34 on Milkwood

We were three friends on a boys' trip and had paid in advance for three rooms. Our friends from Durban weren't allowed in, and we were charged R350 every time someone visited, whether in the afternoon or at night. When we tried to cancel and leave the next day, they told us we should have asked about the rules. The owners were rude and wouldn't listen. The manager even woke us well before checkout so the place could be cleaned for the next guests. The cleaning staff were a 10, but the manager and owners get 0 from me. This was a terrible place for a holiday with friends or family. Read the reviews before booking. NO WONDER THIS WAS THE ONLY AVAILABLE PLACE TO BOOK, IT'S TERRIBLE.

It was quiet, and we had a restful, comfortable stay. The rooms were clean and tidy, and the bathrooms were spacious, clean, and stocked with mini toiletries. In the rooms there was a tea and coffee setup with a kettle, mini bar fridge, and bottled water. Breakfast came with the stay: hot food was served at the table, and there was a self-service area in the dining room with drinks, cereal, and muffins. We could choose the hot breakfast from a menu. Upstairs, where the rooms are, there's also a lounge with a TV that opens onto a balcony overlooking the back yard and surrounding area. Outside was clean and neat, with a sparkling pool to swim in or relax beside. The house was lovely inside and out, and the house staff greeted us warmly and politely when we arrived. We chose the place because it looked nice on the website, and it lived up to that. We felt safe and at ease, and would definitely return.

We left without breakfast on our last morning. It was 7:15, within the stated 7-9 serving time, but there wasn't a staff member around. On another morning, I had to ask for tea, milk, and juice, then wait while the staff member ate her own breakfast. Service was very disappointing, and the staff member who eventually helped us with the room was rude. The room lock didn't work properly, and after the key broke we were locked out for 20 minutes. We even had to ask for toilet paper to be replaced. I won't stay here again.

If a peaceful place is what you're after, this could suit you. The staff member was friendly and did what she could for me. Still, the room needs work: I had to ask for a cover sheet, there was no base cover or protector, the towels were old, and the chair needed washing. Breakfast was mediocre, with horrible coffee and few protein choices. There were no mushrooms or jam, and I had to ask for grilled tomatoes. Why serve muffins when there's no jam or cheese? Breakfast honestly needs to improve.