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Summary of reviewsChampagne Castle Hotel, nestled in the heart of the Drakensberg Mountains, draws guests with its breathtaking scenic views and serene surroundings. The hotel's prime location near the mountains offers panoramic vistas right from the rooms and communal areas, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. Guests consistently praise its peaceful ambiance and easy access to local attractions, from shops and restaurants to the Drakensberg Boys Choir and Birds of Prey.
A highlight at the hotel is the comprehensive breakfast buffet, which earns rave reviews for its extensive and varied selection. From smoked salmon and kippers to personalized omelet stations, the breakfast experience is notable for both its quality and variety. The meals continue to impress throughout the day with the dinner buffet featuring a range of dishes that cater to diverse tastes, including unique proteins and delectable desserts. Guests appreciate the high standards of taste and presentation, enhanced by the friendly and attentive staff.
The accommodations at Champagne Castle Hotel are equally commendable. Rooms are generally spacious, clean and comfortable with many offering stunning mountain views. While some critiques mention the need for modernization and minor maintenance issues, the overall comfort and clean conditions are highly rated. The chalets, in particular, are noted for their lovely appointments and ample space.
Staff service at the hotel is frequently praised for its friendliness, efficiency and eagerness to go above and beyond for guests. Many reviewers highlight specific staff members for their exceptional service, particularly in the dining areas. However, there are some mentions of less favorable experiences with reception staff, suggesting that additional training in customer care could enhance the overall guest experience.
While the absence of in-room WiFi and connectivity issues in public areas are noted downsides, most guests feel that this does not significantly detract from their stay. For families, the hotel offers a range of activities to keep both children and adults entertained, making it an ideal destination for family vacations. The hotel strikes a balance between luxury and comfort, offering well-appointed facilities and a welcoming atmosphere that aligns with its four-star rating.
Overall, Champagne Castle Hotel is celebrated for its stunning location, high-quality dining, comfortable accommodations and friendly staff. Its combination of tranquil serenity and vibrant activity options makes it a memorable destination for nature lovers, families and couples alike, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable stay for all. Show more
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Categories
Hotel for Honeymoon
Champagne Castle Hotel, situated in the Drakensberg, offers comfortable accommodations and beautiful mountain views. The serene environment and various activities make it a great choice for a relaxed and adventurous honeymoon.
Family Friendly Hotel
Champagne Castle Hotel provides a range of activities suitable for families, including hiking, swimming, and a playground. The hotel's setting in the picturesque Champagne Valley makes it a relaxing and enjoyable destination for a family getaway.
Romantic Hotel
Located below Champagne Castle, this hotel features gorgeous views and makes for a wonderful escape. The diverse plant, bird, and insect life enhances the experience.
Hotel with Parking
The hotel provides ample on-site parking for guests. The parking area is well-maintained and easily accessible, adding to the convenience of staying at the hotel.
Hotel with Tennis Courts
This hotel is a hotel that also offers tennis courts, making it suitable for guests interested in sports.
4-Star Hotel
Located within the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Site, this 4-star hotel boasts a prime location with stunning views of the Drakensberg Mountains and surrounding gardens. The hotel offers a spa, outdoor pool, and various recreational facilities like tennis and fishing.
Hotel with Spa
Accessible Hotel
Room Types
Deluxe Twin Room with Garden ViewThese spacious rooms face the gardens and come with hot water bottles, extra blankets and umbrellas.
Standard Double RoomThis standard family room consists of a spacious bedroom separated from a sunny 2nd room by sliding doors.
Standard Twin Room with Garden ViewThese rooms face the gardens and include hot water bottles, extra blankets and umbrellas.
Deluxe Family RoomThese spacious, 2-storey rooms consist of 2 bedrooms and a patio with partial mountain views.
Some of these rooms have wheelchair access.
Two-Bedroom SuiteThese 2-bedroom suites overlook the mountains or the garden ponds. They consist of:
-Open-plan lounge with a dining area and kitchen
-Open fireplace
-2 Bathrooms with spa baths and underfloor heating
-Furnished patio with BBQ facilities
-3 TVs
Please note that this suite can not accommodate children under 18 years of age.
Self-Catering ChaletThe self-catering chalets have 2 bedrooms with bathrooms and an open-plan loft area. There is an open-plan lounge with a fire-place, a dining area and a fully equipped kitchen. The patio has a dining area and a BBQ and overlooks the mountains.
Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Mountain ViewThis air-conditioned twin/double room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a private bathroom as well as a balcony with mountain views. The unit has 2 beds.
Deluxe Double RoomFeaturing free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. This double room has a private entrance, a tea and coffee maker, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a patio. The unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.7
Very Good
Location
Nestled in the heart of the Drakensberg Mountains, Champagne Castle Hotel boasts a magnificent location that offers breathtaking scenic views and serene surroundings. Guests consistently praise its stunning setting, describing it as a perfect blend of nature and tranquility. The hotel is situated right next to the mountains, providing panoramic views right from the rooms and communal areas. Hikers will be delighted with easy access to numerous trails, making it an ideal starting point for outdoor adventures.
