River Bend Lodge Spa
River Bend Lodge Spa Pictures & Reviews (Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa)
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The website room photos are heavily photshopped. Old bathrooms, tired rooms and old stained carpets.
When trying to make a reservation the reservation clerk argued that I could not get the Bed and Breakfast rate and had to take the more expensive all inclusive rate. Only after pointing out that their website offers a B&B rate was I allowed to secure the B&B rate.
Despite website claim there was no spa facility due to the therapists being off duty for the weekend.
Despite website claims there was only one game driver on duty.
After checking out drove the 2km drive to the main gate only to be pursued by staff and told that I could not stop on the drive out to watch game and birds and that I must hurry to the gate.
When trying to make a reservation the reservation clerk argued that I could not get the Bed and Breakfast rate and had to take the more expensive all inclusive rate. Only after pointing out that their website offers a B&B rate was I allowed to secure the B&B rate.
Despite website claim there was no spa facility due to the therapists being off duty for the weekend.
Despite website claims there was only one game driver on duty.
After checking out drove the 2km drive to the main gate only to be pursued by staff and told that I could not stop on the drive out to watch game and birds and that I must hurry to the gate.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Responded 06 Sept 2018
Dear GA1309
We appreciate your response, we are greatly saddened that your experience with us is not the extraordinary experience that our guest usually have with us.
I have done a full investigation on your concerns as it was so surprising that your explanation of your stay at River Bend Lodge was so completely opposite to our usual feedback.
I can assure you that our photos are not altered, the bathrooms have a colonial style and have recently been redone. There is a great confusion and concern regarding the suggestion that you were not allowed to book the B & B rate as it is a rate that we offer and we would definitely not discourage bookings. At your time of stay there was a 30% discount for 3 nights on the All-inclusive rate and I can’t help but wonder if the reservations clerk was perhaps trying to make this recommendation with your best interest at heart.
As for the Game Drives, there was 2 game drives departing per day and we would have loved to welcome you on any and all drives you would have wished to do with us. We would have happily obliged to any and all request for your drive desires if booked like we requested.
As for your complaint that you were pursued by staff on the roads, we are a private concession within the Addo Elephant national park and therefore private driving on our roads are not allowed as only our qualified guides with the necessary permits conduct responsible conservation focused Game Drives. Unfortunately after being showed were you were allowed to drive and where not to, my staff had a responsibility to approach you as you were off - road and our responsibility is following the rules and protecting the environment.
We are greatly saddened that you didn’t enjoy your experience here, our staff tried to assist you in every way they can and always strive to deliver an excellent service. It’s just unfortunate that even when we were flexible in accommodating out of the ordinary requests, being good enough just didn’t seem to be an option for this particular stay.
We appreciate your response, we are greatly saddened that your experience with us is not the extraordinary experience that our guest usually have with us.
I have done a full investigation on your concerns as it was so surprising that your explanation of your stay at River Bend Lodge was so completely opposite to our usual feedback.
I can assure you that our photos are not altered, the bathrooms have a colonial style and have recently been redone. There is a great confusion and concern regarding the suggestion that you were not allowed to book the B & B rate as it is a rate that we offer and we would definitely not discourage bookings. At your time of stay there was a 30% discount for 3 nights on the All-inclusive rate and I can’t help but wonder if the reservations clerk was perhaps trying to make this recommendation with your best interest at heart.
As for the Game Drives, there was 2 game drives departing per day and we would have loved to welcome you on any and all drives you would have wished to do with us. We would have happily obliged to any and all request for your drive desires if booked like we requested.
As for your complaint that you were pursued by staff on the roads, we are a private concession within the Addo Elephant national park and therefore private driving on our roads are not allowed as only our qualified guides with the necessary permits conduct responsible conservation focused Game Drives. Unfortunately after being showed were you were allowed to drive and where not to, my staff had a responsibility to approach you as you were off - road and our responsibility is following the rules and protecting the environment.
We are greatly saddened that you didn’t enjoy your experience here, our staff tried to assist you in every way they can and always strive to deliver an excellent service. It’s just unfortunate that even when we were flexible in accommodating out of the ordinary requests, being good enough just didn’t seem to be an option for this particular stay.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This lodge was wonderful! The morning game drives started at 6:30a, which was fabulous after other lodge start times at 6:00a--the extra 1/2 hour makes a difference. We loved that the morning wake up was a lovely pot of coffee or tea brought to our room. We also enjoyed the flexibility and intimacy of the meals. Meals were available in the dining room for individual seating during specified hours, no set time--a joy to eat at a time that suited us without other couples/families at the same table. The meals were great--well prepared and very tasty. Our room was very spacious and the view across the game reserve was beautiful--we saw zebra and warthogs from our veranda. The outdoor shower and indoor claw foot tub were great extras. The staff was super friendly and helpful. I also recommend a massage at the spa!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Responded 15 Oct 2016
Dear Sleddoggie
Greetings from River Bend Lodge.
