Last December, during my stay in Tunisia, I spent a night in Sousse, a lively port city. I stayed at the Sousse Pearl Marriott Resort & Spa a recently renovated hotel that combines modern luxury with Mediterranean charm. With its 222 elegantly designed rooms and suites, the hotel boasts an attractive spa, a superb lobby and a privileged location directly on a vast beach.

The Sousse Pearl Marriott Resort & Spa is around 149 km by road from Tunis-Carthage international airport. The drive takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

The hotel is close to the medina of Sousse, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as the archaeological museum and Ribat de Sousse.

As soon as I arrived, I was warmly welcomed by the staff at reception, who were prompt and professional. The hotel’s spacious, modern entrance with its Mediterranean accents immediately created a pleasant atmosphere. The hotel has a valet service which was prompt.

My room with partial sea view was spacious. Comfortably furnished with a king-size bed, it offered a private balcony perfect for enjoying the sunset. The modern amenities were excellent: free high-speed Wi-Fi, satellite TV, minibar, and a tea and coffee bar. The rather large bathroom was equipped with a shower and luxury bath products.

The hotel also offers rooms accessible to disabled guests, equipped with all the comforts required for a pleasant stay.

The Marriott Sousse’s main restaurant, The Gourmet, serves Tunisian and international specialties for lunch and dinner. I ate very well. There’s a wide selection of fresh salads typical of the country.

There’s also the Opus restaurant, serving refined Asian cuisine. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 7pm to 11pm.

For a more casual atmosphere, the Soho Lounge, located by the pool, is ideal for relaxing with a cocktail while admiring the scenery. Casa Del Mar, a Mediterranean restaurant, is open daily from 11am to 7pm. However, it was closed when I visited in December.

I found the buffet breakfasts copious and varied, served daily from 6am to 10:30am.

The hotel offers a number of leisure facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, a modern fitness center and the Jumana Spa by Sothys. This spa offers high-quality wellness treatments. I enjoyed a relaxing massage, which I thoroughly enjoyed. An indoor pool and whirlpool are also available to guests.

For business travellers or weddings, the hotel has a ballroom and five meeting rooms, all equipped with free Wi-Fi access and soundproof walls to ensure a calm, productive environment.

On-site parking is free.

The hotel is conveniently located for exploring the city. Just a short drive away, you can visit the Sousse medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as other historic sites such as the Sousse Museum and the Great Mosque. Also worth a visit is Port El Kantaoui, a seaside destination with terraced restaurants and boutiques, including one of the country’s finest 18-hole golf courses.

I enjoyed my stay at the Sousse Pearl Marriott Resort & Spa. The hotel’s location directly on the beach, combined with its modern comforts and beautifully decorated facilities, makes it an excellent choice in Sousse for both business and leisure travellers. The service was top-notch, the dining options varied, and the spa was particularly lovely.

The only downside: the view to the right overlooks a derelict hotel, which is a bit of a shame. I was there in December, so I didn’t get to experience the ambience of the establishment during the warmer season. The room, although showing some signs of wear in the bathroom, was very comfortable, and I liked the decor.