Marhaba Royal Salem

Just back from 11 nights in Marhaba Royal Salem. Hotel was very good and we had a very enjoyable holiday. For us as a family we found the staff where fantastic throughout. Bebo and Ham n cheese from the entertainment team were fantastic with our 14 year old and I believe they made his holiday. The life guards Ahmed (small salt water pool) and Alex (chlorine and indoor pool) where both fantastic with kids and adults and made sure we had beds and parasols the majority of day. I do think the pools could do with more parasols, especially at this time of year. We found the food to be a bit repetitive by the end of our holiday but all in all the food was lovely. We had a specific water and waitress at table 78 & 79 and they were kind and attentive, had a smile everyday and remembered our drinks, morning and dinner everyday without us having to ask (they are a credit to hotel). Our rooms where clean and spacious enough for us as we had two rooms. I emailed the hotel to try and get adjoining rooms before our holiday. When we arrived they apologised straight away that they could not do this but had given us rooms side by side. Our cleaner was fantastic (rooms 303 and 304) again a credit to the hotel. Our only big negative would be the air conditioning. It was ok in the rooms (not fantastic) but you could of looked over this if there was better air-conditioning in the hotel lobby while having an evening drink - unfortunately there was very little or none so it got quite hot and uncomfortable. All in all, we would certainly stay again and would happily recommend the hotel to others - albeit at a cooler time of year. Thanks Marhaba Royal Salem for our enjoyable holiday.

Firstly when we arrived we were amazed at the cleanliness and the security. We were greeted with a fruity cocktail and very welcoming reception staff and bell boys. Our room was ready early so we headed to the room to find it spotless. We went for lunch which wasn’t particularly interesting although some days the menu was better than others. I found breakfast was the same everyday and boring if I’m honest. Lunch slightly changed up, as did dinner. All staff serving us were cheery and quick with getting drinks and remembering us and our orders which felt personal which was a nice touch. Everyone was friendly and well mannered. The only thing I have to say was a couple of times we found the meat was undercooked. Not all the time but multiple times. Next we went out to explore the hotel. We found multiple pools. Each one with life guards. Again friendly and helpful every morning getting our sunbeds out for us. It was nice for lots of the staff to get involved especially the lifeguard on the middle pool Bilel. He always got involved with everyone and it appeared everyone enjoyed it. He always went above and beyond to make sure everyone was safe and happy. Having a laugh with us made our holiday. I’ve been to many hotels and I haven’t never experienced this from staff. As for the entertainment, the animation team were exceptional getting everyone involved all day and all night. Something new every night and the team clearly worked tirelessly to make sure everyone was having the best time. Will from the animation team was always getting involved with our table. He would always come over and try to convince us to dance. When we refused he would chat with us and have a laugh. The whole team made the experience so good. Couldn’t fault them at all. The cleanliness of the room was exceptional. We had a maid called Sophia or Sofia. She deserves the recognition because our room would always be immaculate. If my friend was asleep she would just return later to clean the room and change the towels. When she saw it was my birthday she made patterns and animals out of towels on the bed. Which was a lovely touch. She was also extremely friendly too. The room is spacious and had enough storage which we didn’t use. There was a safe in the room but if I’m honest it wouldnt be the end of the world if you forgot to lock it like we did because the staff were trustworthy. Every single member of staff I have come across and observed has been polite and extremely helpful to everyone. I don’t usually repeat hotels but I will be returning and have already been discussing dates with my friends. I would like these people to get the recognition they deserve for going above and beyond. If they could be shown this, that would be great.

Just back from a week here safe to say we won't be returning to this hotel. Our room was disgusting the shower was literally a trickle of water, the hairdryer didn't work, cupboards hanging off, mould and cockroaches. After two days of trying to get an alternative room we were reallocated near the main pool. The room was much better and was cleaned adequately everyday. The food was poor. Complex confusing we weren't told where anything was. Then to top it off on our last night some Tunisians men were round the pool at 02.45 with large speakers washing their pots and cool boxes in the pool before swimming in it and god no's what else. I tried to contact reception but the phone in the room didn't work, no response via mobile, no security or night staff in the building. We felt very vulnerable. On a positive the sun and the staff were lovely ohhh apart from one lifeguard who was clearly taking ladies round the back....... Our fourth time to Tunisia but safe to say we definitely won't be back here.

