We went to this hotel for one week. The hotel was OK as far as it went but the whole experience was pretty average and when I had to return early for work, we did not shed too many tears. It is a slightly odd hotel with a grand but somewhat bizarre entrance (at least the decoration is bizarre) and a couple of other grand rooms in the old villa. The hotel is on the sea but all the rooms seemed to overlook an interior oval shaped courtyard one might call it. So no great views (we were on the ground floor - as I recall there were three or four floors in the accommodation blocks so there may have been a view higher up). The rooms are rather faded although everything worked. TV had BBC World but that was it.

First, the food. As I say, it was OK, plenty of choice but somehow it was not that appetising and became a bit boring after a few days. I admit that I do like my food so perhaps I am being too critical but do not expect a gourmet experience. No waiting and you are assigned a table for the duration.

As to cleanliness, the poor girl who cleaned our room (every day) worked her socks off but she had far too much to do. The hotel in general seemed to have seen better days - it was in no sense dirty though.

We thought the pool was next to useless. Its pretty small and was no good for my wife who is not a swimmer. That would be OK if there was a beach. There aint. You can get down to the sea and walk along for half a mile - not a pleasant walk - and there is a beach of sorts near the town. In fact, every day, we walked into town (a half mile walk - by the road - not far but when it's hot it seemed far enough) and hired a matress etc in another hotel which had a large pool which was fine but it was a bit of a chore.

There you have it as far as location is concerned. Half mile to Port el Kantoui which is not a bad little place but purpose built with not a lot going for it. Sousse which is a proper town is nearby though - I cant remember the cost of a taxi but it was not prohibitive.

The staff we found were all pretty good but the entertainment is non-existent. I think a singer comes in a couple of times each week in the none too attractive bar. If you happen to be passing, drop in but otherwise, dont bother. Most evenings we ended up in Sousse - I should add that we are not clubbers so I know nothing about that scene but my guess is that it would not be very exciting.

Would I go again? No - it was certainly not a holiday from hell but had absolutely no "wow" factor. Dont go on the free trip - the remarks about the trip to the carpet factory are absolutely correct. I didnt mind the hard sell so much as the complete dishonesty of it and the waste of time - the bus got lost (on purpose?) so we had to wait for more than an hour in the street. Panorama seem to be part of this and it does them no credit.

I should add that I am in my fifties and have travelled as part of my job for more than 25 years so I hope I am being fair when I concur with the review which described this as a 3 star hotel by international standards

Room a little dark but extremley comfortable. Huge bath. Food is fine and there was a good choice. People are lovely there. Well worth a try.

I cant disagree strongly enough with the other reports on this site. We were transferred to El Hana Palace from another hotel and found the staff so welcoming and helpful. Our room was immaculate and cleaned thorough every day (even if we didnt get up until mid day!) I would agree that there was little or no entertainment with the hotel but it is situated very close to the the marina and we found plenty of night club entertainment close by.

The outdoor pool was to die for in cleanliness and temperature and the to sit in the water at the pool bar was a real luxury.

We found all the food in the evening of an extremely high standard and something to suit all tastes. The wine very reasonably priced and the staff made you feel free to relax and enjoy your meal.