The Bethesda

The Bethesda

317 Martin Street, Nieu-Bethesda 6286 South Africa
On the porch
Traveller (83)
The verandah is a great place to watch the world go by
Room & Suite (26)
Pizza is made on site.
Dining (7)
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

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Avg. R 1,161 /night, 2/8 - 2/9
R 1,290
per night
R 1,216
per night
R 1,142
per night

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About

#1 of 6 B&Bs in Nieu-Bethesda
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Value
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The Bethesda, set in the heart of Nieu-Bethesda village, offers luxury accommodation. Comfort and detail are of the utmost importance with extra length king size beds, crisp white percale linen and plush towels and quality amenities. Our team is ready to welcome and serve guests with warm Karoo hospitality.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Bar / lounge
Hiking
Bowling offsite
Books, DVDs, music for children
Children's playground
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Patio
Tennis court offsite
Board games / puzzles
Kids' outdoor play equipment
Baggage storage
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
First aid kit
Umbrella
Laundry service
Shoeshine
Room features
Blackout curtains
Bathrobes
Desk
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Coffee / tea maker
Extra long beds
Walk-in shower
Safe
Seating area
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Private bathrooms
Tile / marble floor
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Refrigerator
Electric kettle
Electric blanket
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Trendy
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans

Location

317 Martin Street, Nieu-Bethesda 6286 South Africa
Traveller rating
  • 140
  • 10
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
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Detailed Reviews
905charles wrote a review Feb 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The Bethesda BnB guesthouse is conveniently situated near the centre of NB so it was an easy walk to view the sights and have a delicious lamb stew at nearby Inn . The house is big and beautifully decorated and our hosts Carla and Ludewyk welcoming and informative. Our room, with en suite bathroom ( complete with gorgeous Art Deco bath tub) was comfortable and had everything we needed .
We chose to have the breakfast the next morning which was delicious but we felt slightly overpriced for the offering . I ended up purchasing a couple of their vintage pieces that for sale in the dining room !
All in all a very pleasant stay and will definitely re-visit .
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep 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.
Response from Carla Smit, Owner at The Bethesda
Responded 12 Mar 2024
Charles, Thank you for your gracious, kind review. It was an honour to host you. Thank YOU for choosing us. We would love to welcome you back to our village. Karoo regards, Ludolf & Carla
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JIS_2 wrote a review Dec 2023
London, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We spent two nights at The Bethesda, as a stay over on a pre-Xmas road trip to the coast, our visit was well worth the detour.

The Bethesda is situated close to the Owl House and other attractions, Carla and Ludolf have created a colourful oasis with spacious rooms and communal areas to relax; we were well fed at Bruno's, the restaurant onsite. The guesthouse is efficiently managed, with solar power and sustainable use of water, and the staff are welcoming.

