Parker Cottage — Hotel in Tamboerskloof

When my partner and I arrived at Parker Cottage on the evening of our booking, we were greeted by the owner, Pamela Nayler. After checking the chalkboard in the hallway, she informed us that there was no booking under our name. She then recalled that they had received a payment the previous week, but that it was not associated with a specific booking.

Disappointed but immediately understanding of the situation, my partner started looking around for alternative accommodation on his phone while I made what I thought was friendly small talk with Ms. Nayler. I explained that we made the booking through the Parker Cottage website rather than Expedia (to support local business); that we followed the steps, filled out all the necessary fields, were directed to a payment gate, and received a payment confirmation on screen and via email.

I spoke and acted in a completely calm, friendly and conversational manner, merely speculating along with Ms. Nayler about what could have gone wrong. At no point did I raise my voice, make accusations, or act even remotely hostile. Ms. Nayler assured me that they would refund the money, but at this point her demeanour changed completely.

She told me that I was incredibly "nasty" and started repeatedly sniping at me to "Calm down!" I was so shocked at her sudden change in attitude that I think I just stared at her dumbfounded for a few seconds. She then started pacing, moving into the hallway and coming back out, each time repeating what a nasty person I was. At this point I asked her what I had said or done that had come across as nasty - careful to remain calm and not take the bait. She didn't answer the question but kept repeating that I was "just...nasty" and that she had never met such a nasty person in her life. She then lectured me that nothing like this had ever happened before and that their system was infallible (the chalkboard in the hallway, one presumes). She even tilted her head at one point and put on a sarcastic voice, asking if I had never booked a hotel before and telling me that a payment confirmation is not the same as a booking confirmation. I took this badgering in complete silence, as at this point I realized that I was not dealing with someone who was to be reasoned with. Neither my partner nor I are the type to get into shouting matches.

When Ms. Nayler was done belittling me, she told me to write down my banking details for the refund. That done, my partner and I shuffled our way off the property, humiliated and silent so as not to enrage Ms. Nayler again. On our way out she seemed to start to regret her behaviour, as she turned friendlier again and handed me her card (!), offering to cover any extra costs if our accommodation ended up being more expensive. Too little too late.

In conclusion, I am sure Parker Cottage is a lovely place. The location is top notch. But I have never been bullied in such a belligerent manner, and by a service provider no less, over what was an honest mistake. We laugh about it in hindsight, but at the time it was an awful experience and a disappointing end to an otherwise lovely stay in Cape Town.

Truly...

Parker Cottage has it all. Its got a great location, its comfortable, its reasonably priced, the breakfast is outstanding, the decor is beautiful and service on a level you are unlikely to find elsewhere.

Location: Parket Cottage is located on a quiet street in the Tamboerskloof district which is walking distance from much of the central part of Cape Town. Added bonus - there is plenty of street parking if you arrive by car.

The property: Beautiful colonial house which has been tastefully decorated by Liz to every details. There are comfortable indoor sitting areas as well as a fantastic outdoor courtyard for good weather.

The room: Our room was one of the smaller ones, but it was comfortable and very very attractive. We had absolutely everything we could need.

Breakfast: Delicious food, and fantastic service. The selection changes daily. My wife particularly enjoyed the French Toast and the fruit.

Service: But the one thing that stands out here is the personal attention of the two managers, and in particular - Phil. We arrived in Cape Town with only a general idea of what we wanted to see and do, but Phil quickly gave us advice and directions on how to make the most of our brief stay. His advice was perfect. Every stop, every restaurant was smack bang on the money. When we mentioned a little knick knack that my wife wanted to go out and look for, Phil offered to track it down for us and mail it to us in order to help us avoid wasting our precious sightseeing time. When we needed to check out early for a flight, they prepared for us a takeaway breakfast. They were always on hand, and always helpful. All of this attention mind you with several other guests all being equally demanding.

Cape Town is incredible, and I I can't wait to return. When I do, there is no way I would ever stay...

Just perfect! My wife and I spent 4 nights at Parker Cottage during our recent trip to South Africa and we just loved it! The room was delightfully decorated, the bed was comfortable, the location was very convenient, and I cant say enough about everybody on the staff.

Phil, the owner, was incredibly helpful structuring our time in Cape Town, guiding us to the best activities for each day we were there. He arranged a rental car for our Cape Peninsula drive, bought tickets for the cable car ride and Robben Island, and made dinner reservations when we needed them. He, and EVERYONE on his staff couldnt have been more gracious and helpful.

And I have to say a word about breakfast ... and hash browns! First of all, it was delicious! Fruit, cereal, breads, coffee and a daily special or full English breakfast every day. And it lasted us all day! And when my wife asked for her hash browns "scattered" (You have to be a southerner or a fan of Waffle House for that to make sense!), they went out of their way to find a recipe to accommodate her. Lexi even skyped with a friend of hers in Pittsburgh to find out how to make "Scattered Hash Browns"!

If you're going to Cape Town, you have...