Van Zijl Guesthouse
Neethling Street, Nieuwoudtville South Africa
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About
#6 of 6 guest houses in Nieuwoudtville
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Value
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See why so many travellers make Van Zijl Guesthouse their guest house of choice when visiting Nieuwoudtville. Providing an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience, it offers a budget friendly setting with an array of amenities designed for travellers like you.
You’ll enjoy relaxing rooms that offer a kitchenette, bringing comfort and convenience to your visit.
Plus, Van Zijl Guesthouse offers an on-site restaurant, providing a pleasant respite from your busy day.
Should time allow, NG Kerk Nieuwoudtville is a popular attraction that is within walking distance.
At Van Zijl Guesthouse, your comfort and satisfaction come first, and they look forward to welcoming you to Nieuwoudtville.
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Neethling Street, Nieuwoudtville South Africa
2 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
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Detailed Reviews
In Nieuwoudtville to see wild flowers, for which the area is renowned, we enquired about the best locations at the Information Centre in the Van Zijl Guesthouse reception. It also serves as a coffee shop / restaurant.
Not only was the person at the desk not overly friendly, but we also had a nasty surprise. When given the menu for a light meal, we walked straight out! This was on account of the exorbitant prices. A chicken pie was listed at R130 and a tuna sandwich at R90.
(Compare these prices with R30 - R40 in similar establishments throughout South Africa).
That anybody could fleece guests in this manner, even considering the captive market during two months in early spring when the wild flowers bloom in those parts, is criminal.
Our family, for one, would not consider eating or staying at this establishment, ever. At least, until such time as the owners come to their senses.
Not only was the person at the desk not overly friendly, but we also had a nasty surprise. When given the menu for a light meal, we walked straight out! This was on account of the exorbitant prices. A chicken pie was listed at R130 and a tuna sandwich at R90.
(Compare these prices with R30 - R40 in similar establishments throughout South Africa).
That anybody could fleece guests in this manner, even considering the captive market during two months in early spring when the wild flowers bloom in those parts, is criminal.
Our family, for one, would not consider eating or staying at this establishment, ever. At least, until such time as the owners come to their senses.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2018Trip type: Travelled with family
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: We have no experience of the rooms, as we only wanted a light lunch at the restaurant
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at the Waenhuis. It was mostly clean and neat, but stank of cigarettes. The owner was not in town this time, but on previous a visit he was very knowlegable and helpful. The area ia well worth a visit even out of flower season.
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Date of stay: May 2013
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a great place to be during flower season and there are unexpected finds even during April.The guest cottage that we stayed in was very clean and had all that we rquired. But the bed was the hardest and most uncomfortable I have ever slept in. Breakfasts were a disappointment and I suggest that future guests take provisions and make their own meals. The cottages are not serviced.
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Date of stay: April 2012Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The owner was extremely rude with us. I have been in the hospitality industry for more than 30 years and never, ever all over the world, have I been treated with such fowl language and disrespect, only because we did not arrive between 14:00 and 15:00 as we stated upon reservation. We phoned 14:30 to say that we will be late. We pre-booked for dinner. I asked if we could come for dinner upon arrival at 19:30 and was told in offensive language that restaurant will already be closed by then - yes at 19:30. I then asked if we could have lamb chops for the four of us and again I was told, who do I think I am to order chops, as the owner said he refuses to prepare chops on a Sunday night. We asked what he can prepare for us, no answer. I asked if they serve leg of lamb and ordered 4 plates of traditional leg of lamb. Upon arrival 4 plates of inferior quality and definitely not traditional fare and no value for money awaited us on the kitchen table with a salad. We used the microwave to heat the food, for which we prepaid. Avoid at all Moreson at all cost. P.S. The house in a shrine for the owner. Loads and loads of photos of his life achievements.
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Date of stay: April 2018Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If you are visiting Namakwaland to see the flowers, it is a trick to find acoommodation. During week-ends the popular places are booked long in advance. If you live in CT you wait for perfect weather and start driving whenever it fits in with the rest of your life. Surprise to find this lovely guesthouse, we stayed in Hendrikshof, plus the bonus of a restaurant that served the best lamb shank i had in my entire life.
Flowers, more or less, is an extra and you never know what you are getting. Like opening a lucky packet , you drive around on the sandy roads, but at least you can come back to the warm and cozy sandstone cottage that is Hendrikshof and look forward to another hearty meal in front of a fire at Smitswinkel Restaurant.
Flowers, more or less, is an extra and you never know what you are getting. Like opening a lucky packet , you drive around on the sandy roads, but at least you can come back to the warm and cozy sandstone cottage that is Hendrikshof and look forward to another hearty meal in front of a fire at Smitswinkel Restaurant.
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Date of stay: September 2016Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our party of 6 were booked into Hendikshof cottage. A marvelous old renovated 3 bed roomed house with wonderful attention to detail with great touches of local history and memorabilia. Three very friendly peacocks added to the charm in the ramshackle back garden of the cottage.