Visitors often highlight the exceptional scenery with many noting the spectacular views of peaks like Cathkin and Champagne Castle. The peaceful ambiance of the hotel is complemented by its proximity to shops, restaurants and local attractions like the Drakensberg Boys Choir and Birds of Prey. Whether you seek a restful retreat or an active hiking holiday, the hotel's superb location ensures a memorable experience. The combination of sensational mountain views and close proximity to nature makes Champagne Castle Hotel a truly remarkable destination.
Breakfast
Champagne Castle Hotel impresses guests with its comprehensive breakfast offerings, consistently described as excellent, superb and delicious. The extensive buffet features a variety of hot and cold selections, from smoked salmon and kippers to some of the best hash browns and cappuccinos. Guests appreciate the inclusion of unique options, such as Mohammed’s made-to-order omelettes, adding a personalized touch to the overall experience.
The breakfast buffet not only boasts a rich and varied spread but also maintains high standards in taste and freshness, making it a highlight of the guests' stay. Positive feedback frequently highlights the wide selection available, ensuring there's something for everyone, from traditional English breakfast components to more luxurious items.
Despite the occasional minor hiccup related to service and setup times, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive. Guests also mention the convenience of meals being included and the seamless transition from breakfast to morning tea and beyond, exemplifying the hotel’s commitment to a comprehensive dining experience throughout the day. Whether it's a packed breakfast for an early departure or the friendly staff enhancing the meal, Champagne Castle Hotel ensures that breakfast sets a wonderful tone for the rest of the day.
Dinner
Champagne Castle Hotel garners high praise for its dining experience, consistently described as exceptional and a highlight of guests' stays. Meals are served buffet-style with a vast array of dishes that cater to diverse tastes, emphasizing high quality and freshness. The cuisine features unique proteins such as duck and kudu and delectable desserts often receive special mention. Guests appreciate the variety and tasteful preparation, noting that every meal—from breakfast to dinner—is not only delicious but also beautifully presented.
The food is viewed as excellent value for money, adding to the overall appeal of the hotel. Special occasions like wedding anniversaries and New Year’s Eve are made memorable with exquisite gala dinners. However, some guests felt the vegetarian options could be more extensive. Despite minor critiques, the overall consensus is that dining at the hotel is a delightful and outstanding experience with a friendly and attentive staff enhancing the mealtime pleasure.
Furthermore, the setting and ambiance—combined with exceptional cuisine—make dinner an internationally proud experience. Whether enjoying a family celebration or a casual meal, the dining at Champagne Castle Hotel leaves a lasting impression, contributing significantly to guests' satisfaction and overall experience.
Rooms
Champagne Castle Hotel receives largely positive feedback regarding its rooms, appreciated for being spacious, clean and comfortable. Guests particularly favor the rooms with balconies and stunning views of the mountains. The chalets are described as lovely, well-appointed and clean, offering ample space and self-catering options. Many guests highlight the rooms' cosiness and warmth, contributing to a pleasant stay.
Despite the overall comfort and cleanliness, some reviews indicate that the rooms might benefit from modernization and maintenance. Issues such as outdated decor, the need for renovations and minor maintenance problems are noted. Specifically, critiques mention the lack of a small fridge in some rooms, occasional malfunctioning doors and sporadic cleaning services.
However, the spectacular mountain views and the spacious, comfortable accommodations seem to outweigh the negatives for many guests. Rooms are often praised for their lovely appearance, excellent upkeep and beautiful appointments. The staff's willingness to upgrade rooms and provide exceptional service also adds to the positive experience.
In summary, while some aspects could use updating, Champagne Castle Hotel's rooms impress with their cleanliness, spaciousness and breathtaking mountain views, making for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Beds
The beds at Champagne Castle Hotel generally receive positive feedback from guests. Many guests found the beds to be comfortable with some describing them as very comfortable or even extremely comfortable. The beds come with good quality linen and extra blankets are not typically needed. However, there were a few concerns about the bed's comfort levels with some guests feeling that the mattresses were either too soft or too hard. Additionally, a few guests mentioned that the pillows were very uncomfortable and some found the duvet to be rather heavy. Despite a few isolated issues, most guests seemed satisfied with the bed quality at the hotel.
Cleanliness
Champagne Castle Hotel garners a mixed reputation when it comes to cleanliness. On the positive side, many reviews commend the property for being super clean with everything from the bedrooms to the grounds described as very clean, spotless and well-maintained. Both the rooms and chalets are often highlighted for their cleanliness and comfort and the gardens are consistently noted as being in pristine condition. Additionally, amenities such as the pool area are kept spotless, adding to the overall impression of a well-maintained facility.
