Eight Bells Mountain Inn — Hotel in George

Dear Owners of Eight Bells! Your place is definitely beautiful, horses, surroundings, Chalets, Rooms, lovely. BUT...sorry to be negative now: I stayed there for 4 days 3 nights: We were put into a place that looked more like Servants Quarters (Room 28). 2 large very very plain, very simple and not cosy at all bedrooms (floors and doors creak and are very worn). We were 4 Ladies of later age. 1 very small and very old, actually ugly, Bathroom. A BATHTUB with a shower, one had to climb into the Bathtub to have a shower, hallo: no handrails to hold on to ...nothing!!!....showerhead was loose or broken, and so high that one could hardly reach it, as were the strings high up for the lights…!!!(one had to stand on tiptoe, they were impossible to find at night, being invisible and way to high.. one had to remain in the dark). The 2nd room at least had a Ceiling fan, but in the 2nd bedroom there was a Fan standing in a corner. Honestly!!! We had a very hot and uncomfortable night. I shared with another Lady, ok that was my own fault. BUT 4 People, 1 Bathroom and Toilet and there was not even a Key to have some privacy. One good thing: It was at least clean!!! AND even the patio was ugly, cracked cement...this put me off already when I arrived...as all the other patios are nicely tiled or bricked! The last day I walked around and to my greatest surprise: ALL other bedrooms are beautifully furnished, carpets, Aircon, modern and lovely. Then I had a look at these delightful Chalets: Same here, absolutely stunningly furnished, the Bathroom with a lovely new shower, Aircon, floor heating...lovely ornaments on the walls. Double beds….!!! NOW I would like to know: Why is this one house nr.28 so neglected, furnished with mini beds (I almost fell out the first night)... Frankly, I am definitely not used to this kind or accommodation, and I would advice anybody, DO NOT GO TO House/ROOM 28, it puts a shame onto the entire Hotel. Part of a perfect Holiday is the perfect Accommodation! The Staff on the other hand was so very lovey, friendly, helpful, it was a real pleasure to be treated so wonderfully friendly and efficiently....

The Eight Bells Mountain Inn fulfilled our every need : a comfortable, homely hotel, snuggled into the majestic Outeniqua Mountain Range and yet only a 20-minute drive to the blissful sandy beaches of Mossel Bay. You can visit the beach for the day easily and then return to the peace of the mountains. It is a tiny piece of heaven with wonderful, friendly and competent staff. A mature & obviously loved garden full of veteran trees which are filled with some of South Africa's most beautiful birds - any bird-lover or bird photographer will love it. The walks into the mountains are graded for the unfit and fit alike, and if you'd prefer to take a horse - you can - they are looked after by Sidney and are loving and tame. We played pool, table-tennis, squash, tennis and the bowling green is superb (and that was before breakfast)! The swimming-pool is large and well-kept. The dining room serves homely food for good appetites, and breakfast is a treat. There is a historic bar - Bosun's Bar, and lots of marine memorabilia. A fire was lit in the evening in the beautifully appointed lounge - this family hotel is the real thing not some generic substitute - a difficult thing to find in this day and age. I can only jump to the conclusion that the people who have rated it badly in some of the reviews below are either spoilt, or being unfair in their judgement for some other reason they're not letting on to. We stayed in a family suite in the Palm Court complex, it's a little further from the road and therefore quieter. Our party consisted of Ouma, Mum and three kiddies aged 9, 7 and 2..... Take your kids there, you'll not regret giving them some wonderful family holiday memories. An unqualified success...

The views are spectacular and the entire place has a rich & interesting history. The cabins are neat and clean. The scones at 16:00 are to die for- so fresh and tasty. We had the set menu on new years eve, it was a hearty meal and dessert at a good price that was so delicious. Most importantly, the staff are so accommodating, friendly and helpful, they were much appreciated! The absense of a fridge in the cabins really make it difficult though, I feel that a small fridge is a necessity. It is frustrating to not be able to keep drinks/water and especially medication cool. They can keep your items in their fridge in the main building, but it is quite a walk from the cabins if you need something urgently. A spoon, knife, fork and wine glasses would be very nice and handy to have. We enjoyed our stay and can recommend it for...