We were booked via Bookings. com.
This lovely website usually allows one to pick preferences as it is all done online.

On our form, we specifically requested from the options provided
1. a quiet room
2. a smoking room

We also picked the room after viewing a beautiful picture of the luxury bathroom with a gorgeous tub.

NONE of the above was honoured.

The room was (without mincing my words), DIRECTLY A STEP AWAY from the kiddies Jungle gym. Every minute from 7am until 5pm was noisy.

The room provided was non- smoking and the bathroom was a 2 star level bathroom at most (this is being generous) - the tub and shower were outdated, grimy and the bathroom was unwelcoming.

we also called in, as well as additonally requested on the booking form for a room in the Italian section.

We then brought it to the attention of unfortunately one of the most unhelpful almost hostile receptionist/manager on duty at the time - Stephan.

He informed us very frankly that we should not upgrade to the deluxe double room (even if we paid and said that it was in fact smaller - this is the luxury option). We then asked for a room in our requested section and were told without explanation that it was not possible (not even offered to show it to us)

We settled for our room, slightly disgruntled but optimistic to make it work.

I was saddened upon taking a walk around the premises to find that the beautiful italian quarters was not in fact booked out and we could have been offered an upgrade even if payment was necessary.

Why i brought up discrimination or perhaps the correct word was ignorance is that we asked the same Manager if Halal breakfast options were possible ( this was also asked on the phone call before booking) on both occasions we mentioned vegetarian options would be fine as well, we would make do.

The tone of answer we got on both counts (phone and in person) was " i am not sure what u are requesting" . I find this laughable in this day and age - they were certainly clued up on vegan and kosher options but did not recognize the word Halal in a hospitality industry catering to a city and town with a considerable Muslim population of paying customers. We felt awkward, embarrassed and offended and let the topic go.

Lastly this brings me to The Good Stuff - the kitchen staff. Hospitable, Warm, Very Helpful and ready to accommodate us by excluding meat, giving us substitutions and understanding our very simple request of using another pan to fry our food to avoid meat and bacon/ham contact.

The food was spectacular, in fact if it weren't for the unwelcoming receptionist - we would be returning simply for the delicious 4 star breakfast with a wonderful restaurant atmosphere. Hats off to the waiters and restaurant staff who were amazing.

Our quiet retreat as advertised was disrupted and tainted by our location and the unhelpful cold service but was salvaged by the restaurant.

All in all, we would probably not visit again, save for a breakfast if in the area again.

Thank you for reading

The layout of the place when booking on-line is confusing. Make sure when you book, that you stay in the new Italian section. I went in on booking .com (a mistake) and we were given poor and noisy rooms at the back of the premises called Sirmione which was near and above the workers quarters and kitchen. Fortunately this was remedied after I complained by the v. accommodating and pleasant manager.

Considering the prices charged, the hotel could work on improving the following:
1. Bigger /better swimming pool.
2. Reliable wifi and internet internet connectivity
3. Exercise facilities or a least a pass to the nearby Virgin Active gym for guests.
4. Some (for sure not all) of the front desk staff at reception seemed a bit clueless and were clearly "trying" to be friendly or informed.

Overall, I would probably stay there again if I had to return to Vereeniging.

This is a gem in the middle of Tree Rivers. I slept in room 24 in the Villa. Wow that a place feel like home. Had some problems with the WIFI it is not strong in the room. But if you are on it the internet is fast..