The hotel staff were welcoming and we soon settled into our pool /sea view room. The room was spacious and accomodated 2 adults and one child easily. There was plenty of wardrobe space and a separate toilet and bathroom was convenient for our needs. There was a plentiful supply of sun beds around the pool which also had an efficiently staffed pool bar. The beach bar adjacent to the pool was well staffed and no queuing was necessary. drinks served to your sun bed! the beach bar adjacent to the hotel was great for the children at lunchtime, serving good food at reasonable prices.

Hotel food was plentiful, varied and in the main good with a good choice for children and vegetarians. The wine was inexpensive for a hotel.

Hotel entertainment was low key and added to the relaxed atmosphere. Cocktails before dinner were inexpensive and coffee after dinner in the spacious coffee lounge was a good accompaniment to premiership football playing on the TV (not available anywhere else in the resort)

We would certainly visit the hotel again. Very good value for money overall.

There are certain things you expect with any package holiday: flights rammed with chavs, suspect food and service tailored to the herd, not the individual.
With these things in mind, all we really wanted out of this holiday was some guaranteed February heat in pleasant surroundings and within easy flying time of England.

We arrived late on a Sunday night, following the seemingly inevitable transfer delays, and settled down in a modest room in anticipation of a much-needed night

The Hotel is very imposing and in our opinion probably abit too big. The room (the 2nd one!)was very comfortable and the maisd did an excellent job in seeing it was always clean with clean towels and plenty of shower gels etc.

However the hair dryer caught fire on our 2nd day and although it was reported to the maun desk immediately, it took our absence on a 3 day safari and two further calls to actually get this sorted out.

Also their answer to repairing the heating was to put a 'wadge' of toilet paper jammed in the frame of the patio window!

The Hotel food was always hot and plentiful but totally lacked any taste. We have never seen so many people putting copious amounts of salt and pepper on their food to give it some taste. It seems a shame that there also had to be a large tray of chips with every meal!!

We also experienced a problem with not being given receipts for our wine at the dinner table, it seems that this may heve been 'diverted' , always ask for a receipt.

Our rep was never in the hotel when he was supposed to be, and infact gave us very untruthful information with regard to a safari. The pool area seemed to be very crowded and all 'higgeledy piggeley' with beds all over the place, I dread to think what it must be like in the summer.

The beach however was very nice, the staff were very helpful in supplying us with deck chairs on the days we wished to have the sun, and a very nice pizza could be had as a take-away from the ala carte restuarant.

The beach bar had not opened for business when we were there (which was why it was nice and quiet) We also enjoyed several games of table tennis near the pool bar.

We have travelled quite extensively in Europe but never to Tunisia so I managed to book an excellent deal and was really surprised at how impressive this hotel was on first impressions.

Even though I felt the rooms were a bit dated they were comfortable and very clean, in fact cleaned every day by our maid of which we tipped but in Tunisia they expect it and it does make up a lot of their wages which is very poor in general. The view wasn't of the sea but as we were quite high up we could sit on our balcony and listen to the birds, especially first thing in the morning.

The food was great, lots of variety but I would have preferred more of a Tunisian feel as I love couscous and all the rich lamb dishes they favour. The breakfast was good as well and they made the effort to provide an English one even though not to every ones taste but more than made up for it in the fact that you could have fresh ommeletes and freshly cooked fried eggs. We did swap a dinner for a lunch one day and that was fantastic.

You could not have wished for a better location walking through the pool area right onto the beach which was kept spotless and even though the weather was cloudy (in fact we only really had 2 proper sunbathing days out of the 7) I could see what a buzz the beach/resort would be in the height of Summer with all the watersports being so cheap and great fun.

One word of warning if you take a taxi into Sousse to look around the Medina ....Do Not be fooled by a Tunisian coming up to you and pretending to be a waiter from your hotel, they get the tip off from the taxi driver and you are then taken to various shops and made to feel uncomfortable if you don't buy a carpet, leather bag, piece of tat at very inflated prices even though you are encouraged to barter. Wear some shades and just say No Thank you.

We went on a few excursions but found the Sahara Explorer which was a 2 day trip, long and very uncomfortable spent on the coach sometimes up to 8 hours out of the whole day, saying that we did feel we had seen the true Tunisia and the trip did cover 1,200 kilometres so you can get the gist of how long you have to travel for.

