Bothabelo Lodge

Two hours before check-in, they called to say the current guest hadn't left and I should make other arrangements. We'd already booked and paid. That's awful service and, to me, a breach of contract. I'm reporting it to the tourism board too. There's no integrity here. Definitely avoid this place.

We won't be coming back. Five of us stayed here for a full work week in Phalaborwa, and this was the last time. The place is falling apart, and Nomsa and her son Thabo seemed not to care. After our long drive from Jhb, nobody was there to welcome us. There were cables lying across the floor, with some sticking out of the door panel. And the cockroaches were everywhere, including the bathroom and bedrooms. Pest control came to fumigate, but when I got back from work they were crawling all over the stove. I've never seen so many in one place. Phalaborwa was having a water crisis. Nomsa first suggested we use pool water for the bathrooms, though she eventually found another solution. My honest opinion is that Nomsa and Thabo should close the business if their hearts aren't in it. What a terrible experience.

In eight years of work travel, this was my worst stay. The hospitality was horrendous, with a poor attitude and shoddy service. It felt like they were doing us a favor by letting us stay. Management was nowhere in sight for all six days.

We genuinely enjoyed our stay last week and it was a nice spot to unwind after long work hours. Our company booked it, and after reading the online reviews I thought I'd be disappointed. It seems some improvements have been made.