Midlands Saddle and Trout — Hotel in Mpofana Local Municipality

My wife and I had planned an anniversary trip in the Midlands KZN and had booked to stay in at Midlands Saddle and trout for the duration of our stay there. Upon booking months in advance we were made aware that check-in time upon arrival was 14:00 and check out time upon departure was scheduled for 10:00. During booking I also requested that on the date of our anniversary our room be decorated romantically - this did not happen.

So my wife and I took a leisurely drive to Midlands, exploring as we travelled, not too concerned for time, we eventually arrived at Midlands Saddle and Trout at exactly 16:32. Two and a half hours after the suggested check in time. We arrived at reception and once confirming our booking reservation were given keys and shown directions as to where the residence is located. We excitedly made our way to the residence and to our suprise we were given a place that was not cleaned yet(2 and a half hours after check in time). I proceeded to document the state of the place (these pictures are included in the review) as proof to show at reception. The place was left in an absolute messy state. Kitchen counters were filthy with junk and dirt, couches cushions removed, towels on the bathroom floors, an absolute disgust. I firstly am shocked that we were sent to an uncleaned residence by Midlands Saddle and trout staff but more so by the disgusting state people leave places in, it’s a disgrace that anyone allow themselves to live like that under any circumstances especially to leave it that way for the next person to clean up, it’s an absolute disgrace and you should be ashamed of yourself as a human being. Anyways so after that shock encounter we headed back to reception and explained that we were sent to a filthy room and showed the photos etc, they apologised, but in reality it should never have happened in the first place. We asked for a completely different residence to which we were granted, they just checked it was ready first this time before handing the keys over. Off we go to our second designated residence and it was lovely, spacious opened plan living area, beautiful outdoor views, great outdoor patio with a personal braai which also has sufficient lighting for night time, a fireplace, bathroom with a shower and jacuzzi spa bath. We were happy. (Pictures of the second place also posted in the review) we only noticed 2 things that we were unhappy about, the built in oven mounting was broken/loose(possible hazard) and the jacuzzi spa bath was visibly dirty. (Last 2 photos document this)

After settling in and lighting up the fireplace (I came with my wood but you can buy from reception when it’s available) we got a call from the host asking if we’re happy with the new apartment which we were and she proceeded to ask to see us to speak about promotions for future holidays discount (Ekko). This I was not interested in because I didn’t come there for sales and promotions I came there because I wanted to enjoy a relaxing getaway with my wife for our anniversary. Here’s the annoying part twice a day every day and at every moment we crossed paths we were hastled to make time/waste time to come and hear about ekko. It was really Annoying because if you’re out for a break you don’t want to be consistently bombarded for sales and promotions and I also couldn’t tell the lady off because I didn’t want to upset the Mrs. This aspect was a stain on the hospitality of the company. We did not engage in any of the activities on the Midlands saddle and trout property because we went out exploring the midlands every day but we were made aware of them, there’s a communal area with a playground/jungle gym for kids, a swimming pool open field and multiple braais. There’s also a fire-pit which the ignite on Sundays. There’s a restaurant/bar available (29 degrees south) we did visit it for drinks, but it’s a very limited restaurant/bar. There is a family games room, horse riding, electric bikes hire, fishing, bingo. They have activities for all age groups.

Our room was cleaned every day we were out...

