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Summary of reviewsSonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro is celebrated for its outstanding location, offering guest a picturesque seaside retreat. Situated directly opposite Danger Beach and just steps away from Saint James' beaches, the beautifully renovated colonial house provides easy access to Kalk Bay's shops, restaurants and surf spots. The hotel is lauded for its charming retro-style decor, spacious rooms and stunning sea views, making it an alluring destination.
Guests regularly commend the warm and helpful staff, who contribute significantly to the hotel's welcoming atmosphere. Breakfast at Sonnekus is a standout feature, receiving rave reviews for its variety, quality and the option to dine on a sunny terrace with beautiful views. While there were some minor issues regarding waiting times and additional charges for certain items, the consensus on the breakfast experience remains overwhelmingly positive.
Dinner at the bistro has also been highly praised for its delicious and well-prepared meals, despite some mentions of a limited menu and discontinuation of dinner service for some visitors. The rooms receive considerable acclaim for their tasteful, stylish and comfortable settings. Superior rooms with sea views and cozy fireplaces add a touch of luxury, though occasional mentions of outdated bathrooms and specific maintenance issues were noted.
Impeccable cleanliness is another highlighted feature with rooms and facilities often described as spotless and well-maintained. The staff's dedication and attention to detail reinforce the high standards of service. Guests consistently experience personalized and friendly interactions, making their stay enjoyable and memorable.
A key feature of Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro is its prime beachfront location, offering quick and convenient access to the beach and spectacular ocean views. The hotel's proximity to the sea and picturesque seaside experience significantly enhance its allure for beach lovers and those seeking a tranquil escape.
In summary, Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro stands out for its superb location, charming ambiance, excellent hospitality, delightful breakfasts, comfortable rooms and immaculate cleanliness, making it a highly recommended destination. Show more
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Accessible Guest House
This hotel is listed as an accessible hotel. While specific accessibility features are not detailed, its inclusion suggests it meets certain accessibility standards.
Beachfront Guest House
Guest House near The Beach
Guest House Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Small Guest House
4-Star Guest House
Guest House where Extra Health & Safety Measures Have Been Taken
Arrival
Do visitors need a health certificate (i.e. a test) prior to arrival? No
Do you perform temperature checks upon guests' arrivals? Yes, to all guests
Do you ensure contactless check-in/check-out? Other Our staff are masked, the keys are sanitised. We spray down the Guests luggage with sanitiser, and spray the Guests hands as well.
Do the hotel's main entrance doors open automatically? No
Can guests access their room entrance directly from outside the hotel without entering the lobby? No
Cleaning
Are the rooms left vacant for a minimum period of time after a guest checks out? Yes, for 24 hours.
Is there an option for no in-room housekeeping during a guest's stay? Yes
Do you allow fresh air to enter the rooms by leaving the windows open between departures and arrivals? Yes
Does the cleaning crew wear appropriate personal protective equipment? Yes
Do you sanitize the common areas? Yes, daily
Are guests' luggage and belongings disinfected upon arrival? Yes
Do you sanitize guests' keys/cards? Yes
Do you provide thorough cleaning of the rooms? Yes
Are all employees trained and monitored to follow a cleaning protocol? Yes
Do you use disinfectants approved by regulatory authorities that kill the COVID-19 virus? Yes
Do you use electrostatic sprayers with hospital-grade disinfectant to sanitize surfaces? No
Do you disinfect high touch areas in guest rooms including light switches and door handles? Yes
Limitations
Are elevator rides limited? There are no elevators
Is furniture in public areas arranged to allow more space for distancing? Yes
Are guest rooms allowed to be accessed until check-in after they were cleaned? No
Does the hotel operate at a limited capacity? Yes, up to 60% of the rooms can be occupied
Does the hotel accept domestic bookings only? No
Do you allow people who don't stay or work at the hotel to enter its premises? No
Do you allow people who don't stay at the hotel to enter the rooms? No
Have you altered check-in / check-out hours to allow more time between departures and arrivals? No
Accessories
Do you provide medical kits (masks, gloves and sanitizer) to the staff? Yes
Do you provide medical kits (masks, gloves and sanitizer) to the guests? Yes
Do you provide disinfecting wipes in each room? No
Are there hand sanitizing stations throughout the hotel? Yes
Is there a sanitizing sprayer for shoes outside each room? No
Do you have any signage in lobbies to remind guests to maintain social distancing protocols? Yes
Do you use physical distancing markers? No
Do you use delivery robots to get stuff to guests' rooms? No
Is there an individual air-conditioning/heating unit in each room (no central air-conditioning/heating system)? Yes
Are rugs removed from guest rooms? No
Are air purification and sanitization devices installed? No
Are linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with the official guidelines? Yes
Is dirty linen bagged in the guest room to eliminate excess contact while being transported to the laundry facility? Yes
Food & Beverage Service
Do you offer pre-made boxed meals to guests? Yes
Do you offer single-serve options instead of buffets for breakfast? Yes
Do you offer contactless delivery for in-room dining? Yes
Has there been a person appointed to supervise the correct implementation of the measures? Yes
Do you check temperature for all onsite staff on a scheduled basis? Yes
Do your staff practice social distancing guidelines? Yes
Do you have clear guidelines on how to handle suspected or confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19)? Yes
Is there a doctor available either on-site or on-call? Yes
Are there any services currently unavailable due to health and safety issues (e.g. valet parking, airport transfer, spa, gym, indoor pool, conference rooms, coffee points, etc.)? No use of Gym and hot tub.
