| Holiday-Truth Readers Reports |
jacqueline from oldham travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
thomson
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 12 2008 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: We have been visiting this hotel for 6 yrs now in summer so after our fantastic August holiday we decided we would go for Xmas and New Year and as usual it was brilliant.
Only thing a little differant was day time entertainment as there was non as most people just wanted to relax which is OK for the adults but not the kids but having said that my 5yr old grandson had a fantastic time but the 16 ,18 not as easily pleased.
Xmas eve and New Years Galas were fantastic and was enjoyed by all and will be doing it again this year.
Click here for more information on this hotel, resort and region
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Steve,Heather and family from Aberdeenshire travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
Thomsons
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2008 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This is the second year we have visited the salem and once again we had a fantastic holiday.
All the Hotel staff and life gaurds are extremly freindly and helpful and are a credit to their hotel and country.
The only thing that we found irritating was the rudeness and bad manners of some of the european and eastern european guests,at times it was realy quite shocking,que jumping and bargeing in seemed to be standered practice for them.But dont let that put you off, you will have a brilliant time if you take the time and join in all there is to do.Zou Zou and the animatiou team work very hard and they put on some entertaining shows.
A must do is the araibian night,there is a snake charmer, strong man, belly dancers and all the food and wine you can consume all for 20 dinars.
A lot of fun is to be had if you go into the markets of sousse or pek.Learn to haggle and you should get some good bargins,dont let yourself get intimidated by their tactics and dont pay more than a third of the asking price,if they refuse to meet your final offer just walk away and that usually closes the deal.
We had such a great time that we are probably going to book again for a third time.
Give it a try and you won't be disappointed
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carl & kerry from castleford travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
medhotels
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 11 2007 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: staff.....rude, all they want is tip tip tip. and you dont tip them...they dont serve you. they take THEIR COMMISION out of the money you change, as well as the hotel commision.....never ever again
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Kelly from Plymouth travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
Portland Direct
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2007 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Just returned from 1 weeks hol, both of us enjoyed it immensely, cannot fault the hotel, resort, people or country in any way, on the contrary, any expectations we had (bearing in mind it was our first visit to Tunisia), were more than exceeded. Our room was lovely, big, clean well equipped, comfortable, biggest bed we've ever slept in (bigger than kingsize), lovely sea view even though we did not "tick the box" tp pay the additional charge for this.
Food was fantastic, catered for every taste imaginable. Omelettes and crepes cooked to order (filling of choice)for breakfast, many choices of fresh hot and cold at dinner time, all beautifully presented.
Staff, in the main, very friendly and helpful, our waitress (Miriam) was lovely and gave us tips on local info etc. Bottle of good local wine at the table only 10 dinar- £4.
The whole complex was large, very well laid out and beautifully landscaped. 3 pools to suit everyone - paddlers, swimmers and children! No problem with getting sunbeds! Complex had private beach, lovely soft, white sand, sea was warm and clear. Nice beach bar for snacks and drinks. In fact plenty of bars within the complex, didn't really need to leave the complex at all unless you want to see more of the surrounding area. This complex is ideally sited between Sousse and Port el Kantoui (the 2 places run into each other). Taxis plenty and cheap, also novelty train, horse and carriages and tuk tuks.
The entertainment team - Animation - were brilliant, providing varied entertainment all through the day and evenings for all ages. The team were enthusiastic, friendly, multi lingual, in fact multi national.
The main hotel (Royal Salem)is very impressive internally, lots of marble columns, floors etc, 2 glass lifts and beautiful wooden filigree balustrades around each of the 5 floors,water and fountain features, all of which can be seen from the central area which houses reception and lobby bar. All kept immaculately clean.
One final point, our visit coincided with the start of Ramadan which had concerned us slightly, mainly because before we went, we did not understand what it meant. Practising Muslims (which appear to be the majority)have to fast between sunrise and sunset for a month. That means no food, drink (including water), cigarettes. Yet they had to work in the very hot temperatures, serving us food and drink. They were very open about it, even joked about it. You could see by the end of the afternoon that they were suffering. As soon as the sun sets its party time for them!
We will definitely be going there again and have no hesitation in recommending it.
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Heather Steven and family from Aberdeenshire travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
thomson
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2007 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: absolutly fantastic, all the staff went out of their way to make you feel special and welcome.rooms were cleaned and bed linen changed every day, they even folded the washing from the balcony.
meals were culturly varied and coped for even the fussiest tastes, because you had the same table and same waiters for the duration it felt comfortable, they were also a good source of information for trips out.
warning the tunisian people have a wonderful but warped sence of humour and love to torment and wind up, i got so much fun at watching some people get really wound up before they realised this.
so good and relaxing we came home and booked for next year.
