegartarian option, and pasta. It is in buffet style and they have different themes for example italyian food and tunisian food. The service is fast and very good once you have ordered ine drink the waiters will keep topping up your glass. There is also a snack bar open during the day for small snacks like pancakes, omlets and pizza. There is also drinks available all day and because its all inclusive you don't have to pay a thing. The staff are very friendly and if you do find any problems you can tell them and they will make sure its fixed for you. The animation team do change over the years but there are still people there from 2007 :) Every night they put on a show of different genres for example, crazy show, cabaret, funny, fakir show, mini show. The mini show is where all the kids in kids club work together to put on a show to entertain the whole hotel. There are many dances in the shows but are also some funny scenes, that CAN get a bit out of control. Also at the hotel you have the choice to buy a t-shirt with your name on it and a design of your choice, these t-shirts are of good quality, I should know, I own 3 :) you can also buy i cd which have the club dances on it which are also very good.
Shops wise there are a few in the hotel itself there is a sweet shop and general things, a jewelry shop, a hair dressers and even a beauty sallon. But if none of that gets your fancy you can simply walk to the town of port el kantoui as it only takes 10 minutes or you can get a taxi for almost nothing. While you are in tunisia you can go on a number of different trips, and on arriving at the hotel you get tickets to eat at the tunisian retaurant in the hotel for free, but you must book in advance, also free to the italian restaurant in the hotel riviera next door. If you want to travel to sousse I recommend you turn your all inclusive band inside out as you can get people asking about you. You can haggle in most shops but some are a fixed price for things.
If you fancy a change of scenery for a few days you can go out on a trip which lasts 2 days and stay in another hotel, you get to watch the sun rise on the salt lake, go on an hour long camal ride in tunisian clothes, visit the place where star wars was filmed, which is actually a hotel, and do many other things which all together make the trip amazing.
I've never writen so much in such a short amout of time about one place it just gos to show you its an amazing place and a brilliant holiday.
I could wel be a holiday rep when i'm older haha I hope you like what you've heard
Advice: go see the dancing fountains
Activities: my favourate trip was watching the sun rise across the salt lake
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:May 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Fabulous "
Submitted By: evelyn.proctor@ge.com
Just back from one week 10th May 09 had a fabulous time,everyone could not have been any more attentive, exceptional staff
The Activities Team are Superb entertainment they are of the highest standard and the shows were like west end musicals congratulations to the team all wonderful.Bought the CD feels like never been away only the weather is cold in Scotland
Will be back next year looking forward to it already Food and Accommodation of the highest quality also, so well done to STAFF and MANAGEMENT at the Hotel.
Evelyn Proctor and Margaret Braidie
The Activities Team are Superb entertainment they are of the highest standard and the shows were like west end musicals congratulations to the team all wonderful.Bought the CD feels like never been away only the weather is cold in Scotland
Will be back next year looking forward to it already Food and Accommodation of the highest quality also, so well done to STAFF and MANAGEMENT at the Hotel.
Evelyn Proctor and Margaret Braidie
Advice: Loved it looking forward to Return Journey
Activities: Port Fountain lights up and mves to the music great
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:May 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" brill holiday "
Submitted By: rosaleen
just back from 1 week . had time of my life/ entertainment time next to none, people wonderful ,cant wait to go back next year love to all at abou sofiane from ;only irish in hotel] eg gollogly
Advice: must wonderful holiday yet people wonderfull
Activities:
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Apr 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" best holiday ever "
Submitted By: gillan
this hotel is great. very clean and all the staff are very helpful. we went for 7 nights in aug 2008, it was one of the best holidays i have ever had. the beech was only 3 mins walk away through lovely gardens and if you got down early in the morning it wasnt crowded and lovely and cool. the food was very good, a great choice and never the same main meals, always salad available and pizza, fish, chips etc for the children. we ate out a couple of times and this was very cheap, like turkey used to be about 5/6 years ago. a meal with drinks would be about £25 for 3 people. the town is only 5mins away by taxi (cost £1) and good shops etc there or you can walk the lenght of the beech always heading right and it will take you to the town as well. twice we have been to tunisa and hopeful to go back again. if you must have british food etc and be surrounded by loud drinking, disco etc dont go stick to spain. if you want beech, local food, great weather and quiet go and you wont be disapointed. one final thing, always book a hotel with their own beech as if you dont you are not allowed to sit on one you are not staying in! this means you could have quite a walk before you found a public bit. enjoy tunsia while its still reasonable.
