How to Find Luxury Hotels in Tunis, Tunisia

Tunis is the small capital of Tunisia. In the Medina, the old city center, visitors can find buildings and many other remnants from the period of Roman occupation. The new city center, Ville Nouvelle, is a stark contrast with its French-themed commercial neighborhoods. Read on to learn how to find luxury accommodations in Tunis, Tunisia.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Passport

Choose Luxury Accommodations

1. Stay in five-star accommodations on a beach and wake up to spectacular views of the Mediterranean. Luxury amenities include suites, private beaches, swimming pools and fitness centers. Prices range from inexpensive to expensive.
2. Book accommodations a few miles away from the airport and enjoy luxuries that appeal to both executives and tourists. Many of these luxury hotels offer their guests access to business facilities, childcare, indoor and outdoor pools, minibars and pet services for reasonable prices.
3. Book a room at the Corinthia Khamsa Hotel just outside of Tunis. Visit the hotel Web site to submit an online reservation. See the Resources section below for a link. You can also call the hotel directly at 011 ([phone].
4. Book a room near the Medina for easy access to shopping, local museums and other area attractions.
5. Choose beach front accommodations at a Tunis resort if you prefer relaxing by the sea to exploring the city. These resorts cater to guests intent on forgetting the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives.
6. Consider hotels in the business center. These hotels are technologically prepared for their executive guests but still have a lot to offer other visitors.
7. Enjoy more for less. Five-star luxury accommodations in Tunis can often be found for what Americans would consider budget rates.

Prepare for Your Hotel Stay

8. Inquire about visa requirements at your nearest Tunisian Embassy. Visas are generally required although some groups of people are exempt. Americans do not need visas. British citizens and citizens of a few other countries will not need visas for a stay of up to three months.
9. Pack with the temperature in mind. Pack light, airy clothes for the hot days and warmer clothes for the cold nights. Consider sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
10. Fly into the Carthage Airport in Tunis. This small international airport is a few miles away from the city.

Know Your Destination

11. Dress conservatively. Tunisia is a Muslim country and both men and women are expected to cover up as much skin as possible.
12. Learn a few phrases. Arabic is the official language of Tunisia. French is also spoken but it is used more for business purposes.

Visit Local Attractions

13. Visit the Zitouna Mosque, a fine example of ninth century architecture.
14. Go to a museum. Visitors can find the Dar Ben Abdallah Museum in a palace in the Medina. It displays elements from the life of a merchant from the Ottoman period. The Bardo Museum contains a rich collection of Roman artifacts.
15. Shop at the souq. Be prepared to haggle for the best deal.

Tips & Warnings

• The Web site of the Tunisian National Tourism Office does not offer online booking options.
• Wait for a taxi outside the airport to pay a lower fare.
• All phone numbers include the United States international prefix "011." When calling internationally outside the United States, substitute that "011" with "00."
• All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.
• When taking a taxi from the airport, ensure that the driver turns on the meter in order to avoid paying more than is necessary.
• Non-Muslims are only allowed as far as the courtyard of the Zitouna Mosque and a conservative appearance is required.
• It is unsafe for female tourists to walk alone.

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