Dar El Jeld Hotel and Spa

Dar El Jeld Hotel and Spa sits at 10 Rue Dar El Jeld, in the old Kasbah quarter of the Tunis medina, and it brings a traditional courtyard-house feel to a luxury stay. The property is listed as a five-star hotel, and every room category is a suite: Junior Suites, Suites and Deluxe Suites, each with a king bed, a separate sitting area, air conditioning, a deep soaking tub and a flat-screen television. Rooms are large by city standards, from about 700 to more than 1,000 square feet, and several can sleep three or four guests. The hotel has a full-service spa offering massage, facials, scrubs and reflexology, with reservations required, and guest reviews mention a hammam. Dining is on site, with a rooftop restaurant serving local and international dishes through the day, a cafe and a bar and lounge.

Location and getting around: staying inside the medina is the main reason to book. The souks, the Zitouna Mosque area, Dar Ben Abdallah and the Kasbah are all on foot, and you can be at Bab el Bhar and the start of Avenue Habib Bourguiba in about fifteen minutes on foot. Taxis cannot enter the narrowest lanes, so the hotel will usually meet you at the nearest access point; ask about directions when you book, and travel light if you can. The TGM train to Carthage and Sidi Bou Said is reached by taxi in a few minutes, and Tunis-Carthage airport is a short drive away.

The rooms and who it suits: because every room is a suite, this is a good choice for couples who want space, for small families, and for travellers who plan to spend time in the room after long days in the souks. The decor draws on traditional Tunisian style, so expect tiles, carved wood and arches rather than a minimalist lobby. It suits history lovers, honeymooners and anyone who wants to feel part of the old city. It is less suited to travellers who need easy parking or a large swimming pool, and the medina setting means some street noise at certain hours.

Good to know: breakfast is served daily from early morning to late morning and is listed as an extra charge, so check the rate you book. The restaurant and rooftop are popular with non-guests, so reserve for dinner. Spa treatments need advance booking. Because the medina is quiet late at night, ask for a room away from the street if you are a light sleeper. Prices are at the top of the city range, and the best value is often outside the busiest spring and autumn weeks.