Tunisia - What are the standards there like?

pandamoanium

Hey all!

I'm toying with the idea of getting a late deal to Tunisia within the next few weeks or so, but I'm a little hesitant regarding the standards over there re: cleanliness and accommodation etc..

I've been looking at 4* hotels - I'm guessing a 4* over there wouldn't be on par with Irish/European standards would it?

Also, I'm a little concerned regarding general cleanliness towards food preparation etc.. I've read lots of horror stories of unidentifiable objects moving around in food on buffets, dehli belly etc.. Is it really that bad?

I don't mind "roughing" it up a lil over there for a week or two, however one of the peeps accompanying me is rather fussy to say the least and I don't want it to turn into a disaster with them complaining non-stop about the accommodation and food, so want something decent..

I have some friends who went before and hated it, but I'm hoping they were being mega-fussy!

I just want to go somewhere with a bit of sun and somewhere different (Sick of mainland Spain, Canaries etc..) would love to go to Egypt however the people coming with me hate flying so flight has to be short as in max 4 hours or so.. *sighs*

So, Tunisia - Yay or Nay?

findabreak.ie

All depends on the property you choose. If your travel partner likes their creature comforts then I would certainly steer clear of anything self catering. These properties are fine in their own right but only if your eyes are opened before going that it will be nothing more than basic and clean. Some of the four star hotels are actually far better than what I've seen in Spain for example, they vary widely but some are built like palaces whilst others are more "traditional". Food is personal taste, I didn't have any major issues with it but most of it is buffet style which can get a bit boring by the 5th night if you go half board. There's some good all inclusive properties that would be a bit pricier but have more than one restaurant to choose from to give you a bit of variety.

Overall I'd say give it a go if your open to trying something a little bit different. It is quiet enough this time of year but perfect for a bit of rest and relaxation. Hope thats of some use.

jonny68

Also can i ask is Tunisia baby friendly ie are there child minding facilities there,etc?

findabreak.ie

I know that the El Mouradi Palace Hotel has a baby sitting service although I would imagine that most hotels would at least have a local company they could recommend. I'd suggest it's probably best to pick out which hotel you are thinking of going to and have your travel agent check directly with the hotel. Some properties also have kids clubs but these would generally be for ages 5-12 or so.

jonny68

Cheers man,it looks very expensive to book with Sunway at least, do you reckon booking Flights/Hotels seperate might be a better option?

findabreak.ie

Sometimes it can work out a bit better alright depends on the dates etc... Obviously you wouldn't have a rep but from what I'm seeing that doesn't seem to bother people as much as it used to. By all means your welcome to send the request through on our web if you'd like us to see if we can do better on price.

mumof2

I was there on my honeymoon, but came back after one week. I hated the food - bland and boring in the mornings and the same every day (all inclusive and plenty of it). Went in February and missed the heat by a day, spent the whole holiday wearing a coat! Went into the capital - felt very unsafe, even warned on the bus not to go certain places. Hauled off the streets into shops to buy things - litterlaly harassed.:mad:
However this was exactly 10 years ago to the day so things could be different. Stayed at Occidental Allegro Riviera btw, which was lovely.

bunnyfox7

Firstly, it's a pity about Egypt, I only came back a few days ago and had a lovely time... but yes, 6 hour flight which sucked!

I was in Tunisia 2 years ago, and I thought the standards were very very good. My hotel was lovely (was also 4* based).. lobby was very inviting, and the trip was not expensive at all. Room was nothing to complain about. Our food was nice, I mean, you really have to take into consideration their culture, and they don't eat Pork (Muslim).. and I've been to many of these North African/Middle Eastern places, and they are all the same in relation to food tbh. There were NO moving creatures in the food! I did go in July time so the weather was brilliant.. It is a very small country so you won't find much to do, or at least everyone else has done the same things when they have been there. Our hotel had plenty kids and had activites during the day for them as far as I could see and a creche facility. The surrounding towns are very beautiful as I discovered, and haggling is all the rage over there so be prepared. Overall, I had a very nice time and couldn't complain.

Gorteen

I was in Tunisia ages ago.... it must be at least 15 years. I thought the food was absolutely fabulous!!!! But I know that fellow travellers in other hotels were unhappy with their food.

Wish I could remember the name of the hotel for you. It was in Hammamet, thats about all I can remember. :eek: