Howard's End Manor

I had a very pleasant night here, with a great host and a nice breakfast to order.

Lona took care of the guests and was friendly, courteous, and professional. She also shared plenty of touring suggestions for Cape Town. I was here for one night and morning, and really enjoyed my time in the quiet neighborhood. The room was lovely, and breakfast was delicious. She showed me the backyard garden, which has several bird feeders. I watched birds there in the morning and was amazed by how many I saw, including Cape Weavers, cape Canaries, and a Double-collared Sunbird. The room’s instruction book even has an updated list of birds seen in the backyard. So welcoming for birders!

An empty pool can turn what should be a relaxing hotel stay into a disappointing one. It leaves guests without a refreshing activity, and the bare pool is a visible reminder of something missing. The pool is often a place to cool off, enjoy the sun, and spend time with others, so having no water there feels like a missed promise. A hotel might offer comfortable spacious rooms, soft beds, tasteful decor, and attentive personal service, all things that can make guests feel welcome and rested. But even a charming place with all those qualities can fall short when the pool is dry. It can make the experience feel unsatisfying instead of like the comfortable retreat it could have been.

The garden at Howards End was peaceful and lovely, and breakfast was outstanding. Martin also arranged a local driver for both of us, who safely took us to our next stop and the airport. We had an excellent stay with him, and the location felt safe and was very good. We’d gladly recommend it and book with Martin again when we return to SA.