We could have self catered but decided to eat the Smitswinkel Restaurant, a simple but lovingly prepared meal that rounded off a wonderful day of flower hunting. We'll be back thank you
We could have self catered but decided to eat the Smitswinkel Restaurant, a simple but lovingly prepared meal that rounded off a wonderful day of flower hunting. We'll be back thank you
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Date of stay: September 2014Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed in the Waenhuis. It is what it is - no airs and graces. Clean and functional. Good heating for the winter and electric blankets which were welcome. Plenty of space. We thought it was a good base from which to explore the flowers and value for money. The flowers were fabulous.
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Date of stay: August 2013Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Whatever you do do not get accommodated in the loft room above the Smitswinkel restaurant which is part of the Van Zijl guesthouse complex. Two seniors were checked in there only to find that to reach our room we had to climb a nearly vertical set of steps. Once at the top the security gate opens outwards resulting in a severe lack of balance. Inside the room is like a storeroom with a collection of odd goods stored there. The bathroom is screened off from the room by a curtain. The noise from the lounge and restaurant below permeate up to the room above. NONE of this was explained to us when we booked. Really bad on the part of the owner.
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Date of stay: September 2012Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Dont stay in the loft
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I felt lucky to find van Zijls guesthouse. It is unpretentious yet richly interesting. Beautiful dining space where guest gather and lots of information in books and maps about the area. Amazing food!
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Date of stay: September 2019Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Booked Hendrikshof and Moreson in May 2018 for 7 to 9 people for the last weekend in October. Paid in full when I made the booking and re-confirmed booking telephonically on 19 October 2018.
What a disappointment our accommodation was. Upon our arrival we stopped immediately to collect keys, and although the lady in the restaurant was quite friendly, the same could not be said of the man (presumably the owner – he didn’t introduce himself) It felt as if I was doing him a favour to leave. He also appeared a bit irritated to give us directions to guesthouses. We did not have any meals in their restaurant.
In Moreson we found numerous dead flies in windowsills – to me a clear indication that no-one checked the house before our arrival. The toilet was also running continuously – fortunately it could be temporarily repaired by someone in our group: once again an indication that the house wasn’t checked before our arrival. The toilet still needs to be fixed: one would think that in a water scarce area like Nieuwoudtville, such a task would be a priority.
The complimentary jars of teabags and sugar were also closer to empty than what we expected (4 teabags and about a quarter of sugar in about a 175g jar)
Another complaint about Moreson is that there are, in the room to the right of the bathroom, no space in the cupboard to hang clothes on a hanger. As we were attending a wedding we really wanted to hang out clothes to prevent unnecessary creasing as we didn’t see an iron and ironing board in the house. The cupboard in said room had ample shelves, and a nail in the wall with one coat hanger.
When we phoned about the air conditioning not working, we were told that it doesn’t work. It is strange, seeing that locals know how hot it can become in summer months (incidentally it was an extremely hot weekend: temperatures of 38 to 42 degrees were measured by us). If you know the air con is on the blink, why not provide the house(s) with fans? Surely the comfort of your guest should be important?
Hendrikshof was, although it is a beautiful old house with lots of character, a disappointment too.
The AA advertising board in front of the house boasts “air-conditioned accommodation”. That, sadly, is not the whole truth. As you stand on the stoep at the front door, the gap between wall and aircon unit to the right has been invaded by birds and years’ worth of nests, thereby surely restricting airflow and optimum working of said unit. There are 3 units installed. We later worked out that one of these units cause the electricity to trip on the distribution board. When we phoned about it, we were told that we never specified that we request air-conditioned accommodation. Fortunately one capable person in our group was able to bypass this problem for the duration of our stay.
There were dirty marks on walls (looked like bird poo), also numerous old, dusty spider webs were to be seen. Also a clear indication that the pre-occupation inspection was not thorough. The small tin of insect spray was about a fifth full, but the battle against flies, spiders, mosquitoes and other flying pests were continuous. We went out and bought another tin of Doom for both Moreson and Hendrikshof. I also find it strange that houses are not equipped with plug in mosquito repellent units in every room. Alternatively, but not as safe, would be citronella candles to repel insects.
The bedside lamp switch in the room with the double bed needed some wiggling before staying on and when I wanted to open the drawer, I ended up with the knob in my hand and the drawer still shut.
Really didn't like all the personal photographs on the walls: it felt like we were watched constantly. I am of the opinion that you should keep family matters, like photos, private, not decorate a guesthouse with it.
There was a thick-ish blanket as well as a duvet on the beds. Clearly the house linen was still in place for winter conditions – once again an indication that house was not properly inspected/prepared before we arrived.
Although Hendrikshof can accommodate up to six people, there were only 2 sharp knives to be found. The one with the black handle (the plastic part of handle was broken on one side) would break completely if something tough would have to be cut and the blade was bent to one side, making cutting straight impossible.
