Unbelievable Hammamet Escape: El Mouradi El Menzah Awaits!
Unbelievable Hammamet Escape: El Mouradi El Menzah Awaits!
Unbelievable Hammamet Escape: El Mouradi El Menzah Awaits! – A Brutally Honest Review (with a Side of Sarcasm and Sand)
Okay, so you're thinking about Hammamet? The name alone conjures up images of sun-drenched beaches, questionable tan lines, and that weird orange juice they serve everywhere. And El Mouradi El Menzah? That's the spot, huh? Alright, buckle up buttercup, because I'm about to spill the beans, the couscous, and maybe a little bit of my sanity on this place. Prepare for a rollercoaster of honesty, because let's be real, no vacation is perfect, and that's what makes it so damn memorable.
First, the Basics (and the Buzzwords):
Accessibility: They say they're accessible. I saw an elevator. I didn't try to navigate that thing in a wheelchair, but hey, at least the idea is there. (Important Note: I didn't personally test all accessibility features, so double-check with the hotel directly if this is a major concern, especially for on-site restaurants or lounges)
Internet? Wifi Everywhere! (Supposedly): Alright, let's get this out of the way: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Woohoo! (cue confetti). Except, you know, it's the internet. Sometimes it's blazing fast, sometimes you're watching a buffering wheel that could rival the Sahara in its expanse. Internet [LAN]? Sure, in a room that probably hasn't seen a LAN cable since the dial-up era. Forget about using internet for professional work.
Safety Concerns in the Age of Covid: They're doing something. They talk the talk with Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and staff seemingly trained in safety protocol. Lots of hand sanitizers is available, but sometimes it's empty. Do they do it well? I guess they're trying, which is a start. Rooms sanitized? They claim so. To be honest, I wasn't bringing a UV light, I just hoped for the best. I was offered Room sanitization opt-out, which I totally missed.
Rooms: More Than Meets the Eye
Now, onto the heart of the matter: The Rooms! Mine was clean, which is always a good start. Air conditioning? Yes, thankfully. Because sweating in Hammamet is a full-time job. Blackout curtains? Praise be. My room was a haven of darkness after a long day on the sand, or a long night out. The TV had tons of channels, including, wait for it, "on-demand movies"! The beds are comfy, and the Daily housekeeping is very appreciated. I even had a closet, and a mini-bar, and a refrigerator! And even a desk where I could work, but as I said before, internet is quite sketchy.
Dining, Drinking, and the Art of the Buffet
Okay, let's talk food. Because, honestly, isn't that what a vacation is really about? Restaurants? Plural! You've got options. Breakfast [buffet]? Absolutely. And listen, I'm not gonna lie, I lived at that buffet. Buffet in restaurant is full of delicious (and sometimes, questionably delicious) food. The Western breakfast and Asian breakfast will fill the belly very good. Fresh juices, flaky pastries, and an array of things that I couldn't even identify. Some days it felt like a culinary adventure, other days…well, let's just say I learned the value of Imodium. Restaurants with a la carte menus. The best thing that I discovered was the desserts in restaurant, OMG very delicious! I saw a Vegetarian restaurant on-site, but I was too busy scarfing down the chicken. I had a amazing experience with Poolside bar!
Pool, Sauna, Spa, Oh My! - A Day of Bliss (or Near-Bliss)
Okay, the stuff that really gets the vacation juices flowing: the Pool with view is amazing. It's large, it's clean, and it's a great place to hang out. I'd spend hours there, going between swimming, eating, and lounging. The Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom also exist! I was able to get a Body scrub and Massage during a session there, and it was a little slice of heaven. The pool attendants were very friendly and the prices weren't bad.
Things to Do – More Than Just Lounging (Maybe)
- The Beach: Hammamet is about the beach, and El Mouradi El Menzah is right near it. Swimming pool [outdoor] and Swimming pool are great, but you're in Tunisia, go check out the sand and the water.
- Things to do: Aside from sunbathing and trying to achieve the perfect tan, they had other things to do. They have a Fitness center, a Gym/fitness, etc.
- For the kids: I don't have any kids, but I saw families with kids. They have Kids facilities and a Babysitting service.
- Services and Conveniences: They got the basics down: Concierge, Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service, you know, the usual suspects. Also, they've got a Convenience store which sold everything from water to sunscreen.
- Getting around: They had Airport transfer. The car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] will provide space to your car.
