Gilcrest Place Guest House — Hotel in Saldanha Bay Local Municipality

A gem on the west coast! Within a short walk from the beach. Friendly staff. We were given what is undoubtedly the best room in the guesthouse. Upstairs, with a balcony. Offering spectacular views. Something I've never seen before, the room has not one, not two, but there skylights! You can open them to bring in fresh air. Luckily, all three also have adjustable sunshades. I know what you're thinking right now... Three is so ordinary. Why not add more? You're in luck, my friend. The people at Gilcrest Place Guesthouse must think so too. They throw in two more skylights in the bathroom! You can stargaze even while you shower! I'll stop here on skylights. This is getting weirdly weird.

The room is very well appointed, with awesome, rustic decor. It also caters very well for all your Modern needs. Includes a mini bar fridge filled with all the goodies you'll need, just fill in the honesty bar list. Nespresso coffee maker. One of those Dyson "black magic" fans. Complementary sherry in a decanter. I'm a teetotaler, but I was in there my friend!

There's enough space for your luggage and clothes. Something that's a standout feature is the sheer amount of charging pots, catering for just about all plug types, USB, SA 3-pin, 2-pin, and even "international" 3-pin placed on either side of the queen size bed.

Their breakfast offering includes a wide spread and is really good as well.

We cannot...

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit staying in the 1st floor sea view room which was huge. We had been on a cruise prior to the stay so the large walk in wardrobe was ideal for our excessive luggage. The bathroom was also large and had a shower and bath. There was a large fridge with fresh milk for tea, kettle , coffee maker, and free sherry so we were well looked after. The breakfasts were very good with granola, fruit, scones and a different cooked option daily. The owner Dee was helpful with an e mailed list of restaurants locally and other tips. The lovely beach is just a short walk away and the restaurants at the waterfront are a walkable distance as well as others just a short drive away. . There is a lovely nature reserve nearby, Cape Columbine, which has a lovely coastal walk past the campers and Veldriff nearby has a super bird reserve. We had a lovely 4 days here and...

I would not recommend this place. The very narrow alleyway to the rooms are littered with dog poop - this was the most sserious problem. One cannot walk there or roll your luggage. And the smell is terrible. The breakfast is very poor for a 4 star grading - no choice at all - day one omelette with bacon, day 2 french toast with bacon. No choice, no catering for vegetarians, no catering for anybody that would not wish to have pork. Just a take it or leave it very meagre offering. They have a great location but the rooms offer no view. And one cannot get to the beach without a long detour. There is a cemetry between the guesthouse and the beach with a wall around it and one cannot thus access the beach directly. Breakfast starts at 09h00 take it or leave it. The host is absent and the establishment only has one person working there doing all the work. All in all very...