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mrs ellen totton from rochdale travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
thomas cook
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2007 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We booked our holiday with Thomas Cook 3 months before our departure date which was the 3rd June, so they knew well in advance that I was a disabled person with walking difficulties and the hotel was supposedly checked out to see if it was suitable of course they said it was, but has soon has we arrived it obviously wasn't. Ther
e was steps into the hotel and has I have a small mobility scooter and struggle with steps we encountered our first problem after the porter carried my scooter up the steps we phoned Thomas Cook right away but nothing could be done it took 5 days to move us to a hotel that was suitable.
The hotel kenz, which was far better, the food in the salem was very basic hardly varied and never hot the staff very friendly and helpful.
Due to my circumstances the cleanliness OK.
Hotel entertainment all right for children not adults very boring.
So overall I can't recommend this hotel especially if you are disabled with all the steps and uneven crazy pathing everywhere.
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Anna King from Herne Bay travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
thomson
on a family holiday.
There were 1 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2007 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: I wish we could set up another page for the Royal Salem and the Salem. They are two different hotels and are not to be confused with each other.
You do go past the Royal because it is on the same drive way and you can go into this hotel to use the indoor pool or its bar other than that you will only want to see what you could have had if you had spent a little more.
After being taken to our room which we took one look at and said no way we where sleeping in it. It was very dark and very tired looking. To be fair reception said we could look at another room ,which we did, this was no better.The third room seemed to be better and by now l was feeling a little sorry for the porter who was carrying our suitcases. We unpacked and went down to dinner. You are allocated a table which is yours for your stay. Food all buffet style with a mix of salads cooked meats and fish and a bottle of wine for about £4. We found all the entertainment is done at the Salem by the pool area which is not large enough and unless you sit on chairs from 7.30 you will not get a seat. Do not panic you are not missing very much Bingo in 6 languges and an mix of guests being useded for games and outside acts. Unfortunetly we found the problem with our room. We lived the entertainment in our room and the volume increased has the evening went on. No sleep later the next morning we asked to change the room again. This time we ended up in an annex of the hotel and although the room had army blankets on the bed, wonky light fittings, bathroom door that would not close and not enough room to swing a cat we did have a view and total peace for the rest of the holiday. Do do the Sahara experince it was the most fantastic part of the holiday. Remember to get a price before you get in the taxis which are outside the Hotel. Do go on the Tunisian evening they offer you in the hotel it is set up in the grounds of the hotel you will see all the entertainment that you will see in this one night all the food you can eat and although wine served in mugs it really was a great evening.
So to sum up if you are looking for a beach holiday in the sun and cheap this could be for you. Rooms are basic but clean. The staff are wonderful. Food will become very boring and entertainment poor. Although you are in the middle of Port Kant and Sousse it is easy to get about.
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Anne from Southampton travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
Medhotels
on a friends holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2007 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We booked this holiday late as a 'chill out and recover' after a tough year. This complex consists of three different hotels and we stayed at the 4* Royal Salem. Initially we booked on half board but upgraded to all inclusive on arrival for 21 Dinar (about £8) each which we felt was a bargain. This was the first time in Tunisia for both of us. The hotel is spotlessly clean, although showing signs of age and the rooms are a good size and very comfortable. We had a sea view which was fabulous. There isnt much directly outside the hotel and you would need to go into either Sousse or Port El Kantaoui, both of which are a short taxi ride away, for shops bars etc.
The are three pools, all very clean, so you could always get a space and had the choice of noisy and active or peaceful. The beach was lovely but didnt have sunbeds - just chairs - so we didnt use it. Also the sea was still pretty cold as it was so early in the season.
The food was varied and always hot.Lots of salads and pasta etc to go with freshly cooked meats. It is not English food, however there were chips every evening and there should be enough to keep even the fussiest eater happy! We loved it all and enjoyed trying new things. At dinner you could either have wine by the glass or the whole bottle - something I had not experienced before with all inclusive. You were allocated a table on arrival and many people shared with others but we were lucky enough to have a table to ourselves.
Most of the staff were friendly and helpful and the cleaners work so hard to keep everywhere clean.
The entertainment in the hotel bar was usually consisted of a singer who encouraged people to dance and was ok. At the Salem hotel where the animation team were based it was more lively but we tended to stay at the Royal. There is a nightclub on site, open from midnight til 3am which was great. We met some really nice people and would definitly return.
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Jayne Hobbs from Dudley travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
Med Hotels
on a friends holiday.
There were 4 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 02 2007 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: What a fantastic Holiday !
The flight over was very painless. We flew from Nottingham East Mids Airport and found it much ‘nicer’ easier than flying from Birmingham. I think this is because it is a smaller airport.