Love the hotel and all of the staff. Especially the animation team. Will has engaged with the group the most and we’ve had lots of laughs. The hotel itself is somewhere we are always glad to come back to and would recommend in the future to anyone and everyone. Had a great time!

Wonderful experience. The staff is amazing. The hotel deserved its 4 stars. We were here for 7 days and every day the Animation Team done some different shows. There was life music, fire breathing, Zumba, karaoke, and much much more. The families are treated here with exceptional care. The kids have there own disco every night. Everyone will find something to do here. I would specially like to thank 4 guys that took great care of us by playing darts, fletching, Zumba dancing, aquaerobik. Best thanks for Bibo, Nino, Rivo and Will from the Animation Team.

Rio is very friendly and was welcoming the first time we entered. Will is very supportive and is a great Zumba dancer, very kind. Nino is also very nice and helped me with archery.

Great hotel with amazing room service, great food alongside excellent entertainment.

So I will start with the negatives. Yes the hotel room we stayed in was very dated. The bathroom sink gave off a really bad smell whenever we used it and the bath plug didn't hold water at all. Also when we tried to fill the bath the water came out yellow, so we had to empty and then refill a number of times before we could actually use the bath. Gave up in the end trying to have a bath. The shower curtain was pointless as whenever we showered the floor ended up like a swimming pool. The TV channels available were very limited and there was nothing actually available in English. There was only one plug socket near the bed which caused issues for us as a couple wanting to have our mobile phones at our side of the bed. The snack bar didn't have anywhere near enough seating for the amount of guests staying at the hotel and there are no where near enough poolside umbrellas available, the hotel seriously need to invest in more mobile umbrellas. The lifts are crazy also as you have one button to call the lift and when you get in and press to go up or down you end up going for a ride in the wrong direction, which ended up being really annoying. The room we had was 117 (first floor in main building) which had no balcony at all although there would be plenty of room for a large balcony because the room is sat on the roof of the indoor pool and the other rooms along our floor did have large enough balcony's to sit on. Be careful when walking on the main pathways as who ever laid them must have been drunk as the dips are really dangerous and when wet the pathway is really slippery. The main entertainment area didn't have anywhere near enough seating for the amount of guests the hotel accommodates and the entertainment on most evenings isn't actually worth sitting and waiting for, however in saying this is no way at all aimed at the entertainment staff at all as they were amazing as you will read further along in this review. Now for the good points. The staff are amazing, from the reception staff, the bar staff, the cleaners, Groundskeepers and especially the entertainment staff. They work very hard and are courteous and welcoming. Every time you walk past any member of staff they are smiling and always greet you with a good morning, good afternoon or simple hello, which makes you feel so accepted and comfortable. The hotel is spotless and kept to the highest standard of cleanliness in every aspect. I would like to note that the following staff members really stood out for us as absolutely amazing and they all made our stay both memorable and comfortable. Entertainment Team - Hamza (Ham & Cheese) is an absolute credit to his role. He gets to know all guests in his own very unique way and works tirelessly everyday. Always happy and bouncy as he wanders around making sure everyone is happy and there is nothing he wont do to make your stay great. My wife celebrated her birthday whilst at the resort and when he found out he got everyone around the pool to sing her happy birthday and even played her favourite song over the pool which made her day that even more special, for this i cannot thank him enough. His team who includes, Bibo - Rio - Nino - Marco - Tef & Tracey again are an absolute credit to the hotel and without these people the holiday would have no way been as good. We thank you all for everything you did to make our stay that extra bit special. From games around the pool to dancing and singing through the day to entertain the guests was just outstanding. The hotel management really need to understand how good their entertainment team are and i would personally like to praise the whole of the team for everything they do on a daily basis. Pool Bar Staff - Mohammed (always wore a straw hat) and Monty at the main pool worked tirelessly to make sure that we were never without refreshments, and for this again i would send my utmost gratitude. Food - food was acceptable, yes there were days where you seen the same things being offered, however we felt the quality of the food was very good and there was plenty of choice available. The dining staff again are a credit to the management team and work very hard to make your eating experience something to look forward to. Pools - There are a number of pools available at the resort, the main pool being salt water and the rest being normal pools with chlorine meant that there wasn't an issue with being able to have a dip when you needed to. We spent our holiday at the main pool where all the entertainment goes on and the other pools offered a more relaxing atmosphere meaning all guests could get what they wanted out of a day by the pool. The hotel is situated right on the beach and although there aren't anywhere enough umbrellas on the beach to cater for the amount of guests, you are only a few steps from the sea which meant you could cool off quite easily. The management team need to again invest n more umbrella's in this area also. The water is clear and surprisingly warm when you go in. Overall I would give this hotel complex a very strong 8 out of 10. I would definitely recommend this hotel to both families and couple that are looking for a great experience and we will definitely be looking at returning in the future. Thankyou again Marahaba Royal Salem for an amazing experience all around

