Name: Royston Hall Guesthouse
Address: Lot 949 Royston Lane Umtentweni, Port Shepstone, 4235, ZA

4/10

Poor

04 Mar 2025

Pat

Not for us

We had high hopes as we drove to the property. The Guesthouse is situated approximately 400 meters away from the road with a circuitous driveway leading to the entry. The foliage was amazing with monkeys flittering amongst the trees. Our room was as described but after 10 minutes in the room there was a heavy mildew odor in the air which seemed to get worse as our stay progressed. The room had no Air Conitioner as was advertised and the private bathroom was no more than a closet with a sliding door which had fallen off of its track, and I was unable to put it back on its track. The room did have a ceiling fan with 4 speeds, but the only ones which worked were either, high, or off. When we used it the sound was like an airplane taking off. We were supposed to spend two days here but we called it quits and left very early the next morning. I do not like leaving poor reviews but unfortunately Royston Hall did not work for us.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jan 2024

Coert

Best guesthouse in Natal

Excellent service. Kind owners. Luxury rooms. Best breakfast in town. Strongly recommended.

Business

8/10

Excellent

23 Sep 2019

Irena

For the amount I paid for my stay it was definitely worth that. Enjoyed the bird life.

Partner

2/10

Poor

26 Aug 2019

Rosemarie

NOT 4 STAR NEEDS MUCH TLC

Our booking was done based on the pictures on Hotels.com.
The drive down to the house is a bit narrow and steep which was ok in the day but not so sure at night. On arrival we walked around the house to find the office and was asked if we were early. Lizette checked and said the room was ready and asked us to sign in. After doing so we were taken to our room with the first visit being to the toilet after a long drive. There were still faeces in the toilet and the bathroom had not been cleaned. Told Lizette who called the maid who apparently was new. Then found that actually the room had not been serviced, linen not changed etc. Also the glass of the door leading to the balcony was broken and she said there may be some wind noise. No offer to cover the broken glass. The area around the pool was plain concrete and the lounges rusted. The patio was dusty and generally the place needed a lot of cleaning and TLC. By this time any rustic magic was gone and we cancelled and found alternative accommodation. Lizette's comment was \"oh well we will have another booking within the hour\" so guess she was not perturbed !

Partner

4/10

Poor

21 Jan 2018

Tim

Difficult to Find

I had booked this lodging as a stopover en route to St. Francis Bay. The house is very difficult to find even with GPS, down a narrow, badly potholed lane. The room was okay, but no toiletries (e,g shampoo) provided, and the only soap had obviously been used by previous guests! The house did not provide dinner. I asked the owners for suggestions on restaurants and drove around looking for them but never fund them as instructions were so vague. Had minimal sleep as my room did not have blackout curtains and there was a bright security light outside that kept me awake. I left before breakfast. Considering the high price, I would never recommend this place.

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jan 2018

Verified traveler

Absolute gem of a find!

Quite remote, which adds to its charm- a little like stepping back in time but with all the mod-cons.
Very very welcoming owners and staff - would love to have stayed much longer.
Magnificent views and surroundings are outstanding- tropical gardens and a birdwatching paradise.
Will definitely be back !

10/10

Exceptional

28 May 2017

Jo

Delightful retreat

We arrived at this oasis of tranquillity on the day of a family funeral. However we were greeted warmly, our room was ready and we were made to feel very welcome. We spent a lovely afternoon sitting in the grounds of the guesthouse, listening to the birds whilst we sipped our tea and read. Later on when we were trying to organise a taxi to take us to a local restaurant for supper without success; our host, Ria, offered to drive us herself and collect us later when we had finished our meal. It was an extremely kind gesture, especially considering the circumstances.

The following morning we were served a delicious breakfast on the veranda. The service, food and location were perfect.
Thank you!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Feb 2017

richard

An almost unique experience, but a good one

A historic house in an amazing setting.This is living in the grand style. Breakfast, served by a charming young lady, was excellent.

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jan 2017

Robert

It is a very relaxing and peaceful environment with very good hosts and staff who make you feel welcome. The breakfasts were innovative and tasty as was the dinner. It is a beautiful setting and the atmosphere has been retained. .

Partner

8/10

Excellent

14 Dec 2016

SteveH

Historical house

Just like an english manor house with great period features. Spectacular river views. Room was delightful with period furniture and a good size. The hosts are delightful and very friendly. It was a shame we could only stay one night.

8/10

Excellent

01 Jan 2016

Brent

lovely setting and lovely old mansion; great food and service from extremely helpful hosts.

8/10

Excellent

27 Jul 2014

Verified traveler

A lovely neat old home where hospitality comes first

8/10

Excellent

04 Feb 2018

raphael

Authentique et très agréable

Perdue au milieu d'un grand parc végétalisé, la maison est absolument époustouflante ! Elle est très vieille mais décorée et aménagée avec soin pour ne pas la dénaturer. La chambre était très très grande, avec une vue exceptionnelle sur la rivière et les environs. Son décor \"d'époque\" est unique, tout comme celui de sa salle de bain (avec douche, baignoire, toilettes et deux lavabos magnifiques). La literie est très confortable et il y a même un frigo et une télé ! On peut facilement se garer. L'accueil a été très chaleureux. Dommage que la piscine n'ait pas été nettoyée avant notre arrivée car on n'a pas pu se baigner. Nous avons beaucoup apprécié le petit-déjeuner sur la terrasse (salade de fruits frais, jus de fruit, café, toasts, confiture, œufs...).

Partner