Areas for Improvement (Where the Magic Lacking)
- The Small Stuff: Okay, I'm gonna nitpick a little. The coffee? Mediocre. The towels? Occasionally threadbare. The staff, while generally lovely, sometimes seemed a little…stretched thin.
- Details: It's not perfect. But what is?
The Verdict: Is El Mouradi El Menzah Worth a Hammamet Escape?
Absolutely. (and I'm not just saying that because I want to get free stuff).
My Unfiltered Booking Recommendation:
Here's the Deal: If you are looking for a luxury experience, then probably this not for you. If you are looking for a nice stay, perfect location, good food, and overall great experience. Then book it!!
Why Book?
- Location, Location, Location: Prime spot near the beach.
- Amenities Galore (More or Less): Pools, spas, and food. What more do you need?
- For the Families: This place is great, and safe for families with kids.
What to Expect:
- A Mixed Bag: The internet might sometimes be flaky. The food sometimes too. And the facilities are more or less good, but there will be always a place of improvement.
- Good Times: Hammamet's a vibe, and this hotel is a convenient anchor.
Overall: This place is pretty great for the price you pay!
The Unbelievable Hammamet Escape: El Mouradi El Menzah Awaits! is perfect for:
- Solo travelers looking for a budget-friendly getaway.
- Couples seeking a romantic escape with beach access.
- Families who want a kid-friendly resort with plenty of activities.
Don't hesitate to create your reservation now!
Jangga House: Medan's BEST Kept Secret Bed & Breakfast!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, chaotic, sun-drenched, and slightly-too-much-couscous-filled adventure that was my trip to El Mouradi El Menzah in Hammamet, Tunisia. This isn't your perfectly polished travelogue, folks. This is the real deal. The sweaty, sunburned, occasionally-crying-because-the-music-was-so-beautiful deal.
Day 1: Arrival and Questionable Decisions (aka "Where's the Poolside Umbrella?!)
- Morning (aka the Great Airport Escape): Landing in Tunis was… well, let's just say it wasn't love at first sight. The baggage carousel looked like it was assembled from spare parts of a crashed spaceship. Finding my luggage was a minor victory. Then, attempting to negotiate a taxi from the airport? That's where the haggling Olympics began. I swear, I could have bought a small camel by the time I finally agreed on a price (which still felt like I'd been seriously ripped off, but hey, I needed to get to the hotel).
- Afternoon (aka Poolside Paradise…with a Headache): El Mouradi El Menzah itself was stunning. The photos online? They didn't lie. Turquoise pools, swaying palm trees, the works. I immediately dumped my bags in the room, changed into my swimsuit and headed straight for the promised land. But. Oh, but. The first snag: finding a shady spot. Apparently, the poolside umbrella situation was a blood sport. I saw grown men (mostly German) practically sprinting for the prime real estate at dawn. I eventually snagged a tiny, slightly broken one, but the sun was still fierce. Lesson learned: next time, I'm setting my alarm for 5 AM.
- Evening (aka Couscous Catastrophe): Dinner at the hotel buffet. This is where things got…interesting. So much choice! I piled my plate high. Couscous, tagine, grilled fish, all smelling utterly divine. Unfortunately, my eyes were bigger than my stomach. And, as I discovered later, my tolerance for spices. Let's just say I spent a good portion of the evening regretting that extra helping of harissa. And the dance music at the resort bar? Let's just say I was in no mood to dance.
Day 2: The Hammamet Medina and the Search for Authentic Flavor!
- Morning (aka Lost in the Labyrinth): I decided to be brave and venture out of the hotel. The Medina (old town) of Hammamet was a sensory overload in the best way possible. Narrow, winding streets, overflowing with vibrant colours and the constant calls of shopkeepers eager to sell you… well, everything. I got hopelessly lost within five minutes, which was actually quite a thrill. The smell of spices hit your nose so hard, but the shops overflowed with textiles, ceramics, and… fake designer handbags. The friendly shop owner took pity on me and gave me directions.
- Afternoon (aka the Mint Tea Redemption): Found a tiny little cafe tucked away from the main street and ordered mint tea. It was this moment, I thought, I fell in love with Tunisia. I got my photo taken in the cafe. Pure bliss. And it was real. The sweet, fragrant tea washed away all the other flavours on my palette.
