Tranquil Nest

The location is excellent and convenient, the views are stunning, the braai area looks amazing, and the spa looked beautiful. The property has real potential. We had a great first impression from the gentleman who checked us in, walked us to the room, and showed us around. He was friendly, professional, and genuinely welcoming. The room itself had mold in the shower, no tissues in the box, old appliances, curtains coming off the rails, holes in the walls that hadn’t been fixed, a broken information file, inconsistent Wi-Fi, no power plugs by the bed despite being advertised, and none of the advertised amenities. The room signage said the last rating was from 2017. We contacted management just to ask about the missing advertised amenities and understand the 4-star grading. After a couple of texts, they contacted us around 21:30 and told us to find somewhere else to stay. We weren’t asking for a refund, just trying to understand the differences. Their reply was rude and dismissive. They also said our rate was “cheap for what is offered” and that tea or coffee needn’t be provided at a self-catering place. I understand self-catering, but a small complimentary tea and coffee setup seems like a reasonable standard, especially since other guests have mentioned it too. Before contacting the owners, I’d suggested to the lovely staff member that small packs could be sold at reception as a simple fix. I don’t mind a rustic or basic place if that’s what it’s sold as. The problem is that the website and Booking.com photos and descriptions don’t match the reality, and the accommodation didn’t meet a 4-star standard. Because of the maintenance concerns, we also didn’t use the spa bath facilities, as we weren’t sure about hygiene. Maybe the timing was just unfortunate for us, since many guests seem to have enjoyed their stays. Still, guest comfort, honest advertising, and professional communication should matter. Had management responded respectfully, I probably wouldn’t have felt the need to leave a review. Good luck to Tranquil Nest, and especially to the staff who have to work there. The gentleman from Reception should be working at a 4 or 5 star place.

Both places we were shown, a luxury glamping tent and a two-bedroom chalet, had severe mold across walls and surfaces. It looked like a longstanding damp problem and lack of maintenance. The conditions felt distressing and unhygienic, and I couldn’t stay inside long enough to take many photos. The property promotes itself as 4 star on its website, booking platforms including Agoda and Booking.com, and even the entrance sign, but what we saw didn’t match that claim. Agoda refunded us after we escalated the issue, though I’m still concerned that the property continues to market itself as 4 star. It was also noisy because of the busy R40 nearby. Strangely, we didn’t hear a single truck passing at the hotel next door. An extremely disappointing stay, and not what I’d expect from a 4-star property.

The glamping tent was really spacious and very clean, and the room had its own jacuzzi. It’s a perfect location for Kruger. Unreal rooms!

Quiet and fairly secluded, yet close to town. The view is stunning, the staff are really friendly, and the bed was one of the comfiest we’ve slept in for a long time. ‘Tranquil’ sums it up perfectly, a really great experience all around.