Hoping to return someday 🦉 🏜️

Driaan & Jess
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Date of stay: December 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
Response from Carla Smit, Owner at The Bethesda
Responded 19 Dec 2023
Good day, What an honour to host you and to receive such a kind review as a bonus. Thank YOU for choosing our guesthouse for your stay in our charming village. We appreciate you taking the time to write such a lovely review. Karoo greetings, Ludolf & Carla
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brian S wrote a review Jan 2023
Johannesburg, South Africa
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
There is very little one can add to the glowing reviews deservedly received by Carla and Ludolf for their excellent guesthouse. Their attention to every possible detail is beyond compare, and the whole setting is truly wonderful. Hearing one's every footstep on the original, creaking old wooden floors takes one back to childhood; every view through to the wisteria draped stoep, a wide and cool space, is delightful. The old cupboards and other antique furniture are all lovely to look at. No false notes.
Before arrival, Carla sends her guests a whole lot of important info thru WhatsApp about the roads to Nieu-Bethesda and other matters; upon arrival, she sits you down in the green chair and gives a full breakdown of what there is to do in the village, with an easy and interesting map. The rooms are beautiful in the typical old fashioned Karoo tradition but with modern comforts and convenience. The tea and coffee tray atop the fridge in each room is designed for all tastes: filter coffee, rusks, chocolates, even a flask. My bathroom was beautifully done, with no fewer than three real pot plants, a beautiful mosaic floor alternating with the old wood, great shower and bath with quality linen all sparklingky clean and crisp.
Breakfast was excellent too, served in the charming pizzeria, and it was no trouble to have it served a little earlier than usual. Excellent value at R1 130, single, B&B.
The only drawback was the intense heat, reaching a peak of 40° in the late afternoon. With loadshedding, one couldn't always use the ceiling fan. But this of course is not the fault of the guesthouse: Nieu-Bethesda is well known for its extremes of temperature. In spring or autumn these things will not matter.
Do stay here when you go! You will love it.
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip 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.
Response from Carla Smit, Owner at The Bethesda
Responded 24 Jan 2023
Dear Brian, Thank you for choosing The Bethesda – we feel honoured that we could host you. We appreciate you taking the time to write a kind review – thank YOU! We are working on loadshedding alternatives. Thank you for bearing with us. We would love to welcome you back to our village. Karoo greetings, Ludolf & Carla
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Freedom53558979369 wrote a review Apr 2022
5.0 of 5 bubbles
If you need to get away from it all, this the place to visit. Quaintness and quality all wrapped up in one package! Even though the building and location is over a century old, the rooms offer superb comfort and are absolutely spotless. Carla delivers hospitality with a capital 'H'.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: April 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep 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.
Response from Carla Smit, Owner at The Bethesda
Responded 07 Sept 2022
Good day, Thank you for choosing The Bethesda – we feel honoured that we could host you. We appreciate you taking the time to write a kind review – thank YOU! We would love to welcome you back to our village. Karoo greetings, Ludolf & Carla
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ilonka wrote a review Jan 2025
Johannesburg, South Africa
5.0 of 5 bubbles
What a gem of a guesthouse! Very welcoming hosts, fantastic facilities and a beautiful building and setting. We were sent all the required information beforehand iro the roads, map of the town, suggested restaurants and were even given a tip that there was a great musician playing at the local pub on the night of our stay (which turned out to be a fabulous evening spent with the locals and visitors). Highly recommend The Bethesda!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep 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.
jdewin357932 wrote a review Sept 2023
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The Bethesda is an absolute gem. Beautiful home. Luxury bedrooms and the bathrooms are just the best. Our hosts Carla and Ludolf are fabulous. While enjoying a very welcome sherry, Carla took us thru the town layout and “must see spots”. The following morning we enjoyed a most scrumptious breakfast (included in the price). If you’re visiting Nieu Bethesda, this is your spot.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: September 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep 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.
Response from Carla Smit, Owner at The Bethesda
Responded 01 Oct 2023
Good day, Thank you for your gracious, kind review. It was an honour to host you. Thank YOU for choosing us. We would love to welcome you back to our village. Karoo regards, Ludolf & Carla
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
timsharks12 wrote a review Feb 2023
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
5.0 of 5 bubbles
It's almost impossible for words to do The Bethesda justice! This magnificent home has been modernised beautifully with every attention to detail yet not detracting from the original historical authenticity. Comfy beds and lovely linen add to the ambience and the gardens full of blooming roses are a joy to wake up to in the morning! As is the lovely deep stoep that you can spend hours on ,relaxing with a book or a cold glass of wine whilst smelling the perfume that the roses emit! The best part though is that you need not climb in your car at all- every attraction is withing walking distance from the guesthouse and you can wander around the village and discover all the quirky shops,galleries and eateries that each have their own story to tell. Brunos at The Bethesda is such a welcome add on so that you have a wonderful dinner option right outside in the back garden- they serve world class pizza and the Karoo meal of the day is an absolute must have as well! Carla is a passionate and wonderfully warm person who is a fabulous hostess- she gives each guest a full rundown and a map of what to do and what to see! I cannot recommend the Bethesda highly enough! Thank you Carla and Ludolph for an amazing stay
