Hotel Marhaba Salem Reviews

On the whole this hotel is lovely.

It is in a beautiful setting directly on the beach. You can walk along the beach to Sousse town, or take one of the taxis that are always waiting in the driveway outside the main entrance to the hotel. Our bedroom was very comfortable. It makes a nice change to have carpet in the room and there was loads of wardrobe space - 2 double wardrobes, one with shelving and the other with hanging space (take some extra coathangers. Safety deposit boxes are available, but we weren't told by the rep at the welcome meeting and found out later that you need to pay for them at the hotel bank, not reception. They only cost about £3 a week, and are situated in a room behind the reception desk, not in the bedroom. Make sure you take some sterling notes with you because the reception staff will change these into Dinars if you need some cash when the bank isn't open. The exchange rate is set by the Government in Tunisia, so all banks give the same, but commission can vary. The hotel bank charged hardly anything in commission (less than £1 on £50), so we changed our travellers cheques there. Everything in Tunisia is cheap.

The hotel snack bar does lovely lunch time food. We had Mushroom omlette and chips, Cheese and onion omlette and chips, bread and butter, one beer and a bottle of water and the lot came to £4! We had lovely weather - not a cloud during the whole week, and temperatures in mid 70s during the day. It went a bit chilly at night.
I can only think of one thing that we weren't keen on in this hotel and that was the fact that you're allocated a table in the dining room and if you're a couple, you have to share with another couple. Having said that, the people we shared with were very nice, so it wasn't so bad. The food is all self service, but very tasty and varied. There is some entertainment in the evening, but don't expect too much!

We'd definitely go back again. It was lovely early Spring break in the sunshine.

Booked this allocation on arrival, 3 hotels, 3star or 4 stars, The Marhaba Beach, Hotel Tour Khalef, Hotel Sahara Beach.
When we arrived at the airport I found it very intimidating, locals crowded round you could not get out to see the rep, also they were trying to carry your cases eventhough you didnt want them to.
Once I spoke to the rep she told me I was staying at the the hotel Salem, I questioned this and asked is it the Marhaba Beach hotel, yes I think not.

We were first drop off and arrived at the Royal Salem great beautiful hotel, Stop no you're next door what a let down. The hotel was old and tradition, however I will say very clean. After filling in more forms the bell boy took our cases where we followed, going through that many corridors I was lost, no lights in some instances worrying.(Bearing in mind I had a 10yr old with us)he then hoovered round until a tip was given.
The room was disgusting everyone who arrived that night was reallocated the following morning. The reps did assist however they said the hotel was a 3star unfortunately I think 2star.
The staff were very helpful, however just remember the words tips.
Food poor, bland very little variety, set menus about 4 nights a week with waiter service. However they did accommodate my son's needs even when we said no thank you, the pizza would still arrive.

Please be aware that you are pester by the locals when walking on the beach, camel rides and purchase of cigarettes.
I needed to go to the pharmacy, I was appalled that they had 2 set prices green labels for the locals, white for the holiday makers. Staff removing the green label before you purchased the item.

We had half board arrived half an hr late and got no meal no drink nothing. Staff was rude and unhelpful. Hotel decor was really depressing. Gave us a cot for my 3 yr old son!, which they did eventually change to a 3 bed room.
Food was really bland and looked like it was recyled breakfast to lunch to dinner. Evening meal was awful we had to drag ourselves to mealtimes.
Thompson reps were unhelpful 100% useless.
NO LIFT in the hotel had to walk up the stairs my mum is asthmatic so it was a nightmare for us but as Thomson were so kind to point out we had to pay if we wanted a change.
Poor entertainment.
Cigarette smoke was everywhere in the evening we couldn't even open our hotel door without the smoke hitting you, not good for CHILDREN.
Best to avoid really.

The hotel Marhaba is beautiful. The Hotel entrance is decorated in marble and the dining area is exceptionly clean and pleasent.

The hotel could not have been better situated. literally a two minute walk to the beach (if that!!), and close to a few shops.

