Gateside Guesthouse is a delightfully charming establishment.
The view alone earns it five stars. From the breakfast deck one is spoilt by the magnificent vista's to the east, from whence the rising sun spills into the room to greet you while you endulge in the buttery goodness of a croissant, sipping from a cup of freshly brewed fine coffee, (roasted locally by @ThorntonCoffee). A day could not start any better.
In the foreground of the magnificent view lies the glistening pool, backed by the garden's beautiful flowers and dancing sunbirds. The sight, and more particularly the pool, is especially inviting in the heat of summer.
The main guesthouse has a lovely guest lounge available to all guests. Inside there is a TV and a fire place. The latter is constantly stocked with an abundant supply of wood providing a cozy escape from the bitter cold during the winter months. Electric blankets and heaters in the rooms ensure that you stay warm and comfy even when not seated in front of the fire.
Phillipa, Penny and the staff; Gogo, Thembane, and Alice, are very friendly and will make sure you are welcomed. The warm reception comes complete with a glass of sherry offered upon arrival - a much appreciated gesture particularly on a chilly Hilton evening.
Gateside is located near the cul-de-sac at the end of Quarry Road in Hilton, making it a very peaceful destination that provides a quiet environment for a good night's rest. An excellent base from which to access either Pietermaritzburg or the Midlands...
Read moreWe recently stayed at Gateside Guesthouse and wanted to share my experience.||Pros:||Beautiful Views: The scenery surrounding the guest house is absolutely stunning. Waking up to such breathtaking views was a highlight of our stay.||Delicious Breakfast: The breakfast offered was delightful, with a variety of options that were both tasty and satisfying. It truly set a positive tone for the day.||Cons:||Unfriendly Welcome: Unfortunately, our welcome was not as warm as we had hoped from the manager. The initial interaction felt a bit cold and rushed, which set an awkward tone for the start of our stay.||Communication Style: Throughout our visit, reminders about the house rules were delivered in a rather unfriendly manner. This could be improved by adopting a more welcoming tone for guests. ||Feeling Unwelcome: At times, we felt unwelcome due to the overall atmosphere and communication style. A more friendly approach from the manager would greatly enhance the guest experience.||Conclusion:|While there were aspects of our stay that we truly enjoyed, such as the beautiful views and delicious breakfast, the unfriendly welcome and communication style left much to be desired. With some improvements in guest relations, Gateside Guesthouse has the potential to provide a much more...
Read moreThe location we stayed in was beautiful, and we truly appreciated the wonderful amenities. The views were stunning, and the neighbourhood felt clean and safe, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. ||However, we encountered some challenges during our trip that affected our experience. On the fourth day, the host's communication style came across as demeaning, which impacted the overall mood of our stay. We felt uncomfortable with the constant reminders about potential penalties for damages, which detracted from our enjoyment. ||Additionally, our breakfast was unfortunately late on December 31st, and we were surprised that a hot breakfast wasn't prepared for us over two days. This created an inconsistency in our experience, especially considering the expectations regarding our treatment. We believe that with some adjustments in communication and service consistency, the overall experience could greatly improve. While we enjoyed many aspects of our trip, addressing these concerns would enhance the stay for...
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