Lovely clean hotel Staff the friendliest I’ve ever met - can’t do enough for you The only negative- no allergen info on food - the staff are happy to advise but, most all-inclusive holidays we have been in in recent years have a simple picture allergen system which is easy to understand in any language

We had a good week here, pool towels provided leave a deposit at reception. Booked Royal and stayed in the block near main pool with flumes. Breakfast was the same everyday, omelettes, pancakes, cereal, lunch we ate mainly at the beach snack bar, you had to get there at 11.45am to get a table, lunch was at 12.30pm and be prepared for the rush, never witnessed anything so bad in any hotel I’ve ever stayed at! Anyone would think people are starved. If you have small children make sure your with them, my children were often pushed and knocked about by others pushing in the queues. All staff we come across were friendly and happy to chat. We tipped often to many members of staff they are so grateful. Normally 10 dinar at a time. House keeping was a bit of a let down, never left enough towels, and one day soaked the floor to wash it and didn’t pick the extension lead up with had iPhone chargers in them so I had grumpy children and no phones. I know they didn’t clean well as the same dirty cup sat in my room for 4 days. I generally do this to test the cleaning standards. The beach is lovely, it’s a shame that the public don’t take there litter with them though. We did parasailing and jet skis on the beach and enjoyed them very much. We booked quad bikes via Viator and had a blast. We also visited an aqua park nearby £15 pp another good day out. The resort is quite big, with cobble walkways. Games room with pool tables tv for the football, hairdressers £40 for hair braiding. The cocktails are extremely strong I asked many times for half the alcohol. The kids loved the slushies. Salt water pool (where the slides are)after 2 days my son came out with the most awful rash as did many people. Entertainment was ok, Tunisia night, Me hotel, karaoke, live singer the normal kind , cheesy but good to watch. Foam party on the beach at 12pm. Various other activity through the day, water polo, aqua gym, archery, Zumba all good fun. We used InDrive for taxi about 10mins r to most places. Air con in room and a working fridge. Water not left in room so you have to hunt a supply daily.

Nino at team animation has been absolutely fantastic all the bar staff at the pool bar also brilliant and the whole place has a great atmosphere

Just came back from a week at this hotel the staff were second to none food was great plenty of variety would defo recommend thank you to all the staff for making it a lovely week for us

