The Flamingo 708

The kindest part of the stay was Tony and the lady who helped us on our last day. They did what they could, but the whole experience at the Flamingo Hotel by Perch left us feeling let down and conned. Our booking was for room 801, a top-floor, one-bedroom suite with a sea view. That view was the main reason we chose the hotel. Instead, we were put in room 407, a road-facing studio, because they had double-booked our room without telling us. It took two days for anyone to address our complaint. We were then moved to a larger room, but it still faced the road and had no sea view. The noise made it impossible to relax. We got no refund or proper apology. The room was dirty and poorly maintained, and when we first arrived late in the evening, we couldn’t unlock it. Nobody was around to help. It was a terrible stay, and I wouldn’t recommend the Flamingo Hotel to anyone.

The building staff were friendly, the location was great, and the apartments are modern and modular. The price was good too. Still, after two and a half weeks in a one-bedroom apartment, I wouldn’t stay here again. The one-bedroom units are 01, 02 and 09, but they aren’t comparable. Units 01 and 02 look right over the ocean, while 09 faces the neighboring building, even though the prices can be the same. The rates should reflect that difference. There’s a kitchenette, but ours was missing either a sponge or dish soap, which made it harder to use. For a longer stay, towel and linen changes cost extra. I didn’t want daily housekeeping, but I still had to pay for housekeeping during my extended stay. I also wasn’t told how to get the rubbish removed. Longer-stay guests should probably be given those instructions.

We liked unit 701 enough to book it again for the next week. A friend had recommended The Flamingo, and it lived up to what we’d heard. Being able to step straight out of the building and reach Woolworths and Pick ‘n Pay made the choice easy. Mornings were lovely, with those balcony views and a fresh sea breeze. The bed was one of the comfiest I’ve slept in, and the memory foam pillows were a treat. Already looking forward to going back.

We’re staying here for 10 nights, and no one has answered our questions. We contacted the listing a week ahead and again a few days before arrival, but heard nothing. The room doesn’t look as nice as the photos, and the towel rack is broken. There are no cleaning supplies, just one towel set for two people, one water glass, two toilet rolls and enough shampoo for one wash. I don’t mind buying supplies, but how are we meant to get fresh towels? The lock is another concern. When you leave, only a flimsy lock catches behind you. They don’t provide the key needed to bolt the door, so it doesn’t feel safe leaving valuables inside. If being ignored and leaving your things in a room that seems easy to break into sounds fine, go ahead and book here.