Some hotels simply welcome guests. But Dar El Médina tells a story — the story of a family, a neighborhood, and a man: Hedi Belhaouane, its CEO.
Dar El Médina: a family legacy brought to life by the passion of Hedi Belhaouane
"I was born in this house, I grew up here for 20 years, and now I’m bringing it to life through this project," he says with emotion. Dar El Médina is not like other hotels. A former family residence built in 1820, it was transformed into a charming hotel in 2005, yet never lost its soul.
It was in 1998 that his father and uncle first envisioned converting this exceptional home. But in the Medina of Tunis, nothing is easy: "Everything is harder here — what takes two years elsewhere takes four or five here." The project matured slowly, with care and respect, until it officially opened.
Today, Hedi is taking the reins. Since 2021, he has been bringing a new energy to the place — combining restaurant, café, and cultural experiences. He intentionally reduced the number of rooms to make space for new activities. "We had to find other sources of income. A small hotel alone couldn't sustain us."
With creativity, he introduced a refined culinary offering, blending Tunisian and Mediterranean inspirations. "We serve a traditional dish like mdhouna, but with Italian pasta and fresh ingredients," he explains. The menu mirrors the Medina itself: vibrant, authentic, and open to the world.
But that's not all. Dar El Médina has become a true cultural hub: jazz nights, non-alcoholic cocktails, artistic events... The vision is clear: "Bring life back to the Medina, restore its place, and reconnect people with their heritage."
Despite the challenges — revolution, Covid — Hedi believes more than ever in his mission. He is shaping it in his own image: passionate, rooted, and innovative. "This place was my childhood dream, and today I’m making it come true, little by little."