- Evening (aka the Beachside Stroll that went sideways): The beach was beautiful at sunset, but I went alone. And that's when I got a feeling something was up. The beach, while gorgeous, was littered with garbage. My sense of smell got the best of me. It was a bad sign, but at I was ready to have a great night. I walked back to the hotel, and saw people were having a dance contest in the bar. I decided to watch, and it was pretty fun.
Day 3: Doubling Down on the Sensory Overload and the Best Day of the trip
- Morning (aka The Hammam Revelation): Right let's talk about the Hammam. For the uninitiated, it's a traditional Turkish bath. I'd heard stories, I'd read reviews. It's a plunge into steamy, soapy, exfoliating oblivion. Now, I'm not always the bravest, so I was a little wary. But. Oh. My. GOD. It was transcendent. The woman who took care of the process, was an absolute angel; she rubbed me down with a black soap, scrubbed away all my dead skin, gave me a massage that had me sobbing (happy sobs, mind you), and left me feeling like I'd been reborn. I had to drag myself out of there. The after feeling was amazing, it was worth the price for this experience alone.
- Afternoon (aka the Souk Shopping Spree): Armed with new, glowing skin and a renewed appreciation for life, I hit the Souk (market) again. This time, I was a seasoned pro. Haggling like a pro, picking up colourful scarves, spices that now smells of cinnamon and cloves and a few souvenirs for the folks back home. Seriously, if you only buy one thing, get a scarf! The colors are just amazing. And then I stumbled upon a little shop selling argan oil. One sniff, and my skin turned into butter.
- Evening (aka Sunset in Hammamet): And after that? Sunset. Pure, warm, liquid gold spilling across the sea. I sat on the beach, the waves whispering secrets, and realised: I was actually happy. Truly, deeply, unapologetically happy. Maybe it was the hammam glow, maybe it was the mint tea, maybe it was just the magic of Hammamet. But it was a perfect moment.
Day 4: Trying To End The Vacation On A Good Note.
- Morning (aka Goodbye, Sunshine): Woke up early, and took a long walk along the beach. The sea was calm and the air was filled with the scent of salt and seaweed. It was a very peaceful morning.
- Afternoon (aka Last Souvenirs, Maybe): I took a taxi back to the Medina. I bought one more rug and a few more spices. I got back to the hotel at around 4 pm. I was tired, and ready to spend a quiet evening.
- Evening (aka Farewell Dinner Drama and the Journey Home): The farewell dinner was at the hotel restaurant. After that, it was a scramble to finish packing, double-check that I hadn't forgotten anything, and mentally prepare myself for the return journey. It was a long trip.
Post-Trip Thoughts (aka The Aftermath):
Tunisia. Hammamet. El Mouradi El Menzah. They're not perfect, and the experience wasn't always smooth. There were moments of frustration, exhaustion, and culinary regret. Would I go back? Absolutely. Because despite the hiccups, the sunburn, and the occasional crying over a perfect note, Hammamet had captured a piece of my heart. It was a messy, real, and absolutely unforgettable adventure. And if you're thinking of going? Do it. Just pack extra sunscreen, learn a few basic Arabic phrases, and be prepared to embrace the chaos. You won't regret it.
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Unbelievable Hammamet Escape: El Mouradi El Menzah Awaits! (or Does It Really?) - FAQs from a REAL Person
Okay, so, is this El Mouradi El Menzah place actually "unbelievable"? Or is that just…marketing?
Oof. That's a loaded question, isn't it? Look, "unbelievable" is a strong word. Reminds me of that time I ordered a "gourmet" burger and got a lukewarm patty on a slightly stale bun. *That* was unbelievable, alright. In the context of El Mouradi El Menzah... it's… debatable. More "believable, with some caveats." Think "a decent holiday, with moments of absolute chaos and occasional brilliance." Let's just say, pack your sense of humor, and maybe some antacids. You'll need them. My first impression? The lobby was HUGE. Like, "could fit a small army" HUGE. And the chandeliers! Sparkling, gaudy, a bit much, but… also kind of wonderful in a "why not?" kind of way. Then you get to the room, and the magic… fades. It's functional. Clean enough. The balcony? Overlooked the pool. Pretty! But also, everyone in the hotel could see me on the balcony. So there's that. "Unbelievable"? Nope. "A place to rest your head and plan your escape to the beach"? Yeah, that's closer.
The food...tell me about the food. Is it all-inclusive heaven or a culinary crime scene?
