Tunis Hotel Guide: Sheraton Tunis Hotel & Towers

Located in the business and diplomatic district, this hotel is a short drive from the ruins of Carthage and the Bardo Museum. The hotel's modern glass and steel edifice seems out-of-place in a city where donkeys are still used to transport goods, bicycles are a major form of transportation, and stepping into the souks is like entering a time machine. The same modern chrome and glass decor carries into the brightly-lit lobby, the restaurants and the well-appointed rooms.

Six restaurants and dining areas offer high-quality meals in a relaxed atmosphere. Open lunch and dinner, the elegant Walima serves Tunisian cuisine prepared according to local traditions in a setting with a nice view of the gardens. Fresh seafood and spicy vegetarian dishes dominate the menu, which is supplemented with one of the best wine selections in the area. Mediterranean and international dishes make up the buffet in L'Oliveraie and seafood delicacies are served in The Fish Market. Guests gravitate to the Lobby Bar for casual dining and drinks or coffee, to Harry's Pub for finger foods and snacks, and to Azzuro for regional cusine. These last three venues offer live entertainment.

The pool, spa and fitness area is a relaxing oasis after a day of sightseeing. A rock formation overhanging the enormous pool forms a secluded lagoon where guests can swim under waterfalls and escape the heat of the sun in artificial caves. They can continue the pursuit of relaxation in the whirlpool or sauna bath, and with a massage (extra charge), Also available to guests are hydrotherapy, facials, and a wide range of spa treatments. The modern well-equipped fitness room houses an aqua gym, treadmills, rowing machines, weights and other types of exercise gear. A jogging track and an indoor heated pool complete the options.

The business center comprises seven meeting rooms. The largest of these accommodates 350 people theater-style. The smallest seats 12. Multimedia equipment includes DVDs, overhead projectors, TVs, sound systems and Internet access. Catering—from modest functions to gala dinners—can be arranged. A car rental service on the premises. Parking is free, and transportation to the airport is available.

The bright and spacious rooms show modern furnishings and fixtures, comfortable beds and soothing color schemes. Amenities run to desks with plenty of working area, high-speed Internet access, 19-inch satellite TVs, coffeemaker, irons and ironing boards, minibars and safes. Baths come with robes and slippers. All rooms have balconies with either garden or city views. Rooms in the Towers include private check-in, a concierge service, and evening cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in a private lounge.

Housekeeping stays on top of things here. Smoke-free rooms are available in all categories. Room service runs round the clock, and laundry and babysitting services are available.

This conveniently located hotel is comfortable and loaded with amenities. That said, it should be added that staying here can seem no different than being at a Sheraton anywhere else in the world.