De Zalze Lodge

We arrived Boxing Day and were able to check straight into our room , each room is named after a South African wine and has a vine growing over the entrance. The room was smaller than expected but had a lovely view over the golf course and mountain range even if the balcony was also smaller than expected. The bed was firm but comfortable with nice bedding and a choice of pillows. The shower was great hot and powerful although it did take a while for hot water to come through. The fridge was big and great to stock up on cold drinks and wine etc , hairdryer was fine , safe and hanging space and drawers and shelves for clothing. Also tea and coffee which was restocked daily. Breakfast was a short stroll away and pleasant enough with a choice of hot options and the usual fruit,yoghurts , bread , cheese and ham to help yourself too. The cups for tea and coffee were tiny , a mug would would have been better. There is also juices and water available. For us the best part was the swimming pool set in lovely grounds overlooking the golf course with towels provided and the option to buy wine and cold drinks from reception. You could nearly always get a lounger and most of the time it was lovely and peaceful. You could take walks or runs in the vineyards or around the golf course once play had finished , and even watch the sunset from the top of the vineyard. Reception were always available and friendly and helpful if you had any issues. We regularly walked over to Lievens the restaurant at the golf course and the setting and food and wine were perfect - steaks to die for and klein zalze wine which was delicious. Golf wasn’t cheap but the course was in top condition the front nine wider fairways and back nine was more challenging. You were given a QR code to enter and exit the property which needed updating at reception every few days. The lodge was well placed to get to from the airport and plenty of vineyards close by to visit - the wine tasting on site was very enjoyable too. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and hope to return next time we are in Cape Town.

The rooms must have just recently been finished, as some landscaping was still taking place just outside our room...fortunately, the digger started up after we had already left for the day and stopped before we returned at the end of the day. The development is beautiful, right by a golf course. A small pool was one minute walk away and breakfast & lunch are five minutes walk away. Upon check-in we were provided with a ticket for a complimentary wine-tasting session, which was a very nice touch. The reception staff were very friendly and welcoming. The room was clean and had all necessary amenities. It is also possible to borrow some good-quality mountain bikes from the Reception to go for a cycle ride around the estate.

I’m staying here as part of a tour of South Africa. The setting of the property is lovely. The restaurant service and food were excellent. The wine is very good. The rooms, however, were a concern. In our group, at least three had no hot water , thus no bath or shower. One had an air conditioning unit above the bed and it leaked water onto them during the night. At least three of us had faulty safes and we had to wait for the help to come fix them. This reporting and waiting was a waste of time for us while on a holiday. There was no phone in the room to contact the service desk. Should everyone have to walk to the desk to be served? The shower door in our bathroom was so poorly installed that it didn’t even close. The patchwork on the walls was atrocious. So poorly remodeled. The tv did not register any channel. Taken together, it appeared to us that the recent work done leaves much to be desired. We urged our tour provider, Collette, not to book here again.