Matmata accommodation

We cannot rate the property as it was closed. We were only informed of that two hours before arriving, and only after we had messaged to make sure there was the option of dinner. The owner told us the Expedia reservation we had made almost a month prior was automatically accepted and promised to find us alternative lodging. The alternative was near by and sufficient although not perfect. But it was by complete chance that a family of five did not arrive to a non-existent hotel in the evening in the middle of the mountains.

The negatives outweigh the positives. Positives: one of the cheaper places to stay. Ground floor is decorated beautifully. One of the workers (Moses or Moussa) was highly informative. Room we ended up sleeping in (the cave room) was a nice temperature in the evening (naturally air-conditioned). Negatives: we booked the Panoramic room because it had a private bath. When we arrived, we were told it was being repaired, and we would need to sleep in the cave room, which shared a bathroom. Upon arrival, one of the workers told us he was a local guide and offered his services for the day at a price of 150 Dinar. He only spoke Frech and I only know conversational French, but he assured us that wouldn’t be a problem. It was…. He started out ok, and told us a few things, but after our 2nd stop, he stopped talking other than to tell us directions (a gauche… a droit). I already had Google maps downloaded, so I knew the directions and the very basic guide book we had was more informative than he was. At Chenini, he stayed by the car to smoke. It was a total waste. Definitely would not recommend. Parking at the hotel is also challenging. It’s basically a narrow road that goes uphill. I didn’t mind the beds, but the other 2 that their beds were hard.