Absolutely amazing family holiday. This is the first resort I would gladly return to in the future. First off, all the grounds and hotels are beautiful. (We stayed at the royal beside kids pool) however, they salem is the sister hotel which is only a short 5/10 minute walk from main building. So technically there are 2 royal salem buildings, but its the same hotel. I've read alot of reviews saying that decor is outdated, but I'd personally only say that about the rooms. The rest of the site looks beautiful. And very clean. We requested to change rooms upon arrival, because the air-conditioning wasn't working, it was a very small 'family room' and was right beside an entrance/exit door which would have involved alot of noise during the night. Also it was on the ground floor and there was alot of little make shift ramps where steps had been situated, so generally not very practical or easily navigated with a pram and 2 other young children. However after walking to the main building, at reception we spoke to a lovely member of staff who then took us to view 3/4 other rooms of different sizes on different floors. We finally decided on 245 which was more ideal. Had an actual balcony also, compared to the first room we were given. It didnt even have windows that would open... so definitely an improved. The staff member hinted that this particular room would be considered an upgrade but implied he would speak to his superior and everything should be fine. My husband gave him a generous tip and there was no more said about it. Moving on to housekeeping, we requested our room to be cleaned every 3 days, simply because tidying it everyday after 3 kids was a challenge lol and didnt want to waste our time, clearing space for it to be cleaned each morning. The lady's cleaning on each floor everyday were always so cheerful, and always gave our children balloons and sweets. They also arranged our towels in cute ways and hand picked fresh flowers to lay out. Which put a smile on our faces when we came back from breakfast to get ready for the day. The waiters were fabulous in the evenings. You have to have your dinner in the main hotel with you booked with, however you can eat anywhere else for breakfast and lunch. By the end of our stay we had secured a regular table with a lovely waiter. He always made such an effort to interact with our kids, and always had our baby girl clapping and smiling. We havw quite a few pictures and videos of this, unfortunately we didn't catch his name. But it was in the restaurant by the kids pool. There was one other waiter who also was lovely and and went out of his way to high and play with our soon when he bumped into us around the hotel. He actually saw us leaving on the bus on our last day and again came over to high 5 him and say goodbye 👋 which again really made everything feel more special. Seeing our kids light up around them. We learned before arriving about the tipping culture in Tunisia, something that we had never experienced before. We did feel a little pressure, but honestly we tipped to those who made us feel welcome and really made an effort. Even the bar staff at the entertainment pool, he remembered us the 3rd night after tipping on the 1st night. On our 1st day, our son aged 3 jumped into the pool with his life vest on (which made him tip) and the life guard had jumped in immediately, phone in his pocket and everything. We were very thankful, and immediately knew our children were going to be safe here. There was never a problem getting a sunbed. The pool staff always made sure you got one. The struggle some mornings were securing an umbrella or shade, but we managed. The entertainment guys are fantastic. Marco, koucki, riva .. to name a few. The water zumba was fun even to watch, they have so much energy. Doing the same dances everyday. My baby also loved watching and clapping along. And then again at nighttime for the entertainment. We've all come home with the songs stuck in our heads! We've only googled a few of them to learn the words properly haha. Just watch out for some loose pool tiles, my husband found a few. My only real issue or complaint that I would raise is the sheer amount of smoking being done in the evening around the small pool (which is where the kids entertainment is first at 8.30 and then later is for everyone) I understand everyone is entitled to enjoy their holiday how they see fit.. but at yhe expense of polluting the air around for everyone else? And I promise im not exaggerating. I met alot of people there who also agreed and found the smell and cloudy environment too much. I had even posted on their fb page and again was met with alot of guests also annoyed by it. So I really hope if we do return in future, that management possibly take this on board and come up with a way to section off the smokers from children and families. At least for a portion of the night. We had to leave early most nights as we were all coughing. Which is disappointing, paying so much money to then retire to our room early and the kids playing on their ipads. On some occasions also, the music was far too loud. Considering the stage area is always occupied, mainly by toddlers and older children... those were not safe decibels levels. I'd recommend bringing sound proof headphones if you have a young child or even an autistic child. Apart from that we really enjoyed ourselves. The entertainment is mostly the guys dancing, but the constant interaction throughout our stay made it all more memorable. All staff always very smiley and saying hello, making sure we were enjoying our staff etc.. We visited the beach once but found it overwhelming with the amount of people walking up and down, approaching us trying to sell things. Also was too much bother walking though the sand and all the sunbeds, just to get a drink from the beach bar and back. You'd have it drank before you reach your seat and sit down again. There was a waiter walking about handing people drinks but I think he was only doing certain people who tipped him. So again, we felt like we couldn't ask. My daughter had an incident in the salem restaurant at lunch one day, she spilled tomato on her hand and there was noone there to help us. I grabbed the ice bucket that we were luckily sat beside. And a short while later another guest had approached to say she was a nurse and I asked her to check my daughters hand. Thankfully she was fine. Just sore for a few hours. But I was concerned the hotel staff didnt come to check on her or offer any medical help. We were told to walk to reception at the main building and they would contact someone. Because we managed it on our own and our daughter was fine, we didnt make a big fuss about it and wouldnt let this put us off coming back. Although it would be more reassuring to know that emergency practices were in place if we needed them in future. Theres a kids club on site but just know its not always free, depending on what activity the kids are doing. One day we paid 25 dinar for our daughter to paint, the other day she was very bored and tired.. when I collected her she was the only child and a staff member had given her their phone to watch youtube, which i wasn't very happy about. I would rather they had brought ber back to me so she could play with her brother and sister in the pool. Anyway, she didn't go back again but the staff there were really lovely and continued to say hello to her the rest of our stay. The maintenance and garden staff early work very hard as the flowers and plants were always looking lovely. 👌 we even seen security walking about the resort at night. Something which I hadnt thought about until the end of our stay. Was really nice to know they were keeping us all safe. We reported a faulty game machine to either the guest relations staff or manager (she had curly hair) and she ensured us it would be dealt with and turned it off at the wall in front of us. However the next night it was switched back on again... and clearly still not fixed. So watch out, it was giving shocks. My baby loved going for a nap on the rocky pavement, but I did go over on my ankle twice.. and at night its not very well lit up so we were always telling our kids to be careful. I know that sounds like alot of cons or complaints, but igs just what we happened to observe during our stay and im sure not everyone else would. Having said that, we do feel like there are more pros and for that reason we would absolutely return. The hotel staff clearly love what they do and genuinely love having tourists with them. We also had a photoshoot on our second last day. Brilliant experience and beautiful photos and memories to last us forever. So thank you very much. Hopefully we will see you all in the future.