Advice: clean and very safe
Activities: water sports
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Second time here "
Submitted By: amzmarie
Me and my partner have stayed at the abou sofiane twice now, july 2006 and july 2008. both times we have really enjoyed our selves.
I am a self obessed fussy eater, but have never had any trouble finding someting enjoyable to eat, i especially enjoy the pasta bar area.
Both years we have spent most of the day time at the beautiful beach, we never had any trouble getting a sunbed and usually ended up with the same spot. We also never saw a jellyfish.
The evenong entertainment is worth a look, but to be honest it was not our cup of tea. We usually just ended up sitting outside in the patio area near the bar drinking and playing cards- very relaxing.
I fell ill on the beach this year, and collapsed. As my partner was trying to pick me up, fellow beach people were just staring at him not offering any help. One of the animation team came running and helped pick me and put lay me in the towel hut, and helped was called. But truly thanks the guy from the animation team, i probably scarliy owe my life to him. The next day i stayed inside the hotel, and my partner went to get himself a drink all the staff were asking after me, which was a nie touch. He also overheard ppl saying theres the drunk girls bf...I was not drunk at 11am Lol.
Needless to say im ok now , thanks to the staff and reception calling for help.
Ps medical help in tunisia AMAZING!
I am a self obessed fussy eater, but have never had any trouble finding someting enjoyable to eat, i especially enjoy the pasta bar area.
Both years we have spent most of the day time at the beautiful beach, we never had any trouble getting a sunbed and usually ended up with the same spot. We also never saw a jellyfish.
The evenong entertainment is worth a look, but to be honest it was not our cup of tea. We usually just ended up sitting outside in the patio area near the bar drinking and playing cards- very relaxing.
I fell ill on the beach this year, and collapsed. As my partner was trying to pick me up, fellow beach people were just staring at him not offering any help. One of the animation team came running and helped pick me and put lay me in the towel hut, and helped was called. But truly thanks the guy from the animation team, i probably scarliy owe my life to him. The next day i stayed inside the hotel, and my partner went to get himself a drink all the staff were asking after me, which was a nie touch. He also overheard ppl saying theres the drunk girls bf...I was not drunk at 11am Lol.
Needless to say im ok now , thanks to the staff and reception calling for help.
Ps medical help in tunisia AMAZING!
Advice: EXECELLENT FAULTLESS
Activities: EVERYTHING
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Just got back from this great place... "
Submitted By: Mrs K Day
Just got back from this great place last Thursday.... All 5 of us had a wonderful time..
(Me, husband, son aged 12, daughter 16 and her boyfriend 18). The weather was fantastic.. Couldn't fault the hotel, service, etc..
We had adjacent rooms that were in a peaceful area.. spotlessley cleaned by the friendly maids... Plenty of room and hot water...
All the staff are very friendly,very polite and helpful.
The restaurant was good with a varied choice both for meat and vegetarians... with a lovely selection of salads/fruit and some wonderful cakes/pastries...both the waiters and chefs were always working hard re-stocking the food and making sure the tables were set-up.
The Pool bar was a great place to get out of the sun at lunchtime and have a drink (or 3) and a snack (burgers and the spag bol was particularly good - so were the pancakes).. The bar man - 'Ali' was a super guy... we did tip him a few times and he always poored the drinks before we even got to the bar.... (looks very tunisian with a tash)....
The pool area was also great... although we tended to go to the beach as it was a bit quieter and cooler - with a lovely sea breeze... kids went out on the pedalos and the kayaks... and went on the 'fly fish' - which was an inflatable that was attached to the back of the speedboat.
Walked into the port a couple of times along the beach... takes about 20mins.... but make sure you haggle - take the initial price down to at least half what they say and work your way back up.... !!!
Like has been said before the 'animation' team all work very hard during the day + the evening.... but you can 'take it or leave it'... depending if you want to join in with the different activities.
This was our first visit to Tunisia... and it won't be our last... would not hesitate in going back to this hotel or resort.
(Me, husband, son aged 12, daughter 16 and her boyfriend 18). The weather was fantastic.. Couldn't fault the hotel, service, etc..