The other knife was a steak knife with a brown handle. The lack of sharp knives made me wonder how meals would proceed – maybe one is expected to eat “braaivleis” with your hands, or that the available one should be sent around, each person getting his five minutes with the knife to cut food?
I would also like to suggest that a small kitchen cloth (nat lappie) be provided. There were ample dish cloths for drying dishes but nothing to wipe, for example, the kitchen table, with.
All in all I don’t think I will be staying in any of the van Zijl guesthouses if I can help it. I will not recommend anyone to stay there either.
Elizabeth K
What a disappointment our accommodation was. Upon our arrival we stopped immediately to collect keys, and although the lady in the restaurant was quite friendly, the same could not be said of the man (presumably the owner – he didn’t introduce himself) It felt as if I was doing him a favour to leave. He also appeared a bit irritated to give us directions to guesthouses. We did not have any meals in their restaurant.
In Moreson we found numerous dead flies in windowsills – to me a clear indication that no-one checked the house before our arrival. The toilet was also running continuously – fortunately it could be temporarily repaired by someone in our group: once again an indication that the house wasn’t checked before our arrival. The toilet still needs to be fixed: one would think that in a water scarce area like Nieuwoudtville, such a task would be a priority.
The complimentary jars of teabags and sugar were also closer to empty than what we expected (4 teabags and about a quarter of sugar in about a 175g jar)
Another complaint about Moreson is that there are, in the room to the right of the bathroom, no space in the cupboard to hang clothes on a hanger. As we were attending a wedding we really wanted to hang out clothes to prevent unnecessary creasing as we didn’t see an iron and ironing board in the house. The cupboard in said room had ample shelves, and a nail in the wall with one coat hanger.
When we phoned about the air conditioning not working, we were told that it doesn’t work. It is strange, seeing that locals know how hot it can become in summer months (incidentally it was an extremely hot weekend: temperatures of 38 to 42 degrees were measured by us). If you know the air con is on the blink, why not provide the house(s) with fans? Surely the comfort of your guest should be important?
Hendrikshof was, although it is a beautiful old house with lots of character, a disappointment too.
The AA advertising board in front of the house boasts “air-conditioned accommodation”. That, sadly, is not the whole truth. As you stand on the stoep at the front door, the gap between wall and aircon unit to the right has been invaded by birds and years’ worth of nests, thereby surely restricting airflow and optimum working of said unit. There are 3 units installed. We later worked out that one of these units cause the electricity to trip on the distribution board. When we phoned about it, we were told that we never specified that we request air-conditioned accommodation. Fortunately one capable person in our group was able to bypass this problem for the duration of our stay.
There were dirty marks on walls (looked like bird poo), also numerous old, dusty spider webs were to be seen. Also a clear indication that the pre-occupation inspection was not thorough. The small tin of insect spray was about a fifth full, but the battle against flies, spiders, mosquitoes and other flying pests were continuous. We went out and bought another tin of Doom for both Moreson and Hendrikshof. I also find it strange that houses are not equipped with plug in mosquito repellent units in every room. Alternatively, but not as safe, would be citronella candles to repel insects.
The bedside lamp switch in the room with the double bed needed some wiggling before staying on and when I wanted to open the drawer, I ended up with the knob in my hand and the drawer still shut.
Really didn't like all the personal photographs on the walls: it felt like we were watched constantly. I am of the opinion that you should keep family matters, like photos, private, not decorate a guesthouse with it.
There was a thick-ish blanket as well as a duvet on the beds. Clearly the house linen was still in place for winter conditions – once again an indication that house was not properly inspected/prepared before we arrived.
Although Hendrikshof can accommodate up to six people, there were only 2 sharp knives to be found. The one with the black handle (the plastic part of handle was broken on one side) would break completely if something tough would have to be cut and the blade was bent to one side, making cutting straight impossible.
The other knife was a steak knife with a brown handle. The lack of sharp knives made me wonder how meals would proceed – maybe one is expected to eat “braaivleis” with your hands, or that the available one should be sent around, each person getting his five minutes with the knife to cut food?
I would also like to suggest that a small kitchen cloth (nat lappie) be provided. There were ample dish cloths for drying dishes but nothing to wipe, for example, the kitchen table, with.
All in all I don’t think I will be staying in any of the van Zijl guesthouses if I can help it. I will not recommend anyone to stay there either.
Elizabeth K
Read more
Date of stay: October 2018Trip type: Travelled with family
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
"We have no experience of the rooms, as we only wanted a light lunch at the restaurant"Read full review
LOCATION
South AfricaNorthern CapeNieuwoudtville
NUMBER OF ROOMS
21
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Van Zijl Guesthouse
Which popular attractions are close to Van Zijl Guesthouse?
Nearby attractions include Hantam National Botanical Garden (5.8 km), Nieuwoudtville Waterfall (6.2 km), and NG Kerk Nieuwoudtville (0.01 km).
What food & drink options are available at Van Zijl Guesthouse?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant during their stay.
Is Van Zijl Guesthouse located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.8 km away from the centre of Nieuwoudtville.