As well as the intriguing use of part of a pedal and a padlock to clamp the door shut on the outside Room 13 has a couple of pieces of wood on the inside frame that shift and slide to bolt the door at the top when you are in the room. I suspect that other rooms are the same but the mechanism is subtle and easily overlooked. Good idea to bring the bolt (pedal shaft) and padlock inside as well just in case some joker locks the door when you are in the room. The half board option is definitely worthwhile, the view of the stars from inside the 'caves' is good even when the hotel is lit and the vibe of the place, together with the value for money, made this the best place I stayed in Tunisia.

As I have been stayed in the Cave Hotel of Cappadocia in Tunkey, I do expect they are of the kind - that with its charater.

But Hotel Marhala is only a cave with a woodern door (no lock inside, so you can't lock the room inside at night ). The bed is full of dust and the door has no lock,!

it is still an interesting experience to stay in a cave for a night! (just sleeping and there is nothing to do in Old Matmata)

Hotel Marhala was a delight to stay in. Authentic rooms around a tiny courtyard. Lovely restaurant and it seems to attract nice travellers. Its a good base to explore the surroundings from.

Staying in a cave is a unique experience and a must if you travel to Matmata! It's well-maintained and clean (heard that some of the troglodyte hotels are poorly maintained), I enjoyed the local specialties served in the restaurant-cave as well! Don't have much to say, just look some of the pictures that other people have uploaded and come experience it for yourself!