Hout Bay Gem — Hotel in Western Cape

Never Again. This was the worst experience I have ever had. The host knows nothing about customer service. I will never recommend this place to anyone and never go there again. This was a weekend with my family and the host from the start was unfriendly. We booked out all the 6 rooms to find out on the day of arrival she had swapped one of the rooms that I booked for another couple without liaising with me. I had no prior notification of this. The house smelt like dog and cat with the cat on the counter tops where we prepare food. No where on the site does it say that the dog and cat are in the house with the guest. Being on the property but not in the house.. This should be specified. When my husband and I arrived there were workers using the toilets in the house which came with the rooms we booked out. When we complained about this the host told us we only booked for the rooms not the whole house. I said this place is advertised that when you book the rooms it comes with the lounge, kitchen, bathrooms etc. and having to share the bathrooms with the workers is not what we paid for as the guests. There was no space in the fridge I had to make space for our food by removing items to a second fridge to make space. . There were workers outside on the property still and was told they are only leaving at 4pm, once again no notice was given prior to the day of arrival. As a guest we should have been informed of this. The host screamed and shouted at us after laying a complaint with Viya.co.za, and did this all in front of my family as they started arriving at the place. Pointing her finger in my husband face while shouting at him because she wasn't happy with him advising her that this is bad customer service. She shouted saying this is her house and she can do whatever she wants. I have never ever experienced such an ugly attitude and pure rudeness from a host. When she said she will have us remove off the property I asked her to please advised based on what grounds she couldn't provide us with answer. Again all because of the complaint we layed with Viya. She never apologized for the inconvenience caused and as many hosts would do, try and make our stay pleasant. After she received a call from Viya who had asked her to leave the premises at an additional cost we noted she came to the kitchen and fetched an alcoholic drink from the cupboard and left. This made us all more suspicious of her behavior.

Thank you to Viya who made the necessary arrangements for us as a family to enjoy our time together without the host on the premises to continue treating us with such...

I don't typically write reviews, but in this case, the place (The Hout Bay Gym) truly deserves recognition. Our visit exceeded all expectations, discovering a hidden gem with a picturesque setting, charming and well-maintained accommodation, and exceptional hospitality. The overall positive experience made our stay truly enchanting. Upon entering through the automatic gates at dusk, I was immediately impressed by the immaculate upkeep of the premises. Everything was neat and visually pleasing. Inside, the sense of order continued, with Nicki, the proprietor, showcasing thoughtful and friendly guidance. Each room, uniquely decorated, exuded personality, and the commitment to cleanliness was evident. Luxurious bed linens and inviting common areas added to the charm. From the moment we walked through the door, warmth and hospitality enveloped us. The host, incredibly friendly and accommodating, provided personalized recommendations for local attractions and dining. Nicki went above and beyond, creating an impeccable atmosphere with attention to decor and amenities. Our cozy room felt like a home away from home, and the unique decor added a personal touch. The ambiance, combined with Nicki's personal touches, made our stay unforgettable. We were treated like old friends rather than guests, and the cozy atmosphere created a sense of serenity. We look forward to returning to experience the warmth and hospitality once again. Our time there felt like a dream, and we left rejuvenated with...

The worst stay we have had in Cape Town by far. A rating of 1 out of 10! From the moment that we arrived the host Nicky was an absolute rude mess of a person. The place may have been a somewhat gem but the host was anything but. She went out of her way to tell us that the place was hers and she could behave the way she pleased screaming at the top of her voice with no regard to kids around. Absolutely shocking to the point that we suspected she may have either overdosed on medication or a necessary medication was absent that she needed to have taken. We wanted to leave but fortunately the travel agent accommodated our needs by asking her to leave the premises at an additional fee. We will never return to these premises after the nightmare we experienced and will certainly not recommend her place to anyone, even our worst enemy. The rating of 1 is purely for the place only. But the host,...