Le Rêve Hotel & Restaurant — Hotel in Witzenberg Local Municipality

This is a bit of a mixed review. I have also given myself some time to reflect on the experience and my thoughts are still the same: utterly disappointing and a rip off. The website and advertising of Le Reve as a 'Boutique four star Hotel' is completely misleading. I would not call this place a hotel but rather a countryside stay at 2 star bed and breakfast. There was nothing luxurious or boutique about this place. My husband booked this as an anniversary getaway for us and we were really looking forward to it. We made our way to Tulbagh, the sun had already set and it was getting dark, we followed our GPS and the signs to the 'hotel'. Its uncertain when you are actually entering the property as you drive along a sand and gravel road and there no lights at all. We drove along the road and eventually saw lights coming from a building. There is no guard house, signs or directions as to where reception is. We parked our car on the gravel road and went in search of reception. We entered the only building with lights on to realize that it was the restaurant / dining area and the reception area. The place was empty except for one gentleman behind the bar. We were told that there is construction going on and that the manager was busy on the other end of the property so we should wait while he tries to get someone to help us. It was very quiet and dark, there was no other person around and we were a bit concerned about staying the night. The gentleman eventually showed us to our room and my heart just sank. We were scammed and I knew it. The room does not look anything like the pictures, its also no wonder that there are no pictures on their website of the toilet / bathroom area because it was just horrible. We asked the gentlemen many questions because we were very confused about the room which was substandard to say the least. The manager Kaizer came by to greet us and assured us that we are safe and would be fine, and that the room we were in was indeed what we paid for. We booked the room with a hot tub and fire place but was not given that room. My husband brought up the room situation again the next day and upon realizing that it was our anniversary, the manager said that they would upgrade us to a more 'comfortable room' with a hot tub and fire place. The room again was substandard and we really couldn't stop going back to the website to see what Le Reve was advertising and what was the state of the place. We tried to have dinner that evening at the restaurant but were turned away due to there being no gas to cook with in the kitchen - how bizarre! One of the most positive aspects of our stay were the staff. They are kind, friendly and really tried to go out of their way to make you feel welcomed which we truly appreciated. I was truly grateful that we only booked for two nights and not longer. There are more things that I could say about our stay but these aspects were the most alarming and reflect the 2 stars that I have given Le Reve. Pictures on the website look sweet and charming but that is far, far from what you receive when you are at Le Reve. If they advertised it for what it truly is I wouldn't be writing...

Absolutely Awful – 4-Star My Foot!! We booked a two-night stay at La Rêve in Tulbagh for the “Christmas in Winter” festival in 2025 — and it turned out to be the worst accommodation we've ever experienced. The room was in a shocking state of disrepair. There were two active water leaks from pipes that ran outside our window. One poured down the inside wall next to the bed, causing a massive puddle on the floor and the other, in the bathroom directly next to an electric heater, mounted on the wall, just below the ceiling — not only dangerous, but likely illegal. We discovered there was no hot water in either the shower or the bath. We had to ask the manager, Keiser, to assist with this on Saturday morning. After battling for two hours, he was finally able to restore hot water to our shower, but in fact this was only a temporary fix, the hot water disappeared again later. Due to the delay, we missed some of the bookings we had made for the festival. Upon booking, we specifically requested two separate beds. We were given two separate beds, each with a very thin duvet and only one single blanket that we were somehow supposed to share. This blanket was neither clean nor fresh. The bedding was smelly, frayed and full of holes, rats/mice or the live cockroach we found in the room? There were marks on the bedding which we preferred to think of as rust stains. There were no electric blankets. The heater in the room was broken. Given it was the middle of winter, the room was freezing and completely ill-equipped to handle cold weather. The issues didn’t stop there: • Curtains were paper-thin. • No bedside rugs, so the wet, dirty floor made matters worse. • The wardrobe doors were jammed on their rails, but on forcing them open there was one lonely coat hanger and a previous guest’s toiletry bag still inside. • The dressing table chair was broken and since there was no power point or light nearby — was useless. • The room had no hairdryer. • One bedside light was broken and the roof lights covers were filled with dead bugs. • Walls were stained, cracked and showed signs of water damage. • Two out of three windows couldn’t close due to broken clips. Likewise, the bedroom door only stayed closed if it was locked. • There was mould everywhere. The room’s windows, frames and panes were horrifically mouldy. The shower walls, ceiling and floor were also covered in mould. • Tiles were cracked throughout and the floor was dirty. • A single candle was stashed in a drawer (no matches), next to what appeared to be a broken jewellery chain left behind by a previous guest. The drawer clearly hadn’t even been checked, likewise everything else in the room. • No fire extinguisher or instructions on what to do in case of emergency. While breakfast was included, we chose not to eat there — based on the horrific state of the room, we didn’t want to take that risk. We were promised a 50% refund which is ongoing. Many guests have reported similar experiences and are still waiting for refunds. We were so appalled we took photos of everything — because honestly, it was that bad! Someone needs to shut La Rêve down. Until then, avoid it...

Le Rêve Boutique Hotel in Tulbagh is more than just a place to stay; it's a truly spectacular escape that tantalizes the senses and soothes the soul. From the moment you arrive, you're enveloped in an atmosphere of unique charm, exceptional service, and a sense of being truly welcomed. This hidden gem is a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable and delightful hotel experience.

One of the absolute highlights of a stay at Le Rêve is the exquisite culinary offering. The restaurant is a gastronomic delight, and while the menu boasts a variety of tempting dishes, the Durban style lamb curry is an absolute revelation. Richly flavored with authentic spices and slow-cooked to tender perfection, it's a dish that transports your taste buds and leaves a lasting impression. Many guests have raved about the delicious food, and the lamb curry stands out as a particularly noteworthy must-try.

Beyond the culinaryjourney, the hotel's physical beauty is simply breathtaking. The beautiful pool area, with its inviting waters and stunning views, offers a serene oasis for relaxation. Lush greenery surrounds the pool, creating a tranquil ambiance.

Complementing this is the enchanting rose garden, a vibrant display of color and fragrance that invites leisurely strolls and moments of peaceful reflection. These outdoor spaces are meticulously maintained and provide a picturesque backdrop to your stay.

However, what truly elevates Le Rêve is the top-notch friendly service. Time and again, reviews highlight the staff's remarkable hospitality and genuine warmth. Guests consistently feel well-cared for and appreciated, with the team going above and beyond to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. This personalized and attentive service is a cornerstone of the Le Rêve experience and contributes significantly to its charm.

Adding to the hotel's unique appeal is its quirky and individual design. Le Rêve is far from a cookie-cutter hotel; each space, particularly the rooms, possesses its own distinct personality and style. This embrace of individuality creates an interesting and visually stimulating environment that guests find captivating. The blend of elements, often described as combining the old with the new, contributes to the hotel's character and makes exploring the property a delight in itself.

ILe Rêve Boutique Hotel offers a truly spectacular hotel experience. The delicious food, highlighted by the unforgettable Durban lamb curry, the beautiful and serene pool and rose garden, the consistently praised top-notch friendly service, and the hotel's unique and quirky design all combine to create an atmosphere that is both luxurious and welcoming.

We highly recommend Le Rêve to anyone looking for a distinctive and delightful getaway. It's a place where dreams are indeed woven...