No Buffet breakfast
No coffee point
No airport transfer
Has the hotel closed during the pandemic? Yes Reopening Date: Unknown
Answers last updated by Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro
Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Garden ViewThis twin/double room features a fireplace. Featuring free toiletries and bathrobes, this twin/double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a bath and a hairdryer. The spacious twin/double room features a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box as well as garden views.
Superior Double or Twin Room with Sea ViewThis twin/double room provides a fireplace. Offering free toiletries and bathrobes, this twin/double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The spacious twin/double room offers a tea and coffee maker, a seating area, a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, as well as sea views. The unit has 2 beds.
Superior Double or Twin Room with Sea ViewThe spacious twin/double room features a tea and coffee maker, a seating area, a balcony with sea views as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath.
Double or Twin Room with Sea ViewThis twin/double room's standout feature is the fireplace. Offering free toiletries and bathrobes, this twin/double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a bath and a hairdryer. The spacious twin/double room offers a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, as well as sea views.
Standard King RoomOffering free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. This double room has a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, as well as chocolate for guests.
Comfort Double RoomOffering free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The spacious double room offers a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, a carpeted floor, as well as a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.
Classic Double RoomProviding free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The spacious double room provides a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box as well as garden views.
Standard 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 tea and coffee maker, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, mountain views, as well as chocolate for guests.
Classic King RoomFeaturing free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The spacious double room features a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box as well as garden views.
Guest Reviews
8.8
Excellent
Location
Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro in St. James offers a picturesque seaside escape with a prime location directly opposite the pristine Danger Beach. This charming boutique hotel is set in a beautifully renovated colonial house, just steps away from the beaches of Saint James. Guests rave about its proximity to Kalk Bay with a pleasant 1km walk down to a variety of shops, restaurants and good surf spots.
The retro-style decor is well-maintained, adding to the overall charm of the property. Most notably, visitors appreciate the friendly and helpful staff, along with a wonderful breakfast to start the day. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and often provide stunning sea views.
Safety and convenience are highlighted by guests with clean surroundings and easy access to amenities. The hotel's location offers immediate access to seaside walks, beach activities and a variety of dining options within a short walking distance.
Overall, Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro is highly recommended for its superb, gorgeous location, warm hospitality and the enchanting character that makes it a favorite among visitors.
Breakfast
At the Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro, breakfast receives overwhelmingly positive accolades from guests. Descriptions like phenomenal, delicious, superb and outstanding highlight the quality of the meals served. The breakfast selection impresses many, offering a great variety and extensive hours of availability. The ambiance adds to the experience with options to dine on a sunny terrace or in a beautifully decorated environment, making mornings pleasant with beautiful views.
Guests appreciate the freshness and taste of the breakfast items, often noting it as a standout feature of their stay. Each meal feels personalized and wholesome with dishes that are la carte and particularly awesome. The presence of a skilled chef further enhances the dining experience, drawing praise for lovely and well-prepared breakfasts.
However, there are minor points of contention. Some guests mention waiting times for basic items like eggs and toast and the separate charging for items such as cappuccinos. Despite these issues, the consensus remains overwhelmingly positive, suggesting that breakfast at Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro is of high quality and contributes significantly to guests' overall satisfaction.
Dinner
Guests of the Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro have generally praised the food, particularly highlighting the quality of dinner offered at the establishment. Reviews consistently describe the meals as delicious with terms like amazing, wonderful, great and heavenly frequently used to convey their satisfaction. Although there were mentions of a limited dinner menu, the dishes served have been highly regarded, indicating that the culinary experience is a notable aspect of staying at this hotel. Some guests were informed that dinner is no longer offered, but for those who did dine in, the food quality was distinctly appreciated. Overall, the dinner at Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro has left a positive impression on many guests.
