Outspan Inn
Main Road, Port St Johns 5120 South Africa
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3.5
#1 of 3 guest houses in Port St JohnsLocation
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HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to TGCSA - Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Quaint
Property amenities
Free parking
Pool
Outdoor pool
Free breakfast
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Non-smoking hotel
Location
Main Road, Port St Johns 5120 South Africa
6 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
35Reviews1Q+A8Room tips
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We made a last minute booking with our family of to stay at Outspan Inn between Xmas and New Year. Kathryn Costello was extremely helpful and fitted us into the cottage next to the pool. She warned methat the cottage was her most basic accommodation as the rest of Outspan was full. She was right, it was basic, but it was fine for us. The main lodge looked very comfortable. Our kids camped on the lawn and were happy. The owner John Costello was a very attentive host and is extremely knowledgable about the area in terms of fauna flora, geology, history what to do and where to go etc. He pointed us in the right direction for things to do. John also went out of his way to assist us with all sorts of things including sorting out my tyres, for which I was very grateful.
Port St. Johns itself is in a sad state of disrepair, many of our friends thought we were crazy to go there. This is not an entirely fair reputation. To enjoy the area one must look beyond the town and see all the other beauty which is to be seen - it is abundant!! A sense of adventure and a keen outdoors spirit will ensure a great time there. We would go back and we would do it during the annual sardine run between June and August. That has got the be a bucket list item for anyone keen on wild life. Outspan is centrally situated and is right on the river mouth.
Port St. Johns itself is in a sad state of disrepair, many of our friends thought we were crazy to go there. This is not an entirely fair reputation. To enjoy the area one must look beyond the town and see all the other beauty which is to be seen - it is abundant!! A sense of adventure and a keen outdoors spirit will ensure a great time there. We would go back and we would do it during the annual sardine run between June and August. That has got the be a bucket list item for anyone keen on wild life. Outspan is centrally situated and is right on the river mouth.
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Date of stay: December 2012Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
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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.
My husband and I spent our first night of our Honeymoon at Outspan Inn and it was well worth it!
Kathryn and her team made it very special for us.
We arrived a bit late but the friendly receptionist helped us check in and showed us to our room and Steve's restaurant on the property.
Dinner, lunch or breakfast at Steve's is really a must if you're in Port St. John's!
The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, the shower and bathroom is big and the veranda is great for your morning coffee!
We had a lovely walk on the beach before a delicious breakfast the following morning.
Kathryn is a lovely person and very helpful, she is very knowledgeable about Port St. John's and told us of some lovely places to go during our stay.
My only regret was not booking for a longer stay!!
Kathryn and her team made it very special for us.
We arrived a bit late but the friendly receptionist helped us check in and showed us to our room and Steve's restaurant on the property.
Dinner, lunch or breakfast at Steve's is really a must if you're in Port St. John's!
The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, the shower and bathroom is big and the veranda is great for your morning coffee!
We had a lovely walk on the beach before a delicious breakfast the following morning.
Kathryn is a lovely person and very helpful, she is very knowledgeable about Port St. John's and told us of some lovely places to go during our stay.
My only regret was not booking for a longer stay!!
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Date of stay: April 2014Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
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Room Tip:Â Room 1 was absolutely lovely!
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 spent 1 night at the Outspan Inn. I was travelling with my dad & we each had separate rooms.
Both rooms were clean, comfortable & spacious. We couldn't get the free wifi in our rooms but sat in the lounge & accessed it.
The owner, Kathryn, was delightful, very friendly & really helpful.
We ate dinner & breakfast at Steve's restaurant which is next to the Outspan. Good choice of meals which are tasty & well priced.
Both rooms were clean, comfortable & spacious. We couldn't get the free wifi in our rooms but sat in the lounge & accessed it.
The owner, Kathryn, was delightful, very friendly & really helpful.
We ate dinner & breakfast at Steve's restaurant which is next to the Outspan. Good choice of meals which are tasty & well priced.
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Date of stay: August 2015Trip 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.
