Livingstone Villa

Our honeymoon stay at Livingstone Villa was distressing and deeply disappointing. The person assigned to hand over the villa took two hours, even though we’d confirmed our arrival time well in advance. The bathroom also smelled awful, as if it had just been used. There was a large spider in one bathroom, and later we found a scorpion in the second. We tried to tolerate the spider, but finding the scorpion was terrifying and completely unacceptable, especially since we’d been told the villa was cleaned and checked before we arrived. The windows were shut, yet there were signs of insects and spiders. We contacted the owner, but instead of taking full responsibility, she told us this villa was her only source of income, which felt emotionally manipulative after we’d paid a substantial amount. My wife was so disturbed that we had to cut our honeymoon short and pay out of pocket to stay elsewhere. The owner eventually agreed to a full refund, but almost a year later we’re still waiting. Booking.com hasn’t been able to retrieve the funds, and the owner keeps avoiding responsibility. We paid over R10,000 for an experience that was ruined. If cleanliness, safety and honest service matter to you, I strongly advise against staying at Livingstone Villa.

The balcony, surrounded by lush greenery, was one of my favorite spots for morning coffee or a glass of wine in the evening. It was easy to feel calm and at peace there. Inside, Livingstone was breathtaking, with thoughtful decor and cozy furnishings that made it elegant but still inviting. The plush bedding and well-appointed kitchen added to our comfort. This felt like more than a place to sleep, it was an immersive stay that exceeded our expectations. Thank you to Marianne for being such a gracious host.

We arrived at Livingstone after a five-hour drive from Cape Town, and no one answered our calls, WhatsApps or emails. Some emails bounced. By then, we’d already waited an hour while Booking.com tried to reach the owners. After three hours, an email came through saying Livingstone had canceled our booking. We had to find alternate accommodation at considerable cost, and it pretty much ruined our stay. Before the trip, we’d asked if everything was okay and got no reply, so we checked with Booking.com, who assured us all was well. On the day we traveled, Livingstone confirmed the booking but asked us to contact them directly by mobile or email because they didn’t want to release the door code on the platform. Earlier, after we’d paid, the owner had messaged through Booking.com saying their account had been “compromised” and asked us to share personal email addresses and phone numbers. That felt odd, and we said we’d rather use the Booking.com message portal. We’d been impressed by the villa’s appearance and positive reviews, and thought it looked perfect for our South Africa trip. Book with absolute caution!

The sea views were incredible, and the house was beautiful, luxurious, spacious and very clean. It was equipped with everything we could possibly need, and the attractions were all within easy reach. Booking this place was the best decision we made, and I’d love to return with my whole family. Andre was a darling, so friendly and helpful, and Communication with Marianna stayed up to date throughout our time. We truly enjoyed our stay in George.