We arrived just as the check in desk opened and walked straight to the front and checked in our luggage and got our boarding cards. We then did a bit of duty free shopping and treated ourselves to some nice ‘smelly stuff’ and ciggies. We had a nice cuppa coffee in the Costa Café, went for a final smoke and our flight was called.
Quite a stress free and pleasant experience!!!
The time just flew,, LOL…
The flight was uneventful and the meal was satisfactory.
Didn’t take long for our baggage to arrive at Monastir Airport and we were outside at Taxi Rank before we knew it!
Got a Taxi to the Hotel, which only took about 25 mins.
On arrival at Hotel Royal Marhaba in Sousse, we were given a card to fill in and a drink in reception. Then we were rushed through to the Dining room for our evening meal.
There was a vast amount of choice and as it was self service buffet style, we could try a bit of everything, which we did all week.
We could not find fault with the meals. All the food was presented nicely and served either chilled or hot. A massive selection of salads/pasta dishes/various veg side dishes.
A choice of Meat/Fish/Chicken every night
The desserts were fabulous,
Also a choice of 4 different Ice creams and a good selection of fresh fruit at every mealtime.
Breakfast became our favourite meal of the day though,
Fried eggs, omelettes and pancakes cooked to order!
All the usual salads, cold meats, cheeses, fresh bread, toast, jams, cereals, fresh fruit, yogurts ect available
Best bit for me was a choice of 3 different fresh do nuts!!
Our waiter was a great guy, with an excellent sense of humour!
We tipped him 5 dinar every evening (between 4 of us) and he kept us in drinks all mealtimes and always had time for a chat and a laugh.
We had originally booked Half Board, but after the first day we decided to enquire about All Inclusive. Spoke to the receptionist and she gave us a price we agreed was good value for money, as we were speaking to her, the Manager arrived and offered us a special deal.
(we were happy with the price receptionist had quoted) we paid 15 dinar each per day to upgrade to All Inclusive (£5.90)
What a Bargain!
The Hotels facilities were very very good. Beautiful gardens surrounded the hotel, 4 outdoor swimming pools and 1 indoor pool.
We did the camel/pony ride trip and was a little disappointed. It was basically an hours trip along dusty farmers track to a small holding in the back of beyond. Where a local villager lady demonstrated how she lit a clay/Tandoori oven and made half a dozen nan breads, which we shared around to taste. There were 2 ostriches and 2 camels so not exactly a Farm as such.
We also got to see a demonstration of a pot being made on a potters wheel and were encouraged to buy some pottery.
We also did the pirate boat trip from Sousse Port.
DON’T GO!!
This was a floating Hell Hole!
What can I say,, was a total rip off. The boat had seen better days!
The wood was rotting and the upkeep of the boat left a lot to be desired. Everyone was rammed up on top deck, with NO shade. Only hard wooden plank benches to sit on, knocked together with protruding RUSTY nails.
The drinks were very overpriced at 2.500 dinar each, the beer was not even half a pint.
The toilet cubicle was a health hazard. NO seat, Just a very unstable porcelain bowl that was not fixed, the out pipe was just jutting out of a square hole in the side of the boat. A small container of water was used to ‘FLUSH’ the toilet contents down the side of boat into the sea.
Hand washing facilities consisted of a HUGE barrel/keg of water suspended from the middle of the roof on the lower deck. The used water falling into a small metal bucket on the floor that was overflowing. Lunch was included on this trip, but after seeing the kitchen facilities and the cook washing his hands in the used water bucket that was catching the used water everyone else had used we decided to ‘miss lunch’
The best trip was the Quad Biking. We booked with the guy on the beach and made our own way via Taxi to the Quad Biking. This was EXCELLENT fun. There were only 4 of us in our party and the guide, a young lad was a total star!
He took us along the same tracks we had done on the camel ride but also took us OFF road and we got to see some of the country side. And a huge beautiful lake where we stopped for a rest. This was by far one of the best days we had in Tunisia!
We spent the rest of the week in the Hotel’s complex. Us girlies had a pamper morning and had a steam room, sauna, skin peel, seaweed wrap, aqua massage/Jacuzzi and a full 30 mins oil body massage. Felt fantastic after.
But watch out for the little old lady who will try to sell you a margarine tub of other peoples ‘left over’ seaweed mud! I got done and paid 20 dinar for a small pot of seaweed mud that included other people’s pubic hairs!
We found the best pool on the 3rd day. It is right down by the beach and is a HUGE salt water pool with 3 water slides and a Jacuzzi section. The water was really really cold at the beginning of the week,, but after 2-3 days of fantastic weather and glorious sunshine we spent the last 2 days in and out the pool and on the slides like big kids ! The pool man/lifeguard will turn on the water slides whenever you ask him too, as they are normally on a timer.
If you are offered drinks by the waiter at the bottom pool,, please tip generously, we didn’t realise until the 2nd day that he had to jog all the way back to the main hotel to bring you drinks as the beach bar was closed until main season.