Our room had recently been refurbished, and was spacious. Although the room was basic, (no TV, or fridge ,etc)the room was nicely decorated,clean with good air conditioning. Our balcony over looked the pool and beach,however this does not seem to be the case for all rooms, and some rooms do not have a balcony.

The food was fantastic,the choice of breakfast consisted of pancakes, fresh bread, fruit, yogurt, cereal, cakes, tea, coffee fresh orange etc.There was a variety of foods to suit everyone, (the same being for the evening meal)and nearly every table has its own waiter.

The pool area is clean and friendly with a bar that sells drinks and snacks.

The resort has a few shops and restaurants, and taxis are always available literally at the door step of the hotel.

This was one of the best hotels that I have stayed in, people said to me when I said that I was going to Tunisia that you either love it or Hate it... well we loved it., so much that we are going back next year.
The hotel was spottless , the food was varied I did miss my bacon for breakfast, but being a muslim country I knew I would not get this.
The pool area was excellent, you had to pay 1d to get your sunlounger, but this stopped people putting towels over them, and there were always beds you could get. We went to the beach several times as it is litterally 2 minutes walk even less if you run. The beach was great, safe for kids too.
The trip to the Saraha Safari was one of the best that I have been on, it was excellent value for money the overnight hotel was fab.

I would recomment this hotel to anyone..the only think that I would say is that remember this is a poor country and at times you do see this with children running up to you for money,and people trying to get you to buy, buy, buy but a firm no thank you and they soon go to the next person.

We booked a one week holiday through My Travel 4 weeks prior to departure. Our transfer was short and sweet and on arrival I was assured by reception that the room we had been allocated had our required seview. However, the room was very basic and the decor was definitely in need of a new lick of paint. The view across the gardens was nice enough - but definitely no sea view! We requested reception for a move to a new room and were told that nothing else was available that night, but they would look at it for us in the morning. (We then watched another 3 coachloads of people booking into the hotel over the following few hours so not entirely convinced that there were no other options!)However, on the Monday evening we spoke to our rep, Angela, and mentioned the issue. She said she would see what she could do.

In the meantime, the weather forecast was for rain in resort so we decided to book the 2 day Sahara Trek for the following morning. We were so pleased that we did as it gave us an opportunity to see some of the real Tunisia that you would not normally see in tourist focused resorts. The coach journey was fairly arduous with early starts on both days, but we stopped every 2 hours to see something or just for a loo stop. On the way down to the Sahara we visited: El Jem, the enormous ampitheatre where parts of Gladiator were filmed; some Troglodyte cave dwellings where families still live; the set of the original Star Wars film which is now a hotel of sorts; and finally we arrived on the edges of the Sahara for the long anticipated camel trek. It was only an hour 'expedition' but that was more than enough unless you are an experienced horse rider! The sunset across the Sahara was beautiful and my camel (Max!) was a real cutie - unfortunately my boyfriend wasn't keen on having a camel for a pet and wouldn't let me bring him home.

The hotel we stayed in overnight was nice and there was a lovely pool although we did not have enough time to take a dip before dinner. On the second day we crossed a massive dry salt lake, drove 4x4's high up into the mountains, and took a horse and carriage ride into an Oasis. We were also meant to visit a carpet factory but there wasn't much enthusiasm for this so we bypassed it!

Our guide for the journey was brilliant, spoke excellent English and knew something about everything - history, culture, plants, animals, politics etc - in fact I think out of 12 hours we spent on the journey and the visits on Day 1 he may have stopped talking for about, ooh, 40 mins of it. We also had a relatively young groups of people on board and no kids so it was quite nice to make some new acquaintences who we met up with for drinks later on in the week.

Back at the Marhaba, we got a call from Angela saying she had secured us a new room with a seaview! It was so much nicer, brighter and in better nick than our first allocation with a stunning view of the pool and out to sea and it really made a difference to our holiday. It is worth saying something if you do not get a room that is upto your expectations initially.

The entertainment in the hotel was definitely lacking but we were there just out of season. The disco was a laugh just to observe the Russians dancing. The pool was clean, but the music and children were less than relaxing so we spent our sunbathing time on the beach. 50p (1 dinar) for a sun chair, but plenty of space just to throw your towel down. Beach was clean and the sea was clear. Lots of people trying to sell you stuff, but they do not usually come up past the water's edge as security will chase them off the section.

