Palala Boutique Game Lodge & Spa — Hotel in Lephalale Local Municipality

Very Disappointed and quite disgusted at what we had to deal with and how we were dealt with at a “Supposed” 5 star resort.

The staff are absolutely rude and treat you as if you’re a joke, I had a receptionist laugh in my face when I had come to her with a problem as they put me in a room with two single beds instead of a double for me an my partner to share. My partner then suggested if we can’t be moved to push the two beds together. They told us If we did that they would issue us with a R2000.00 fine. If you’re not a 5 star room guest trust me you will feel it and it’s as if they really make a point of treating you as such, Thank goodness for a wonderful lady by the name of Dimi that had come to our rescue and managed to sort things out quickly. The room we were upgraded to had broken shutters where you could see into the room and when we got to the bathroom the toilet seat had some feces smears on it, by this time we were so tired from our trip and having to have dealt with such rude staff earlier we had no more energy to fight. The next day we met the owner herself and that was even more appalling, I’ve never met someone with such a stick shoved up their backside who is so RUDE to her guest and speaks to them how ever she wants. One of the staff members told us there were snakes in the resort so we would take our car from our room and drive it to the main building and the owner came up to me and asked if there was a reason I was driving around and when I told her that her response to me was “there’s snakes in Africa” park your car and walk. I honestly don’t understand how you talk to paying guests like that. The assistant manager at the spa was just as terrible, we went for a treatment and were cheated 20min when we told her about that she just shrugged her shoulders, made us pay full price told us she would speak to the owner and get back to us and never did (no surprise there). The food and drinks were absolutely memorable and mouthwatering just a pitty that you had to wait 45mins - 1 hour to receive your order. Then my sisters 5 star room got flooded the one day after a shower and the next morning the sewage had come up the toilet and flooded their entire room. Really disappointing for such a beautiful resort, really...

This was our 2nd time visiting Palala during December and I must say that the likes of Never, Simba, Riaz, David, Tiyani, Prescort and Bright made our stay very enjoyable. We had a issue with our bed and Riaz sorted it out immediately. Simba was super helpful and he ensured that our favorite waiters were available to assist us. The food was delicious as always and I would like to thank Francious and the owner for accommodating me during Christmas. That being said, I must also commend Maudy and Sheron from Sediko Spa for treating us with love and so much patience during our Spa visits.. I was however disappointed by the treatment the manager (Carmen) gave me. She had so much attitude and pretence in her it was not pleasant dealing with her. As if that was not enough, I was scheduled to do a manicure after our facials and then boom she asks me to sit and wait for Maudy to finish treating another client, I asked her why I should wait when I booked the day prior and she says my booking was not finalized. How I don’t know because I told her that I’d do the manicure the next day as we had run out of time the previous day. I ended up not doing my manicure because of her incompetence. She’s not welcoming. Her attitude is just like Shadracks’ and Jacques’ attitude, they are NOT WELCOMING AT ALL and how they ended up in hospitality baffles me. Jacques will pass people and not greet them, if and when he decides to come to your table he will be very impatient with you. Shadrack on the other hand is not bothered and he’s never keen on assisting, he makes one feel like he is being forced to assist. I personally feel like they need the likes of Never and Simba to train them. If you want to work at a place like that you must be kind and patient. Those 3 (Carmen, Shadrack and Jacques) lack proper customer service and it’s a pity because Palala is like heaven on earth and we would like to come over at least twice a year. They should consider working behind the scenes because clearly they are not friendly people. Other than that I would definitely recommend Palala and I will be returning in May for my birthday and that of my daughters’. Thanks to everyone who accommodated us with love...

Very disappointed after booking the place based on all the positively raving reviews. I slept on the ottomans on the second night couldn’t take the back and neck pain induced by the poor bed quality. Informed the staff of the bed issue, all I got was a sorry.

The junior suite is small dark and depressing. The bed is so tiny it’s a double bed that can’t sleep 2 people comfortably. The room felt like a Bnb not at all what you’d expect form a relaxing luxury vacation.

The rooms are built like hostels without balconies or patios.

3.we upgraded for R5k more for the two nights. The room was much better, more spacious but a queen not King bed. the bed is however uncomfortable and too soft ( personal preference is a firm bed. Soft beds give me back aches). I’m up at 2 am still unable to sleep. The pillows are uncomfortable gave me a sore neck. Again this room is drowning in a sea of brown and heavy dark brown curtains and dark brown decor. First time I’m on vacation and I cannot wait to get back home to sleep in my bed.

The service is terrible with the exception of a gentleman named Never. He should train the whole lot on customer service. Vuyiswa at reception when we arrived was also warm.

There Are positives. The dinner service was good. The food was well presented was 5 star quality. The breakfast cook needs some lessons from the dinner chef.

2.The pool areas are beautiful and in the evening the main area (both in and outside) look really stunning.

The spa was amazing and really is the highlight of the venue. If anything, go there for the spa and dinner.

Ismay is a wonderful game drive host and she made the drive interesting and fun irrespective of the place having common uninteresting game.

Rudy was also...