Thank you for taking the time to share with me your detailed feedback regarding your recent stay with us. We aim for nothing less than a wonderful experience for all of our guests and we are delighted that we met your expectations.
We hope that we will be able to welcome you back to River Bend Lodge in the not too distant future.
Warm Regards
The River Bend Lodge Team
Greetings from River Bend Lodge.
Thank you for taking the time to share with me your detailed feedback regarding your recent stay with us. We aim for nothing less than a wonderful experience for all of our guests and we are delighted that we met your expectations.
We hope that we will be able to welcome you back to River Bend Lodge in the not too distant future.
Warm Regards
The River Bend Lodge Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My family of four (with 4 year old and 2 year old) stayed here March 22 and March 23, 2010. I had visited Shamwari previously, and I naively believed that you get what you pay for -- we expected a comparable experience.
To River Bend's credit, our ranger/driver, Darlington, was a jewel and the best we have had on numerous drives in S Africa. Second, the "niceness" of the staff was unparalleled.
Conversely, are you willing to pay $2,000 for staff to be "nice" to you? Everything else was disappointing. While our rooms were beautifully decorated, the carpet had not been vacuumed and within 20 minutes of our arrival, our 4 year old stepped on a devil's thorn. River Bend has an ant problem, and we had a large colony living in the top right corner of our room (hard to miss by anyone with eyes), which spread throughout our luggage. When we complained, the ants were quickly removed - (why couldn't this have happened prior to our arrival?). We had a wasp nest growing on our balcony. (also very hard to miss and not a new addition) That was also removed when we complained. We could not run an even slightly clear bath ..after letting our bath run (on River Bend's suggestion) The water was not just yellow but a dark brown color in our room. The staff said they had had problems and the water was turned off recently.
All of these complaints would be minor should we be paying US$150-$200/night. But at US$1,100, this is truly unacceptable. Ants, no water for bath, wasps.. We had a much better experience at Kwantu which was one fifth the price!
Finally, on our game drives we saw giraffes, zebra and tortoise but no other "big" animals. Apparently, they are adding lions. I didn't think I needed to see lions, but we didn't seem too many animals at all. It seems River Bend is more of a spa, nature reserve. We had to leave River Bend and drive to Addo Park in our car to see elephants.
And finally, to add insult to injury, upon checking out, we were charged a paltry additional $40 for soda's, apple juices and wine which we had been offered at meals and "tea time". Come on, at $1,000/night, you do _not_ charge for apple juice. Or do you?
I have read other reviews of River Bend and they are glowing. I would suggest that perhaps others did not have small children and weren't concerned about wasps, ants, housekeeping or perhaps they don't expect much for $1,000/night. As an american who assumes that "nice" comes with a hotel stay, this reserve would have been acceptable at $200/night. I felt robbed at the price we paid.
To River Bend's credit, our ranger/driver, Darlington, was a jewel and the best we have had on numerous drives in S Africa. Second, the "niceness" of the staff was unparalleled.
Conversely, are you willing to pay $2,000 for staff to be "nice" to you? Everything else was disappointing. While our rooms were beautifully decorated, the carpet had not been vacuumed and within 20 minutes of our arrival, our 4 year old stepped on a devil's thorn. River Bend has an ant problem, and we had a large colony living in the top right corner of our room (hard to miss by anyone with eyes), which spread throughout our luggage. When we complained, the ants were quickly removed - (why couldn't this have happened prior to our arrival?). We had a wasp nest growing on our balcony. (also very hard to miss and not a new addition) That was also removed when we complained. We could not run an even slightly clear bath ..after letting our bath run (on River Bend's suggestion) The water was not just yellow but a dark brown color in our room. The staff said they had had problems and the water was turned off recently.
All of these complaints would be minor should we be paying US$150-$200/night. But at US$1,100, this is truly unacceptable. Ants, no water for bath, wasps.. We had a much better experience at Kwantu which was one fifth the price!
Finally, on our game drives we saw giraffes, zebra and tortoise but no other "big" animals. Apparently, they are adding lions. I didn't think I needed to see lions, but we didn't seem too many animals at all. It seems River Bend is more of a spa, nature reserve. We had to leave River Bend and drive to Addo Park in our car to see elephants.
And finally, to add insult to injury, upon checking out, we were charged a paltry additional $40 for soda's, apple juices and wine which we had been offered at meals and "tea time". Come on, at $1,000/night, you do _not_ charge for apple juice. Or do you?
