Dar El Medina

Beautifully decorated 19th-century house with traditional tiling, terraces and courtyards, in the maze of Tunis' medina

There’s no hotel like this in Tunis. Not only is it an elegant 12-room boutique in a gorgeous traditional house, but it’s right in the medina - Tunis’ Unesco-listed inner city, founded by the Arabs in the 8th century. And it's been in the same family since it was built in 1825. Whitewashed and tiled, with latticed windows, the many-levelled mansion is a surprise after the narrow street, with inner courtyards providing light, space and shade.

Interiors mix Eastern richness and modern geometry. Rooms are all different, decorated in sand and neutral colours, with deep rich textiles and modernist paintings. On the ground floor are several salons, which include the converted master bedroom (all stucco, domes and Italian decorative painting) and the former kitchen, now with rush-mat seating on raised platforms. There’s also a terrace with city views over medina rooftops – a wonderful place to be at the time of the call to prayer.

Highs

• Beautifully converted extended family house, with a just-right mix of tradition and modernity - opened 2005
• Perfect location in the atmospheric centre of Tunis – the only upmarket hotel within the medina
• A short walk to many fascinating sights, including the Great Mosque, the Chechia (red felt hat) Souk and some beautiful cafés
• Family run with a very personal feel, tons of history and a relaxed ambiance
• Close to several beautiful restaurants set in 18th-century mansions

Lows

• Do be aware if paying by credit card, as we have had reports of double charging due to problems with their credit card machine
• Service was patchy and staff less professional than some hotels in this price range
• Room service offers drinks only (no food, and no alcohol) and there is no minibar
• No TV in rooms
• It helps if you speak French or Arabic, as only a few staff speak English