Hotel Soviva Resort, Port el Kantaoui, Tunisia

pay for what u get. its a wonderful place, lovely people and had a wicked time. this is my 2nd time here and booking my 3rd time. very relaxing time go with an open mind, if you want 5 stars then pay for it, a holiday is what u make it.

tesco man, surrey
Date Travelled: 01/10/2011
Review Added: 14/10/2011

well where do i start? we were never worried about this place despite some bad reviews. its our first time in tunisia and we are going back on the 26th aug next year. the hotel was fantastic, the food was good - would have loved a full english tho, but remember its not spain! the thomas cook team were brill but the animation team were even better, a big thank you to billy mido willy dj moss ricco and ben, we had a great relationship with them. the pool was fantastic the, beach was brill, the bar staff were good too we never queued up once cos we had a great waiter in marouiane who we tipped every day. so just a tip for you; look after the tunisians and i promise they will look after you

dean jenny remi from leicester, leicester
Date Travelled: 24/08/2011
Review Added: 03/10/2011

We just got back after a two week holiday the the soviva resort and for the money we payed it was a really good holiday the team that work there are really good. the rooms are good as well had a bit of a problem when 1st got there but as soon as i went to speak about it was sorted. the beach is really nice and and it is so cheap to do any thing, ill defo be going bk agin next year

Luke Miller , Coventry
Date Travelled: 11/09/2011
Review Added: 26/09/2011

family of three, along with friends stayed at this hotel. We read all the reviews before going, was very unsure about what to expect. we will try to be as honest as we can in this review, as there were good and bad points. good points. lovely swimming pool with slides great for kids and adults much fun. reception staff helpful, maid lovely, always kept our room clean, and tidy, with fresh towels daily. entertainment staff were very good with the children, day and evening, plenty for them to do.They work very hard. (well done to Thomas cook team) Rooms are basic, but adequate. (we had Ground floor found this better) there was bingo every evening, this was very popular. The food was very nice for us, but could be repetitive at times. Always found meals we enjoyed. restaurant was kept clean, and tidy at all times. we were allocated our own table for the duration of our holiday. The waiters were friendly, and hard working. Easy to change your english money into Dinars, at reception Booth. Do this on a daily basis, as not much about to spend your money on. Weather hot, and beautiful, during our stay. Taxis are easy to use, but you need to haggle your price, as can vary between drivers. Bad points. Many sun beds broken around poolside, if you want a sunbed you will need to be up very early in the morning to get one. Bar staff are friendly, but slow, this hotel is very understaffed for the amount of guests that it caters for. Only two bars open at any time, we always had to queue to get any drinks, for at least 15-30 minutes at a time. Then only allowing you to have 2 drinks served to you. Drinks are not the strength you would expect them to be. All staff will expect to be tipped on a regular basis, you will notice the difference to the service you receive. This Hotel is in need of a makeover, in many areas, as it lacks maintenance. Beach is a short walk away, but we were not impressed as messy, and dirty, and unclean due to things we would not like to mention found around the shore line. This was our worst holiday beach we have come across. Our hotel was around very few amenities, a few supermarkets along main road, outside of Hotel nothing else. Nearest town was Port el Kantaoui, where you found the marina, few shops, and apartments. About 3KM away. Next was Sousse town, you will find the Medina here. We would not advise a visit there, as very intimidating from the locals, dirty, and we felt very unsafe there. We do not feel Tunisia, was the holiday for us. As we feel it is not a holiday destination where we could fulfil our experiences outside of our main Hotel. Any more info I would be happy to answer, thank you, Mrs fowler.

Mrs fowler, bristol
Date Travelled: 03/08/2011
Review Added: 20/08/2011

First time of going All Inclusive and this did not disappoint. Good choice of food even if you are a fussy eater there was something for everyone. When we arrived we had to wait for about half an hour then were taken to our rooms which were very clean. People arouind the pool said you had to get up around 6am for sunbeds. We went down around 8.30ish and there were still plenty of beds around. There were queues at the bar which we complained about and after a few days these seemed to get better. The problem apparently was due to glasses being taken to rooms so the staff had to collect glasses constantly from the bar/pool areas. Lovely hotel very clean and child friendly. The staff were really nice and helpful. The entertainment staff were fantastic worked really hard to keep everyone entertained.

chellb, Buckinghamshire
Date Travelled: 03/08/2011
Review Added: 19/08/2011

its a filthy dangerous hotel there are not many brits there, that tells you something. rooms dirty, the place is falling down. dont listen to holiday sites or shops they are trying to get people there. dont go.

graham booth, manchester
Date Travelled: 18/05/2011
Review Added: 06/06/2011

This is my fourth visit to this Hotel and i have never been disappointed. The rooms are cleaned daily, the food is super, the beach is 5 mintues away and has a beach bar which serves drinks and snacks. The local excursions which are on offer within the hotel complex are excellent value and really enjoyable. There are water sports avaiable on the beach all of which are at a reasonable cost. The staff in the hotel are brilliant really helpful as are the animation team - they really cant do enough to ensure that you have a brilliant holiday.