However, some reviews point out areas for improvement. The communal lounges and games room are mentioned as needing a thorough cleaning and some tender loving care. Concerns were raised about dusty and insect-laden rooms, grubby upholstery and mats and carpets in dire need of replacement. It appears that bathrooms, particularly the showers, also fall short of expectations for a four-star hotel with some guests specifying the need for deeper cleaning rather than just masking odors with fragrances.
While many aspects of the hotel meet high cleanliness standards, there are noted disparities that suggest some areas are in need of better upkeep and modernization.
Staff
Champagne Castle Hotel offers an impressive level of service thanks to an overwhelmingly positive reception from guests regarding its staff. Descriptions like very helpful, cheerful and willing to go the extra mile are recurring motifs in the reviews. The personnel are frequently noted for their friendliness, efficiency and attentiveness. Exceptional service levels extend to various areas of the hotel, showcasing professional and polite attitudes that make guests feel welcome and well-cared for.
Many guests highlight specific staff members, particularly in the dining room, mentioning that they are both accommodating and pleasant. The chefs, specifically Robert, Mo, Shepard, Vaugn and Teri, receive high praise for their engaging and helpful demeanor. Guests also commend certain staff members for providing surprises, such as a beautifully set table and complimentary champagne, which enhanced their special occasions.
Despite the generally positive feedback, there are notable exceptions, particularly concerning the reception staff. Some guests report unfriendly and unhelpful experiences at the front desk, claiming that receptionists could benefit from additional training in customer care. Descriptions of receptionists range from cold and unwelcoming to outright combative on rare occasions.
In summary, while the hotel staff is largely energetic, friendly and helpful, attention to training and improvement at reception could further elevate the guest experience.
Wi-Fi
Visitors to Champagne Castle Hotel highlight the absence of WiFi in guest rooms as a notable downside. Internet access is only available in selected public areas such as the hotel lounges and eating spaces. Several guests mentioned that the WiFi connectivity in these areas was unreliable. Despite this, many felt that the lack of in-room WiFi did not significantly detract from their overall stay. For those who brought their own portable routers, a reliable internet connection was achievable, helping to mitigate the hotel’s connectivity challenges. While the limited availability of WiFi may seem dated, it did not overshadow the positives of the guest experience at the hotel.
Family
Champagne Castle Hotel is a fabulous destination for families, providing all the essentials for a memorable stay. This 4-star hotel ensures there's plenty to do for everyone with a range of activities designed to keep both kids and adults engaged. Guests particularly appreciate the family-first approach with activities running throughout the day and organized games at night.
The hotel offers hiking trails and various games, ensuring that there are loads of activities to keep everyone busy. Families will find the trails excellent for exploring the scenic surroundings. While the hotel might not have as much specifically for very young children, it excels in offering appropriate activities for kids of all other ages, making it a highly recommended spot for those traveling with children.
Described as a perfect getaway and a great place to stay, Champagne Castle Hotel captures a special place in the hearts of its visitors. For couples and families alike, it's a highly recommended retreat that ensures fun and entertainment for everyone.
4 Star
Champagne Castle Hotel provides a commendable four-star experience with comfortable rooms and impressive amenities. Guests appreciate the large rooms that include a jacuzzi, enhancing the luxurious feel. Balconies and well-appointed facilities contribute to an exceptional stay from start to end. While there are occasional mentions of a limited variety, the overall ambiance and services align well with the expectations of a four-star establishment. Families also find the hotel accommodating, making it a great choice for all types of travelers.
Luxury
Champagne Castle Hotel offers a perfect getaway in a beautiful location, providing a luxurious resort experience with a four-star rating. The highly engaged and friendly staff contribute to the welcoming atmosphere, ensuring great service throughout the stay. Guests can indulge in a wide choice of tasty food, which further enhances the comfort and satisfaction of the visit. The hotel boasts sumptuous and unmatched facilities that are up to expectations, making it an ideal place for family trips. Despite one less favorable mention, the overall experience at the hotel is fantastic and appropriate for those seeking quiet luxury combined with hospitable service.
Romantic
Tucked away in a private and secluded space, Champagne Castle Hotel offers a serene and romantic setting, perfect for those in search of a peaceful retreat. The hotel's location ensures complete peace and relaxation with no disturbances to interrupt your stay. This little piece of heaven is ideal for anyone needing a great escape and some much-needed rest and relaxation. It’s also an excellent choice for special occasions, whether it be an anniversary or a birthday, making those moments uniquely memorable. Overall, the lovely surroundings contribute to the romantic and pleasant experience guests have lauded.
No, Champagne Castle Hotel doesn't have any pool.
Yes, a spa is available at Champagne Castle Hotel.
No, Champagne Castle Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Champagne Castle Hotel.