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
Response from Carla Smit, Owner at The Bethesda
Responded 07 Feb 2023
Good day, Thank you for your gracious, kind review. Most appreciated. It was an absolute honour to host you. Thank YOU for choosing us. We would love to welcome you back to our village. Karoo regards, Ludolf & Carla
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tracey L wrote a review Oct 2024
Johannesburg, South Africa
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed at the Bethesda for two nights. What a treat to feel so at home in the heart of the beautiful Karoo. We had odd weather as it was cold and raining so we had to spend more time at the B&B. The place is so warm ( even an electrical blanket) , the linen crisp and fresh, the styling luxurious , tasteful and homely. The breakfast in the morning was perfect Nothing seemed like it was too much of a problem for any one of the staff
The location is so brilliant. Everything you need : dinner, the Owl house, galleries and a fun bar called Boeties bar is a three/ five minute walk from the front door. I loved my stay and can’t wait to go back in May and then again and again.
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Date of stay: October 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: Don’t think the Karoo is always warm. It can get pretty cold even in late spring.
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.
Response from Carla Smit, Owner at The Bethesda
Responded 27 Nov 2024
Good day, Thank you for choosing The Bethesda – we feel honoured that we could host you. We appreciate you taking the time to write a kind review – thank YOU! We would love to welcome you back to our village. Karoo greetings, Ludolf & Carla
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
fiffe wrote a review Aug 2024
Cape Town Central, South Africa
5.0 of 5 bubbles
From the moment you walk through the doors you are greeted by an atmosphere of refined charm that transports you to a bygone era, yet with every modern convenience you could wish for.
The rooms are beautifully furnished and the attention to detail is impeccable đź‘Ś it is clear the owners have gone to great lengths to preserve its character while incorporating modern touches to enhance the overall experience.
This guesthouse offers a luxurious accommodation at very reasonable rates. I highly recommend that you book your next getaway at this gem as soon as you can.
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Free off-street parking is available. Each room has doors leading outside to their own...
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.
Response from Carla Smit, Owner at The Bethesda
Responded 20 Aug 2024
Good day, What an honour to host you and to receive such a kind review as a bonus. Thank YOU for choosing our guesthouse for your stay in our charming village. We appreciate you taking the time to write such a lovely review. Karoo greetings, Ludolf & Carla
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Matthew C wrote a review Oct 2023
5.0 of 5 bubbles
You can't fault The Bethesda! From the warmth and hospitality of hosts Ludolph and Carla, to the character and charm of this beautiful Karoo homestead, you are guaranteed loads of comfort, a great location in the centre of the village and so much attention to details. This is THE spot to stay on your next Nieu-Bethesda visit.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2023Trip 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.
Response from Carla Smit, Owner at The Bethesda
Responded 24 Oct 2023
Dear Matthew, Thank you for choosing The Bethesda – we feel honoured that we could host you. We appreciate you taking the time to write a kind review – thank YOU! We would love to welcome you back to our village. Karoo greetings, Ludolf & Carla
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Tracey L wrote a tip Oct 2024
Johannesburg, South Africa65 contributions18 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Don’t think the Karoo is always warm. It can get pretty cold even in late spring. "
Read full review
Beth L wrote a tip Sept 2024
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"The tarred road option to get to Nieu-Bethesda from the highway is the better one. Definitely worth the drive of 30kms."
Read full review
fiffe wrote a tip Aug 2024
Cape Town Central, South Africa2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Free off-street parking is available. Each room has doors leading outside to their own patio. There are countless attractions in the surrounding areas."
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Ras R wrote a tip Aug 2024
8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"In the centre of this beautiful karoo town, in one of the village's renovated historic houses. Parking under a 100 year old willow tree "
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Mark H wrote a tip Feb 2024
Faringdon, England, United Kingdom11 contributions3 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Ask to visit the cellar"
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Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Nieu-Bethesda area.
PRICE RANGE
R 1,013 - R 1,161 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaEastern CapeNieu-Bethesda
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
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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THE BETHESDA - UPDATED 2025 B&B Reviews & Price Comparison (Nieu-Bethesda, South Africa)

Frequently Asked Questions about The Bethesda
Which popular attractions are close to The Bethesda?
Nearby attractions include The Owl House (0.2 km), Bushman Heritage Museum (0.2 km), and Nieu Bethesda Church (0.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Bethesda?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at The Bethesda?
Top room amenities include a refrigerator, blackout curtains, and a desk.
What food & drink options are available at The Bethesda?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at The Bethesda?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Bethesda?
Conveniently located restaurants include Stirlings@The Ibis, Die Waenhuis Restaurant, and Bruno's At The Bethesda.
Are pets allowed at The Bethesda?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at The Bethesda?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Afrikaans.
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