My partner said he would visit Tunisia again, maybe in 10 years time when they have tidied up the country but I felt outside of the resort the place needed a huge face lift and I would not be coming back. But all in all if you want a great hotel in a great location at the best resort in Tunisia I would recommend this hotel and P E K as the best resort.

The Marhaba Palace Hotel was very grand and clean. The pool and restaurants were lovely and the staff were both pleasant and helpful. Tips are appreciated but not a must - although we always gave something.

Our room looked out over the front of the hotel and, although the back would have been better, it was still lovely as the grounds are pretty and well maintained. The cleaners were friendly and did a brilliant job, coming in every day and replacing towels and bedding. The room was fairly dark but the sunlight cam in through the huuge doors onto the patio so it was never a problem.

The food was gorgeous and - although I can see what people mean abouth it being repetive - it's bound do be at times as there are so many dishes on offer each night. There is something for everyone (and I'm picky!!)

The entertainment is low key but that's what I'd expect in Tunisia anyway - it's not known as that sort of place. However, the piano player, band, karaoke and bingo caller create a good atmosphere and a laugh. There is a nightclub but I must admit we didn't venture into it. However, the bar was always busy and they don't hurry you out to close.

If we go back to Port el Kantoui we would definitely stay here again.

Appearance pleasant and clean although the rooms were a bit dated but spacious. Bathroom was okay. Food was quite varied and quite enjoyable. Staff tended only to smile and walk about. You were left to get on with it and help yourself. Very busy.

Pool area was pleasant and access to beach was easy. Plenty of sun beds. As I enjoy walking I did not mind walking to the Marina and Centre.

Staff were rather distant. You had to watch when changing money,often coins were not offered and you had to check that you received the full amount. In reception there was a lot of waiting around. When we arrived it was like organised chaos waiting for our key and room number.

Entertainment was music. No disco open. You felt rather like you were sitting in a cathedral setting.

I would not visis this hotel again as I found it too big and unpersonal. I actually transferred after my sedond week to another hotel which I much preferred.

Wonderful hotel. From the moment you're greeted at the door, the staff bend over backwards to help you. Yes I know they are after a tip - but I get the feeling they would be the same if they weren't, as all the Tunisians we met were really friendly.

The room was of a high standard, with a lovely view from the balcony, where we watched the sun set most evenings. Maids cleaned everyday, and the room was spotless.

The food was great, with lots of choice both for breakfast and evening meals. The one thing we missed was a nice glass of wine - the Tunisian wine left a lot to be desired. The two bars, were lovely, with a nice relaxed atmosphere - and don't miss the Moroccan bar, where you can get wonderful mint tea and date liqueur.

Entertainment was ok for us, as we weren't looking for anything particularly lively and loud. Karaoke, piano player and an hilarious Tunisian band, who crucified some great songs (which was very entertaining) was more than adequate. As was the Fariq show in the nightclub, where to my horror I was dragged up to do some belly dancing.

Outside the pool and pool area were stunning, with plenty of beds and a lovely bar to get drinks and snacks.

A short walk takes you to the beach and again a bar with drinks and food. Watersports are very cheap here. A short stroll down the beach takes you to the harbour which was lovely.

Can't fault the hotel in anyway and would highly recommend it. However, I would say that it is definitely an adults hotel, which children and teenagers might find a little too quiet.

This hotel was recommended to us by friends and we were impressed from the moment we arrived. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by friendly professional staff. Upon checking in, we were offered a seat in the gorgeous lobby and given a cool lemon drink within seconds! There was no hassel of waiting in a queue after our journey and our luggage was taken up by the porters once our reservation was confirmed.

We had paid a bit extra for a sea view and wow, was it worth it! As soon as we entered our room we were greeted by a view of what we considered to be paradise! Seventh floor view over the pool and a perfect view of the sea from all angles.

We rushed to the pool to get our first day in of sun therapy which was plentiful during our entire stay. The pool was large and the surrounded by palm trees and plenty of sunbeds. One tip however which was given to us by frequent travelers is when greeted by the pool staff, you have the option of reserving your sunbed daily or for the remainder of your stay. They appreciate a tip of 1 dinar per bed per day. If you pay for the entire stay ahead of time, they save your bed in the location of your choice so that you have it waiting whenever you decide to go.

The pool bar serves cool drinks, beer, wine and coffee or tea and between 10am and 1130am, the chef cooks lemon and chocolate crepes. The beach which is footsteps away, has a cafe which serves nice food at reasonable prices with the lovely view of the sea.