We had adjacent rooms that were in a peaceful area.. spotlessley cleaned by the friendly maids... Plenty of room and hot water...
All the staff are very friendly,very polite and helpful.
The restaurant was good with a varied choice both for meat and vegetarians... with a lovely selection of salads/fruit and some wonderful cakes/pastries...both the waiters and chefs were always working hard re-stocking the food and making sure the tables were set-up.
The Pool bar was a great place to get out of the sun at lunchtime and have a drink (or 3) and a snack (burgers and the spag bol was particularly good - so were the pancakes).. The bar man - 'Ali' was a super guy... we did tip him a few times and he always poored the drinks before we even got to the bar.... (looks very tunisian with a tash)....
The pool area was also great... although we tended to go to the beach as it was a bit quieter and cooler - with a lovely sea breeze... kids went out on the pedalos and the kayaks... and went on the 'fly fish' - which was an inflatable that was attached to the back of the speedboat.
Walked into the port a couple of times along the beach... takes about 20mins.... but make sure you haggle - take the initial price down to at least half what they say and work your way back up.... !!!
Like has been said before the 'animation' team all work very hard during the day + the evening.... but you can 'take it or leave it'... depending if you want to join in with the different activities.
This was our first visit to Tunisia... and it won't be our last... would not hesitate in going back to this hotel or resort.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" can't fault this hotel!!!!!! ok... "
Submitted By: Mr D Malcolm
can't fault this hotel!!!!!! ok sometimes there were no sunloungers at the pool- so you had to walk 20 metre to the beach (not a hardship)
food was great, freshly cooked at the griddles for you, and the cakes where to die for (ask my waistline) salads were fresh and tasty (so i was told...mmnnn cakes)
all the staff are polite, efficient and give great service
a small point is that the vast majority of guest 'dressed for dinner' - it was a refreshing change from other hotels we've stopped at.
entertainment was constant, hectic, and of a very high calibre- how the animation team kept giong all day is beyond me.
we dont give 10/10 easily .....but go to this hotel and you will see why we have
food was great, freshly cooked at the griddles for you, and the cakes where to die for (ask my waistline) salads were fresh and tasty (so i was told...mmnnn cakes)
all the staff are polite, efficient and give great service
a small point is that the vast majority of guest 'dressed for dinner' - it was a refreshing change from other hotels we've stopped at.
entertainment was constant, hectic, and of a very high calibre- how the animation team kept giong all day is beyond me.
we dont give 10/10 easily .....but go to this hotel and you will see why we have
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Drive to the hotel from the airport -... "
Submitted By: Miss K J Holmes
Drive to the hotel from the airport - filled with some intrepidation as it looked like Beirut! However, it gradually became more scenic and considerably more civilised.
Check in to the hotel was quick, friendly and efficient - a good sign of things to come! We tipped the baggage man, but any other tipped we wanted to do at the hotel was left until the end of our holiday and I believe this was a generally acceptable thing to do.
The hotel could do with a lick of paint and some new tiles here and there but everywhere was kept very clean and tidy. The rooms were not luxurious but more than adequate and comfortable.
It has one very large restaurant, an a la carte restaurant and a snack bar, four drink bars and some other nibbles and snacks laid on by the reception bar during the afternoon - no need to go hungry or thirsty. The food in the main restaurant and the a la carte restaurant was very good - couldn't fault it at all. Was a little annoying that some people felt it necessary to jump the queues and go straight to the dish they wanted instead of waiting patiently. There is a pasta bar for spag bol or carbonara if you're not that adventurous. However, we found all the food to be lovely - just watch out for the hot peppers they sometimes put in with green beans! It wasn't all spicy and there were some themed evenings for variety, but other than chips, the dishes varied every night.
The hotel has a pool and its own beach. We only went to the beach once and it was just too hot, especially if you were a way back from the shore line, so we stuck to the pool side. There were ample sun beds, but people do still reserve them so beware. The life guards did on a couple of occasions go down to the beach and get more from there. The animation team around the pool were extremely hard working, but quite accepting of the fact that we were there to rest and were not insistant that we join in games all the time. Sometimes the PA system and music were too loud, but generally were only on for a couple of hours in the morning, a long break for lunch and a snooze, and then on again for late afternoon. The animation team work 19/20 hours each day - the pool work is followed by a kiddies disco at 8.30, a show of some descritpion every night, and then the adults disco til 2am. (Our room was fairly near the night club and we were never disturbed by noise coming from it).
