Hotel Carlton Tunis

Hotel Carlton is on Avenue Habib Bourguiba, the central boulevard of modern Tunis, at number 31. Expedia lists it as a three-star property in Tunis Centre, a minute's walk from the avenue and a few minutes from the National Theatre and the Maison de la Culture Ibn Khaldoun. It has eighty individually furnished rooms across five floors, in Standard, Superior, Comfort, Executive, Family, Deluxe and Deluxe Suite categories. Rooms include air conditioning, a 40-inch LCD television, a safe and free WiFi. There is a restaurant, a coffee shop, room service, laundry and dry cleaning, a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage and a porter. A terrace and an on-site shopping mall add to the facilities, and there is free parking nearby. An airport shuttle is available for a surcharge.

Location and getting around: this is the most central base in the guide. Bab el Bhar, the gate to the medina, is a short walk down the avenue, and the Metro Leger stops are close by, so you can reach the souks, the Bardo area and the TGM station without a taxi. Tunis-Carthage airport is about fifteen minutes by car. For a first visit on a budget, being able to walk to cafes, the souks and the main sights is the biggest advantage.

Rooms and who it suits: with eighty rooms in different categories, you can choose a standard room for the lowest price or a Family or Deluxe room for more space. The hotel suits solo travellers, couples and families who want a simple base without resort extras. It is not a luxury property and does not claim to be: expect straightforward rooms, practical service and good value, and read recent reviews to set expectations. Light sleepers should ask for a room away from the avenue, since a central boulevard can be lively in the evening.

Good to know: breakfast is not listed as included on Expedia, though reviewers describe a good buffet, so confirm at booking. A shuttle to the airport is available for a charge. There is no pool or spa, so this is a place to sleep between sightseeing days. If you want a quieter, more atmospheric stay, pair a night here with a night in Sidi Bou Said or the medina. The avenue has cafes, banks and pharmacies, which is handy for practical needs on a first trip. Prices are low by the standards of Tunis hotels, which leaves more budget for day trips to Carthage, Dougga and El Djem.