hi Jenny
We stayed in the Salem last summer. You're right, guests can use the facilities of all 3 hotels on the site. We loved the Salem, so much so that we re-booked to go again this yesr, but apparently the "Royal" Salem is a little grander (as the name implies)
I searched for reviews for both hotels last year before I booked & the salem seemed to come out better ...Hope this helps

Hi Voddy - thanks very much for that. I thought that after reading the reviews, the Salam seemed more popular than the Royal, but as some of them didn't make it clear which of the two hotels they were referring to, I wasn't sure. Enjoy your second visit! Thanks again. Jenny x

Hi there,

off to tunisia for the first time on sunday, just wondered if any body had stayed at this hotel ? what its like? and do they have irons, beach towels and kettles . I would really appreciate if somebody could let me know

cheers
lisa

I do hope that someone will answer this for Lisa, as I will also be very interested in the answer. From the hotel reports, several members have actually stayed there. thanks! Jenny x

thanks jenny

we stayed at the salem in october last year we took our own iron kettle and beach towels as they weren`t supplied by hotel. Have a look at this web site it might help, http://www.marhabahotels.com.tn/

I tried to find out info about this hotel before we went. There seemed to be some confusion over the 2 hotels, Yes you can use facilties at the Royal but has they only have the indoor pool that would be all you could use. What little entertainment there is is done outside the Salem by their pool. If you can go to the Royal Salem it is a much nicer hotel. The Salem is very tired and we looked at 4 rooms before we found one that we could sleep in. Food is the same at both hotels . There are a lot of people that are returning year after year but for what? If you want a beach holiday that is cheap this will be it. The staff are really very nice. It is in the middle of no where so you will need to get a Taxi to see anything.

we will be returning to the Salem this summer after visiting Tunisia for the first time last year.
you are right that the hotel isn't exactly a palace & it is old but the atmosphere and staff of the hotel more than make up for it. We found it to be very clean and comfortable and the food was fantastic.
We spent very little time either on the beach or around the pool as this fabulous country has so much to offer only seeing the hotel & grounds would have been a waste of 2 weeks.
I suposse it is "in the middle of nowhere" but to us it was the perfect location, 1/2 way between Sousse & PEK and, with taxis outside the gates, you could be in either place in less than 10 minutes for as little as £2!!
The reason we are returning is to see more of the local area that we didnt get around to experiancing last year.

Many thanks for those replies - very helpful - as I am sure that Lisa will agree. In my opinion, excellent staff are preferable to a new coat of paint - although I'd actually like both Thanks again. Jenny x

We are planning to book the Royal for August 2008, still wondering whether to go Half Board or All Inclusive. Have read reports that AI is not very good - can anyone comment on this further
Thanks.

Unless you want a plentiful supply of alcohol or have children who want constant drinks and icecreams I personally think it is best to go half board, as eating out is inexpensive and it is nice to experience life outside the hotel, however nice it may be. To me, staying put in the hotel because everything is included is a waste of an opportunity.

Staying in royal 23-30 dec 2007
can anyone advise where i can watch premership football nearby

thanks