All in all, the hotel was very good. The staff were all kind, friendly and helpful. The food and drink was plentiful and I couldn't fault the food at all. Let's face it, it's 3 star not 5 star plus so if you're looking for Michelin Star cuisine this isn't the place for you, but it's most definitely worth the money. We will be going again, soon I hope!
Check in to the hotel was quick, friendly and efficient - a good sign of things to come! We tipped the baggage man, but any other tipped we wanted to do at the hotel was left until the end of our holiday and I believe this was a generally acceptable thing to do.
The hotel could do with a lick of paint and some new tiles here and there but everywhere was kept very clean and tidy. The rooms were not luxurious but more than adequate and comfortable.
It has one very large restaurant, an a la carte restaurant and a snack bar, four drink bars and some other nibbles and snacks laid on by the reception bar during the afternoon - no need to go hungry or thirsty. The food in the main restaurant and the a la carte restaurant was very good - couldn't fault it at all. Was a little annoying that some people felt it necessary to jump the queues and go straight to the dish they wanted instead of waiting patiently. There is a pasta bar for spag bol or carbonara if you're not that adventurous. However, we found all the food to be lovely - just watch out for the hot peppers they sometimes put in with green beans! It wasn't all spicy and there were some themed evenings for variety, but other than chips, the dishes varied every night.
The hotel has a pool and its own beach. We only went to the beach once and it was just too hot, especially if you were a way back from the shore line, so we stuck to the pool side. There were ample sun beds, but people do still reserve them so beware. The life guards did on a couple of occasions go down to the beach and get more from there. The animation team around the pool were extremely hard working, but quite accepting of the fact that we were there to rest and were not insistant that we join in games all the time. Sometimes the PA system and music were too loud, but generally were only on for a couple of hours in the morning, a long break for lunch and a snooze, and then on again for late afternoon. The animation team work 19/20 hours each day - the pool work is followed by a kiddies disco at 8.30, a show of some descritpion every night, and then the adults disco til 2am. (Our room was fairly near the night club and we were never disturbed by noise coming from it).
All in all, the hotel was very good. The staff were all kind, friendly and helpful. The food and drink was plentiful and I couldn't fault the food at all. Let's face it, it's 3 star not 5 star plus so if you're looking for Michelin Star cuisine this isn't the place for you, but it's most definitely worth the money. We will be going again, soon I hope!
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" an amazing holiday had. very friendly... "
Submitted By: Miss S Seymour
an amazing holiday had. very friendly staff that made you feel welcome and included you in all activities.
GREAT entertainment value for money
good food very clean
I'll be back next year
Want to just chill with no worries then this is the hotel for you
its just fun fun fun
great bunch of entertainment staff that are always on the go
you can drink till you sink
GREAT entertainment value for money
good food very clean
I'll be back next year
Want to just chill with no worries then this is the hotel for you
its just fun fun fun
great bunch of entertainment staff that are always on the go
you can drink till you sink
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- Date of Holiday:May 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" We have been to the amazing Abou... "
Submitted By: fogothdon
We have been to the amazing Abou Sofiane, 4 years running,from honeymoon to each subsequent wedding anniversary. We love it! We would stay there over the Riviera,it's larger neighbour Occidental hotel, anyday! Funnily, Riviera guests are always sunbathing in the Abou,due to it's amazing architecture; it is enclosed,you see, and very much protected from any kind of breeze, in the pool area.Whereas the Riviera is totally open...and to us, rather lacking in character.Yes,it may be very grand etc...but it doesn't posess the "thing" that draws us, and many other people, year after year to the Abou Sofiane.
Staff are amazing...they will do anything for you....entertainment is great...The Animation guys and girls work VERY hard, rehearsing every day. They entertain around the pool, and the kids club is fantastic! The children always have a great time...due to the fact that one or more of the animation staff care for them in the day. Answering another review....never has the kids club been "un-manned"....there is always a qualified adult present....you only need look at the kids faces!!! We love sitting in the lounge, people watching!!! Or going for a walk,about 15 mins, to town,day or night. There is a wonderful coloured lights water show at night, amongst the sweet smells of Bougainvillea, and caramel peanuts being cooked on stalls....it's really lovely.
