Marhaba Palace

The people here made my first trip to Tunisia special. They were so kind that we felt at home, like we already knew them. The room cleaner on the 4th floor was especially thoughtful. The restaurant waiters were lovely, and the night-shift one, who I think was called Hosini, always remembered our favorite drink and greeted us with a big smile. The bar staff were attentive and helpful, and the entertainment team kept us laughing and dancing and made the evenings lively. The hotel is huge, with a children's area, games room, plenty of sun loungers and bars by the pool, beach and indoors. Everything was organized and clean. There was lots of fresh, tasty food, and I tried different Tunisian dishes each day. For anyone who preferred familiar options, there was always pizza, fries and fresh pasta. The salads were great and the desserts delicious.

A couple of little gestures from the staff really stayed with me. While I was fasting for Ramadan, someone brought sweets to my room after breakfast. I also put a flower in a short cup of water, and housekeeping later moved it into a tall glass. They noticed even that small detail, and I appreciated it very much. Marhaba Palace was clean and well organized, with a comfortable room, a nice sea view and good housekeeping. The pools were lovely and well maintained, the hotel felt calm, and the food had plenty of choice. I also liked the gym, big pool area and Tennis Club. The location in Sousse is excellent, and staff were friendly and helpful. I enjoyed myself enough to extend my original five-day booking by another seven days, and I'd happily return. My one small disappointment was the gym charge. I had booked half board, breakfast and dinner, and found that gym access was free only for all-inclusive guests. I wish it were included for all hotel guests.

The people made these five nights memorable. The waiters were amazing and deserve a pay rise. Hosini in the kitchen is a real gentleman, and the night bar staff were the nicest and most helpful I've seen. The maid looking after room 402 was so helpful, and I'll remember her smile. One of the bar waiters was also wonderful and made my partner and me very happy. Thank you, my friend. I've been to Tunisia before, but this stay has made me want to come back. The staff did everything they could to make us feel welcome. Please let them know how much we appreciated the care and comfort they gave us. Thank you.

Mrs Rafitie at Reception went out of her way to help us, and our room maid kept the room spotless and welcoming. The staff were friendly and helpful. The Animation Team also put in long days and were a delight. We enjoyed most of the evening shows, especially the aerobics display. Karaoke isn't really for me, but that's my only real entertainment quibble. The hotel is beautiful, right by the beach, and the Marina is a short walk away. It's lovely to wander around safely, browse the shops, stop for a drink or take a boat trip. We hired the red glass-bottomed boat with no hard sell, and drinks and fruit were included. Seeing dolphins was a bonus. The room was spacious, modern and clean, with separate toilet and shower rooms, tea and coffee, a fridge, safe and fresh bottles of water each day. The shower base was very slippery, though. The main restaurant was clean and had lots of choice, but the food wasn't hot, and I wasn't keen on sparrows flying around. We tried the Silver Service Restaurant once after being offered two sittings and were very disappointed: cold food and dreadful service. The gym, heated indoor pool and outdoor pool area were all immaculately maintained. The Marina was gorgeous. The hotel deserves five stars, even with those food issues.