Halliwell Country Inn — Hotel in uMgeni Local Municipality

My family and I attended a very close friend's wedding this weekend. The stay was unforgettable.

Firstly, the views and serenity of the area is a treat in its own right. In addition, the inn's decor is selected to be really homely. But what is truly striking is their hospitality: hot water bottles to use to snuggle with at night; firewood, flint and fire lighters outside each room; hot chocolate sachets, tea and rusks alongside electric kettles, bath salts to encourage self indulgence and really doting staff members.

I personally was treated to a viewing of the sunrise by Aunt Jody who made me a flask of milo at 5:30am. Upon me inquiring about the history of the venue, Aunt Delores responded by getting scrolls which my dad and I could take home as souvenirs. It's like they've thought of everything, but are still willing to accommodate any additional needs their residents might have.

For instance, the wedding party requested that only halaal meat be served throughout the weekend for religious reasons. Management acquiesced. Despite the fact that the inn has a restaurant of its own, management also permitted the groom's party to have a spit braai on Saturday evening. And I was touched too that they were willing to allow late checkouts to maximise the comfort of their guests.

We ate at the restaurant on Friday evening and for breakfast each morning. The chef certainly knows what he is doing and the selection of fruit and cereals at the buffet is exquisite.

I could go on about how I loved watching the horses graze in the early morning and how the hills roll in the distance. But I'll stop here. A few days at this special place will have you...

Historical charm, meets country luxury with a dusting of ye olde farm style comfort. Old Halliwell was a welcome surprise. We booked one of the family units and were expecting a room with a queen bed and a single bed, with a bathroom. On opening our door, we were greeted with a closet hallway, a massive bedroom, complete with fireplace, queen bed and double shower (plus all usual amenities). Stepping through lovely solid wood sliding doors, we found a second bedroom with two single beds and its own bathroom, complete with brass faucets etc. My son thought he had died and gone to heaven. The only sad thing was that we were there for one night that was fraught with loadshedding, so he didn't get to experience lavishing in his hot bath.

The staff at Old Halliwell are wonderful hosts, with warm smiles and genuine hospitality. The food was as spectacular as the views, with a well-rounded menu and wine list.

It was also lovely to share a moment with the retired horses at the sanctuary.

And when I though all extra miles had been reached; I left my yoga mat in the room and Gail in the office offered to immediately package it and courier it right up to me. Thank you!

I highly recommend Old Halliwell and we'll back...

Excellent value for money. We stayed during the weekend of the Midmar Mile, so the hotel was fully booked.

The rooms are in the process of an upgrade which includes new carpeting and soft furnishings as well as inverters for load-shedding. They are comfortable and very spacious, ours had a fireplace, TV, and a huge bathroom with a heated towel rack and a big Victorian style freestanding bath as well as a veranda with lush garden views.

The main building housing the reception, restaurant, lounges and bar has tons of character and an old world midlands charm.

Extensive book collection for reading and a beautiful wrap around balcony with great views. The gardens are very well maintained and a highlight was spending some time with the horses in two fields on the property.

Dinner and breakfast were reasonably priced and very generous portions, great quality of food, service and ambiance.

Joe and his team were very attentive and made for a very relaxing experience.

Definitely recommended as part of an authentic Midlands...