Hi Carol, Most of the holiday areas in Tunisia have good beaches but if you want a proper working town with easy access to other places I would suggest Sousse, which has railway, bus and louage (shared taxi) stations so you can get around the rest of the country easily if you don't want to be dependent on trips organised by your rep. Some people prefer Port El Kantaoui not far from Sousse, which is purpose built and has a lovely marina with boats from many countries, a musical fountain and many nice restaurants. Taxis are very cheap (if you remember to barter) so you can get into Sousse for the station etc.quite easily. Sousse is the nearest to Monastir after Skanes (which has nice hotels but not much else) and PEK is only a bit further. Hammamet is quite a bit further and means a longish transfer.

For a 4* hotel in Sousse I think you may enjoy the Marhaba Beach and many rave about the Royal Kenz in PEK but I suggest you have a look at the hotel reports on here to give you some idea of what is available. No doubt others will recommend their favourite hotels, as well as tell you which ones to avoid, so you will be spoiled for choice. If possible try to fit in the Sahara trip, which is quite tiring but well worth doing. Good luck with your research and come back here with any specific questions you may have.

I also would recommend Sousse or PEK,I have stayed in Hammermet a couple of times in a nice hotel,but you can end up a bit out of the way,and not much choice of places to visit close by.I now always go to PEK,which is a short taxi ride from Sousse,or train to Monastir,very cheap,and some really nice hotels.

That's two votes for Sousse or PEK. There isn't actually a train station at PEK but it isn't far from Sousse so wouldn't be a problem.

I third PEK! a 'safer' bet for a first-timer in Tunisia, but with easy access to other towns etc. Best hotels are the Marhaba Palace, Kanta (both central to the marina), El Mouradi Palace, Imperial Marhaba, Royal Kenz (a bit further out). 5 and 4 star ratings in Tunisia are not as you would expect elsewhere, but you should be fine in any of the above - they are the most popular.

Thanks everyone for your replies but I think I will choose somewhere else at present.
Too many people telling me not to go.

aaah shame, but there'll always be some people who hate Tunisia, generally people who prefer home-from-home holidays with sausages and bacon in the morning, British pubs and Eastenders on their bedroom TV Hope you enjoy your hols wherever you end up

Hi

we went to tunisa, sousse. to the Marahba hotel two years ago and it was fantastic. lovely hotel, resort and the people really friendly and helpful.
My children still talk about Tunisa as the best holiday they have had.

Jo