Hoedspruit Jessica the Hippo Hotels

"Staff was friendly "

"The rooms are lovely and a decent size, however Khiwane is set up and feels more like an apartment block than a hotel. The cupboard is very small and is only made for one person, the hanging rod is very low and you can’t hang dresses properly. Although it says they offer breakfast at their restaurant and on doing online check-in you’re asked to choose time for dinner, Khiwane does not have a restaurant. They work with another restaurant, Arugula in the area where you walk to for breakfast. Minimum wait for breakfast is about 40 minutes so don’t go if you’re in a hurry to get elsewhere. You will have to find another restaurant in the area for dinner as if Arugula is open their kitchen closes at 19:30 and it’s not really set up for dinner, in any case. Also, Khiwane is in a built up area with lots of other businesses around, the pictures and statements of mountain views makes you think that you are in a place with a lot of property around it away from the city but in fact you are right off main road with the sounds of traffic coming clearly into the room. Our room also had an issue with the sliding door to the garden as it wouldn’t open so trying to get some fresh air into the room proved difficult, we had to open the door that leads outside but then could hear everyone walking past and dragging their suitcases in the corridor. Lastly, there was a constant pong in the bathroom, I think there is something wrong with the drainage system."

"One of the best accommodations I have had during all my trips to Hoedpruit "

"Great place with game drives "

"I stayed in the hotel only so I am not sure about area around the property. All the staff are friendly and hotel facilities are great. Only one thing is my room was too far from the main lobby. As a solo traveler, I felt a little nervous of walking in the morning and at night before and after safari trips."

"The Blyde Mountain Country House is set back off the main roads, and quite peaceful, charming and very welcoming. Bets (short for Elizabeth) surprised us with an upgrade, and the cottage room was delightful. It was spacious with a small kitchenette and adequate size bathroom including a walk in shower and built in shower bench. We really enjoyed the hot water and water pressure! The bedroom had a comfortable bed with a couch, bench, desk and chair, and television. The decor added a touch of class and made you feel at home! The common areas included an outdoor dining area, plus inside living rooms and bar (honor system). The outdoor scenery is breathtaking, and I enjoyed my walk around the pool area, gardens, and adjacent farm. The dinner was scrumptious (South African bobotie with chutney, bananas and coconut with rice and assorted mixed vegetables). The lemon meringue dessert was simply the best! The next morning, we had a wonderful breakfast, so relaxing to sit and admire the morning sky above the majestic mountains. Most of all, the staff, especially Bets and Jacob (?spelling) deserve recognition for their outstanding hospitality. And, thumbs up to all the wonderful cooks and other staff members that make this country house such a marvelous place. We will not hesitate to come back here again and will certainly recommend it to others if staying in Hoedspruit! Thank you!"