We didn’t really see that much of the entertainment/animation team as it was based in the other Hotel ‘Salem’ on the complex but we did venture over a couple of times for the bingo. The team seem to work hard and keep everyone happy. We went into the Moorish Café one evening for a water pipe and coffee and met Eddie in there, He is a waiter and part of the entertainment team, He has an uncanny likeness to Eddie Murphy, hence his nick name,, what a guy,, He will keep you amused for hours with his natter and tales!
All in all we had a brilliant holiday and we would defiantly go back to the Royal Marhaba Salem Hotel.
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Abi Carrington from Carmarthenshire, Wales travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
Thoms Cook
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 02 2007 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This is the Seventh time I have stayed in Tunisia although the first time in the Marhaba Salem as I usually stay in its sister hotel the Royal.
All in all the hotel is very similar although the rooms are much more basic and smaller and the food not quite so varied.
The entertainers, 'Animation' were as always fantastic, a really great group of guys who will go out of there way to make you welcome.
During our stay we met a group of people who had upgraded to All Inclusive, after doing the maths we decided to do the same and would certainly recommend it to anyone who enjoys their food and drink as for £6 per day both are unlimited!!
Had a reallly lovely holiday and will be back on the 2nd of May!!!
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Vaughan & Leah Jones from Nuneaton travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
Thomson
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 02 2007 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We booked for a 7 night stay on a full board basis with a sea view room.
The room upon arrival was extremely clean but if you tip the cleaner a dinar (40p) or two dinar then she will add little touches to the room which make you feel special.
The food, although takes a little getting used to, was very pleasant. They put up a poster just outside the restaurant displaying what "theme" the food willbe on the buffet - typical examples include French and Italian nights. There is always fresh bread available with salads and plenty to eat. You are designated a table at the start of your trip which you keep for breakfast, lunch and dinner but you can change should you wish (we were given a table in the smoking area but we changed straight away). The waiter service is also very good and will take your plates away while you get some more food. Drinks are very reasonable with bottles of beer 80p and pints £1.60 - it's called Celtia and is very good. Food for kids includes the usual pizza and chips but check what they put on the pizza first!
The location is very good - 3 or 4 dinars to Port El Kantanoui (a nice place but a little souless) and you can go on boat trips here and eat at the many restaurants. Sousse is better with a massive market (medina) and is roughly 5 dinars away (agree price or go by the meter). The sellers can be VERY pushy and try lots of tricks to get you into the shops. For example, they will ask how much something is in UK but pronounce it wrong; then they say they will show you so you can teach them the right word but you get stuck in there for 20 minutes with them trying to sell you everything.
All of the trainers there are fake and although they look spot on, they WILL make your feet soaking wet in rain. You can get Adidas Goodyear trainers for about 20 dinar and Nike Air for 25 dinar - wouldn't pay anymore for them and you can haggle them right down sometimes.
The "wooden" African masks are not quite wooden either with them being made of some sort of plastic resin which breaks very easily.
Overall, the experience was good although Tunisia took some getting used to. We went when the weather wasn't great and given some hot weather, this place would have been great.
We would recommend the African Zulu Evening for £25 each - incredible night out!
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Stewind from Birkenhead travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
Thomas Cook
on a singles holiday.
There were 1 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2006 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Just got back today from Marhaba Salem and would recommend it to anyone. The hotel is showing signs of age but this made up by the fact that it is kept so clean.
The staff are very helpful and willing to help with whatever they can, nothing is too much trouble.
The food is varied and interesting. I am a very fussy eater but I just threw myself into it and enjoyed most of what I tried.
It is well situated for most things between Sousse and Port El Kantoui. You can catch a cab to Sousse for only 2 dinars (£1) but fix a price first! It can vary slightly.
I wasn't keen on the entertainment but it's not my sort of thing anyway so I'm not a good judge. Most people seemed to like it.
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jacqueline from oldham travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
thompson
on a family holiday.
There were 3 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This hotel is fantastic it is extremlely clean the rooms are kept very clean, to with your towels changed daily and sheets.
The staff can't do enough for you we have been visting this hotel now for four years and the first year we went twice, the three children now aged nearly 17 just 15 and nearly 10 want to go back next year and that's just what were doing. The children make lots of friends and even meet back up the following year, the hotel staff say were like family and were very happy to keep going to this great hotel.
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Vincent from Glasgow travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
Thomas Cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Stayed for two weeks at Marhaba Salem with my brother and would go back again for definite.
Words cannot describe the staff and how friendly they are compared to the many other countries I have visited!
The location is the best for being between Port el Kantoui and the main town of Sousse.
