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Brackens

20 Nqutu Road Albany, Hillcrest 3610 South Africa
Room & Suite (17)
Pool & Beach (3)

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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.

About

#3 of 8 guest houses in Hillcrest
Location
Service
Value
At the Brackens, we aim to provide comfortable accommodation in individually styled rooms in relaxing surroundings. Unwind by relaxing around the pool or take stroll or run around the leafy neighbourhood. Your hosts, James and Barbara, will assist you in selecting restaurants and other attractions from the excellent range of shops, and activities in the area. We have a number of great natural attractions such as Krantzkloof and Shongweni Nature Reserves as well as Inanda Dam. The popular Saturday's Shongweni Market and the "1000 Hills Experience" with its Zulu culture, arts and crafts are always a great drawcard to visitors . Brackens is within walking distance of the Old Main Road, the route used by the thousands of Comrades runners and Amashova Shova cyclists. With easy access to both N3 and M13 and situated midway between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, it is the ideal stop-over for business and holiday travellers alike.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Golf course
Airport transportation
BBQ facilities
Non-smoking hotel
Wifi
Outdoor pool
Special diet menus
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Housekeeping
Iron
Refrigerator
Electric blanket
Complimentary toiletries
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
Languages Spoken
English, Zulu

Location

20 Nqutu Road Albany, Hillcrest 3610 South Africa
Brackens
11Reviews0Q+A2Room tips
Traveller rating
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Kerry B wrote a review Feb 2023
London, United Kingdom2 contributions
Excellent accommodation and a very relaxed atmosphere! I had come over to Hillcrest from the UK to visit my very ill mother and brother. A very difficult trip indeed, however James, Wendy and the team were there to offer support and a wonderful base for me to unwind after several very difficult visits to the family! Thank you so much for everything! Excellent breakfast Excellent accommodation, Excellent service And Excellent customer service! Kerry
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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.
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Response from James McCall, Owner at Brackens
Responded 09 Feb 2023
Hi Kerry, Thank you for sharing our place with us and the heartwarming comments. We so loved meeting you and sharing both our setups with family members in similar situation. We admire your love, care and concern for your brother and mother. you are truly remarkable lady James, Wendy and the Brackens pets
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Warren O wrote a review Jun 2019
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa13 contributions9 helpful votes
Spent 1 night. The room was comfortable, well proportioned. Gas geysers mean that the hot water is a little difficult to manage but we were told about this as we checked in and it did not prove to be a problem. Breakfast was delicious. Only one complaint is that the plates were cold.
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Date of stay: June 2019Trip type: Travelled on business
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.
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Karin K wrote a review Oct 2017
Stellenbosch, South Africa185 contributions35 helpful votes
If you are looking for a place to sleep safely and comfortably, as well as have friendly staff and a decent breakfast, then this guesthouse will suit you well. If you are looking for five star luxury accommodation, then you will not be satisfied. You get what you pay for. I would stay here again.
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Date of stay: October 2017Trip type: Travelled on business
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.
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Plus Dog wrote a review Jun 2017
10 contributions1 helpful vote
Our Flyball team from Johannesburg/Pretoria visited KZN for some shows at Shongweni. We were warmly welcomed by our host James, who went out of his way for some VERY late arrivals (caught by a road closure on Van Reenens pass). The rooms were pleasant with nice homely touches. The spacious verandah with its occasional seating was a great gathering place for the team, and an early cold spell really made us appreciate the electric blankets in our rooms! The location is close to some very nice restaurants, and James had fantastic insider knowledge on where to go! This wasn't my first trip to the Brackens, and it definitely won't be my last!
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Date of stay: May 2017
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: If you want seclusion and LOTS of space, ask for the room at the end of the garden.
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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.
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Tim B wrote a review Feb 2017
7 contributions1 helpful vote
I was on a last minute trip to KZN and owner James accommodated me. Room was welcoming and comfortable. Breakfasts were sufficient. I will be staying at Brackens again when I am in the Hillcrest area in the future.
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Date of stay: February 2017Trip type: Travelled on business
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.
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Response from JamesMcCall, Owner at Brackens
Responded 26 Mar 2017
Hi Tim, Thank you for staying with us. It was a pleasure meeting you and would be great to see you again in the future. Enjoy the rest of 2017 James
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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boereprincess wrote a review Jun 2016
4 contributions
The room was dirty - dirt on the walls and floor. The towels had holes in them and were not changed for the 3 nights that I stayed there. The breakfast tasted like it had been on offer all week - the fruit salad was old on the first morning but then was served again the next morning (same fruit salad). The shower was blocked. The hairdryer was sticky. I was very unimpressed by the whole experience.
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Date of stay: June 2016
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled on business
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.
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sonja_nie wrote a review Apr 2015
Krugersdorp, South Africa1 contribution
We needed a place to stay for 3 nights close to Kearsney College, and found "The Brackens", where we had a lovely, homely stay. James, is a very kind and accommodating host, that will go the extra mile for his guests. The staff is friendly. The rooms, bedding and towels were clean, and the bathroom facilities a pleasure to use. The breakfast was excellent and very well priced.
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Date of stay: April 2015
Rooms
Location
Service
Trip 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.
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Sarah W wrote a review Apr 2015
Johannesburg3 contributions1 helpful vote
My family and I have just stayed at Brackens as we had a wedding in the area. We were also stuck at the last minute for accommodation and James at Brackens helped us straight away. After a long drive from Joburg, what lovely warm welcome with drinks and sandwiches offered and everyone was so warm and friendly - we really did feel very at home straight away. Brackens is a little gem in Hillcrest - and James the perfect host. thank you!!!
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Date of stay: March 2015
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: We stayed in the family cottage - lovely.
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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.
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YallaYallaHotel wrote a review Jan 2015
Emalahleni, South Africa3 contributions1 helpful vote
Very friendly owner , James. We were greeted at the gate all smiles. Felt at home right away. Easy accessible and central located only few minutes drive form south and east coast... Will visit again..
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Date of stay: December 2014
Rooms
Location
Service
Trip 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.
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Sharon W wrote a review Nov 2014
Durban, South Africa4 contributions8 helpful votes
We had booked at a nearby bed and breakfast and our room w as double booked, and Brackens assisted us immediately. We were greeted warmly and the rooms were beautiful, and had snacks available which were most welcome after our drive. Highly recommended.
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Date of stay: November 2014
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip 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.
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Response from JamesMcCall, Owner at Brackens
Responded 03 Nov 2014
Thank you guys, we are always happy to help out when one is out in the cold. Enjoy the balancee of the year. James and Barbara
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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PRICE RANGE
R 1,339 - R 1,377 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaKwaZulu-NatalHillcrest
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
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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BRACKENS - Guesthouse Reviews & Price Comparison (Hillcrest, South Africa) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Brackens
Which popular attractions are close to Brackens?
Nearby attractions include The Valley of a 1000 Hills (1.0 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Brackens?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
What food & drink options are available at Brackens?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Brackens?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Brackens?
Conveniently located restaurants include Mozambik Hillcrest, Stretta, and Q4 Prawns Steaks & Sushi Restaurant.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Brackens?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Brackens have airport transportation?
Yes, Brackens offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Brackens?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Brackens?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Zulu.
Are there any historical sites close to Brackens?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Inchanga Railway Station (11.8 km).