The beach is stunning, a few seconds walk from the hotel, leading to miles of white sandy beaches,where you can walk for hours.
I have stayed all over Tunisia, and Port el Kantaoui is specifically designed for the tourist industry...But don't let that put you off! It is a beautiful marina...even wealthy Tunisians live there now, and you can see them wandering the streets...exactly the same as us. It is easy to get around Tunisia these days....so why not stay in this amazing resort...a mini slice of Tunisia in idyllic surroundings. Buses are easy to catch, and much cheaper than taxis...even though the taxis are ridiculously cheap anyway.
All in all....the Abou Sofiane is truly fantastic. British people are very quick to complain these days....without regard at how hard the Tunisian people work. The hotel is always being improved, with new additions to the structure etc....so ignore the "needs a lick of paint" comments...please....even the reps say this hotel is better....privately,of course....This is a relaxing holiday, but if a little night life is needed, there is the hotel night club...a cute little place....that caters the Riviera too.What does that tell you!!You can also vear away from the all inclusive deal,if you wish, and go to one of the great restauraunts in town...where the food is traditional Tunisian,but also has choices for the less adventurous eater too.
Hope this has helped someone make a good decision.......lol. The Abou Sofiane...every time.
Staff are amazing...they will do anything for you....entertainment is great...The Animation guys and girls work VERY hard, rehearsing every day. They entertain around the pool, and the kids club is fantastic! The children always have a great time...due to the fact that one or more of the animation staff care for them in the day. Answering another review....never has the kids club been "un-manned"....there is always a qualified adult present....you only need look at the kids faces!!! We love sitting in the lounge, people watching!!! Or going for a walk,about 15 mins, to town,day or night. There is a wonderful coloured lights water show at night, amongst the sweet smells of Bougainvillea, and caramel peanuts being cooked on stalls....it's really lovely.
The beach is stunning, a few seconds walk from the hotel, leading to miles of white sandy beaches,where you can walk for hours.
I have stayed all over Tunisia, and Port el Kantaoui is specifically designed for the tourist industry...But don't let that put you off! It is a beautiful marina...even wealthy Tunisians live there now, and you can see them wandering the streets...exactly the same as us. It is easy to get around Tunisia these days....so why not stay in this amazing resort...a mini slice of Tunisia in idyllic surroundings. Buses are easy to catch, and much cheaper than taxis...even though the taxis are ridiculously cheap anyway.
All in all....the Abou Sofiane is truly fantastic. British people are very quick to complain these days....without regard at how hard the Tunisian people work. The hotel is always being improved, with new additions to the structure etc....so ignore the "needs a lick of paint" comments...please....even the reps say this hotel is better....privately,of course....This is a relaxing holiday, but if a little night life is needed, there is the hotel night club...a cute little place....that caters the Riviera too.What does that tell you!!You can also vear away from the all inclusive deal,if you wish, and go to one of the great restauraunts in town...where the food is traditional Tunisian,but also has choices for the less adventurous eater too.
Hope this has helped someone make a good decision.......lol. The Abou Sofiane...every time.
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- Date of Holiday:Feb 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" We have been to the amazing Abou... "
Submitted By: Mrs F Cale
We have been to the amazing Abou Sofiane, 4 years running,from honeymoon to each subsequent wedding anniversary. We love it! We would stay there over the Riviera,it's larger neighbour Occidental hotel, anyday! Funnily, Riviera guests are always sunbathing in the Abou,due to it's amazing architecture; it is enclosed,you see, and very much protected from any kind of breeze, in the pool area.Whereas the Riviera is totally open...and to us, rather lacking in character.Yes,it may be very grand etc...but it doesn't posess the "thing" that draws us, and many other people, year after year to the Abou Sofiane.
Staff are amazing...they will do anything for you....entertainment is great...The Animation guys and girls work VERY hard, rehearsing every day. They entertain around the pool, and the kids club is fantastic! The children always have a great time...due to the fact that one or more of the animation staff care for them in the day. Answering another review....never has the kids club been "un-manned"....there is always a qualified adult present....you only need look at the kids faces!!! We love sitting in the lounge, people watching!!! Or going for a walk,about 15 mins, to town,day or night. There is a wonderful coloured lights water show at night, amongst the sweet smells of Bougainvillea, and caramel peanuts being cooked on stalls....it's really lovely.