Entertainment was varied and we never felt that we were bored or nothing was happening. People must really take account of the fact that YOU ARE able to use the facilities at ALL hotels (Royal Salem/Salem & Blue Star)and not just Salem (apart from dining-you use your own hotel).
Food was not bad at all and always something for everyone. It is buffet only except for one night of the week when buffet is for starters and dinner is by menu.
We had a room overlooking the pool on the first floor (although we requested higher floor) which was very basic but all the elements you need (i.e. bath/shower, beds and storage/balcony) - also very clean as the maid will make up your beds every day and change the bedding very often.
I am not a person for visiting the same place twice but if I was I would have no doubts about going back to this hotel!
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Ian from Lincoln travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
Thompson
on a singles holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2006 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: First time to Tunisia and hopefully not the last! The hotel was obviously getting on a bit but still very welcoming and clean. The rooms were a bit basic with a few 'dodgy' fittings but clean and very well air conditioned! We had a sea view room in an annexe away from the main hotel. This was ideal as it was very quiet and private and the views across the gardens were very attractive.
The food was plentiful and different most days. The main complaint we heard from other British people was the lack of 'English' food! May I suggest going to an English resort next year?! You can't seriously expect to travel to an African country and be served English food all the time surely?? I tried most of the dishes and they were excellent. If anyone went hungry then there was something wrong!
The location of the hotel was excellent. Right on it's own private beach and surrounded by beautiful mature gardens full of fragrant jasmine and fruit trees and palms. The beach was cleaned every day and the sea was very warm and shallow. The restaurant on the beach was run by the hotel and very good value for money (Spag. Bol about £1.70, Roast Chicken salad about £2!!)The choice of 4 pools (one indoors) was brilliant, like being at a different resort every day!
The hotel staff were the friendliest I have ever encountered in any country, nothing was too much trouble for them. One good thing is to tip the pool man...we got the best sunbeds in the best positions reserved for us everyday, he even moved them into the shade if he thought we were getting a bit too hot!!
The entertainment is varied and well run by a team who never seem to stop working! Involvement is optional but worth joining in!
I would most certainly return to this hotel in the future.
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Sonia and Ron Fincher from Worcester travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
Thomas Cook
on a couples holiday.
There were 4 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2006 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We had a great time at the Salem.
Food was very good,both in quality and variety.
All areas were kept really clean,the bed linen was changed every day,and nothing was too much trouble for the staff.
We had a room in a seperate block from the main hotel, just over a little bridge through the very neat gardens.
Our room had a sea view and was very quiet,as we were away from the pool area.
The hotel is just about midway between Sousse and PEK,but there were always taxis at the main gate and it costs only 4 dinars to either place.
I must add that the staff in the dining room were excellent;I know they need their tips ,but they do really deserve them at all times.
All in all, areally good holiday.
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Harriet Breeze from Bath travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
Thomson
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2006 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We stayed at the Marhaba Salem four years ago for our honeymoon and returned again this year and were not dissapointed. If anything we had an even better time this year.
The hotel is basic but very very clean, the hotel staff are very friendly offering assistance anytime day or night.
We found the food fantastic with lots to choose from, every nationality being catered for. The Salem was located close to Port El Kantoui which has alot of shops offering much of the same stuff, Sousse was also close enough to visit without being too close.
The highlight of our holiday was the entertainment staff, Mou Mou was part of the entertainment on our last visit and remembered us which we were touched by, Zou Zou kept all entertained and always had a smile, Rammi was full of life and a fantastic dancer a credit to the hotel, Wesam a new addition was very polite and helpful and always had time for all the guests, a fantastic bunch of guys who work very hard for little money!!
We are already planning our next visit to the Marhaba Salem and we wish we were still there have only been home 3 days!!
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jenny from bradford travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
airtours
on a family holiday.
There were 3 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 03 2006 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: I stayed in the Marhaba Royal Salem and thought it was brill!
Had such a great time, the weather was gorgeous and the staff were soo friendly, especially with my little brother who they all adored!
The food was nice but sometimes I think we ate 2 much in one go, I cant tell you how great all the staff were, they really made the holiday.
The facilities are great - with the spa, gym, pools evrything u need. the location was great being so close to the beach and the hotel gardens were beautiful but on the main there was lots of works goin to build a pathway - when thats finished it will be perfect.
The shops were good too and it was nice being able to do so many different things just in the hotel area. Nightimes were great too especially next door in the marhaba salem - snake charmers, folkdance, kareoke, the nightclub is fun too it looks like something out of scarface - 70s with all mirrors etc.
The entertainment staff are the best part of the hotel L'd say - the guys are so funny and easy going and cute!met some really nice people and wil definetely be going back soon!