Upon arrival, we were greeted at the front desk and given our keys to our unit. When we arrived at our unit at 16h00. Then the unit was not ready. The cleaner was still busy with the kitchen. The floors had not been mopped. Pillow cases had not been put on the pillows on beds. The bathrooms were filthy, and safety handles on the bath were broken. The braai area had not been cleaned and looked like someone had just used it for a function. Please bear in mind that check-in time for guests is 15h00. We returned to the reception and informed them of this. I said to the gentleman at the desk. What time is check in. He stated 15h00. I said, "What time is it now?" He said 16h10. I questioned why the room was not ready. Then he apologized and provided us with keys for another unit. We proceeded to the next unit also to find a cleaner running in to replace and cover cushions. We went back to the reception rather irritated at the unprofessional way in which we were being handled. At this point, we should have canceled and left. The manager joined and apologized and gave us a third unit to try. On arrival at that unit, it looked alright on the surface. Upon returning from dinner after a thunderstorm. We found the ceiling in front of the door collapsed. The units at Saddle and Trout had no power, while the main reception, restaurant, and entertainment area had power. The unit had no emergency light solutions. We tried to find candles. Which there were. But not matches. We proceeded through the unit. And found a leak in the bathroom where the water came through a sealed window and flooded the floor. The resort information had an after-hours emergency number. We contacted them several times. Ringing to voicemail. No reply. We went to the restaurant that was still open and provided us with matches. We informed them of our collapsed ceiling. They tried to call the after hours emergency resort number twice. No one replied. We proceeded back to the unit to try sleep as it was too late to get other accommodation. We woke up to try and just have some breakfast before departing on the road. Finding the lights in the dining room and main hallway doesn't work. The plug point in the dining room is not working. The microwave is broken. Turns but didn't heat. Water faucet in kitchen loose. At this point, we just wanted out. We proceeded to reception to question the reception. The man said he had the emergency phone. But couldn't provide us with the reason why he didn't answer when we needed help. And then couldn't give an explanation for the poor state of the unit, power systems, and backup solutions. The manager was called and was just as useless in providing us with an explanation or compensation. She took our email and said she would follow up and provide us with feedback. Which we have yet to receive.

DON'T STAY HERE. WE WILL NOT BE RETURNING. READ ALL THE REVIEWS FROM MONTHS BEFORE OURS. NOTHING HAS...

Arrived to music being blasted in our faces at reception, staff screaming over the music to try and communicate, you do realize ppl go on holiday for some peace and quiet?

Arrive at unit big gap in the door in the middle of winter, no complimentary fire wood - not a problem if communicated upon arrival. Staff need training, they don't know the prices of things, they did not offer us fire wood to buy in winter, they want us to drive up and down after you've just getting comfortable. You're on holiday.. And it's cold. Also constant problems with water and electricty - admittedly not their fault but alot to deal with on top of every thing else that happened during our stay.

Couches that need to be replaced, broken heater just general no maintenance of the place. Broken cement grates.

This place was a pristine gem 12 years ago under diff management. Saddle and "Trout" but only one dam to fish in and a neighboring dam? Also was not told about the extra dam by reception, had to ask different staff member who works at the spa.. Not even her job. to get assistance.

There is a fantastic fishing place 30 mins away and worth the trip, but again not communicated. Found this out at a fishing shop. Trout Bagger farm. Need to make a booking FYI.

Restaurant has no variety, bad service and just the same backwards feeling. One person doing everything, chipped cups, no milk for coffee.. On and on. Pizza was great, but the rest was bland and awful. Ppl are tightening their purse strings, Petrol and everything else is more expensive. When you go on holiday and it's a dissapointment and staff offer the bare minimal service it makes you feel that youre better off saving your money to invest and stay home. To be fair the staff did fix some things But this place could be so amazing if it was managed properly and updated slightly. The tennis court, beautiful views, games and places to walk offers so much but it is overshadowed by the one dam that is badly stocked and units that need work. You are losing customers and it can be stopped. I was there for a week and over the weekend this place is dead.. Should be worried First Group Management!

In conclusion we still made a go of it. If you go here: Take a loadshedding kit with you or charged laptop with movies, torches camping stove etc Take extra water. Buy firewood at reception,. Be aware that a unit for two people is joined to another unit with an adjoining door, you can hear and smell everything. If your neighbour's are loud or drunk you are at their mercy. Go to Biefassl for good food. The on-site place is lame. If fishing book at a nearby farm. The pizza on site is good but needs extra toppings.

Also shame on flexi club. Maybe it's time...