In Tunisia you are expected to tip for everything, and we mean everything - doormen, waiters, taxis, beach attendants, masseurs etc etc. We got a bit fed up of it in the end but 1 dinar is only about 45p so we just went along with it. Their wages are very low, but the tourism industry is a relatively well paid job over there.

We went into Sousse just once to visit the medina. Didn't buy anything - wear dark glasses and pretend not to understand them - if you show a hint of interest the sellers will pounce on you and harass you to go into their shop - just keep walking and they don't follow you. We got called 'white chickens' for not buying!

Port El Kantoui is made for tourists and is more English focused than Sousse but its very pretty and has some nice restaurants. The Brasserie near the furthest fountain is the only one that sells alcohol in that square. Also beware if you're a youngish group of being approached by men trying to sell you 'hashish' - it's more than likely oregano or something but is also highly illegal too! He took great offence at me refusing to shake his hand when we politely refused his offer.

Whatever you do DO NOT GO ON THE PIRATE SHIP in Port El Kantoui if the water looks vaguely choppy. We were all very ill - and the cold grilled sardines they try to feed you do not help much.

Never go into the first restaurant which tries to drag you in. The best places we went to were the ones where no-one was loitering trying to get trade. Also beware of those selling happy hour cocktails - it is unlikely there is any alcohol in these and you will pay over the odds for a smoothie! Also Biere S.A. on a menu means 'sans alcohol' so unlikely to get you tipsy if thats what you want. Alcohol is readily available in the hotels and a half bottle of red wine in Marhaba Hotel cost 4d which if under £2. outside the hotels restaurants may charge over 11d for the same bottle.

We went into a lovely restaurant on the last night in PEK called Cous cous which is by the fountains. The highlight of my holiday (well, a close second to Max the camel) was Neil getting down on one knee in this reastaurant and offering me an engagement ring!!! Certainly a memorable holiday!

Would definitely recommend Tunisia if you want a bit of culture, sunshine, and you are relaxed enough to go with their way of doing things. If you want a full English breakfast every morning and be drunk every night then try Benidorm instead!

we were a bit anxiuos at first having read all the reviews but we had absolutely nothing to worry about the hotel was clean the rooms were clean the staff were friendly and helpful the waiters,cleaners,bar staff,entertainment team,chefs,those who worked in reception and even the rep were all brilliant the food was so good we went back as cargo we ate so much a great place for children of all ages taxis were cheap and plentiful

it was a fantastic holiday would definately go again

We arrived at the Hotel without any hassle. We found the staff extemely helpful and friendly. The hotel was clean and the food was excellent with plenty of choice. There was a buffet and also the waiters served your main meal to the table.

We enjoyed the entertainment and found the team very friendly. They worked hard to make sure that everyone was enjoying themselves and felt welcome and included.

The bedrooms were basic but clean. The hotel staff were friendly and curteous.
The grounds of the hotel were beautiful and very well kept.

We had a problem with cockroaches on the second day of our holiday but the problem was sorted out immediately and we had no further problems. The Manager was only to willing to listen to our problem and find a satisfactory solution.

We went to a Tunisian night run by the hotel which was very good and we thoroughly enjoyed a touch of their culture.

We had an excellent week and I would have no hesitation in returning to this complex for another holiday should I visit Tunisia again.

Were rather unsure about Tunisia, were told you either love it or hate it! We were very impressed with everything about our holiday. Hotel looks more impressive when you see it compared to pictures in brochure. Had expected twin room with 2 extra beds and terrace or balcony. Were allocated a family room with two bedrooms/tv/and fridge. No balcony or terrace but perfect sea view more than made up for it and air conditioning worked a treat.

Staff in hotel very friendly and helpful. Cleaners did an excellent job with the towels and sheets. We were allocated a table in the restaurant for the duration of our stay with the same waiter who was very efficient. It was our sons 9th birthday and the waiter organised a lovely chocolate cake and flowers on the table. There was also a cake on our last evening meal of the holiday. The food was very good with something for everyone.