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joyce beattie from middlesbrough travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
thomson
on a friends holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 12 2005 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: I stayed at this hotel with my friend and her two children for christmas. The hotel it's self was great it was a taxi ride from sousse witch cost 3.000 that is about £1.25 so the taxi's are really cheap.
I couldn't believe how hard the entertainment worked, they would start at 9.30 in the morning and finish at 12.00 mid-night.
Every night we played bingo and I was very impressed that mou-mou one of the entertainment staff called out the numbers in 6 or 7 different languages.
The entertainment steff also got you up to dance and mage sure that you joined in with the activities. From just dancing, to the strong man.
Over all this is a great place to go to and I will definitely going back.
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Tim from Isle of Man travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
Skytours/Thompson
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2005 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This was our first visit to Tunisia and this hotel, so we had done our research via this site and I can tell you that we were not disappointed.
The hotel itself is a good size and is kept very clean at all times. The gardens are tended everyday and give you the opportunity for a pleasent stroll each day in nice surroundings. The room we stayed in was on the 3rd floor of a block, away from the main hotel building and it was very quiet at all times. The room itself was basic, but fine and was cleaned on a daily basis, beds made / sheets changed, fresh towels etc. We had a small balcony with a partial view of the sea, which was nice and it also gave us fantastic views of the sunrise each morning.
The main hotel pool is a very decent size and has a roped off shallow end for the kids, so you don't have to worry too much that they will stray out of their depth. The main pool is where all the entertainment is based throughout the day and night. The entertainment is run by the "Animation" team. These are some of the hardest working people I have ever met!! Mou-Mou, Sou-Sou, Serg, Juliene etc (5 or 6 staff in all)generally work from 9:30am through to midnight 6 days a week. Music is played everyday around the main pool and activites vary each day with things like, Crazy darts, Mini Golf, Arabic lessons and on a daily basis at 11:30am Aqua Aerobics & then the "Club Dance" by the side of the pool.
The evening entertainment started every night with the kids disco at around 8:30pm which all the kids loved and then went onto "Cash" bingo (you will be amazed at how Mou-Mou can read each number out in 6 different languages with such speed!!). After bingo (usually around 10:30pm) there would be further entertainment like s Singer, Strong Man, Balancing act, Beauty contest, Karaoke etc. I know this maybe isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it kept us amused most evenings.
There are 3 or 4 places to eat on the hotel site, Beach snack bar, Morish Cafe, main dining rooms etc, all of which do excellent food and very cheap. We mainly ate in the snack bars for lunch and would pay around 15 dinars for the meal and drinks for the 3 of us (about £7 - £7.50). Drinks at the pool bar or hotel bar are a litte cheaper than you would expect to pay at home (around £1.90 a pint) and the local drinks and wine are very pleasent. As we were half board our main evening meal was buffet style in the main dinning room area. We were asigned our table on the first day and that is where we sat throughout our 2 week stay. The choice of food is very good, with a good selection of cold salad starters, a hot buffet with plenty to choose from and then cakes and fruit for deserts. Being there for 2 weeks did mean that some of the food did get a little repetative, but it was always fresh and nice. Breakfasts are also buffet style and again there is a good choice of hot or cold foods. My daugter especially enjoyed having a crepe every morning and watching the chef make it right in front of her eyes!!
We very rarely ventured away from the hotel site as there are all the facilites that you need contained within the complex, including 2 shops, where you could buy small gifts, bags of crisps, suncream etc. When we did venture out we only went as far as the hotel complex's main entrance and found there to be a resturant and shop situated right outside and a bank with cash point about 500 yards further down the road. If you don't like to carry lots of cash on holiday with you or travellers cheques (which I don't) then go and use this cash point and take your cash out a little bit at a time. You can have a safe deposit box in the hotel and they are situated behind reception and cost around 50p a day. We put all our valuables in ours and found it to be very useful and secure for such a cheap price.
I haven't even mentioned the beach yet, but we didn't realy spend much time down there at all, as we were kept entertained around the pool everyday. When we did venture down there we found it to be clean, not too crowded and a nice place to take a stroll. I think the only problem on the beach is the guys who are trying to sell you things, fags, fruit, toys, camel rides etc. They can be very pushy and don't like to take no for an answer. This is a small point and if you don't like to be pestered then just avoid eye contact or say "NO" in a stern voice.
I seem to have written loads and loads, so I will try and bring this review to a close now. Basically we had a great holiday and came back with fond memories and fantastic tans. The hotel is very good, but for me the friendlyness of the staff makes a place and these were some of the friendliest people I have ever met. I would recommend this hotel to anyone who enjoys a holiday in the sun with plenty to get involved in and all you need right on you doorstep.
I'm sure we will return to this hotel one day, as we all agree that we had a fantastic holiday. If you decide to go, I hope you enjoy it too.
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Katie from Oldham travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
SkyTours
on a family holiday.