The restaurant for breakfast serves a wide variety of foods from omeletes made to order to fresh fruit, pastries, cereals, cheeses and hams, boiled eggs, bacon, german sausages etc. All staff are there to cater for your every need. Dinner is lovely. Theres something for everyone including salads, local cuisine, homemade soups, pasta, 2 varieties of potatos, and chef's specialties which change every night. (These include fresh fish, chicken, turkey, pork, beef, rice or cous cous their local dish). The desserts are gorgeous including the homemade ice creams and sorbets. The staff are extremely friendly and always smile! They have an amazing memory as well so expect after your first night to be offered what you ordered the previous evening.

I must say, for as little as the staff are paid (6 dinars per day), they offer a smile everytime! The service we received was 5 star quality. This country is beautiful, but poor when it comes to salaries. The staff work extra hard and will do anything for you, so please reward them with an adequate tip. Your rep will fill you in on what's expected. Keep in mind, 1 dinar is only 50p!

The evening entertainment was rather mellow and that's probably the only thing we would change if we were asked. We however wanted a relaxing romantic holiday and that's exactly what we got! The flower guy Adam comes around every night and offers to make a beautiful bouquet for "your lady". He is the most charming guy and never pushy. He gives away more than he sells! Keep in mind if deciding to bring children that this hotel was recommended to us as an "all adult accommodation", which is why we booked it.

Shopping and the local area is lovely. There's a supermarket nearby (5 minute walk), which will allow you to get soda, juice, bottled water cheap, as well as snacks and some gorgeous leather bags and trinkets.
(Try the Kebabs in the cafe located in the supermarket which are only 2.50 dinars).

It's only a short stroll to the marina from the market, where you can browse in the shops and haggle for a deal on the items that are not fixed price. A good tip is to visit a few shops and compare prices. This way you can offer the lower price when you finally decide which shop to go to and sound like you know what you're talking about.

If you decide to have dinner in one of the upscale restaurants on the marina, you can switch to lunch if you're half board at the hotel, so you don't miss out on a meal that you're entitled to. We had dinner at the Floating boat restaurant neptune. Delicous food both local and standard cuisine with 5 star sevice and a view of the marina at night to die for! We had a bottle of wine, beer, lobster dinner and filet of beef dinner for only 60 dinars! (that's

We stayed a fortnight and have just come back (Sept '05) The hotel was very well kept and generally clean. Carpets, lounge/bar seating etc... excellent condition. The gardens were well looked after and litter never seen lying about.

We were 30 seconds from our own stretch of the beach which had beautiful white sand and the cafe there, belonging to the hotel, we found that very good too - and reasonable. We used to get pizza, sandwiches etc... to take away and eat by the pool.

The 2 restaurants (Morning/evening) were excellent with lots to choose from - breakfasts just brilliant - loads to eat on both counts with only 2 nights out of 14 being a little below their usual standard. Our waiter (Habib) was very professional whilst also being friendly and excellent at his job.

All the staff were very polite and friendly. I'd definitely go again.

Entertainment was the hotel pianist but we usually went in the bar when the hotel group were playing, (which did make me smile sometimes but it was enjoyable) It was a talented duo who sang well known English songs (but sometimes got pronunciation/words wrong but it added to the fun)

Our rep was very helpful - from what I hear not everyones was a good as ours. Also, someone at the airport told us they had people going round the pool in their hotel trying to sell them stuff - that never happened here - I have to say it was a good experience.

This was our first stay at the marhaba palace and i can say its the best hotel I have stayed at in Tunisia.

The staff were friendly and more than happy to look after you and make your holiday enjoyable.

The rooms were fine with comfy beds and clean linen and the maids came daily to clean.

Food was excellent there was plenty of choice for breakfast and dinner, even my dad who is the worlds fussiest eater didnt go hungry. You get plenty of choices of salads, pastas and main courses and the ice creams and little pastries are lovely.

We ate most lunchtimes at the hotels beach bar which has a good choice and is very good value for money.
The swimming pool and beach areas were kept very clean as was the inside of the hotel.

The sports centre at the front of the hotel is worth a visit as the jacuzzi and spa is great.

Entertainment was lacking a bit but its a nice hotel to be able to relax in, the painist and marhaba band have a good shot and keeping you entertained and theres a show in the nightclub once a week with a belly dancer,snake charmer etc which we enjoyed.

As for things for kids to do its not a hotel i would recommend for familys as theres nothing aimed at entertaining the kids.

All in all we really enjoyed our stay at the marhaba and will be booking there for our holidays in future.