Marhaba Royal Salem

This was our second time visiting this amazing hotel (27 - 3rd/9) and it still holds a place in my heart. Because of my husbands ailments I asked for certain requirements and they did not fail to deliver. The people are ultimate friendly and can not do enough to help. On arrival you are swiftly booked in and given your AI band. We filled in the paperwork and then chilled for 30 minutes (with a cocktail) until our room (early) was ready. There is a local tax, but for two it was around £44. The porter was great, constantly checking if our room was ready. Our room (201) was great. It is classed as a garden view over looking the front, but also had a view of the sea. Although dated, it was clean and the maid came in every day. It also had a kitchenette so was larger than normal. The bathroom did not have an extractor fan so the floor became slippy, but we just put a towel down. For dining we chose the later slot and never had any issues. They have speciality nights featuring different cuisines which are great. Not once did we have a bad meal nor disappointment of the lack of choice. The waiters/ess work so hard and are so attentive to your needs. As soon as you sit down, they ask you for your choice of drink. The pool area - we preferred the pool bar. The staff are amazing! On a morning I would go down to reserve two beds. The Lifeguard (never got his name but very friendly, maybe ) was sooooo helpful. He would never allow me to get my own and insisted that he set my area up for me, including a parasol and table. He works such long hours but always had a smile for everyone - Thank you for your kindness. The other lifeguard was not as forthcoming. I hope that you are there next year. The children's entertainment was alright. The lady that was coordinating the kids never seemed to enjoy her job. The rest of the entertainment staff were fantastic in getting people to participate in the theme nights. I loved watching the locals/team dance. Lastly - what can I say about 'Ham n Cheese' What a fabulous asset to the hotel. He gets everyone chatting, involved and loves to have banter with everyone. You definitely heard him before you saw him. I commented that I hadn't heard him and that shows what impact he has on the guests. Would I stay again... Most definitely! Thank you Marhaba Royal for another brilliant stay. PLEASE TIP the staff. They do a fantastic job of looking after you and your needs. We also did the pirate ship trip that Ali Baba comes round to get your interested in. He prefers English pounds and cost us £50. It was alright. The staff on the boat were amazing with the entertainment. Would I visit a third time...Most definitely

Where to start? We arrived at the hotel checking we were given a room straight away, even though we arrived at 11:30am.. was told our room was in block 3, I asked to stay in the main hotel, was given a fantastic room in the royal.. we had an amazing time here, the food was hit & miss, it I’m very finicky about food, still managed to eat ok .. the waiters in the restaurant, the cleaner for our room & the young lads down at the beach hut are absolutely fantastic, especially Khalil, Ican & Aymen Would I go back? Yes in a heartbeat. We got back Monday 7/9/26 & missing it already!

So I love this hotel but now I have to let my frustration out I am very often in this hotel and was always very satisfied so far but I handed in my suitcase like a bag at the reception to store it for the current vacation. Unfortunately I have to realize to my horror that I was constantly told at the reception today I can't have my suitcase and so on because there is no key, I have been there a total of 4 times to get my suitcase or rather my bag, I have my suitcase now But my bag has disappeared without a trace, which really sucks for me. And then I was once again postponed to the next day but it just doesn't even work that way it's up to the hotel and things just can't disappear. I am honestly very disappointed and horrified!!!

We arrived early and were greeted by the grumiest receptionist, Information was just thrown at us . Trying to get a beach towel card, I just got pointed towards a room, I asked for 2 towels little did I know I needed to get currency changed to put down a deposit which can only be paid via cash 10 dinar per towel. We got changed in the bar toilets which absolutely stunk of cigarette smoke. We went to find a place by the pool at mid day there was no spare beds. We looked and looked not once did the pool guys offer to help us , they just sat smoking and laughing & joking between themselves. We tried to find the towel hut, which was actually closed was 45 mins. Once we found a lounger we could settle on, we went for drinks, my partner was told lemonade was only available for shandy, but they will give me a drink, what I got was flat warm lemonade, we went to another bar and I was given an expresso cup of lemonade. 2.30 we went to check in, the bell boy took us to our room. At 1st it looked OK, however on further looking the wardrobe and drawers were all grubby dirty paint, they smelt foisty, no way was I putting my clothes in there to smell. The bed was massive , however the duvet cover was ripped to bits, the pillows were so lumpy and uncomfortable. The bathroom was partly ok, except for the shower which was so high up that the water sprayed over my head and out onto the bathroom floor. There is no kettle or safe in the room. The TV was not tuned in. On a ground floor room, we had no voices up at the window, so we had to leave the curtains closed as people could see straight into our room. The balcony was so tiny, you could not move, if you sat down your view was concrete.. Evening meal was 2 sittings, you decide if you want an early or late sitting, you are then allocated a table which you stick with every evening. Our waiter was great, however sadly he wasn't there the last few nights. Some food was stone cold even though we were there for the restaurant re -opening for the 2nd sitting. Our 2nd morning I tried to get some water from the main bar in the foyer however I was told no water, I went to reception and the same grumpy man pointed and said 'bar' I told him they had no water and he just shrugged at me, I said this was poor service, when I turned to go he mocked me, which was infuriating. Breakfast was ok, however trying to get an omelette which wasn't raw was hard work. Through out the week we stayed around the middle pool , we went down early and the pool guy put your loungers out with a parasol, however the loungers could do with a good scrub. The pool was black as the ace of spades around the edges and tiles missing all over the bottom. A few days in the pool sides were cleaned in a fashion which left black bits floating around the pool. We just wanted a chilled holiday but tbh I just wanted to go home. The bedrooms & pool areas really need renovating or at least a good scrub. Everyone I spoke to was of the same opinion, and would not return. We made the most of situation, the weather was fantastic. The WiFi was excellent. The air con was excellent. But these are my only positives.

First time staying at Royal Salem. Could not find a lot to complain about just the hard bed. All the staff were brilliant especially the lads on the beach never stopped all day. Animation team brilliant. Waiters in main building so attentive. Rooms clean and kept that way. Food was really good always something to please me. I have stayed hotels all over the world and this is better than some so called 5 stars I've stayed in. Thanks for a great holiday we will be back