Placid Waters — Hotel in George

This is by far the worst resort my family and I have ever stayed at, and we have stayed at many similar resorts across the country over the years on at least a biannual basis - so we have a very good baseline of what can be expected or not from similar resorts. The worst part is that we are currently staying here and still have a week left :-( . If Knysna and Sedgefield weren't so beautiful and the people so nice, it would have been an utter waste of time coming here - a full 1,300 km.

Trail of events:

Firstly, when you arrive, you have to fend for yourself to get the parking in front of your unit or at least a decent parking, since it is first come, first served basis - so it's up to the guests and a survival of the fittest kind of scenario. Something I can still stomach, a minor irritation.

Then were were informed, on arrival, that kids were not allowed in the jacuzzi area - while the rules clearly state that kids simply need adult supervision. Apparently kids damage the jacuzzi, even with adult supervision - in which case it would make sense to also ban adults. Anyone heard about the CPA and false advertising? I have some very disappointed kids.

The unit's inside paint are peeling off, mold growing on the blinds and other places in the bathroom and the tiles in the bathroom are extremely slippery. The basin also has a number of cracks, a perfect hiding place for the previous guests' DNA and other unsavory things. O, and the toilet is leaking (someone didn't get, or care, about the memo about saving water). The unit is a matchbox - it says sleeps four, but what they don't tell you is that sleeping is practically all you will be able to do since it's basically the size of a converted double garage. I have two small kids - you can forget about being comfortable with 4 adults in this space. You also share the unit with ants, which becomes an issue in such a confined space; I suppose pest control isn't a major concern.

Then, o boy, wait for it, you have to buy your own dishwashing soap bars - in a serviced unit! You can buy it at reception... When queried, we were informed that they are not going to change company policy for us - which wasn't the request, but okay. Reception initially informed us that this is standard practice at all resorts - which is simply not true. Two bars arrived at our unit out of the blue after that.

The nightly opening of the door (more like almost breaking the handle off the door while pushing and pulling the door), then trying to peep through the windows; When I rushed out to check what the commotion is all about, it was the security guard saying that he wanted to see if anyone is in the unit. Maybe they can ask reception next time? Thus avoiding distressing their guests...

But guests doesn't seem to be a priority at this resort. Units are not serviced on a Sunday, which is completely understandable, but leaving a family of four with one toilet paper roll for practically two days is a bit of a stretch. When asked if we may please have another one, they said sure, they'll bring it to our unit - after an hour, late the Sunday, still nothing. I phoned the reception about 8 times during that hour, but the line was busy. My wife went to reception, found the receptionist eating at the reception desk while replying that they are waiting for 'that one', pointing to the security guard, with our holly white grail of toilet paper sitting on the reception desk. Hopefully feeling to my buttocks will return soon.

Like I've said, we have been to many similar resorts, bit this one is at the bottom of the list when it comes to hospitality and general maintenance of the unit. Very...

I stayed at Placid waters for a total of 7 weeks between May 2024 and September 2024. I stayed from Monday to Friday at a time during my course becoming a Body Stress Release Practitioner. My experience includes the following:

I had an exceptional stay at Placid Waters, thanks to the outstanding service from the entire staff. From the warm welcome at the entrance to the helpful night watchman assisting me with loading and unloading at any hour, everyone was friendly, supportive, and accommodating.

The facilities were top-notch, and I had the pleasure of staying in almost all the rooms in the bottom area. The office staff were efficient, helpful, and went above and beyond to ensure my comfort.

I was impressed by the attention to detail and the prompt response to any issues that arose. The rooms and chalets were clean, well-maintained, and equipped with thoughtful amenities like heaters and hairdryers with convenient plug points.

Although I didn't have time to explore all the hotel's offerings, I appreciated the complimentary gym access and restaurant vouchers. It truly felt like coming home to family. The well-wishes as I progressed, during my exams, were warm and heartfelt.

The cherry on top was the beautiful gift I received upon departure, which was a lovely surprise and a testament to the hotel's exceptional service. Overall, I highly recommend Placid Waters for its warm hospitality, excellent facilities, and attention to detail.

Hearing the bird life early morning, and even having them surprise visiting me when I left the door open, during studying is the greatest gift to dream about. Seeing how adventurers enjoyed rowing on the lake was beautiful.

Special mention definitely needs to include Benita and her team at Reception. Always friendly and with a warm and welcome smile, they assisted in the odd printing needed from time to time - first thing in the mornings.

Accommodating my guests which formed part of study groups, was absolutely appreciated.

On leaving I did not say goodbye to strangers, rather greeting family until the next time.

Well done Beekman Group for this treasure of facility and the best staff any enterprise could wish to have!.

The only suggestion I can add is to revisit the procedure when a client locks him/herself out of the apartment before 8am in the mornings. The security on site phoned the manager for assistance as he was not in possession of the master key. No help was supplied and the only answer I received was that I must wait until the office open. I was sitting in the cold of June 2024 at 6:55am, on a bench in front of the office, without a jacket - as I was quickly running out to the car, waiting for the...

Family resort full of fun activities and facilities.

Pros: great location off the side of the town and on the lagoon - walking distance to pickNpay and fuel stations. Beautiful views from each room if the water. Very quiet. Modernly finished kitchens and bathrooms. There is a brand new gym - which was not on their website. Great for families with young children. Daily cleaning services (except on sundays and public holidays). Very friendly staff. Close driving distance to quite a few great local spots that are fun for kids.

Cons: Their website was outdated: We were disappointed to find that the playground had been torn down and many of the activities cost a fee. Only things that are completely free are the pool, lego room, jacuzzi/ hot tubs, and sauna. their baby cots could use new mattresses and cot sized bedding (current sheets are for a big bed which is a bit annoying for little ones to get tangled up in). We stayed in a four person/one bedroom apartment and found it much too small for a family of four (we have two small kids aged 2&4 and all of us were quickly tired of the space), next time would opt for the two bedroom apartment. Our kids ended up sleeping on the floor of our room on a pile of extra blankets and one cot mattress.

In a nutshell: We would defiantly go back as a family! It still is an awesome spot regardless of our comments - just would have been nice to know before going so we could budget...