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.
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.
Exquisite views over the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Site, an area rich in history and adventure, makes The Nest Hotel a unique and much loved destination for so many tourists and families from far flung places. ESCAPE FROM THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE Set in acres of beautiful park-like gardens, our rooms offer a peaceful escape from busy city life. All rooms are neatly appointed and comfy, with bath/shower and toilet en suite, radio, telephone, coffee/tea making facility. HEARTY COUNTRY CUISINE One of the few Resort Hotels offering a sumptuous Table d’Hote included in your tariff. Wholesome multi-course traditional dinners, full hearty breakfasts, a la carte lunches and morning and afternoon teas.
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.
Easy to get to on tarred roads this gem of an old fashioned hotel was exactly the place for our fiftieth wedding anniversary. Joined by family from all over we had the best week ever. Our group starred with 13 and stretched to 25...and we all agreed The Nest was brilliant. Great staff ,clean warm rooms,and excellent food. The spacious grounds and children activities were a real bonus.
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Date of stay: July 2024
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Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Staff at reception could be more knowledgeable about hikes and activities in tge area.
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 Shelley Longmore, General Manager at The Nest Hotel
Responded 19 Aug 2024
Dear patricias411 What fun it was to host your family for this special occasion! You certainly embraced the Drakensberg and all it had to offer and our Team enjoyed your visit. Thank-you for your support.
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We had the most wonderful stay at The Nest. All the staff from reception, to cleaning staff, waitrons, barman and manager could not be faulted.
Great activities kept the children occupied. The rooms were cosy during the cold temperatures that July brings with it.
The chef and kitchen staff did an amazing job of pushing out interesting meals day after day.
We had an effortless stay.
We will definitely be returning.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2021
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
Service
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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 Shelley Longmore, General Manager at The Nest Hotel
Responded 05 Aug 2021
Dear taniavanschalkwyk Reviews like this are such a boost to our whole team, so thank-you so much! We look forward to your next visit to this beautiful part of the world!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A wonderful location with idyllic views of the berg, the Nest provides unbeatable value for money in today's day and age. The staff, to a man and woman, are exceptional and are the heartbeat of this owner run, charming establishment, built on traditional values of service and hospitality. It would be unfair to single any one individual out, but for the record, Heidi is a gem. The food, both in quality and variety is top drawer and plentiful, whilst the accommodation, although a little dated, is well maintained and spotlessly clean. The Covid protocols are thorough and diligently observed, without being overly intrusive.
In closing, if you want the Ritz, go to the Ritz - however if you want a "Home from Home" go to the Nest. We have been before and we will return again.
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Date of stay: December 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Mountain View Rooms offer spectacular vistas of the Berg
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 Shelley Longmore, General Manager at The Nest Hotel
Responded 30 Dec 2020
Dear 958mikek What a pleasure it was to welcome you back to The Nest and thank-you for such a positive review! Heidi is indeed a gem and reviews like yours are a great boost for all our staff.
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The Nest Hotel provided a great base from which to explore the stunning central Drakensberg. The rooms are adequately equipped and offer great mountain views. The on-site spa catered for a well-priced destressing massage. The set menu breakfasts, teas and dinners oozed old world charm.
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Date of stay: April 2021Trip 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 Shelley Longmore, General Manager at The Nest Hotel
Responded 11 Apr 2021
Dear tschmidtdumont It is so special to have Honeymooners with us, so thank-you for choosing The Nest Hotel as well as for your great review!
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Our room was nicely decorated and clean, but the grounds and general upkeep of the property was of a poor quality. We found the price we paid for accommodation excessive as well as the price charged for a very bland set menu dinner in the restaurant. We cut our visit short due to the dissatisfaction we experienced at this venue.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2020
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.
Response from Shelley Longmore, General Manager at The Nest Hotel
Responded 30 Dec 2020
Dear Michellehiscutt We have loved the wonderful rains and sunshine but sometimes it is hard to keep up with the resultant growth. Nonetheless we take note of your comments and have attended to them. We wish you had stayed longer to try out a few more meals.
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Grading, facilities & meals is more likely a 2 star hotel. We did not enjoy our three night stay at the Nest. No WiFI is available outside of the dining area so you need to use our own data in the rooms. Hotel is not eco friendly and very out dated. Water takes 5 minutes to heat up and such a waste of natural resources. Rooms were very cold and required the under floor heating and electric blankets to remain switched on continuously also a waste of energy. Aged sanitary is discoloured, chipped and painted . There is no air conditioning. Walls are very thin, I could hear my neighbours. Food was the biggest disappointment, tiny tasteless and unappetising. Additional serving is allowed, but one feels like “Oliver Twist?” asking for a second helping. Staffs were friendly and polite.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2023
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.