I have read other reviews of River Bend and they are glowing. I would suggest that perhaps others did not have small children and weren't concerned about wasps, ants, housekeeping or perhaps they don't expect much for $1,000/night. As an american who assumes that "nice" comes with a hotel stay, this reserve would have been acceptable at $200/night. I felt robbed at the price we paid.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We stayed two nights recently at River Bend Lodge. It was a birthday get-away and the lodge staff made sure the "birthday boy" was celebrated. Bubbles, chocolate cake and a romantic turndown with Amarula and rose petals...... This is a beautifully furnished and laid out lodge comprising 8 rooms around a lush garden with ancient pepper trees and pretty agapanthus. As we made ourselves comfortable in our room on arrival, a herd of zebra came within a few metres but outside the perimeter fence to say "welcome". Game drives are done in the morning and the late afternoon as per normal safari lodge timetables with a good coffee being delivered to your room prior to departure. The rain and general soft terrain made it impossible at first to do a game drive on the River Bend property itself (14,000 hectares) so we went into Addo National Elephant Park which is a short drive away. We saw zebra, eland, kudu, jackals, warthogs, many birds and, of course, elephants. Lions and rhino were illusive. On the last morning though the terrain was dried out enough and we could drive around the very scenic River Bend part of the park and enjoyed the sightings of zebra, red hartebeest, kudu and a lovely troop of very entertaining baboons. The undulating land is really very beautiful here. There's also a self-contained house with a further 3 en suite bedrooms that one can takeover exclusively for family trips or celebrations. It comes with its own chef and guide and is called Long Hope. Anyway, back to River Bend. What else does it offer? Excellent gourmet cuisine (Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner) with attentive and friendly service in either the tranquil dining room in front of the roaring fire or, in warm weather, on the veranda overlooking the park where one may even see the resident trio of lions checking out the visitors through the electrified fence. The wine-list is well chosen and reflects some unusual choices under the stewardship of Michael who will be more than willing to lead you astray with his generously portioned "tasting" selections prior to dinner. (Most drinks are included in the tariff, as are all meals and the game drives). Our guide Dohan was most courteous and knowledgeable and we enjoyed our time with him. Remember to ask for Amarula in your early morning coffee on those cold winter morning drives! There is a spa and a charming therapist but I did not order a treatment although I was tempted! Our reservation was professionally handled by Tariro. The General Managing of the lodge is beautifully handled by the charming Jayne Barlow who's attentive eye was discreetly in evidence even if her sense of humour and warm personality vies for equal attention. Well worth a visit.
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Room Tip: No 1 is the Honeymoon Suite which has a private Jacuzzi and private garden outdoors. It's not...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We were a family party of 12, stayed for 4/5 nights in Jan 2020. We had a superb time. We occupied 4 of the 8 rooms on site, and all were very comfortable, spotlessly clean, and well serviced. Food and drink were of the highest standard, and all staff were very obliging. Because we were out on game drives, we came to dinner at quite variable times, but the meals were always available and ready for us. The management were helpful, available, and efficient. A couple of us used the spa, and were impressed - it is quite new and small so there are limitations to what is on offer, but the person running it was very nice, very competent, and it was a treat to find it in a game park. We did 2 game drives every day, and although Addo does not have (nor does it claim to have) the range of species we have seen in some parts of Africa, we had absolutely excellent contacts with elephant, lion, a variety of larger antelope, and 2 sightings of black rhino so certainly no complaints. It is not cheap, but we felt very well looked after and satisfied with the value for money
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Responded 14 Jan 2020
Dear MartinbW8465NR,
We are so happy that you had a wonderful stay at RiverBend Lodge, and Thank you so much for your wonderful review, but mostly for taking the time to give us this feedback.
You, our GUEST are our finger to the pulse of our business and our reviews are noted and taken very seriously indeed. So when our GUESTS love RiverBend as much as we do, it means the world to us.
Please send our regards to the family and let them know we have had some rain (not enough yet) but at least some.
Until we see you again Travel Safely,
Sincerely,
Debbie & The RiverBend Lodge Team
We are so happy that you had a wonderful stay at RiverBend Lodge, and Thank you so much for your wonderful review, but mostly for taking the time to give us this feedback.
You, our GUEST are our finger to the pulse of our business and our reviews are noted and taken very seriously indeed. So when our GUESTS love RiverBend as much as we do, it means the world to us.
Please send our regards to the family and let them know we have had some rain (not enough yet) but at least some.
Until we see you again Travel Safely,
Sincerely,
Debbie & The RiverBend Lodge Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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