Lovely hotel, very clean, staff all very friendly. Food good, wide choice. To doughnuts at breakfast were so good. Lovely grounds, short walk to the lovely beach. Sunbeds were plentiful, not all with a parasol though. The entertainment guys were good, especially Marc and Taz. Only negative was the white wine - nasty! Just a short taxi ride to the Medina where they do like to haggle! Hoping to return next year

I had a great stay at Marhaba Royal Salem. The location is excellent, with plenty of shops, cafés, and places to eat nearby. It's also easy to get to the main tourist attractions, which made exploring the area very convenient. One thing I would mention, especially for mature single women travelling alone, is to be a little cautious. This isn't a reflection on the hotel and shouldn't affect my rating, but it's something I noticed in Tunisia generally and around the hotel. Some younger employees can be very charming and complimentary at first, but sometimes this can lead to requests for money, gifts, or favours. I could see through it, but unfortunately others didn't. Again, this is not the hotel's fault and is completely outside their control, just something worth being aware of as a solo female traveller. Other than that, I had a very positive experience and would happily recommend the hotel. The location, convenience, and overall atmosphere made for a lovely stay.

Really enjoyed our stay at Royal Salem. Felt very welcomed by the animation team who also made our stay more enjoyable by creating a lively and entertaining atmosphere. Will and Taz especially were great throughout our stay.

The hotel was really nice. The entertainment team were all lovely and there was lots of different activities to get involved in for all ages. Will and Taz were especially brilliant! Definitely recommend!!!

Third visit to the Royal. Lovely hotel, great rooms, great food and fantastic service. I'm sorry to have heard recently that Hitchem has been dismissed - he was a fantastic dedicated worker and had a great way with guests, he was one of the reasons I became a returning guest.

Just arrived home from the most incredible week at the Marhaba Royal Salem, our recently turned 1 year old baby’s first holiday.. and it’s fair to say she had the most incredible first holiday.. All of the staff were amazing and so so helpful at any given opportunity.. our waiter in the restaurant was so attentive and our daughter seemed to light up when she seen him coming to our table (not sure of his name but he’s in the photos). The animation/ entertainment team were amazing with our daughter.. (I think Taz was here favourite).. but also Nino, Riva, Will, and Kouki.. they all stopped to say hello to here and made her feel so special wherever they seen her on the resort, at the pool, by the stage, in the restaurant.. they always made the time of day to make her and make her smile! Rabie and Taha at the snack bar near the beach also were very friendly and made us a nice table for lunch one day.. we appreciated that.. the lifeguards always managed to find us a nice shaded place to relax by the pool with a baby.. so thank you to them also. The room was a great size for us.. the beds were comfortable.. and I think our daughter slept better in the cot you provided than she does at home.. 🤣 There are lots of activities to do on resort throughout the day such as archery, water polo, volleyball, foam parties.. and the evening entertainment kept our daughter entertained, the party dances were our daughters favourite.. we’re going to have to learn them properly before we come back next time! The food buffet had plenty of different options for all of our taste buds, lots of different things to try each night.. lots of the Tunisian specials were very tasty I recommend trying them! I haven’t got a bad word to say about this hotels amazing time from start to finish.. Thank you for being a huge part of our families memories.. I’m certain we’ll be back :)

