Woodlands Retreat

The comfortable rooms are laid out thoughtfully, and the quiet spot is still handy for Clarens square. We had a pleasant stay, and the owner communicated brilliantly. There was some confusion about housekeeping, though, and nobody serviced our room during the four days. A few notes about how the curtains work and where to put rubbish would help, as would details about nearby sights, restaurant suggestions and business hours. We'd happily come back.

A lovely little room, beautifully done and compact but with everything you might need. The service was more than I expected, and the location is perfect. I love this place.

We had a warm welcome and such friendly landlords. The room was bright and clean, with a kitchenette stocked with what we needed, great underfloor heating and a lovely bathroom. There was safe parking for our car too. It's in a quiet part of Clarens, with a relaxed garden and huge trees that make you feel so at ease. The price is really affordable. Thanks for everything, Hannelie and Annemie de Beer. Hope to see you again soon.

The photos and description gave us the wrong idea, and at R900 a night Cherry Studio was a disappointment. It's far too cramped for two, so I can't imagine how a family would fit. The kitchen is tiny and awkwardly laid out, and the bathroom is minute. A larger person would have a real struggle in there, especially with no shelf or vanity cupboard. The room needs a deep clean too: grimy shades in the kitchen and bathroom, a dirty toaster, dirt behind the microwave on the fridge, and dust bunnies by the plugs behind the beds. The double bed is pushed lengthways against the wall, which isn't ideal, and the mattress is very hard and uncomfortable. The garden looked neglected and scruffy. The owners were away; I saw the manager once and only got a passing greeting. Pity, as we'd expected more.