The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa — Hotel in George

A hotel built around old engines and machinery - perfect for my husband, an ex Marine Engineer. He was thrilled when we arrived and he saw the turbo generator outside the front door.|We were taken to the Lagoon Suite across the road from the main hotel, where we spent a very noisy night courtesy of the restaurants and children's play area immediately outside. Next morning we asked if we could have a quieter room. We were shown the Oyster Suite. Our first impressions were that it looked a bit of an afterthought of a room with a badly designed layout and rickety-looking faux-rafters, as if done by an amateur DIY enthusiast. But it seemed a much quieter option.|During the first night in this room we noticed that water was seeping in through the length of the laminate floor in the bathroom. Walking on them caused water to squelch upwards causing wet feet to say nothing of the slippery surface. We informed reception staff who apologised, said it would be fixed immediately and offered a free dinner and wine as compensation. We asked if they would change our pillows because they smelled distinctly of previous occupants. They did, but this made no difference. The replacements also smelled of other people.|Next day the leak was still not fixed so we informed Reception staff. They offered us a very small bedroom without a balcony and said no larger rooms were available. They assured us the leak would be fixed by the following day. We stayed 5 nights in this room and the water (of indeterminate source) continued to seep in, a musty smell permeating the room. We left the windows and balcony door open every day while we went out. At no time did any member of staff ask us if we were comfortable, if the water leak had ceased etc. |On checking out, we were not asked how we enjoyed our stay. We advised them that water was still coming in (which they undoubtedly knew from room service/cleaning) and they should not use the room further until the floorboards were lifted, the leak sourced and repaired.|We paid £2,230 through booking.com for 6 nights in this hotel.|It was a HUGE disappointment, not solely because of the water leaking into our room.|I would...

A special Mothersday treat lunch turned out to be the single most disappointing and mediocre dining experience of my life. Eating fish and chips from a brown bag next to a dustbin in Milan rates higher.

We entered the Turbine to find our names on the booking list, but no table was prepared. The, what seemed to be 2 managers, (except being in each others way) did not know how to deal with the situation and we were uncomfortably standing around trying to hide the embarrassment. Specially, because only one other table was occupied and for the life of me I could not understand why we couldn't sit down while the confused managers sort out there self initiated dilemma. Absolutely, no damage control skills there. We were shafted to a sitting area just to be called back after a minute. The one manager admitted the confusion was his fault. If the origin of the confusion was identified one would think the hotel would some how try to make up for it. Instead we were plastered at a table with a flower and knifes and forks. A 4 year old playing house house will set a table better. No side plates, glasses, napkins....nothing. Notice I give 2 stars to this experience. The one star is for the soup and the other for the dessert. It was tasty, and delicious. But for the rest .... Even when we paid and were busy with the mobile bank machine it got snatched away. Believe it or not the Turbine was a easy choice since I go there frequently for breakfast and has written a review on them before, because they open at 07:00 it is specially convenient for my schedule. However, for any other dining experience I will only consider them after all my other options are depleted.

(Please don't send me a apologetic letter....use that time to find a trainer...

It is rare that one encounters a boutique hotel in South Africa lately that delivers on what is promised on the website. More often than not, service delivery standards are very low on top of that. The Turbine, in my opinion, is a very unexpected, yet exquisite exception to that South African norm. As I was, visitors will be absolutely blown away by this little South African gem. Upon entering the hotel through a very unassuming front door, a whole new world opens up that is quite unpredicted. The decor and theme is overwhelmingly well executed and beautiful. Then, greeted by the most amazing man, Sam, is something one does not often encounter. Helpful, friendly and an accute understanding of this hotel and its surroundings, Sam takes you on a very informative tour through the hotel; also something one does not ofter encounter. The Luxury Suite we booked was cosy, welcoming and beautiful, with exceptional views, amenities and comfort. Our experience reached an all-time high when we visited the Spa. Thembi and Lydia are two of the most well-trained therapists we have ever had the pleasure of coming across. I can go on and on about this experience, but I would like readers of this review to go and try this for themselves. Next time you find yourself in Knysna, try it out. In fact, I dare you! This is one experience you will most definitely not regret! Thank you Sam, Thembi and Lydia, and by extention the entire Turbine staff. This is one birthday I will...