THE BELOW EMAIL WAS SENT ON THE 19TH MARCH 2024 TO THE OWNER ITSELF AND NO RESPONCE OR ANY COMMUNICATION HAS BEEN PROVIDED.
Dear Mirjam,
I trust this message finds you in good spirits. Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude for the magnificent setting of Parsons Hilltop Lodge. The breathtaking views of the mountains and the surrounding area truly made our stay memorable.
However, I would like to provide some constructive feedback based on our recent experience:
1. Lack of Information: We were unaware that access to the reserve required codes at the main gate, which caused confusion and delayed our entry.
2. Lack of Relaxation Time: After dinner, we felt rushed to retire to our rooms as the staff seemed eager to end the evening. This rushed atmosphere prevented us from enjoying leisure time together as a group or even sitting around the bonfire after dinner but were unable to do so as the chairs were removed.
3. Poor Food Quality: The meals provided did not meet our expectations in terms of taste or variety and considering the lodge's rating. It was surprising and disappointing that there were no options or discussions about meal preferences beforehand.
4. Cleanliness Concerns: The cleanliness around the main lodge area left much to be desired, particularly the neglected state of the ice machine, which we ended up cleaning ourselves, with one of the lady’s – showing her how to do so.
5. Other Concerns: The lack of a tea or coffee station in the rooms made early mornings and evening relaxation challenging. Additionally, the absence of a minibar was unexpected for a lodge of this Caliber.
The Toilet in our unit (Guinea fowl) the seat was broken before we arrived, we did see they replaced it the next day but the lids keeps on closing, the lid cant stay upright, think the screws are the wrong way in, the Tap handle in the shower also keeps on falling off.
The Fan in the other unit doesn’t work well at all, this was the unit(Oriole) A Standing fan would work best than a ceiling fan.
Overall, while we had hoped for a memorable experience, the issues we encountered left us feeling underwhelmed, especially given the occasion of celebrating a 50th birthday. While our experience had some shortcomings, I believe with attention to these areas, Parsons Hilltop Lodge can continue to provide unforgettable experiences for its guests, and we look forward to seeing improvements for future visits.
Despite these concerns, I must commend the exceptional service provided by your staff. They were incredibly helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. The game drives with Lex and Stef were particularly spectacular, and their expertise added immense value to our experience. We had several enjoyable moments filled with laughter and learning during these trips.
Warm regards,
Wynand & Other Guests
0798648813