Riva ist the funniest motivated Animation guy, for the Show for entertainment for dancing and also verry happy, he is smiling always and is Kind to the children and makes fun with children

We visited the Marhaba Royal Salem in June of 2026 for our babies first ever holiday and from the minute we stepped through the doors we had the best experience possible!! All staff were friendly and went above and beyond for us and our family! Every member of the entertainment team came to speak to our baby everyday and made her feel so at ease! A special shout out to Taz Nino Riva and Will you were incredible from start to finish!! And to our server in the restaurant morning noon and night you were one in a million and we can’t thank you enough for everything you did for us! Ivy will miss you lots! Until next year! From Shannon, Liam and baby Ivy🤍

Amazing hotel the staff are really nice the animation team are very friendly we will come back againe in hotel salem good staff😍👍👍👍

The food here is amazing but what really makes the holiday great is the animation team, headed by Mustafa, they will go above and beyond to help you with anything you need. Special thanks to Zino who was so good to us, getting us involved in all the games. If you have any issues with the room or any bookings, trips or activities, you have to speak to Mayssa from guest relations; she is brilliant! The rooms and bathrooms are great, no issues there. The spa and indoor pool are lovely (get a massage, you won’t regret it) But the activities and entertainment are what really makes this hotel one to come back to.

Upon arrival, grounds and lobby are well maintained. Check in was ok, got access to the room early, which was appreciated. Pros - Food - was always varied and no complaints from any of us, including one veggie who didn’t have an issue. Staff - they make this place, from the bar staff to the maids, ground staff are always ensuring the gardens look tidy and taken care off. Room maids - exceptional, prompt and replenishing as necessary. Cons - Rooms are tired and require improvements, Curtains didn’t close entirely so had to use a hair bobble to fully close to block light in the early hours, shower pressure was weak and the temperature would fluctuate every few seconds, air con didn’t work, toilet leaked almost daily, the towel rack was very lose and almost unusable, only one socket in the room (do have USB ports, but only one of us had this type of charger), mattresses weren’t the comfiest, at times all 3 of us waking up with bad back. Facilities - Onsite shop tried to shortchange us. Sunbeds need replacing, so old and uncomfortable. Pool had tiles coming off the floor in various spots. Entertainment was repetitive and ridiculously loud until very late, this was disturbing when your room is in the main block above it all

Hotel is lovely staff very friendly and accommodating Had a 2 massages at the hotel so cheap and really GOOD pressure was amazing All in all a lovely hotel an holiday.

WHAT A FABULOUS WEEK! I had read a few negative reviews before we came and was a little nervous, however we had absolutely nothing to worry about. I came with my 2 girls (Mia and Ava) and family and we have had the best week ever! The animation team go above and beyond for the kids, all day every day and my girls looked forward to seeing them everyday (Joe, Riva, Marco, Ham, Houda, Nino). Something different every night and it was inclusive of all ages to enjoy. My youngest has Autism so the same schedule for kids each day was just perfect! She learned so many new dances and we haven't seen her so happy! The food has been great, our main waiter ( shaimi- dont know how to spell sorry) was so attentive and friendly! Such a variety of food for everyone and the kids. Special mention to the pool barman (Amen- apologies again) was great and we never went without a drink. My little girl especially loved the never ending pink slushes! The lifeguard (Lukman) always ensured we had loungers each morning and saved all our inflatables by the pool so we didnt have to carry them up and down each evening. The pool, slides and beach were great fun and we had some great weather. We will 100% be back! The rooms were cleaned every day to a high standard and they laid our clothes and the kids teddies out so nicely. We felt safe and had fresh flowers in the room from them several times a week. Tipping goes a long way! Don't listen to the bad reviews!

Had a lovely holiday, the staff were helpful and welcoming. The entertainment staff were always there to make sure you have a great time and if you needed anything they would do it. Hotel was lovely, everything you needed, no need to leave hotel, great location.