Despite the frightening March 2015 incident that took place in Tunisia’s capital a week before, we went ahead with our all inclusive holiday to Sousse (just under 2 hrs from the capital, in one of the quieter tourist areas). We thought it was probably one of the safest times to visit as security was at a high and it was still during the quieter time of the year for tourists.

Movenpick Resort & Marine Spa Hotel 5* 

After scouring endless deals and Trip Adviser reviews, this was the only hotel that I felt comfortable booking into. Unfortunately there were a lot of very off-putting reviews for many of the commonly advertised Tunisia package deal hotels but this one looked promising (albeit a bit pricier).

                                                                                                  

The hotel definitely lived up to all the pictures and online reviews, thankfully.

The hotel is probably more like a very good 4* by wider standards.

I’d certainly recommend the Monvenpick to anyone looking for somewhere to just relax and rest, as it’s designed more for relaxation than hyperactivity, you won’t find any crazy water-slides or jester-like reps in your face here.

With twin rooms, the beds are usually pictured right next to each other (in a double) but you can slide them apart very easily to suit.

  

Tip: if you can afford to, book a sea/beach/pool front room, or ask for one facing that direction when you check-in otherwise you could end up with a street view (which isn’t very nice as you will be in full view of the passing public when on your balcony). Also request a room on the 5th floor or higher to get a decent view.

Another gold point with this hotel was having an electronic safe in your room (for me, I expect this as standard). Most of the other hotels I researched did not have this feature, so you would have to use a safe in the reception area. I sorry but I don’t want all and sundry watching me when I’m counting out my money or looking through my valuables – thank you v. much.

Someone on Trip Adviser complained that there was no socket next to a mirror in the room – if you look inside the wardrobe against the side wall, there is a socket hidden here, so you can look in the sliding door mirror with your straighteners etc.

I would also highly recommend this travel adaptor (available on Amazon) which comes with quite a long lead. They have them for pretty much everywhere in the world and are proving to be very good value for money.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Adapter-TUNISIA-Extension-Earthed-Certified/dp/B005F2WI1M/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_8

Please do not disturb and room change signs are electronic.

Negatives and Suggestions: Rooms

• Drinks in the room fridge are not part of the all inclusive deal!!
• They ought to leave a couple of blankets with the extra pillows.
• The tea and coffee supplies should be placed on the large drawer chest so that the mirrored area can be used for hair and make-up
• Note: the toilet basins are fitted quite high up compared to UK loos (which I quite like), but smaller children might need a hand.
• We waited over an hour to check-in, not sure why when the hotel didn’t seem that busy with new guests, and then another hour (after several calls down to reception) for our luggage to be brought up. We did get a room upgrade at no extra cost though so – give and take!!

There is a stand in lobby bar area where you can pick up a daily sheet of UK news headlines, food schedule for the day and listings of entertainment for the evening.

Chocolate hour

Breakfast was my favourite meal of the day, the spread is brilliant.

But if you miss the breakfast buffet (6am-10.30am ) you can get this (a few pastries/croissants/bread/cake) in the lobby to keep you going until lunch time – just sit at a dressed table and wait to be served.

A two minute walk from the hotel to the left – bought a quite a few second hand books from this street seller for 4 Tunisian dinar each (£1.38)

Walk a bit further down (a minute or so) and you’ll discover this big supermarket (that nobody tells you about) They sell everything, household products, food, toiletries, clothes, toys, handbags, souvenirs – you name it.

The supermarket forms the start of a fairly long row of tourist focused shops, including a money exchange shop. We didn’t try this out, instead we changed all our money in the hotel – but it might be worth checking out whether they offer a more competitive rate.

 

Other points:

• Tips: We tipped whoever waited on us most nights (2 -5 dinar a time, depending on how attentive they were), and tipped the room maid once when I met her. It’s a poor country and tips make a huge difference to the low level staff.  Also tipped the porter on arrival and when leaving, plus the guy who checked us in since he upgraded our room.
• The food selections are wide ranging with something for every taste, lovely deserts and plenty of fresh fruit
• As you’d expect, ladies if you’re out and about being an innocent tourist you are very likely to be approached by local men, telling you how beautiful you are. They can be very persistent and start walking with you as if you had agreed to spend the day together – be warned
• Tunisia is a muslim country
• Get a bag of those sugar coated nuts from the supermarket – they are dee-lish!!!