There were 5 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2005 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This is our 4th time back to the Hotel Salem, and we all still enjoyed ourselves and had a great time, like the other times.
The hotel is situated in a perfect location. At the top of the road is the medina city centre where you can buy anything and everything, all at a low price!
Then about 15 minutes away by taxi or tuc-tuc whichever you prefer, is the Sousse Medina centre, you can buy presents, food, clothes, also at a very low cost, but you may have to barter the shop owners to lower the price even more, eventually they will! It has its own beach, snack bar, 4 swimming pools, shops, nightclub and hairdressers!
The hotel itself is spectacular! The staff are very friendly and will do anything for you, to make you feel welcome, the maids, porters, waitiers, everyone!
The entertainment staff do their job to a very high standard and make sure you are kept occupied both day and night.
During the day they have activities such as water-aerobics, which is a great laugh and waterpolo for the children and adults. at night they have a childrens disco, a game of bingo and live entertainment which varies each night. The 4entertainers, lead by the entertainment manager Mou-mou are Sou-sou, Radar, Sergie and Julia, there is also a young girl who does the childrens club through the day.
The food is ok, with different buffets everynight.
As always we will be definitely going back there next year!!
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Bruce family from Aberdeenshire travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
JMC
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We loved this hotel. Public areas eg Dining room spotlessly clean, although the maid service for our room wasn't quite as good, which is why I have only given it a mark of 4. Had to ask for soap after our first cake was gone (after 1 week), forgot to leave us sheets one day (but night porters delivered us some in a matter of minutes), didn't dust our room in the 2 weeks we were there, although thoroughly cleaned bathrooms and washed floors daily.
The food was something else, huge huge selection, lovely cooking, buffet starter before waiter service for main/desert. You could become seriously overweight in this hotel!
Location - just perfect for us, about midway between Sousse and PEK centres. Huge gardens, direct access to clean beach with free seats and parasols.
Staff - really lovely and helpful, waiters outstanding, couldnt do enough to help us.
Something for everyone on the entertainment board, from aqua-aerobics, to darts, kids disco to Karaoke. The animaters worked so very hard, but didn't push you if you didn't want to join in.
Would definitely come back here again, although a 3 star hotel, the grounds were shared with the 4 star royal salem, so outwith the hotel buildings the environment and activites were 4 star.
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Piret from Tallinn travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
Novatours
on a friends holiday.
There were 3 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2005 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: I can't say any bad words about the hotel.
The food was great - actually already missing the food and service. You could eat as much as you liked and usually ended up eating too much.
The location was also great, because the hotel is situated right by the sea and the hotel has a private beach. Also the chairs at the beach were free - which is not very common.
It wasn't also too far from the center of the city and from shopping centers.
Hotel staff were very professional and nice. Can't say anything bad about no-one. Special thanks to the hotel manager for making us feel very welcome.
Entertainment was probably the best thing in the hotel. Haven't had that great time for some time. There was always something to do - playing volleyball, throwing darts, playing minigolf or doing water aerobics.
If you are looking for a place to just relax and do some sports, this is the hotel to visit.
I would go back there any time. And wouldn't change this hotel for any other.
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David Gibson And Pip Harrison from Weston Super Mare travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
Thomson
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2005 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We have just returned from a seven night break at the Hotel Salem.
We took a Thomson price-breaker package where the Hotel Salem was one of the three possible hotels that we would be allocated upon arrival.
At 0300hrs in the morning of our arrival the bedrooms were a little disappointing, but that was all that there was to have a grumble about.
The hotel is kept clinically clean, the marble floors in the public areas in particular. The hotel allows easy access to both Sousse and Port El Kantoui by either taxi & Tuk-Tuk (4 Dinars each way)or by the Noddy train (3.500 dinars return).
There is a bank at the end of the road that allows you to withdraw Dinars direct from your UK bank account, so no need to worry about running out of cash.
The food is plentiful and of a high standard and even the most picky of diners will find something to satisfy the pallet. All staff were really pleasant and willing to help you in any way possible, they also appreciate the tips at the end of your stay.
If you do not like getting involved in the on site entertainment, then tough luck. Even the must reluctant guests are up there strutting their stuff on the dancefloor, being used by the various guest entertainers in their acts (bloke lying on beds of nails and things when we were there!!!).
The highlight for us (in particular the missus)was the three entertainers that never stop all day.
MouMou (4yrs service) Bob(2 weeks service and a natural) and SouSou (4 weeks service and the missus' fave)all work really hard to make your holiday. A credit to the hotel.
Just make sure that anything that you value is stored in the safety deposit boxes as there was a spate of thefts from the ground floor rooms when we were there. Also the ground floor seems to have a problem with cockroaches, however the treatments to get rid of them started when we were there.
