5-Star Hotels Taking Steps Towards Sustainability in Coldstream

The Plettenberg Hotel is a luxurious and exceptional five-star hotel located in Plettenberg Bay. Guests rave about the hotel's incredible location directly on the beach with breathtaking panoramic views of the sea. The hotel is within walking distance to restaurants, shops and attractions, making it the best location in Plett. The breakfast is exceptional with a variety of fruits and dishes, accommodating individual needs and preferences and served on a terrace with stunning views. The dinner experience is attractive with great food and a superb view, although some guests found the menu to be a bit limited. The rooms are beautifully decorated with comfortable beds and lovely bathrooms, although some guests found them to be a little dated. The hotel is immaculately clean and the staff is friendly, attentive and goes above and beyond to make guests feel welcome and important. The hotel boasts two fantastic pools with incredible views of the sea and the beach is located directly on a kilometer-long stretch of crystal clear waters. Overall, The Plettenberg Hotel is a small luxury hotel of the world that truly surpasses the standard of five-star hotels, providing guests with a homely feel and the perfect seaside luxury experience.

Nothando Backpackers Lodge in Plettenberg Bay offers an exceptional stay characterized by an ideal location, outstanding hospitality, and impressive accommodations. Its central position allows guests easy access to the vibrant main street filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as quick proximity to the beach and serene surroundings perfect for leisurely strolls. The area provides a peaceful retreat enhanced by a well-maintained garden and secure gated parking, ensuring both comfort and safety for its guests.

Dining at the lodge is a memorable experience, with breakfasts highly praised for delightful baked goods prepared by Chef Laurent. His croissants are often lauded as the best in South Africa, accompanied by a variety of cereals and refreshments, creating a warm and hospitable morning environment. Dinner experiences offer a distinct, cozy ambiance, often likened to dining at a friend's home with home-cooked meals and lively evenings, including braai events. Guests also enjoy the freedom to cook their own meals in a well-equipped shared kitchen.

The accommodation itself is consistently recognized for cleanliness and comfort, with spacious rooms equipped with necessary amenities such as fridges and kettles. Hygiene is prioritized, with daily housekeeping and fresh linens provided. Security features, combined with large and super comfortable beds in both private and dormitory settings, contribute to an excellent night's sleep.

The lodge's staff, including the exceptionally friendly owners Vinthi and Steve, are praised for their welcoming and generous attitude, offering helpful tips on local activities and going beyond to ensure guests feel at home. The availability of reliable Wi-Fi and secure parking further enhances the guest experience, cementing Nothando Backpackers Lodge as a trustworthy choice along South Africa's Garden Route. Despite minor suggestions for improvement, the overall feedback positions the lodge as a top recommendation for travelers seeking a clean, comfortable, and hospitable stay.

The Robberg Beach Lodge - Lion Roars Hotels & Lodges enjoys an enviable location on Beachy Head Drive, offering guests some of the best views and easiest access to the stunning Robberg Beach in the Western Cape. The lodge stands out for its proximity to the beach, allowing guests to hear the surf as they relax and providing breathtaking sights of the Indian Ocean from its terrace or dining room. The surroundings are ideal for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts, being close to both the beach and the Robberg Nature Reserve. Guests frequently rave about the panoramic sea vistas, regularly spotting dolphins and even whales from their breakfast spot.

The breakfast experience at the lodge consistently garners high praise for its quality, variety and the stunning ocean views from the terrace. Featuring fresh fruit, yogurt, homemade breads and a la carte dishes, the breakfast is well-prepared and plentiful. The friendly and professional service further enhances this memorable dining experience, even though it can sometimes be slow.

Dinner at the lodge receives mixed feedback. While many appreciated the divine and delicious food, coupled with excellent service and presentation, inconsistencies such as long wait times and occasional issues with food quality and availability were noted. For vegetarians, options were somewhat lacking.

The rooms at The Robberg Beach Lodge, particularly those with sea views, are frequently highlighted for their spaciousness, cleanliness and comfort. Decor is generally appreciated, contributing to a luxurious and cozy atmosphere. However, some rooms have received criticism for outdated furnishings and bathrooms with ground-floor rooms occasionally experiencing noise disturbances. To maximize the experience, sea view rooms are recommended.

The lodge's cleanliness receives mostly favorable comments with well-maintained and spacious rooms. However, some guests noted areas needing better maintenance and cleaning, indicating room for improvement.

The exceptional staff is a significant highlight with guests noting their friendliness, attentiveness and willingness to assist. The check-in experience and service in the pool and restaurant areas are frequently praised, making the staff a pivotal element in enhancing the overall guest experience.

The WiFi performance at the lodge is inconsistent with some guests finding it adequate while others encounter connectivity issues. Similarly, the pool areas receive mixed reviews—while beautifully maintained, the pools are sometimes perceived as small or too cold. Nonetheless, the scenic and clean pool areas along with a private whirlpool add to the lodge's appeal.

The proximity to Robberg Beach is a standout feature, offering a serene and peaceful setting just a short walk from the lodge. The secure parking, a significant convenience for guests traveling by car, further adds to the overall positive experience.

Although the lodge positions itself as a five-star establishment, some guests expressed that it does not consistently meet those high standards, particularly regarding room condition, dinner quality and some aspects of cleanliness. Despite these minor setbacks, the lodge excels in offering a memorable beach holiday experience, enriched by stunning views, comfortable accommodations and exceptional staff service.