retured on 07/12/11 .hotel we booked is just a derelict building site.placed in room in the gardens of royal marhaba salem this room is like a seen out of cell block h. doors will not lock elect fittings hanging of the wall.and just poorley maintainted dirty.after reporting back to recption of royal salem we were finaly given accomadation in the royal salem main building. at first we thoght WOW THIS IS FANTASTIC.How wrong room had extra guest (cockroaches bed bugs and flea infestation) spent two weeks killing them not acceptable. also flea infestation in reception and lobby my wife and myself bit allover. also another complaint all food full of red green peppers without excepion of witch i have food intlorence.ask nicely for altative lived on bread and chips even thomson rep tried fore us of whitch lasted two days.are friend found cockroach in food and managment tried to fob off as a vegi.entertainment more life and enthusiam from walking dead.The hotel was allowing male prostitutes to pick female holiday maker (leave to your imagination) of witch made the rest of us feel unsafe and insecure thomson rep said his hands were tied.on a possitive note ground floor staff were very helpfull

Before departing we were advised by thomson's we would be staying in different accommodation block as the hotel refurbishments had overrun. This was no hardship though as the accommodation was very acceptable for a 3 star hotel.

On being shown to the room we had the porter deliberately hang around trying to be helpful, it became obvious he would have to be asked to leave and he was after a tip, when we asked him to leave he said he would take british money - cheeky!

After settling into our room we decided to get some lunch from the beach bar/restaurant which was nice and we ate here for most of our lunches. The beach was nice with the vendors of cigarettes etc leaving you alone when told too. There were pedalos to use in the beach area which is good.

All of our breakfasts and dinners were taken in the restaurant of the Royal Salem next door which was nice enough. We however didn't have a allocated table as such though most meals we used the same table as they left a highchair out for us. Food was nice, no flies etc.

The thomson rep was very good with tips for the local area and wasn't just there to sell daytrips like you sometimes get. We took the noddy train to the neighboring towns but weren't that impressed as it's far too busy and we don't like the hassle of the souks etc.

We went to the nursery once though our kids weren't old enough to stay without us (over 4's only) but facilities looked good. I decided not to pack enough baby stuff for the week and get it there, there is a monoprix supermarket down the road but be warned baby food is 3x the price of UK and imported nappies are more expensive though local variant's aren't so bad.

The maid was very good and kept the room very tidy despite our kids best efforts to make a mess!

As ever with a developing country don't be stupid enough to leave valuables in the room, the hotel has safes which will make sure things are safe as the hotel is liable if anything is lost! We had air-con still in october which was a nice option on the warmest day but wasn't needed most of holiday.

If you want WIFI then the medina city at the end of the drive has a cafe with free wifi if you buy a coffee, payphone in here also for cheap calls home. Taking cash out of ATM seems to be better option than exchanging at hotel who even when you ask for receipt shortchange you! Most bigger shops take creditcard for over 20td.

When we arrived we were very shocked at the reception area it was dark and dismal. We had not been advised by Thompson that building work was taking place at the hotel and most of the hotel was shut up. We were shown to our room which was clean but tired and in need of a refurb which is what is happening at the moment and should be finished by March. We were told that we could eat at the hotel next door the Royal Salem as our restaurant was shut. The food was ok but I must admit I did eat pizza & chips most of the week. I did try things but found things like pasta dishes very bland I was put off eating the chicken as one time it was still pink.
The royal in comparison has a very grand reception area and was a pleasant place to sit and have a drink.
The beach was lovely and the beachside restaurant was a really pleasant place to eat at lunchtime. We only got to sit on the beach for three days as the weather turned and it got too windy on the beach. The salt water pool was very cold I only braved it twice which was a shame because I love to swim.
The best thing about this hotel is the entertainment team, Alex, Tito and Sammy. They work so very hard and make it their job to get to know their guests. We had great evenings with them and can still hear them shouting our names out throughout the day " Martin, Dale, Tracy, Jean". They are really great guys keep up the good work boys!
The staff around the complex we found to be very friendly and helpful in general. Tipping goes a long way.
Don't go to the Medina if you don't like being pestered or seeing the mistreatment of animals.

Well Guys back a week already and what can I say another fantastic holiday at the marhaba salem. The Hotel is cuerrently undergoing some renovation but the disturbance is minimal if nothing and the changes are fantastic. For those who are regular visitors to this wonderful hotel they will have a very pleasant surprise for there return once work is completed. The Animation Team Alex, Tito, Maysa and Tiesto were again what made our holiday they treat us like part of the family.. They are brilliant lively and outgoing. The kids club is where my girls spent most of the time Maysa is Brilliant with them.
The rooms have been done to a high standard. The Beach bar is stunning.
Cannot fault this hotel from the waiters to the management even Michael the lifeguard thank you once again see you again next year.......