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Based on the reviews on the lodge and the driving up to the lodge we were very excited for our stay here. From the onset it looks beautiful and the bush feel is definitely there as you drive in.
The room is beautifully decorated and on first appearance is really lovely.
Our excitement was unfortunately short lived. Shortly after checking in we received a rather ill worded email from the lady at reception indicating that our booking was made for one person only and then asked whether my boyfriend's 'partner' (me) will be staying for 1 night or for both nights that was originally booked. Offensive as this may be, we realised our honest mistake with the booking and went to reception to make the additional payment. The same question was asked again at reception and we were further prompted about business invoices (this was not a business trip) and poorly addressed by our first names as if we were long time mates.
After having to pay an additional R435 per night on top of what we paid already our experience vs value for money dropped significantly. The price for the room increases per person which is fine as usually such establishments will include a breakfast for which you need to pay for the additional person. This lodge does not only not include breakfast, but it doesn't have have a restaurant facility and therefore any meal you need you need to drive a minimum of 10kms to the nearest restaurant to dine. Only the luxury rooms at the lodge are fully self catering with kitchens but the other rooms (we were in the deluxe room) have a kettle, microwave and a bar fridge so you are completely restricted in terms of meals.
Besides the rudeness and poor attitude of the managers at the lodge, our room for which we have now paid a significant amount of money had dirty shoe prints on the roof, there was a hole in the roof in the bathroom, the double bed is 2 single beds pushed together so you fall through the gap where the 2 beds have been joined and to top it all off we had to ask when the room will be cleaned as by mid day it had not been done only to get met with a surly response and a ridiculous excuse that they were busy but from our view there were maybe 3 occupied units from the previous night.
There isn't much to do at the lodge other than go for a swim or sit in your room. Overall our experience of the lodge was not great and given the price you pay to stay here, we expect a clean room and friendly staff.
The lodge is in a beautiful setting and can be amazing but some changes need to be enforced for this to be a...
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The place is nothing like it's presentation online. Our room had a foul smell, possibly from the old carpet that made my allergies flare up. The fact there is no telephone that connects to reception is quite frankly very outdated and inconvenient. The pool was by the far the most disappointing, it was green and dirty, a heads up in advance would have been much appreciated so we can choose another place where we can swim. The state of the pool was unsanitary and in future, do let your guests know if it can not be used.
For such a high price point, the breakfast was dismal, one would expect a more elaborate breakfast display that offered more than one slice of bread. We weren't even allowed to sit out by the patio and at least take in the view because there was a function which we were also not told about. Even after the people left we were still told no. This was unfair as we are also paying guests who should have access to the amenities.
You over promised and...
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A very high-quality establishment just outside of Hilton, KZN.
We weren’t lucky enough to stay overnight as we staying elsewhere. We were visiting family who were staying at the lodge as part of a family get-together. The facilities looked amazing and the views over the uMgeni valley were superb.
The unit had a very rustic but high quality feel to it. Large beds, large rooms and did I mention the views?
The lodge is accessed via a dirt road just by the side of Hilton College. It’s not too bad but beware of the mist that forms in the local area.
We also had food provided by the catering operation at the lodge. Very very good indeed.
Will certainly recommend and consider this place if we needed accommodation...
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