Avis Whale Rock Luxury Lodge

Thank you for giving us a great review of 10/10! We hope to see you back some day soon, Kind regards, Melanie & The Whale Rock Team

Good Afternoon Colin and thank you for taking the time to send us your review, albeit not a good one. I will go through your various points raised as it is a rather lengthy review. You make the comment of "luxury" setting high expectations. We like to think of our Lodge as a spacious, well maintained, comfortable "home from home" and to us this is the essence of the word "luxury". Our gardens are a haven and together with two swimming pools, something that one does not often come across at a Guest House. The constant compliments that we receive has proved to us that people are pleasantly surprised when booking at a 4* Guest House with 5* amenities. I think that perhaps you were expecting something like the Marine Hotel but then again you would also have paid triple for that experience. We are at the seaside, our entire Lodge was revamped not long ago, the Villa where you stayed being only 5 years old. Our photographs are a true reflection of what you get and the mention about cliched fish and shell decor does not even deserve a comment. Yes, the Villa has its own entrance but is still situated on the same property. It really has not proved to be much of a hindrance to guests having to park there after their check in - once again, not sure what relevance your comment has. Point taken about the signs requesting guests to save water as the Western Cape is a drought area. We will endeavour to make the signs "more slick". Our apologies for the smell in the room, this was due to a broken pipe outside and has subsequently been replaced. I would so appreciate more feedback on what you expect from breakfast as we have one of the most substantial breakfasts around. Ranging from homemade breads, croissants, muffins, ciabattas, pastries, pancakes, ja variety of jams, a cheese and meat platter, fruit salad and 3 fruit platters, 3 different yoghurts, 3 different cereals and then a hot breakfast on order, I am actually not sure what more we can offer? We have filter coffee on tap but speciality coffees are extra, which is the norm at most establishments. We have a new member of staff currently being trained. No, they were not gossiping but going through the various scenarios around breakfast. I am disappointed that you felt neglected as my staff is always complimented on their service, but in good faith, I will raise your issues with them to ensure that this does not happen again. The sea bar photo which you refer to is Ficks, which is a 30 minute walk on the beautiful cliff paths leading into town. The harbour is a mere 5 minute walk away, very convenient with two restaurants and where the whale boat operators or sunset cruises take place. All in all, Hermanus is a wonderful place for a holiday and the fact that we fell short of your expectations is a shame but perhaps a little unjustified.

Thank you Eva for your lovely review, really appreciated by all.

Good Morning and thank you for your review. We are happy that you enjoyed your stay with us, and got to relax and enjoy the garden. With regards to the pool, it is a salt water pool and during the time of your stay - with there being very hot days and a lot of people utilising the pool, we had to add a lot of salt in order for it to make chlorine. This had the effect of making the water a little cloudy for a day or two, but it is perfectly safe to swim. You were also together with friends in the Villa which has its own pool which, of course, you were free to utilise. The cliff paths are truly magnificent and one of the highlights of coming to stay in Hermanus. Kind regards, Melanie & The Whale Rock Team