I have stayed at La Kasbah nearly a dozen times, the most recent being in July 2011. Kairouan has few hotel options and despite shortcomings, La Kasbah is the only hotel that goes beyond the basic, no frills hotel.

One's initial reaction upon entering the hotel, with its wonderful tile work, setting amidst the historic architectural walls of this provincial, historic city is impressive. But their 5 star rating should be reduced by at least one star and on an international standard, perhaps 3.

Until the front desk staff learn that greeting clients with a smile and trying to provide service are important to travelers, they will never be worthy of 5 stars. I have stayed in La Kasbah before the Revolution, when it was typically filled to capacity, to two recent stays post-Revolution, when so few guests were in the hotel that rooms were only open on one floor, so as to consolidate efforts of service and maintenance.

However, the cost for the hotel management to train their staff that a smile and pleasant greetings can enhance the experience for guests is a that in money, is nothing, but in implementation, is worth a lot. La Kasbah and its management have yet to learn, that a smile and the attempt to provide service go a long way!

If one is to overnight in Kairouan, this is still the hotel we would recommend, but that is only because there is no other option in town and when tourism picks up in Tunisia, a new competitor who provides service and comfort will very easily take the monopoly from La Kasbah which they have abused and taken for granted of for so many years.

I spent one night in this hotel and I wish I could have stayed longer. The room was clean and beautifully decorated. The main lobby of the hotel and well as the area around the swimming pool were beautiful and very welcoming. The staff was extremely helpful with any questions we had.

Magnificent building that is exquisitely decorated with thoughtful and tasteful design. However, I got the distinct impression that the we were among very few guests staying at Hotel La Kasbah. This was evident at the poolside as well as in the restaurant at breakfast time. The result was that even on the warmest days, the majority of the public areas (lobby, etc) were without air-con and without lights (long corridors leading up to rooms!). Air-con inside the rooms were also under-performing. Wifi is now normally provided free of charge at even the most basic hotels - not so at the La Kasbah where the charges per hour (and restricted to a single device only) were over the top and then only available in the lobby and not in the rooms.

We only stay for 1 night 2 days before the jasmine revolution. The hotel has a somber look from the outside but is luxurious inside with Arabic Islamic décor. The hotel inside the old fortress (kasbad) incorporate certain ancient areas that have been restored – the Turkish café, the a la card restaurant, the shopping area. The rooms have the décor with the old type mosaic, balcony with the special windows but are not very spacious. The half board included a very good buffet for breakfast and dinner.
The big advantage is the location – next to the medina and walking distance to the main attraction of the city. The service is just OK.