Alright, this is where things get... interesting and a bit messy. Okay, so, the buffet. Oh, the buffet. It’s a battleground. A beautiful, slightly overwhelming, sometimes-questionable battleground. Expect lines. Expect kids. Expect… weird combinations. I swear, I saw someone try to put pizza on a couscous, and then there was the day I accidentally ended up with a plate that was 80% various forms of potato. It was like a potato convention. Mashed, fried, roasted… I think there was even a potato salad. I’m not even a big potato person, it was weird. The quality varies. Some days the grilled fish was divine. Other days… let's just say, I developed a close personal relationship with the bread rolls (which, thankfully, were usually fresh). The desserts? Hit or miss. Some gooey, sugary concoctions were truly delightful. Others? Well, they looked impressive, but tasted like… well, I'm not sure what they tasted like, actually. A bit like disappointment, maybe? But here’s the thing: It's *part* of the experience. The sheer volume of food, the frenetic energy, the constant feeling of needing to grab a plate before someone else does... It's… memorable. And let's be honest, the value for the all-inclusive is pretty damn good. You *will* find something you like. You might just have to work for it a little. And try the local pastry thingies! They're worth it.
What's the vibe like? Is it a party place, a family haven, or something in between?
Okay, so the vibe. It's… multi-faceted. Definitely a mixed bag. Lots of families, especially during peak season. So, expect kids. Lots of them. Running around, screaming in the pool, generally having an excellent time. Which is fine! Good for them. Just… be prepared. There's also a fair share of couples, some older, some younger. You get the "holding hands on the beach" types, and the "arguing quietly over dinner" types. Real life, basically. And then… there's the animation team. Oh, the animation team. They are…enthusiastic. Think relentless. Expect pool aerobics, water polo, dance lessons, and attempts to get you involved in… everything. They’re kind of sweet, in a slightly manic way. I’m usually pretty introverted, so I hid behind my book most of the time. But they were super persistent. I think they thought they'd won me over with the "Hola, Amigo!" I was clearly not a "Hola, Amigo!" type. But, you know, good on them for trying! It's not a wild party place. There are bars, the occasional disco, but nothing too crazy. It's mostly chill, with bursts of organized fun.
The beach...is it the white-sand-blue-water paradise of my dreams?
Okay, the beach. This is a big one. And the answer… is complicated. The sand? Generally good. Softish. Not the blinding white you sometimes see in postcards, but… adequate. The water? Bluish. Sometimes lovely, sometimes… a little murky. Depends on the day, the tides, and possibly the alignment of the planets. The main issue? Sunbeds. The sunbed situation is a blood sport. A daily struggle for prime real estate. People get up at the crack of dawn to claim their spots. Honestly, I think I saw someone duct-tape towels to a lounger at 6 am. It was… intense. So, if you're a sunbed warrior, you'll be fine. If you're not… prepare to be disappointed. But, even with the sunbed issue, the beach is pretty great. The sea is warm, there are plenty of opportunities to swim and tan – if you can actually find a place to put your towel – and, you know, it's the beach! The air is salty, the sun is warm, and it's a nice way to spend a day. Though, I had my moment when I just gave up on sunbeds and grabbed a chair at the edge of the pool and enjoyed the sun and a book - that was the best approach for me.
Are there any hidden gems or things I *must* do while I'm there?
RIGHT! Hidden gems! Okay, the *must-do* is definitely getting out of the hotel. El Mouradi is decent, but Hammamet has so much. * Go to the Hammamet medina: It's a charming, maze-like place filled with shops, cafes, and history. Get lost! Get haggled with! Buy some souvenirs you'll probably never use! (I got a beautiful hand-painted plate. It sits, gathering dust, but it’s beautiful). The medina is the real deal. The smells, the colors, the sheer chaos of it all… it’s a sensory overload in the best possible way. Be prepared to haggle! They expect it. It’s part of the fun. * Visit the Kasbah: Offering stunning views of the town and the coastline. * Take a day trip to Sidi Bou Said: A gorgeous blue-and-white village a little further afield. It is super touristy, but still worth the visit. * Eat local food away from the hotel: Seriously. The hotel food is fine, but get out there and try some proper Tunisian cuisine. Couscous, tagine, seafood... it’s all amazing. I discovered a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place that served the most incredible grilled fish. The language barrier was a challenge, but the food… oh, the food. * Relax at the spa: Okay, this one’s in the hotel. But get a massage. Seriously. After a day of battling the buffet and the sunbed wars, you’ll need itGlobetrotter Hotels
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