The pools were great and the indoor one was very useful to use for the kids at the hottest part of the day and it was huge and deserted a lot of the time. There was regular entertainment if you wanted and the pool bar did really nice snacks, the local wine and beer was lovely. Did not do any organised trips but did use the local transport to visit El Jem (used in part of the film Gladiator, and did a Pirate Cruise which the children enjoyed.

The medina is worth a look but can be rather intimidating for window shoppers! We were warned to beware of being approached by so called waiters from your hotel offering to show you round only to take you to a carpet shop and end up being pressured into buying after an hour of hard sell!

Hotel has safety deposit boxes and foreign exchange in reception. Had a bag snatched while out one evening by a couple of boys on a scooter - luckily nothing of value! Beware of walking along the edge of the pavement and keep valuables to the inside! Plenty of tourists walking along the main road on the evening as there are shops to browse in. Also worth going into other hotels for a drink and a look at the entertainment. The hotel is part of a group and you can use the facilities of all. Access to the beach was simple and the sea was lovely to swim in and you could go out for ages before you were out of your depth!

We were really sorry to have to come home and would definately go back - soon I hope!

The Hotel Salem is a 3 star hotel but we were lucky enough to get up graded to some of the 4 star rooms next door. The room was huge, clean and we had a fridge. I think the regular 3 star rooms dont have a fridge.

The food was nice and there was plenty of it.
There is not loads to do in Sousse, you will be hard pressed to find enough to do if going for 2 weeks, unless you are just happy lounging by the pool or on the beach. Can definatly recommend the excursions, which were a nice way to see Tunisia with the least amount of hassle. We went on a trip to El Jem, where gladiator was filmed and the trip to the Sahara sounded good, but as were there only a week we didnt go on. We did find we had seen most of the sights once we had been on a few trips.

Would recommend a couple of things,
- Tip freely. They dont earn much over there and rely on tip a fair bit.
- Only change small amounts of money at a time. Its ok to do this at the hotel, we did £20 at a time, and hardly spent anything whilst we were there.
- Buy some booze at duty free to take to Tunisia with you. The beer is good over there, but not much choice when it comes to other booze.

We have just returned from a brilliant two week holiday in sunny Sousse. After reading several reviews, we were more than a little dubious about the holiday, but can honestly say that our stay in the Salem hotel was excellent. All the staff were lovely, with no exception (we were never asked to tip, although they deserved it!!)

One word of warning - The porters at the airport will put your luggage on a trolley and wiz you over to your coach BUT they do expect a tip. However, when we got to the hotel the porter had to fight us for our suitcases which he took all the way to our room for us without any mention of a tip.

The hotel was old but very nice, not run down as people have commented but is more traditional looking than some of the other hotels. Our room had air conditioning and a tv which had two English channels. The rooms were cleaned daily and towels changed whenever requested. The sheets were always fanned - as were our pyjamas! and on our last day they left us jasmine flowers.

We went half-board and found there was plenty of choice and we always found something to eat (even though we are very picky). We were allocated seats in the restaurant but they do endeavour to seat nationalities together, although often we didn't see the people sharing our table as both dinner and breakfast were served over a long period of time.

The Animation Team were brilliant, they were friendly to all nationalities and all age groups. They provided entertainment from 10am in the morning through to 2am in the hotel night club. They really want you to have a good time and won't hassle you to join in their activities if you don't want to.

We did find that in Tunisia most entertainment is hotel based, there are a few bars and clubs in Sousse but we found the hotel prices were cheaper and the night club was good fun and recommended by locals in Sousse. The hotel was just between Sousse and Port El Kantoui but taxi's were cheap and quick so it was very easy to get out and about. We did get hasseled by locals when we were walking about at night but it wasn't aggressive just annoying. In the medina we found that if we weren't interested in looking in a shop it was best to ignore the owner. The trip into the Sahara desert is one you don't want to miss and our afternoon on the Pirate ship was lots of fun.

