Irene Country Lodge

BEFORE YOU BOOK: CHECK IF THIS PLACE IS STILL A CONSTRUCTION SITE We visited the website, thought the property looked beautiful, and booked what we hoped would be a relaxing weekend away in the country. Unfortunately, what we arrived to felt more like a construction site than a peaceful country escape. From our first day, the drilling and construction noise was so loud that we couldn’t even open our doors and enjoy the view. There were workers constantly moving around directly in front of our windows and doors, and any sense of privacy or tranquillity was completely lost. What made it more frustrating was the lack of response from management. We raised our concerns with reception and were told the matter would be escalated. We never heard another word. We also followed up by email and received no response. It’s a real pity because this is a beautiful property with loads of potential, and we can absolutely see the vision for what it could become. But guests paying full rates should be made aware if significant construction is taking place during their stay. My advice before booking is simple: phone the hotel and specifically ask whether construction is still underway and whether it will affect your room. If it is, I would personally wait until it’s finished. We came for a relaxing country weekend and instead spent it listening to drilling and construction. For a property with this much potential, we expected considerably better communication and service.

We had a 1 night stay between flights. Room was great - lots of space & a lovely bathroom. Unfortunately there is so much work going on at the hotel it was impossible to get away from the noise. We had to use the restaurant on the farm for dinner & breakfast. It was an easy walk but the buffet at both meals did not provide much choice. Once the work is completed I’m sure it will be a great hotel but not at present.

We stayed only one night before moving towards Kruger. The hotel has rooms in small buildings located in a magnificent garden. For dinner and breakfast, since the internal restaurant was under renovation, they took us to the restaurant of the actual farm, accompanying us with a golf cart, both for dinner and for breakfast. A la carte dinner and buffet breakfast. Large rooms with a terrace.