Dar Hassine Allani

The location is excellent, right by the masjid, which was convenient for our early morning prayers during Ramadan. The caretaker was the brightest part of our stay. She was kind, went out of her way to help, and her dinner, available for an extra charge, was the best food we had in Kairouan. The house itself is beautiful and clearly very old, but tourists come through to look around, including entering the room I was staying in. I was glad I’d tidied up and locked my suitcase. We were also told that the stained bed sheet was clean, though it had a mark, and the heavy blankets smelled a bit stale to my sensitive nose. There were plenty of fresh towels. At first the closets were so dusty we couldn't use them, but a housekeeper cleaned the shelves and bathroom while we were out and put fabric down so we could store our clothes. There are no tea or coffee facilities in the room, but you can ask the caretaker for a drink. Our room had two double beds in a large space, but only a toilet and cold-water sink, with no shower or hot water. In the cold weather that was miserable. You can use the kitchen's shower next door, though you have to cross an interior area to get there. The other room had an ensuite shower and hot water, but only single beds, and its short shower curtain let water splash everywhere. Neither bathroom door in either room would close. Upstairs, the terrace has a nice view but looked abandoned, with dead plants and broken, sun-damaged furniture. The property overall is run down, and a water pump kept starting every five seconds for seven seconds overnight. I counted. Luckily, I had earplugs. When I mentioned it, the caretaker switched it off for the rest of the night, and it became peaceful and quiet. We understand Ramadan can be tiring for everyone and difficult for travel, but for the price being asked, this house needs serious care. Better places cost less. It's hard to write this when the caretaker was so lovely and did her best, but I wish we'd been warned about what to expect.

We booked at the last minute for that same night, so I was grateful they could check us in late. They brought tea and a cookie after we arrived, and breakfast the next morning was great. The terrace was amazing, and the decorations around the house felt thoughtfully chosen. We really enjoyed our stay.

We were there for two nights, and the price felt high for what we got. The toilet seat and shower were broken, and the place felt more like a museum than somewhere comfortable to stay. Maybe I could put up with it for one night.

Madame Feten was so welcoming and friendly, and went far beyond what I expected from a guesthouse host. When my kids said they liked Tunisian food, she even made traditional Tunisian couscous for them. She speaks English and French as well as Arabic. Our stay was two nights in the Zakia Suite in April 2019, and everything was perfect. The suite had beautiful old-style Tunisian decor, traditional furniture, fresh clean linens, plenty of space, and was spotless. The rest of the house is spectacular too, and worth looking around. Breakfast was served on the rooftop terrace, with everything freshly made and delicious. The oranges were the best I've ever had. Each morning, the lady went to the market for fresh bread, croissants, and donuts. There was plenty to eat, and we packed some for our walks around the city. The house is in the heart of the old medina, an easy walk from the souk/market and the Great Mosque of Kairouan, which you can see from the roof. It was easy to find and had parking too. Perfect place to stay in Kairouan.