Gill Dutton, Tunisia
Date Travelled: 11/05/2011
Review Added: 22/05/2011

I have just been to this hotel with my family for 2 weeks and have had the time of my life best holiday i have been on. The rooms are very clean and comfy they are cleaned on a daily basis. There is a wide variety of foods and there is always something different out every day. The hotel is fantastic for everybody and there is lots of activities to do. The beach is only a 5 minute walk away and there are lots of things to do. The best part of the holiday was getting to no the animation team who are very friendly and welcoming. I have become really good friends with them all and was sad to leave. All in all a superb hotel with fantastic staff and lots of things to do. Will be going again in the near future.

Natalie Dunnaway, West Bromwich
Date Travelled: 10/04/2011
Review Added: 24/04/2011

stayed here at end of october for two weeks all in. didnt pay mega bucks for this hol as just wanted something cheap. STAFF- were all very friendly throughout our stay here especially our maid, who cleaned are room everyday including towels. and bed linen was changed reguarly. ROOMS- are very basic but who spends ya holiday in the hotel room. perfect to have a decent shower and sleep. FOOD- was good im quite a fussy eater and always found something to eat. althou after 2 weeks it was a bit repeatative. Hotel does have its own section on the beach but is a 5 min walk to it which has a bar down there for drinks and food. so all in all for what we paid it was not bad i probably wouldnt go back as dont usually go same place twice but if i was too i wouldnt have a problem with stayin here again

Hayley, east anglia
Date Travelled: 17/10/2010
Review Added: 18/03/2011

We have been to the soviva 8 times, we have taken friends and very young family members. We were there when it was on holidays from hell actually in the room next to the people that were on the TV complaining strangely though we didn't have the problems they said they were having. And now i feel i must defend the Soviva, the people are very friendly and having happy guests is important to them. We have never seen the staff be anything but polite even when being sworn at and threatened. We are now at the stage that when we go there we are recognised around the hotel, and in the shop over the road. We did a have couple of problems one year and we were compensated through direct holidays and when we went the next year the hotel staff did every thing to make sure we were happy. If there is anything wrong in the hotel the staff are very more than happy to try and put it right. With the drinks rule at the bar with two per guest, we found that when the bar staff knew who you where they would allow enough drinks for your party, our party was of 13 people, trays provided. We are not a family that puts up with any old rubbish, and we do understand that there is a little give and take when you go to other countries, and remember that Tunisia is not Mainland Spain or any other popular tourist place and therefore not over commercialised which is what makes Tunisia so GREAT. We will go back to the soviva over and over again, including 2011 .

Dawn Clarke, Milton Keynes
Date Travelled: 24/06/2010
Review Added: 14/02/2011

dirty linen on beds, beds full of ants. will remember the holiday for all the wrong reasons

christine, soviva resort tunisa
Date Travelled: 23/08/2010
Review Added: 13/11/2010

