First concern was that there was no secure parking - there is a car park but no security. My room was dark, dated and the room door not closing fully - it was located far from reception and down some very steep steps - not easy with a suitcase. Staff were kind and considerate but sadly the drinkers on the veranda or perhaps it was the guests in a room nearby were not - easy to hear fully conversations. Sadly I will not be staying again.
eDreams
Booking.com
It is eight years since we were last at The Royal and our stay this time was four nights in the same garden room as we were last in!
Little has changed although they have now built some modern suites in the garden which we did not get the chance to inspect.
Maybe it is a little jaded now with "faded grandeur" but it is still a charming colonial style hotel with friendly staff. The rooms could do with a freshen up probably in lighter colours which would make them brighter.
The continued "load shedding" (power cuts to you and me) meant the air conditioning was off for long periods of time which was not ideal but as the hotel does not have a back up generator the staff cannot do anything about it. This did cause some problems at breakfast time as the breakfast was from a menu and it was often not possible to make coffee. perhaps a cold buffet would have been better.
We dined one evening in the restaurant when the power was fortunately on and the food was simple but nice.
Plenty of parking is available and the hotel is right opposite the centre of the very small and charming village.
We had a great time at the Royal Hotel in Riebeeck Kasteel. Good food and an amazing variety of Gin to choose from. Great wines also. The service was good and the atmosphere relaxed chic good choice if you are in the area.
Do not come here on the strength of the Dec 2019 Getaway magazine review for the G&T happy hour. Although they have a good selection of gins and there is a verandah and the G&Ts are beautiful - there is no R16 G&T happy hour!
The rooms are lovely with space and extras, such as fridge stocked with drinks, and bathrobes, aircon and a huge bathroom for elegant bathing. We were the only guests, so dinner was not an option the first night, however The Red Tin Roof offers an excellent, if avant- garde, experience with a fascinating backdrop of old posters from Russia, China and Cuba. Recommend the burgers – piled high with food and very tasty, washed down with an excellent, fruity Pieter Cruythoff Sparkling wine. The next night, we dined at the hotel – fish and chips (more elegant than usual) and pork belly, with a local Lammershoek Innocent Chenin Blanc. There are many excellent wine co-ops and an amazing Olive Boutique offering unusual and yummy olives in the area. Spend at least two days here.
Really enjoyed our stay at the Royal hotel. Rooms are nicely done out. Charlotte Rhys cream and soap included which was lovely. Breakfasts are oh my word! I do think the gardens could be a little tidier. Overall a lovely place to stay.