Rooms
Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro boasts numerous beautifully decorated and stylishly furnished rooms with many guests appreciating the spacious and comfortable accommodations. Superior rooms with sea views and a fantastic fireplace are often highlighted, providing a touch of luxury that many visitors find appealing. The interiors are tastefully curated, making the rooms both visually pleasing and cozy with high-quality furnishings contributing to the overall comfort.
Guests have particularly enjoyed the super comfortable beds and the small touches, such as complementary sweets in large jars, adding to the welcoming experience. The hotel's charming and stylish old house environment adds a layer of charm, blending the modern amenities with its characterful appeal.
Most visitors found the rooms to be clean and cozy with some noting the thoughtfully appointed bedrooms equipped with coffee and tea making facilities. However, a few instances such as outdated bathrooms and slight functional issues in room design were mentioned, though these are outliers among overwhelmingly positive reviews.
Despite occasional hiccups like last-minute room changes due to a leak or specific issues such as windows not closing well, the overall sentiment remains highly positive with many guests expressing their delight over the superior comfort and elegant décor of the rooms.
Beds
At Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro, the beds receive frequent praise for their comfort with many guests describing them as extremely comfortable and very cozy. The beds are noted for their generous size and the use of good quality, fresh linens further enhances the sleeping experience. While most guests find the beds very comfortable and even perfect, there are a few mentions of hard beds and excessive noise from some beds. Overall, the bedding at Sonnekus tends to leave a positive impression, making it a restful place to stay.
Cleanliness
Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro has received varied feedback regarding its cleanliness from guests. On a positive note, many guests praised the hotel for its impeccable cleanliness, noting that the rooms and overall facilities were very clean and well-maintained. The rooms were often described as clean, cozy and comfortable with an attention to detail that did not go unnoticed. Reviewers highlighted spotless rooms and an immaculate decor, indicating a high standard of cleanliness throughout the hotel. Additionally, the bathrooms were appreciated for their beauty, although some felt they could benefit from modernization.
However, there were a few criticisms with some guests mentioning specific instances where the cleaning standards were not met. Issues such as dirty carpets, improperly cleaned rooms and stains on sheets were reported. Noise levels and difficulties with window adjustments were also mentioned by guests in ground-floor rooms, indicating occasional lapses in maintenance and comfort. Despite these isolated incidents, the hotel generally received favorable comments for its clean and well-maintained environment with guests often commending the friendly and helpful staff for their excellent service.
Staff
At Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro, the staff consistently receives high praise from guests for their exceptional hospitality and dedication. The team is noted for being extremely friendly, accommodating and attentive, creating a welcoming atmosphere that enhances the overall guest experience. From the moment of arrival, guests are greeted warmly with special mentions of Pat and Mike as gracious hosts. The staff's effort to go above and beyond is evident with many reviews highlighting their helpfulness and attention to detail.
Personalized service is a hallmark with staff treating guests and their families with special care and making sure their needs are met promptly. Guests frequently appreciate the professionalism and warmth of the team, which contributes significantly to a pleasant stay. Despite a few isolated comments on focus areas, the overwhelming sentiment portrays a staff that is not only competent and efficient but also genuinely caring and cheerful. The service at Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro stands out as a key feature that many guests remember fondly.
Beach
The Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro benefits from an enviable location near the beach, enhancing any stay with its proximity to the shoreline. Guests appreciate the ease of access with direct pathways and being just 50 meters from the beach. The hotel’s location allows for leisurely seaside walks, making the beautiful beach a significant highlight. With the beach right across the road, guests enjoy quick, convenient access, which is often described as a lovely and easily accessible feature. The views, featuring picturesque sea vistas, further embellish the experience. Additionally, amenities such as beach towels add to the comfort and convenience, complementing the short stroll to nearby attractions like St James Tidal Pool. Overall, the hotel's closeness to the beach offers a charming and practical advantage for beach lovers.
Beachfront
Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro is consistently praised for its prime beachfront location. Nestled right at the beachfront, it provides guests with easy access to the sea, making it an ideal spot for beach lovers. The hotel is positioned across from the beach and faces the sea, ensuring stunning ocean views. Guests appreciate that it is situated near the beach with some even describing it as a property above the beach. This advantageous setting offers a serene seaside experience that enhances the appeal of staying at this beachfront property.
No, Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro.
No, Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro.
No, Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro doesn't have a gym.