My Stay, during Xmas 2007 + New Year 2008, at
Marhaba Palace, Port El Kantaoui, Tunisia, was GREAT.Being an wheelchair user, I was very cautious about the accessibility of the hotel.
Even though the ramps, in Tunisia, are STEEP and are usually Marble, within the hotels, marble is slippery, especially when damp. On my stay, I met a few “mobility impaired” people, who found the hotel good, for the area
The staff are very helpful, if you tip them, they will do all they can.
There are four lifts, at opposite ends of the huge (flat) reception, which has a magnificent centre candelabra. Short pile carpet, on all other floors, does not hinder wheelability.
Rooms are big, (sea views, to the rear, town views else where) bathroom with over shower-bath, basin, Hairdrier, Towels clean every day. Separate toilet (which is on the small side). Hotel is a VERY LARGE H shape, with the beach side in the shade, after mid-day.
Maid service every day, very thorough, even art sculptures with the bed linen and bed clothes and net curtains. Laundry service available.
Restaurant has 3 levels (accessed by steps or ramps) Food is “Buffet” style, plenty of choice, and plenty of it. (you always have the same table, every night).
Breakfast is in a different room, again buffet style, plenty of choice. Waiters direct you to your table, some tables are wider than others (good for a wheelchair).
The hotel has a shop, hair salon, Al a Carte resturaunt, Fitness centre, tennis courts, mini golf, sauna and massage suite, indoor (heated) outdoor swimming pools. Short path to the beach 100 mtrs. Pool and beach bar.
When weather, is not so good, main hotel rooms, can become “chilly”, floor one has some settees, so you can still sit in the sun.
The town of Port El Kantaoui is only 2minutes walk, along cobbled pavements or “wheel” on the road, but beware in a wheelchair (or even crossing, on crossings) you feel a bit of a target.
Entertainment was abit scarce, but it was December (not the high season).
Christmas and New Year GALA dinners were waiter service, 7 course meals (menu issued in advance, so you can notify them of any dislikes). With music and dancers.
On Christmas morning the children have gifts from Father Christmas (and even WHEELCHAIR users!!).
We took an excursion to the desert, to ride a camel, visit El Jem, the salt lakes, on the Red Lizard train into the Atlas Mountains.
Trip on a Galeon ship and a anther trip on the Albatross Catamaran.
Would return, to this hotel, knowing that it has acceptable access and that this hotel is NOT in the centre of a built up area.
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