The beach is stunning, a few seconds walk from the hotel, leading to miles of white sandy beaches,where you can walk for hours.
I have stayed all over Tunisia, and Port el Kantaoui is specifically designed for the tourist industry...But don't let that put you off! It is a beautiful marina...even wealthy Tunisians live there now, and you can see them wandering the streets...exactly the same as us. It is easy to get around Tunisia these days....so why not stay in this amazing resort...a mini slice of Tunisia in idyllic surroundings. Buses are easy to catch, and much cheaper than taxis...even though the taxis are ridiculously cheap anyway.
All in all....the Abou Sofiane is truly fantastic. British people are very quick to complain these days....without regard at how hard the Tunisian people work. The hotel is always being improved, with new additions to the structure etc....so ignore the "needs a lick of paint" comments...please....even the reps say this hotel is better....privately,of course....This is a relaxing holiday, but if a little night life is needed, there is the hotel night club...a cute little place....that caters the Riviera too.What does that tell you!!You can also vear away from the all inclusive deal,if you wish, and go to one of the great restauraunts in town...where the food is traditional Tunisian,but also has choices for the less adventurous eater too.
Hope this has helped someone make a good decision.......lol. The Abou Sofiane...every time.
Staff are amazing...they will do anything for you....entertainment is great...The Animation guys and girls work VERY hard, rehearsing every day. They entertain around the pool, and the kids club is fantastic! The children always have a great time...due to the fact that one or more of the animation staff care for them in the day. Answering another review....never has the kids club been "un-manned"....there is always a qualified adult present....you only need look at the kids faces!!! We love sitting in the lounge, people watching!!! Or going for a walk,about 15 mins, to town,day or night. There is a wonderful coloured lights water show at night, amongst the sweet smells of Bougainvillea, and caramel peanuts being cooked on stalls....it's really lovely.
The beach is stunning, a few seconds walk from the hotel, leading to miles of white sandy beaches,where you can walk for hours.
I have stayed all over Tunisia, and Port el Kantaoui is specifically designed for the tourist industry...But don't let that put you off! It is a beautiful marina...even wealthy Tunisians live there now, and you can see them wandering the streets...exactly the same as us. It is easy to get around Tunisia these days....so why not stay in this amazing resort...a mini slice of Tunisia in idyllic surroundings. Buses are easy to catch, and much cheaper than taxis...even though the taxis are ridiculously cheap anyway.
All in all....the Abou Sofiane is truly fantastic. British people are very quick to complain these days....without regard at how hard the Tunisian people work. The hotel is always being improved, with new additions to the structure etc....so ignore the "needs a lick of paint" comments...please....even the reps say this hotel is better....privately,of course....This is a relaxing holiday, but if a little night life is needed, there is the hotel night club...a cute little place....that caters the Riviera too.What does that tell you!!You can also vear away from the all inclusive deal,if you wish, and go to one of the great restauraunts in town...where the food is traditional Tunisian,but also has choices for the less adventurous eater too.
Hope this has helped someone make a good decision.......lol. The Abou Sofiane...every time.
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- Date of Holiday:Feb 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" We travelled in a party of 5... "
Submitted By: Mrs C Quinn
We travelled in a party of 5 consisting of 4 adults and one almost 2 year old child. The hotel did not cater for children. The childrens disco did not start until 8:30pm (sometimes nearer 9) and there was nowhere in the hotel for them to play. The childrens club was not staffed. The dining room did not cater for them either. My daughter lived on rice, chips and vegetables for a week. The overall quality of the food was quite poor.
The New Year Gala dinner was particularly bad. It was a set menu 5 courses which took almost 4 hours to get out (I was told the Christmas dinner was as bad). There was nothing for the kids - menu was salad with blue cheese dressing, next was fish soup... I would not expect many children would enjoy that.
We ventured out to an Irish Bar to get something to eat as the dining room at the hotel was not open. As for excursions, do NOT go with the man who promises to show you the real Tunisia - you will end up in a carpet factory where they will try to sell you things. The entertainment was quite good, the comedy show was particularly so. However, the fire eating routine was done indoors as it was winter and the disco stunk of diesel the rest of the holiday.