All in all we really enjoyed our holiday and would recommend this hotel!

to vist sousse or port el kantaoui use local taxi and always agree price before getting in. things to do the zolo dancing that the reps organise is great. we went on a caterman from port el kantaoui that was a brillant experinence i would differently recommened it.

All the staff in the hotel are brillant and can not do enough for you. but always remember to tip your waiters. we made some really good friends though joining in the activtys that the hotel runs.

This holiday started off with an excellent treansfer from the airport to the resort. The porters at the airport were so helpful and did not expect a tip. From the time we arrived at the hotel, the staff were always very helpful.

Meals are buffet breakfast and waiter service for dinner. You usually had a choice of 5 dinners. My only disappointment was that they had no specific food geared towards children, so my 3 ate very little although the food was excellent.

The pool at this hotel is very deep and personally i think unsuitable for little children. (at the deepest it is 3.20metres. but whilst this could be an issue for some it is overcome by the fact that you can use the facilities of the neighbouring hotels. and when i say neighbouring they are in fact in the same grounds, so you seamlessly walk from one to the other. the best pool was at the Marhaba Club. we spent no time at all at the Marhaba Beach's poolside.

The decor at the hotel is dated and not the standard of decoration you would necessarily expect from a 4* hotel - but don't let this put you off as everywhere was spotlessly clean.

the hotel is in quiet grounds but outside of the hotel is a very busy road and an endless supply of taxis. it is very cheap to get about. there are a some bars and restaurants close by. the Tunisian ";supermarkets"; in fact sell very little. the usual holiday trinkets, crisps, biscuits and if you are lucky you will find one that sell soft drinks. You cannot buy alcohol in ANY of the supermarkets. Alcohol can only be bought at the hotels or assigned bars ( and there are not that many bars - mainly restaurants).

If you decide to go shopping go to a fixed price shop first to get some idea of what you should be paying. Because what may seem like a great bargain when you are bartering is not usually the case! The transfer back to the airport was second to none and again the porters were waiting and actually took your cases off the coach for you and helped you wheel it in to the airport. The airport itself is very well laid out and very clean.

Overall we enjoyed our stay in Tunisia and would certainly recommend it. You will certainly feel safe here.

great hotel, food 100%, plenty to choose from. hotel rooms are basic but clean, swimming pool excellent and only 2 minutes walk to a gorgeous white sandy beach.not much to do outside the hotel but taxis are very cheap and port el kantoui is only 5 minutes away which has loads of shops and restaurants.hotel entertainment is run by a guy called sam who does a brilliant job, kids disco every night and followed by a different act which wasnt repetitive.

all in all a brilliant place, and i wouldnt hesitate to recommend it to everyone.

hotel salem is very clean, meals excellent,staff and waiters superb couldnt do enough for you. but hotel could do with a up date. there is three hotels on one complex you have the use of facilities in each one.they approx 10 yards from each other. hotel salem, hotel royal salem, royal salem beach hotel.

hotel had own section of beach, you do not pay for chairs or the umbrellas.beach very clean you might get locals selling fruit and tobacco, rugs .the royal salem hotel is a more updated hotel. 5 mins from hotel is a resort called port el kantaoui, it is a short taxi ride which is very cheap, approx 3 dinar which is 1.50 in english money.

the port has some lovely yachts and plenty of cafes to get something to eat or drink.you can shop there without hassle because most things are priced. there is a good cafe there with a bird cage outside they make a good cup of cappacino, and a nice refreshing friut drink, service is excellent. there is a irish bar between sousse and kantaoui also a english pub in sousse centre called the crown and anchor. good steak meal at the 3 dolphins a bar between hotel and sousse city centre.

go to the rep show it was brilliant well done thomson reps. weather was fantastic take plenty of sun cream. dont forget to tip waiters and taxi drivers they work hard for what they get paid. go on the camel ride it was a laugh trying to get on, you can see how the locals live and watch a local lady make some bread, i would go again but try a different resort .buy your cigs on plane going out drinks cheap bottle of lager 2.400 dinar which is approx 1 pound, meals cheap if u want to eat out.