don't go it was terrible

harry greenwood, england
Date Travelled: 12/09/2010
Review Added: 26/10/2010

This was our first visit to Tunisia and was really looking forward to nice weather, nice surroundings and having some quality family time. It was dark when we arrived at Monastir airport so it was difficult to get a good view of the countryside. When arrived at the hotel, we saw a very well lit up driveway and entrance. The hotel entrance was quite plush with nice marble floor, nice chandeliers and decorative ceilings, look not bad. There was some documentation to be completed which took only a few moments, our room allocation was handled very quickly and a bell boy was on hand to take care of our luggage. So far not bad. We arrived at our room, it was clean enough, but looked tired, with cupboard doors hanging off, the bathrooms were worse, most of the fitting in both bathroom (had ajoining rooms due to being family of 4). When you ran water into the bath or wash hand basin it would take an age to clear and there was always the horrible smell from the drain. Once we overcame the initial disappointment, we said well the room is only for sleeping in and we really won't need to be spending alot of time in it. So with that our spirits lifting we headed off down to the restaurant to catch the end of the second sitting before it closed. We put our first experience of the resaurant down to the fact that it was late on in the second sitting. The food was of poor quality, it was cold , very bland. We were not looking for anything spectacular, we were not expecting fine cuisine, just something that was hot, tasty that would not make you constantly wish for a plate of "mince and tatties" or "roast beef Sunday Dinner". The whole time we were there the standard of the food was pretty much the same, we did get a couple of nights where the beef was not too bad. The only thing we looked forward to at meal times was if my youngest son would manage to eat any more crepes, as he had been challenged by my oldest son to eat 50 crepes in 9 days. He did manage it. Even though we were all inclusive we did eat out a couple of times down at the Marina, this was another mistake, the food was equally bad down there. On the plus side the pool area was good, plenty of staff getting people of all age groups involved, plus the donuts sold at the pool side were good. The beer was better than expected. The recreation resource such as 5-a-side footbal, volley ball, basket ball again all in a bad state of repair or danagerous. Each hotel has their own bit of beach, we walked all the way from the Marina to the Soviva part of the beach. Some bits of the beach are well looked after and some are not, guess which category Soviva came into. Yes, the not so well looked after. Away from the hotel, the resort, bearing in mind this is the show case and purpose built resort. What a TIP, there was rubbish lying around everywhere, buildings in a state of dis-repair, pot holes in the pavements etc. We took a quad bike excursion, which was good fun, but even away up in the hills away from the centre of the town amongst the olive groves, there was litter and scrap cars, agricultural equipment etc, just lying about. We did also go golfing, El Kantaoui Sea View golf course, it was a nice course higher of Callaway clubs, buggey and green fees came in at about £78 a head, which I thought was not bad. If you are going to go golfing take balls, tees, gloves and pitch repairer with you as they cost a fortune in the pro shop, easily 2 and half times what you would pay in the UK. Be very careful when haggling for goods, they have goods hall marked even when they are not genuine. A good tip is take a small magnet with precious metal such as silver and gold are not magnetic. As a family we did have a good laugh at all the things that were dreadful about the place. I for one will not be making a return journey, my advice to you would be pick somewhere else or if you are really adventurous go and see for yourself. But one last point, if we as adults and 2 grown up kids (17 & 14), found it difficult to get something to eat, small children found it really difficult and ate bread and butter or plain pasta for the duration of the holiday.

Christie Family, Fife, Scotland
Date Travelled: 10/10/2010
Review Added: 22/10/2010

This was our second visit to Tunisia, having read some of the previous resort reviews we were a bit worried. There are some people out there who just haven't lived. The food was good, cleanliness- cleaners around everyday, Staff- very helpful. Just go and enjoy yourself, we did and would love to go back there again..5 STAR. OH and hot hot hot.

Carmichael Family, Hebburn Tyne & nWear
Date Travelled: 29/08/2010
Review Added: 07/09/2010

All four of us were ill on this holiday due to eating at the hotel. We paid for all inclusive but ate out mostly which reduced us being ill. Rooms were 'cleaned' daily which involved wiping a dirty cloth across the floor leaving more hair and dirt than before. Towels were changed daily, but bed linen not changed unless I stripped the sheets and left them outside. Would defo go back to Port El Kantoui - such a beautiful place, but would defo stay away from here. If I had seen the undercover tourist programme before I left I wouldnt have even got on the plane. If you havent booked yet then pick something else. Not worth the money if you have got to eat out so often. Ice creams are NOT included for the kids which is another down point. Good point is the slides kept my two sons busy for the duration unless we were at the beach - which is much much better. Kids loved the quad bike rides and the fair that is at the port.

Kellie James, Liverpool
Date Travelled: 23/07/2010
Review Added: 02/09/2010

the hotel was OK, not the cleanest but was good enough. The bar was very frustrating as the queue for the bar was massive at all times, then when you get to bar you can have only 2 drinks per person. We were a family of 5 so I was angry that two of us had to queue at any one time. The beer was very warm most of the time as they didnt let the glasses cool down. I think what is wrong there is there isnt enough staff and the bar area is far to small for the size of the hotel the entertainment is very much the same every day with no real mix. I would think with the size of the hotel that they would bring in some out side acts that are free for you to watch and not pay for - like the transvestite fire eating strong man who was in the night club who was a complete waste of money as was the so called beach party. Paid a load of money for that and all we got was a class of so called sangria. The food we cant really knock and our waiter was ace big up Amis he knew what we had to drink so we didnt have to wait for a drink. There was a good selection of food day and night, so all the English that couldnt have burger and chips and full fry ups in the morning if you want that stick to Costa Del Sol - dont go out of your comfort zones. All in all OK just a few things need tweeking, oh and Liz the rep was fab too!

Mike Malins , Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire
Date Travelled: 18/08/2010
Review Added: 02/09/2010

We went with our two kids (7 & 12) and another family of four. We had a fab time, nice and hot with a great pool and fab slides. The rooms were basic but maids kept it clean every day, fresh towels and beds changed. The staff and animation team were so friendly and nice. The food is okay but remember you ain't in Britain, plenty to choose from. Went to the spa for 2 hours and really enjoyed it (Turkish bath, full body massage and facial) and it only cost 50 dinas (£25) well worth the money. It's great value for money. We loved it that much we have booked it again to go next year. Can't wait!