Another tip, do not believe staff who tell you it is their last day, they are only looking for money. If I was to have given a dinar to everyone who hung about for a tip, then I would have had to gotten a job in the carpet factory.
I won't be back to Tunisia.
The New Year Gala dinner was particularly bad. It was a set menu 5 courses which took almost 4 hours to get out (I was told the Christmas dinner was as bad). There was nothing for the kids - menu was salad with blue cheese dressing, next was fish soup... I would not expect many children would enjoy that.
We ventured out to an Irish Bar to get something to eat as the dining room at the hotel was not open. As for excursions, do NOT go with the man who promises to show you the real Tunisia - you will end up in a carpet factory where they will try to sell you things. The entertainment was quite good, the comedy show was particularly so. However, the fire eating routine was done indoors as it was winter and the disco stunk of diesel the rest of the holiday.
Another tip, do not believe staff who tell you it is their last day, they are only looking for money. If I was to have given a dinar to everyone who hung about for a tip, then I would have had to gotten a job in the carpet factory.
I won't be back to Tunisia.
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- Date of Holiday:Dec 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:MyTravel
" We have just had a fab week at this... "
Submitted By: Mrs K Morris
We have just had a fab week at this hotel for the price we paid of £220 each all inclusive it was a bargain
Food was fine with a good choice in the self service restaurant there was 2 live cooking stations in the morning for pancakes and omelettes and a few in the evening.
We ate our lunch in the snack bar outside as we enjoyed eating outside, again everything was fresh usually, pancakes sweet or savoury, pizzas, kebab meat, lasagne, beef burgers and some salads, chips and a few other hot things.
There was 2 al a carte restaurants you could use once each during each week, first was a Tunisian and the other was in the sister hotel was Italian both were good, but they needed to be booked up in advance by a few days, we were lucky the hotel was quiet whilst we were there so had no problems getting in
Bars were good and included a few cocktails I enjoyed and on a couple of nights they did mulled wine which was gorgeous
The hotel was on the beach which was beautiful with white sand .
Kids club and mini disco wasn’t great but that was mainly due to the lack of kids and my daughter didn’t enjoy it was she was alone a lot of the time so didn’t want to go, but she enjoyed the evening shows for an hour around 9.30 to 10 good light entertainment.
There was archery twice a day my hubby enjoyed.
Indoor heated pool open from 8-6 ,outdoor pool was too cold in Jan.
Rooms were good with TV and bathroom with a bath which makes a change.
Staff in general were friendly and we really enjoyed our stay and would go back again 1 day.
Food was fine with a good choice in the self service restaurant there was 2 live cooking stations in the morning for pancakes and omelettes and a few in the evening.
We ate our lunch in the snack bar outside as we enjoyed eating outside, again everything was fresh usually, pancakes sweet or savoury, pizzas, kebab meat, lasagne, beef burgers and some salads, chips and a few other hot things.
There was 2 al a carte restaurants you could use once each during each week, first was a Tunisian and the other was in the sister hotel was Italian both were good, but they needed to be booked up in advance by a few days, we were lucky the hotel was quiet whilst we were there so had no problems getting in
Bars were good and included a few cocktails I enjoyed and on a couple of nights they did mulled wine which was gorgeous
The hotel was on the beach which was beautiful with white sand .
Kids club and mini disco wasn’t great but that was mainly due to the lack of kids and my daughter didn’t enjoy it was she was alone a lot of the time so didn’t want to go, but she enjoyed the evening shows for an hour around 9.30 to 10 good light entertainment.
There was archery twice a day my hubby enjoyed.
Indoor heated pool open from 8-6 ,outdoor pool was too cold in Jan.
Rooms were good with TV and bathroom with a bath which makes a change.
Staff in general were friendly and we really enjoyed our stay and would go back again 1 day.
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- Date of Holiday:Jan 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" The hotel itself is nicely situated.... "
Submitted By: Mrs P Lee
The hotel itself is nicely situated. Upon arrival however as the doors opened we were greeted by a wall of cigarette smoke. The ventilation in all common areas is non existent and so consequently the bar, lounge, corridors etc all reek of second had smoke.
Upon allocation of our room I discovered that our balcony doors did not close or lock properly. The guy on the front desk refused to change the room until the next morning which meant that we couldn't even unpack. The following morning we personally lugged our suitcases, pillows and a roll out bed and mattress to our new room which was about 7 or so long corridors away from any lifts.