+1
Do yourself a favor. Stay somewhere else if you can. Extreme false advertising! The online pictures are very deceiving. It takes forever to get to Port St. John from the N2 highway, but a necessary stop if you don't want to drive too many hours from Durban for that Wild Coast-to-Cape Town road trip experience. Run down, DIRTY, no Air Con, black mold, terrible bed that feel more like cots, furniture looks like it was purchased at a old flea market, towels (if any) are threadbare, no amenities. Pool? If you like lots of green algae and dirt--then this one's for you. Got bitten by some pretty nasty bugs in the room. Should I continue? If you like camping... well, then maybe for 1020 Rand this place might be for you. Was too tired upon arrival to try and find another place at 7pm during high season. Personally, for that kind of money, camping would have been a cheaper and much better option. This place hasn't been updated in many, many years. AND, while your room (and the other rooms are no different), there's a big, beautiful and very expensive helicopter sitting in the middle of the yard that all of the rooms face. Kind of an insult if you think about it... Wonder how many disgruntled customers paid for that thing. Needless to say, those I talked to complained to the owner who happened to be there. I was the only one who made had enough 'clout' (for lack of a better word) to get a full reimbursement... and that was only because I work at an Embassy that has far reaching word-of-mouth effects. My tip to you = don't waste your hard-earned money on this dump. There are a ton of other places to stay in Port St. John. Not sure how bad/good those places are in comparison, but there's gotta be at least one that's a good deal for the money paid. Just to be sure you know I'm not kidding you, take a look at the pictures I've attached of the bathroom... 'Nuf said.
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Date of stay: December 2011Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
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Room Tip:Â READ as many trip reviews as you can online for each place. The real picture starts to form to...
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 are regular visitors to Outspan Inn. We have found the self catering to be quite adequate for our needs. The staff are always helpful & friendly & of course we love the setting. I have featured the establishment and area on my Facebook page South Africa My Best and invite you to view the postings.
Very popular during the Sardine Season in the months of June / July - if you're interested in going out into the ocean to view whales, dolphin etc Port St Johns is the place to be & Outspan Inn is situated right on the river - fabulous, even if you're just an observer like me!
Very popular during the Sardine Season in the months of June / July - if you're interested in going out into the ocean to view whales, dolphin etc Port St Johns is the place to be & Outspan Inn is situated right on the river - fabulous, even if you're just an observer like me!
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Date of stay: July 2014Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
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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.
As soon as you begin to travel in SA, you will notice that all properties have security. Dogs, night guards, locking gates, and/or full fences are the norm; even for the most basic backpackers hostel.
The Outspan Inn was notable for having none of those things.
Lest you think this meant it was safe; we were robbed at knifepoint, the three thugs threatened to murder us and took only our cash. This was on the busiest street in town in broad daylight at the entrance to a very nice resort.
Even more disturbing to me the Outspan Inn's owner's reaction. Barry and Kathryn said there had NEVER been a single crime in Port St Johns before.
That is an outright lie and I am stunned that they said this to me. Google Port St Johns and you will see that not only is robbery common, it is out of control. Entire restaurants have been surrounded and every patron robbed. Tourists have been MURDERED. Not just once, a man was murdered last week and his wife critically injured as the approached the bridge.
AVOID Port St Johns. The violence can happen even when you willingly give up your money. There seems to be true resentment of tourists by some young Pondo men and the seem to take pleasure in inflicting fear and violence.
The most disturbing
The Outspan Inn was notable for having none of those things.
Lest you think this meant it was safe; we were robbed at knifepoint, the three thugs threatened to murder us and took only our cash. This was on the busiest street in town in broad daylight at the entrance to a very nice resort.
Even more disturbing to me the Outspan Inn's owner's reaction. Barry and Kathryn said there had NEVER been a single crime in Port St Johns before.
That is an outright lie and I am stunned that they said this to me. Google Port St Johns and you will see that not only is robbery common, it is out of control. Entire restaurants have been surrounded and every patron robbed. Tourists have been MURDERED. Not just once, a man was murdered last week and his wife critically injured as the approached the bridge.
AVOID Port St Johns. The violence can happen even when you willingly give up your money. There seems to be true resentment of tourists by some young Pondo men and the seem to take pleasure in inflicting fear and violence.
The most disturbing
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Date of stay: March 2011
Value
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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.
Response from kathrynoutspaninn, Owner at Outspan Inn
Responded 14 Apr 2011
Dear Sirs I'm totally confused about this review. None of the comments are true. Other than the fact that you were held up at knife point, which as the writer will recall, and as it states in her statement to the police, that it happened half a kilometre away from us, at the entrance of another guest house. Her quoting of what I supposedly said is also untrue. Why is she trying to hurt Outspan Inn? When you and your husband spoke to me, I said no such thing that there is no crime. But there is very little of it. And yes, I am so sadly aware of Mr Roberts' murder during the hi-jacking on 23 March 2011. If you follow the report on that, you will see that the crime was not perpetrated by Port St Johnians, but by escaped convicts from Mthatha, it was Port St Johns' lousy luck that they came here. Her comments about lack of security and the stabbing outside our premises are a complete lie, and I will appreciate if you remove your review from Trip Advisor. We do have security - we are probably the only guest hose with security men, as opposed to 'watchmen'. Also, if she was at any stage unhappy with our facilities, why did she not check out, instead of staying a second night, or even one night? She was booked into our self catering unit, where budget conscious travelers stay, as opposed to our standard rooms or suites. There was no reason for her to stay, afterall, she only settled their full bill on departure. And on the departure, not a single word was said to me ( I checked them out), about any unhappiness. As a matter of fact, i was very impressed with their attitude to the mugging, which was that they were thankful that they were not hurt, and that more things like phones and cameras had not been stolen. Sincerely yours Kathryn Costello
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed there for only one night and it was ok. The main rooms near the Pool are better but more expensive of course. We had the flat next to the restaurant and it was very noisy. Internet is weak and the facilities are rather poor. But considering Port St Johns they all need a razzmatazz to clean the village and get visitors back. The landscape is spectacular though. Hope they get the turn
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Date of stay: March 2018Trip 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.
