Vulture Creek

This establishment deserves 0 stars. The unit, let’s rather call it a room, that was allocated to us is not advertised on the website. We phoned them when we arrived at the gate, was let in and waited and waited and waited for someone to meet us. Eventually a lady came up to us and just handed me the keys – no welcome, enjoy your stay or any other arrangements was made with us. The accommodation as advertised as self-catering (meaning: noun - the action of holidaying or staying in accommodation with facilities to cook one's own meals.) How is this possible if the room does not even have a stove, pots and pans or any cooking utensils? We had to dispose of the food that we took with as it was not possible to cook anything. The kitchen did not even have a bottle opener and the cutlery surely poses a health risk. We had to wash our own spoons that was taken out of the container before we could use them. The kitchen was filthy and the top of the bar fridge was disgustingly dirty. The bar fridge did not even have racks to put food on neither was it switched on. Could you not have switched it on prior to our arrival – surely you expected us? Let’s move to the bathroom/or half a bathroom – what a surprise if you expect a bathroom with a bath as advertised. The taps still had toothpaste spilt all over it from a previous guest. The shower, or excuse thereof was highly unpleasant as you literally had to run around the shower in an attempt to get wet. Once out of the shower the entire bathroom floor was flooded and my husband did not even have warm water to shower with after I got out. The towels, stained and stinky – I actually took photos I was so disgusted. The duvet cover was dirty and probably wasn’t washed after a previous guest stayed over – thank goodness we brought our own pillows. The next morning when we left we met a guy and told him that we were not happy with the state of the room and he advised that they had new cleaners that only recently started working there – the fact of the matter is not only that the unit was dirty, but that the accommodation was not advertised. If I had seen photos of the room prior to me confirming my booking I would’ve surely not booked – especially at R750 per night. Highly disappointed.

We had a wonderful stay at Vulture's Creek. Johan and Estelle were incredibly accommodating and the house was perfect for us. The pictures on the site don't do it justice.

Pros: conveniently situated, very peaceful in a lovely setting under the mountains. Value for money. Nice patio area. Close to most attractions in the area. Cons: a bit inconvenient to get to the bathroom from the loft bedroom. Could have done with more blankets (went in winter). A bit cramped if spending a lot of time indoors. No shower. Specialised paint techniques excluded, the cottage could do with a coat of paint where renovations have been done. Workers fixing the driveway next to the cottage started banging and clanging at 8 a.m. But all round value for money and charming.