Overall cleanliness of the room was acceptable. But beware the bath and hand towels in the room leave a lot to be desired. In fact they were so unwholesome we went into the harbour and bought beach towels to use when we showered.
The food in the restaurant was pretty good. Lots of choice and well cooked as long as you wanted English cuisine. I ate mostly in restaurants in the port - which were excellent and bought my own wine to take back to the hotel. The unlimited bar is great if you like beer but the wine and spirits were of a really poor standard.
Bar staff, waiters and entertainers really did their best to make everyone enjoy themselves. And the special gala evenings on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve were brilliant - despite loads of complaints regarding the choice of food from other residents.
Unfortunately security within this hotel is virtually non existent. Whilst staying at the hotel young lads constantly ran up and down the corridors at all times of the night and day. On one occasion throwing glasses at bedroom doors. It took me over an hour to get the hotel to clean up the mess. In fact my 70 year old parents who were staying with us had to physically break up a fight outside their room.
The security guards situated at the main gate were as obstructive as possible and had to be made to open the gates for taxis to drive down to the main reception area. There were many disabled and elderly people staying at the hotel who found this a major problem.
Be prepared to be constantly harassed by staff to change sterling into local currency. It happened to me several times. Prices of extras within the hotel vary from person to person eg. I bought 4 photos of my family at the Gala evening on Christmas Eve for 30 dinars only to find out that another guest had paid only 3!
On a positive note the company the hotel arranged to take me on various trips and to the airport were superb. Very courteous and helpful - as was the concierge on the main front desk.
Outside of the hotel could be quite off putting for many overseas visitors. Be prepared to be constantly harassed to buy goods/drugs or book trips. Also my daughter who is only 12 had to fight off numerous middle aged men trying to touch her and making inappropriate remarks.
Overall my advice would be - go to Morocco. I did last year and found it a much nicer experience.
Upon allocation of our room I discovered that our balcony doors did not close or lock properly. The guy on the front desk refused to change the room until the next morning which meant that we couldn't even unpack. The following morning we personally lugged our suitcases, pillows and a roll out bed and mattress to our new room which was about 7 or so long corridors away from any lifts.
Overall cleanliness of the room was acceptable. But beware the bath and hand towels in the room leave a lot to be desired. In fact they were so unwholesome we went into the harbour and bought beach towels to use when we showered.
The food in the restaurant was pretty good. Lots of choice and well cooked as long as you wanted English cuisine. I ate mostly in restaurants in the port - which were excellent and bought my own wine to take back to the hotel. The unlimited bar is great if you like beer but the wine and spirits were of a really poor standard.
Bar staff, waiters and entertainers really did their best to make everyone enjoy themselves. And the special gala evenings on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve were brilliant - despite loads of complaints regarding the choice of food from other residents.
Unfortunately security within this hotel is virtually non existent. Whilst staying at the hotel young lads constantly ran up and down the corridors at all times of the night and day. On one occasion throwing glasses at bedroom doors. It took me over an hour to get the hotel to clean up the mess. In fact my 70 year old parents who were staying with us had to physically break up a fight outside their room.
The security guards situated at the main gate were as obstructive as possible and had to be made to open the gates for taxis to drive down to the main reception area. There were many disabled and elderly people staying at the hotel who found this a major problem.
Be prepared to be constantly harassed by staff to change sterling into local currency. It happened to me several times. Prices of extras within the hotel vary from person to person eg. I bought 4 photos of my family at the Gala evening on Christmas Eve for 30 dinars only to find out that another guest had paid only 3!
On a positive note the company the hotel arranged to take me on various trips and to the airport were superb. Very courteous and helpful - as was the concierge on the main front desk.
Outside of the hotel could be quite off putting for many overseas visitors. Be prepared to be constantly harassed to buy goods/drugs or book trips. Also my daughter who is only 12 had to fight off numerous middle aged men trying to touch her and making inappropriate remarks.
Overall my advice would be - go to Morocco. I did last year and found it a much nicer experience.
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- Date of Holiday:Dec 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
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Advice: Great place, will be coming back next year!
Activities: you really have to go to the Sahara Desert it is amazing with camel rides.
Good for: Beach