Response from Shelley Longmore, Owner at The Nest Hotel
Responded 03 Aug 2023
Dear Charles,s Thank-you for your review although we were surprised and disappointed. We acknowledge that The Nest is an old Hotel. At present there are rooms which have aircon and WiFi. The knock in 2020 has slowed down our refurb programme but we continue with it nonetheless. We are sad to lose a client like you but for future visits there are 4 star hotels in the area.
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I love the Northern Berg and getting a chance to spend some quality time there with my family is a gift, especially during these very tough times. The Nest offers an uncomplicated and stress free way to experience the natural wonder and beauty of the area. We stayed in comfortable garden cottages and instead of worrying about meals etc., we opted for the meals included option. Breakfast and supper as well as 2 tea times included. Fabulous meals without the hassle of preparing them or cleaning up, allowing us more time to make memories. Sadly the resort wasn't very full due to the pandemic, the staff however were very good in applying all the necessary protocols, so we always felt safe and at ease. The impact of the pandemic on the resort and many like it, due to low patron numbers will soon be disastrous and wonderful places like these may disappear if we do not support them regularly.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2021
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.
Response from Shelley Longmore, General Manager at The Nest Hotel
Responded 15 Feb 2021
Dear Adventure05200071663 We certainly appreciate your support both for staying with us, especially right now and writing such a positive review! Do return soon to the beautiful Drakensberg.
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We absolutely loved every moment of our stay at the Nest Hotel. It is situated in a great location and has the most exquisitely kept gardens with the most beautiful flower beds. Every member of staff was super friendly, professional and friendly. Our room was spotlessly clean and comfortable with a lovely view over the mountains. The food was incredible! Our dinner was superb with a delectable red lentil soup, followed by a Caprese salad starter and then a fabulous fillet steak with mushroom sauce. We were too full to even try the dessert! I went on a 20km trail run from the hotel the next morning which was glorious - part of the Cathkin Trails. Well marked route and not too many hectic hills. There are lots of jungle gyms and trampolines to keep children busy as well as beautiful sparkling blue pool for those hot summer days. We cannot wait to visit again!
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Date of stay: November 2020Trip 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.
Response from Shelley Longmore, General Manager at The Nest Hotel
Responded 30 Dec 2020
Dear T6025A)juliec Thanks for a stunning review! Clearly you embraced all that is on offer here and we cannot wait to welcome you back!
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We are a group of Seniors , that had the most wonderful week end at the Nest. The discounted Senior price was very handy for our budget , the accommodation was clean and tidy and the full board meals at the restaurant was of perfect quantities , interesting choice of menus and excellently prepared foods.The facilities including the Bowls , Swimming Pool etc kept our group well entertained.Add to the the staff and management service , one could not ask for much better.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
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.
Response from The_Nest_Hotel_R600, Manager at The Nest Hotel
Responded 18 Feb 2020
Good afternoon Dillan2014, What a wonderful review of our slice of paradise! We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your time with us, please visit again soon! Kindest regards The Nest Team
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The Nest Hotel is an Old World Drakensberg hotel, which was too old world for us, but our Canadian friends enjoyed the Rondavel Rooms and quaint atmosphere. The staff were very good as was the service. The food was excellent and none of us had any complaints regarding the service and food. There is a pub with a lovely atmosphere although we chose to sit on the patio and enjoy the lovely views of the mountains. Everything was nice and clean but the tables outside the pub could do with a new coat of paint. Unfortunately the reception had no record of our final payment despite me emailing them and providing proof of the email. All was eventually sorted out. Our Rondavel room was a slight disappointment. The room was nothing like the pics we saw on the web site. The side tables were very small and I could put nothing on them other than a small book. The floor was uneven and we stumbled a couple of times when walking in the room. The heated towel rail did not work even though the red light indicated it was on. The bed was small and we should have been offered the alternative of twin beds when booking, as that would have been more comfortable. Our friends only had warm water in their room. They should have complained but prefered not to. Other than that our room was cosy and fine for a couple of nights. The hotel is conveniently situated for all the activities in the area. Overall we enjoyed our brief stay at The Nest and anybody looking for an Old Style Drakensberg Hotel, then the Nest will probably do you well.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip 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.
Response from Shelley Longmore, Owner at The Nest Hotel
Responded 22 Sept 2022
Dear ABDurbs222 Thank-you for your support and comprehensive review! We have followed up where possible and appreciate the information but please always communicate needs or issues while on the property to enable your hosts to best accommodate you.
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There are more places to choose from in the Cathkin Park area.
PRICE RANGE
R 2,136 - R 2,303 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the nest - drakensburg mountain hotel winterton
LOCATION
South AfricaKwaZulu-NatalDrakensberg RegionCathkin Park
NUMBER OF ROOMS
56
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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