Having read the other reviews on this hotel, I thought I would add my views on it. Firstly my family and I stayed at the Houda for seven nights during Easter 2007. In general I was pleasantly surprised with the standards set by the hotel.
First impressions -------------------------- When you 1st approach the hotel, it does look very clean and welcoming. The first sight that greets you is the impressive on-site aqua park. I have to admit that this was actually closed for refurbishment when we were there, however I must say that upon completion it would be well worth the trip. When entering the hotel, reception is very clean and spacious.
Houda Staff ------------------ Reception staff were very helpful and eager to please. This was highlighted when the company we had used to book the hotel (on the beach.com) had cocked up on the
order. Although we had paid onthebeach.com for sea views / adjoining rooms, etc and had the receipt for this, they hadn't actually passed on this information to the Houda. To prove this the reception staff showed me the booking made by onthebeach.com compared to the receipt for the booking I had made. At this point I was expecting the Houda staff to give the usual "Not our problem, speak to the company you booked with". However, in stark contrast to this, the reception staff just put us into the rooms we had paid for without any hesitation, told us not worry, and did all the phoning and sorting out with onthebeach for us.
The animation staff at the hotel we found were also very good and always providing a good variety of entertainment for anyone who wanted to take it. Although the animation staff did always come around and ask if you wanted to take part in what they were doing, the real bonus was that they knew the meaning of the word "NO". If you wanted to be left alone to soak up the sun etc., they would leave you alone to do just that. I have been to some hotels where the staff just hassle you to the point where you just want to reply with "which part of NO don't you understand??"
Rooms ------------ The rooms although basic were adequate and cleaned to a high standard on a daily basis. The en-suites were well appointed and clean towels were also provided daily if required.
Facilities ------------- There were plenty of pools for the kids and adults alike. Apart from the aqua park at the front of the hotel with its large slides etc. the back of the pool boated a further two pools, one of which specifically designed for toddlers. In addition to these, the hotel also has an indoor heated pool. Other facilities offered (at extra cost to the all inclusive package) included sauna, massage etc. The hotel is built on the beach front and has its own access.
Food --------- The food offered with the all inclusive package was not A La Carte by any means but for the price more than adequate. In general there was a good choice available, even for the most fussy of kids. The only thing I would say that did let it down a bit was the very limited choice of snacks available outside normal restaurant hours.
Getting around ----------------------- If you want to explore outside the hotel, there is a bus stop outside the hotel gates to either Skanes or Monastir. The buses are quite regular, very clean and very cheap. There are usually a ready supply of taxi's outside the hotel gates eager for business. If you want a change, there is a horse and cart usually outside the hotel ready to take you to Skanes. However, be advised you might think you are going on a trip to town, in actual fact you are not. The trip is to the local village where the horse & cart owners mate / relative just happens to have a shop. This is not entirely unusual with most trips offered from within or just outside hotels in Tunisia. Having said that, the trip is a pleasant one, and apart from the usual haggling, there is no pressure to buy, and you are free to visit the other few shops when you get there.
Summary --------------
This was my second trip to Tunisia and in general I was pleasantly surprised. The hotel was very family friendly and clean. The Houda is advertised as 4 star, although I would personally rate it as a good 3 star. One big advantage with this hotel is its close proximity to the airport. By Taxi it is approximately a 15 minute drive. Although it close to the airport your stay there does not really reflect this as it is away from the main flight path. In general if you are looking to take the family to Tunisia but have reservations, the Houda is pretty much a safe bet!
Finally thankyou to all those who have taken the time to read my review, and hopefully it will be of some use to any potential travellers.
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A good review and it is refreshing to see a new member that is also rating other members work. That will definitly help when it comes to collecting the pennies.
All Inclusive Meal Plan!!Situated between Sousse and Monastir on a Mediterranean beach of ... more
fine sand and just in front of the 18 holes golf course Palm Links, this 3-star hotel offers comfort and leisure facilities ideals for family, friends or couples ...
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Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
Nov 18th, 2007
exceptional by (26%):
very helpful by (74%):