Marlene Underwood, Forres
Date Travelled: 14/07/2010
Review Added: 30/08/2010

We had this holidays as a really good offer, so booked it and tried not to worry about all the bad reveiws. The hotel is fine if you go with an open mind and remember you are not in Spain. The staff in this hotel are the nicest people you could meet, they will do anything for you. Just remember to tip them a little as it goes a long way. Book all your trips with captin Jack in the hotel and not the reps, much cheaper and really good fun. The food is not so good, but the snacks are fine so fill up on these, the drink seems a little weak but we enjoyed, try to keep your own glass for your time there and clean it yourself as i don't think they are cleaned that well by the bar staff. The beach is beautiful and the watersports are so cheap £10 for parasailing, £2.50 banana boats, £15 for jet ski all worth a go. There is an all inclusive bar at the beach which also serves snacks. Just remember to haggle for everything and you will get a bargin. This hotel is good fun but not 4 star as mentioned, but Tunisia is a beautiful country and we will go again. Enjoy.

Melanie, Somerset
Date Travelled: 01/08/2010
Review Added: 30/08/2010

We visited this "resort" early July 2010 on the recommendation of our local Travel Agent here in Kirkintilloch Glasgow, we stayed in an all inclusive capacity, originally booked for 11 nights. We were told the Soviva was in the top 50 rated hotels, we were subsequently informed by the resort rep this is 56 out of 60! It took 3 hours to check in as the Hotel "lost" one of the bookings. "Food" was atrocious, poor selection and cold at times, getting a table or a drink was dependent on your tipping skills, dining area floor was so slippy with grease it was like an ice rink. Eventually got the rooms, both balconies were fenced in by a timber construction, both were loose, both were on the first floor! Maintenance repaired them by hammering in a screw at either side! filthy does not do the rooms justice, shower room was covered in what appeared to be mildew, shower curtain was stained from the bottom up to about 4 inches, first night I went to reception to complain about ant infestation, the two receptionist at the same time said "theyll be in the bathroom?" well they were...and in the bedroom...and the bed...and the cupboards.....pool area was never cleaned, bar service was a joke, at times 12 deep waiting to be served....all in all we paid nearly £3000 for this holiday! On the second day I met with the reps who apologised profusely and offered to move us to another hotel but it would not be AI, FB was on offer, we were packed within the hour, two hours later we were in the reception of the Hotel Kanta, different class...! Soviva is an appalling place to stay, its filthy, its unsafe, it should not be visited, on the return flight today people were clamouring for forms to feedback on their holiday, most for the Soviva - few bright points, Reps were brilliant - Kanta was brilliant - the Pot itself is a gem as is the beach, by all means visit the area please please please do not book the Soviva! Please note I have videoed the room cleanliness and other problems and fully intend to post onto the Internet on every review site!

Joe Paterson, Glasgow
Date Travelled: 07/07/2010
Review Added: 19/07/2010

Had some problems with check in at reception and getting a safety deposit box, otherwise the holiday was fantasic. We got a room with a balcony over the Pool. We realised after our first day that there are 2 dinning areas, we found the dinning room provided by Thomas Cook to be much better and there was air conditioning. Our room was basic but very clean and the towels were changed everyday, although our bed linen wasn't changed the whole stay, there wasn't very many sun loungers for the large amount of guests but if you are willing to get up early to lift one, no worries, we spent most of our time at the beach, which was fab, also all inclusive bar provided by the hotel for guests. we went jet skiing and para-sailing, rented the pedalo, very reasonably priced. We also went for a quad bike ride, which was amazing. at night we got a taxi into Port El Kantaoui which was 2 dinars. atmosphere was great. we did a spa while at the hotel, must say, massage wasn't great... didn't bother to redeem the other spa treatments we purchased, the spa manager was a torture. overall this was a great holiday, it's what you make it! we enjoyed ourselves and spent very little money.

Anon, Northern Ireland
Date Travelled: 11/07/2009
Review Added: 02/07/2010

The food was not up to much, you had to que for ages and by time you got round the hot counter and put things on your plate it was cold. Also the rooms were full of ants and the all inclusive the beer was warm. The fizzy drinks were flat and cheap, paid over £3000 for a week for the family, not worth it at all. Rooms was ment to be booked together, but we was split up. It was a holiday from hell.

Brian Read, Manchester
Date Travelled: 23/06/2010
Review Added: 30/06/2010

Our holiday was fantastic, we have triplet daughters who are 11, they had a great time and really enjoyed it. Great hotel staff - very friendly & beach was great.

Mike Williams, Pembrokeshire
Date Travelled: 11/04/2010
Review Added: 16/05/2010