Based on ratings received here on TA we decided to stay here.
We had the rustic 2 bedroom cottage which was built at the turn of the previous century.
It is very rustic with a certain charm you would expect, but it included a full kitchen with separate bathroom with shower.
We had the rustic 2 bedroom cottage which was built at the turn of the previous century.
It is very rustic with a certain charm you would expect, but it included a full kitchen with separate bathroom with shower.
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Date of stay: April 2015Trip 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.
When you go on location for a long period of time on a shoot that involves spending long hours at sea, you dont want your accommodation letting you down when you get back in. This is why I will always base myself at the Outspan Inn when I come to Port St Johns. It is perfectly situated close to the river mouth but not too too close that its cold at night, has spacious grounds and rooms, and a very attentive staff who make the experience that much more personal and enjoyable. For me its a cultivated oasis with an old world charm that I call my home away from home in Port St Johns.
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Date of stay: June 2012Trip 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.
I have to say I'm very biased toward this b&b. I've been coming here for the last 9 years annually and stay a month each time to enjoy chasing schooling fish.
This is a wonderful place, quiet and well maintained. My room is well decorated and the staff are honest and great.
I've stayed at a couple of other places in PSJ 9 years ago and found the Outspan to be perfect for my purpose of holidaying in a quiet environment, with easy access to the town and sea.
The Costellos, who run the place are the loveliest people and the most wonderful hosts. I cannot ask for anything more in a B&B.
I've stayed in ultra modern hotels and if PSJ had one, I'd still pick the Outspan because it's like home, which is the point of a B&B!
That said, there are various levels of rooms and I stay in the nicest rooms. The budget rooms are more spartan, but that's why they are called fishermen's cabins etc. Eskom also periodically has creates power shortages due to the power situation in South Africa and the Outspan has no backup generator.
PSJ is one of the most beautiful places in South Africa and the Outspan Inn for me is the best place to enjoy it from.
This is a wonderful place, quiet and well maintained. My room is well decorated and the staff are honest and great.
I've stayed at a couple of other places in PSJ 9 years ago and found the Outspan to be perfect for my purpose of holidaying in a quiet environment, with easy access to the town and sea.
The Costellos, who run the place are the loveliest people and the most wonderful hosts. I cannot ask for anything more in a B&B.
I've stayed in ultra modern hotels and if PSJ had one, I'd still pick the Outspan because it's like home, which is the point of a B&B!
That said, there are various levels of rooms and I stay in the nicest rooms. The budget rooms are more spartan, but that's why they are called fishermen's cabins etc. Eskom also periodically has creates power shortages due to the power situation in South Africa and the Outspan has no backup generator.
PSJ is one of the most beautiful places in South Africa and the Outspan Inn for me is the best place to enjoy it from.
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Date of stay: June 2012Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Choose the rooms in the main building. In winter, the upper rooms are warmer but the lower rooms...
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.
Hello, thank-you for the enquiry.
I do have availability. Would you please contact our office? outspan at wildcoast co(mpany) South \africa
Regards
Kathryn
"One has the choice of B&B or self catering in a larger space. I recommend the latter for longer stays. The grocery shop is a short walk."Read full review
LOCATION
South AfricaEastern CapePort St Johns
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
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Frequently Asked Questions about Outspan Inn
Which popular attractions are close to Outspan Inn?
Nearby attractions include Silaka Nature Reserve (4.8 km), Dwesa Nature Reserve (4.4 km), and Poenskop Beach (3.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Outspan Inn?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Outspan Inn?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Outspan Inn?
Conveniently located restaurants include Steve's Pub & Restaurant, The Waterfront, and Cafe 167.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Outspan Inn?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Is Outspan Inn located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.09 km away from the centre of Port St Johns.
Are pets allowed at Outspan Inn?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.