Berg River Resort — Hotel in Drakenstein Local Municipality

Discriminating and narrow minded and non inclusive policies||Dear Management of Berg River Resort,I am writing to express my extreme disappointment and frustration regarding the discriminatory treatment my family and I experienced at your resort on May 2nd, 2024. Despite our excitement to enjoy a camping trip together, we were shockingly turned away solely based on the fact that we did not meet your narrow definition of couples and families.Upon arrival at approximately 13:00, my father, my brother, his partners two sons, and I were informed by your staff that the resort is only for couples and families, and because we did not have any females with us,my mother passed away, we were not welcome. Despite our attempts to explain that we still consider ourselves a family unit and that our family bond transcends gender roles, we were met with blatant disregard and refusal to accommodate us.It is deeply troubling and unacceptable that Berg River Resort upholds such outdated and discriminatory policies. By refusing entry to families like ours, which may not fit into your rigid definition but are nonetheless families in every sense of the word, you perpetuate harmful stereotypes and exclude diverse groups from enjoying your facilities.Furthermore, it is concerning that your staff did not provide information regarding bookings. We made two separate calls to your institution to inquire about reservations, and both times we were told that bookings were not necessary and that we could simply arrive at the resort. However, upon our arrival, we were turned away without any consideration or explanation.It is evident that Berg River Resort's policies are not only discriminatory but also inconsistent and lacking transparency. As a member of the community, I urge you to reevaluate your criteria for admission and update your policies to be more inclusive and reflective of the diverse families that exist in today's society.I am deeply disappointed by the treatment we received and the discriminatory practices of Berg River Resort. I hope that you take this complaint seriously and take immediate action to rectify this situation and ensure that no other families are subjected to such discrimination in the future.Sincerely,...

We were a family of 30 occupying 4 camping pitches and one chalet as we had disabled elderly parents. The site was easy to find . Staff were extremely helpful in grouping or camping pitches together and getting a chalet close to the pool. ||Facilities were clean and kept clean although the toilets didn't have any soap in it and you are only given one toilet roll per family. The shower blocks are only accessible with a key (R50 deposit) and you only get one key per pitch. You can purchase wood on site and R50 is a big bag but no ice bags . The Spar down the road does sell ice. ||The pitches have lovely green grass and the river bank was kept clean and no glass allowed or day visitors near the river. Most of the pitches are relatively flat and sheltered by trees however the ones near the river are a bit bumpy and more exposed. The paths to the toilets aren't clearly marked and people park in them. Take a torch as the site isn't particularly well lit on your way to the toilet. The pitches have electricity which is a South African 3point plug, you will need an extension lead as the pitches are quite large and the sockets might not be near your pitch although they were laying new cable while we were there.||Our kids thoroughly enjoyed splashing in the river because it was slow moving and shallow. It felt safe as you security wandering around during the day and night. They have a strict no music policy. The shop, pool, slides ,spa mini golf, trampoline are all together near the top along with laundry and a bar. The laundry requires a card from reception and costs R50 a load including a refundable deposit of R25 when you return the card. ||Staff and management are very friendly and more than helpful and understanding. Everyone is looking forward to...

Berg River Resort has been our family’s go-to camping spot for almost 20 years, but after this past weekend, I’m deeply disappointed and embarrassed that we recommended it to family and friends who joined us for the first time.

We booked a campsite from their map, only to discover on arrival that it was right next to private residences (not indicated on the map). From the first night, security visited us multiple times telling us to lower our voices and switch off our (very soft) music at 11pm. The next night, again, and even warned by the owner’s brother after “complaints,” despite us just sitting quietly around the fire. By then we were afraid to even laugh too loudly.

On our last night, one of our air mattresses deflated. Our pump was not working so two of our guys went to use the electrical pump at the shop. While they were using it, a staff member switched it off and told them to go ask at the front for assistance. When they did, they were told it was “not their problem.” We eventually had to leave the resort just to pump it up at a garage.

To add to the frustration, three of our group went for a simple walk one night and were told to return to their campsite. The resort rules given does mention that “youngsters” need to be at their sites by 11pm, but most of us are nearly 30 years old??? Perhaps clarify what age group you classify as ‘'youngsters.’'

We were supposed to check out at 4pm on Monday but left before 12 because the weekend was ruined by constant restrictions. Camping is meant to be fun, but instead it felt like we were in an old-age home. After decades of loving this place, sadly, we won’t...