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Sue from Buntingford travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
Thomson
on a family holiday.
There were 1 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 01 2005 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: First time in Tunisia and although the first couple of days were a bit cold we had the indoor pool, which was lovely. The food in the hotel is excellent and plentiful but remember the buffet is only the starter, there is still the main course and desserts to follow. All staff were great, so many of them there to take care of you. Eamon and Moomoo were lovely and made sure we all had fun. An excellent choice for a winter break, will definately go again.
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Samantha Burns from Ulverston travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
Thomas Cook
on a friends holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2004 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Hotel rooms are very basic. But the facilities are great.
The indoor pool is fab, but freezing.
The buffet at night time is a bit confusing - so don’t eat too much!!
If you gave Abdul as your waiter he even phones you at breakfast so that you do not miss it!!
The entertainment guys are all very good at there job
Lotfi who works on the beach will take you on a camel ride which is very exiting!
And the outside BBQ on a Monday night is a must!
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Katie from Oldham travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
Thomsons
on a family holiday.
There were 3 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This is our third time back to the hotel salem and each time we have all loved it. The hotel is situated in the centre of sousse and we did not have to move off the hotel grounds as everything is there for you. There is a childrens club, shops, nightclub, snackbar, 4 swimming pools, its own beach and plenty of activities to do during the day. You are entertained both day and night by the 4 entertainers Nu-Nu, Moo-Moo, La-La and the entertainment manager Racheed. The hotel is very clean and the food is gorgeous with a hot bar and a salad bar followed by a main meal and dessert. The hotel staff are very friendly and cant do enough for you.
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Jeanette from Welwyn Garden City travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
Thomas Cook
on a friends holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2004 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Hotel is in superb location with the beach just a stone throw away! Taxis are outside all day so you have no trouble if you want to go into another town. Three swimming pools on site and the main one is a must as the entertainment is excellent!
Food is brilliant, but don't make same mistake as us!! The buffet is just the starter - the main course and dessert is still to come!!
Entertainment at night is really good with Nu Nu, Zu Zu etc. Nightclub is not bad, definitely worth a couple of visits!
Definitly go again!!!!! Excellent time.
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Ian Church from Maidenhead travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
Skytours
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2004 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The staff where great they could not do enough for you and they had a great sence of humour. If possible try and get table 51 in dinning hall abdul and adel are great.
By the pool look out for michaeland slip him 1 denar and he will set you up with best sun beds .
Jimmy runs the bar till 4pm great guy to chat with and get to know.
The room was very clean and had a great view of the ocean
the beach was busy but lots of room
but the only let down was the locals trying to sell fags on the beach they where a pain but soon get the message as soon as you say you will call the police so DONT BUY THE FAGS THEY ARE OLD AND DRYED OUT.
The food was great buffet then main menu so dont eat to much at buffet or you will not have any room for menu.
Location is perfect lot of taxis out by main road,
entertainment was fun and intersting to watch if thats what you like.
A must is the local camel market in sousse had a great time bartering for bit if your dettermind you can bid them down so if you reach the price you want and they will not come down anymore walk away and they will soon come down to your price.
If i write any more i will not be able to do anything when we go again as everyone will beat me to it.
last but not least we have just booked to return and we only got back this morning.
this was the best holiday we had so far
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MICHELLE from wigan england travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
thomson
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2002 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: alls i can sey its excellant and when in old enought to fly on my own me and my mates are ona go to the hotel salem!!!
we had to be moved out our first to rooms on the first floor because it was always damp and after that it was really clean in the room we got moved to, the cleaners are really nice to get on with very polite say hello, goodmorning, have a nice day and bye all the time and are always smiling.the food was good but i dident like bits of it and the waitress are really nice and chattey,
the hotel staff was always checkin if everthing was alright which it was?
the entertainment was the best mo mo , nou nou, anis, myher and russine made the holiday for me, they are soooo goog to get on with always making you laught, and encurjing you to join in the activites all the time which was brill, always getting you up at night to dance, throwing you in the pool all the time?
alls i can sey is it was the beat holiday ive ever been on and im only 14 it was great and i cant wait till im older to come back i just loved it it was the best.........xxxxxxxxxx
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Amber from Darlington travelled to Marhaba Salem Hotel with
Airtours
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 04 2002 |
rated the Marhaba Salem Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We have been to Tunisia 4 times now and we love it, we have stayed at the Salem every time, we've looked at other hotels but would be dissapointed if we went and did not like it as much as the Salem.
The food is great the rooms are basic but we don't go on holiday to stay in our room the staff are very nice and I mean everyone. They love kids and seem to have time for them, the entertainment staff are great.
There is loads to do during the day whether you want to join in with hotel run activities or just lie by one of the three pools, one of which is indoor, or on the private section of the beach.
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