Forest Lodge

Amazing jungle setting, nice pool and relax area. The service was super friendly and helpful. The bathroom a bit small but everything you need is there. Monkeys around the property so be careful of your belongings and enjoy watching them playing

In a town where is probably an oversupply of accommodation, I would think that establishment would strive to give the best possible service. We went on a long weekend and most places were booked out but the main street didnt look too busy. Nevertheless, we chose Forest Lodge 2 streets out of the city centre for some quiet. Quiet it was, definitely. Ours was a 2 bed, 2 bath self catered unit with a balcony but no real view except in to the central garden which was very beautiful. Our room was missing a few items like some towels and we had to ask repeatedly before we go them. Most of the time reception was unmanned, a bit puzzling for a long weekend. This lodge was built to a high standard. The outdoor lounge is next to the pool and full of character with its hanging chairs, built under the canopy of trees.. There was a second pool which was under renovation and its dirty water brought alot of mosquitos to our room, they could have drained the water out. Theres also provide a braai area at the far end, just watch the monkeys. We didn't take the breakfast option or use the restaurant.

Let's start off by stating that the staff were very helpful and understanding and that in general the facilities were quite good (although in need of updating), but here is the big but..... 1. The room was generally clean but smelt of damp and there was mould on the bathroom ceiling and around the shower area, the shower also overflowed into the bathroom. Basically, there was no ventilation in the bathroom and the window was not lockable and had clear glass. The simple solution would be to put an extractor in the bathroom, or a lockable stay on the window with opaque glass so that the room can be aired. The room smelt like a very strong cleaning agent had been used to overpower the smell of damp and this in itself had an extremely pungent smell. 2. Some items of furniture were very old and broken and the hairdryer was sticky to touch, so not used. 3. Breakfast was luke warm with insufficent utensils to serve the food, so guests were using tongs meant for hot food to pick up fresh produce or bread. It was a shame because there was a fairly good selection of food. We also had to request cutlery which was missing from our table. The damp smell was so overpowering that we only stayed for one night out of the four planned, we found another B&B for a similar price around the corner. When we checked out the management were very apologietic and offered to move us, so we cannot fault them in these regards. We did not make a huge fuss or demand any refund as the staff were clearly embarrassed and it was not their fault that the owner has not invested money in the areas where it is needed. This was purely our experience and others might find the accommodation value for money, but out of the many locations we stayed in South Africa during our 16 night tour, this was the most disappointing, purley because of the damp smell, it's unhealthy!

We hebben hier twee nachten geslapen. Kamers waren vrij nieuw, echter de airco deed het niet in de nacht vanwege de loadshedding. Dat waren twee warme plaknachten. Raam open is vanwege de alen geen optie, die haalden alle suikerzakjes uit de hotelkamers via de raampjes en als je pech hebt bagage. Ontbijt was goed, zwembad prima. Locatie is erg leuk, lopen vanaf de lodge naar de restauranttjes. Uitkijken voor nijlpaarden….wij liepen er eentje teegn het lijf op straat, serieus.

Nous avons séjournés 3 nuits au Forest Logde Santa Lucia dans le cadre d'un circuit privatif, réservé par notre agence. Le jardin de l'hôtel est vraiment cosi et luxuriant, et la piscine est magnifique. Par contre quelle déception au niveau des chambres ! La chambre était sale, avec des quelques blattes à notre arrivée, qui grouillaient sur le sol, autour de la bouilloire.... le sol était sale (ce qui explique d'ailleurs la présence de ces insectes). Les draps semblaient propres mais étaient tout tachés et dépareillés. Un des deux lits était juste impossible à utiliser du fait de son inconfort. Nous n'avons pas laissé nos valises ouvertes de peur qu'une blatte s'y réfugie. Moins grave, la décoration est ancienne et la chambre sombre. Le petit déjeuner est très bien. Cet hôtel mérite un très gros rafraîchissement, du linge neuf et surtout un grand nettoyage. Si je n'étais pas passée par une agence, je ne serai pas restée dans ce lieu. Dommage car l'extérieur est vraiment magnifique.

Wij verbleven enkele dagen in deze lodge zodat we alles wat St Lucia te bieden had, rustig konden ontdekken. Zeer mooie locatie om te verblijven. Het personeel was erg vriendelijk, lekker en uitgebreid ontbijt dat werd aangevuld. De kamers hadden wel wat meer verluchting kunnen gebruiken, aangezien deze wat vochtig bleven aanvoelen na het douchen. Echter wel een zeer nette en ruime kamer en badkamer! Wij zouden hier zeker terugkomen!