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Otters Bend Lodge

Franschhoek

Address
Dassenberg Rd, P.O. Box 273, Franschhoek Western Cape, South Africa
Price
R125 dorm per night; R400 double room per night Check Current Prices by Date Here
Location/Contact
Details
Otters Bend Lodge Online Booking
Arrival Date:   Nights:  People: 
Their Description

Features

  • Kitchen
  • Lounge / Common space
  • Swimming Pool
  • BBQ
  • Washing Machine (laundry)
  • Travel information provided
  • Bike Rental
  • 24 Hour Free Hot Showers
 
The Hostelz.com Review
Otters Bend Lodge has a lovely setting on a farm with a river running next to it. The rooms are in log cabins, all en-suite, with double rooms, dorms, and rooms for families. Camping is possible on the large lawn. Linens and towels are supplied. The atmosphere is very relaxing and peaceful. It is quite social without being a party place.

The Location

The Otters Bend Lodge is located just outside a village with many restaurants, pubs, and store within walking distance. The area is famous for wine growing and the vineyards are within walking distance. Most of the guests walk into the village for tours, dinners, and shopping. The Lodge is a good location for hiking, horseback riding, and biking. For adventure travel the owners can help guests book hang gliding, absailing, whale watching, fishing, and sailing. It isn't necessary to have a car.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The rooms are clean and comfortable and decorated in a pretty way. There are dorms and double rooms. They all open out onto a wooden deck with a view of the mountains or the river. The rooms are all en-suite. The dorms are roomy and the beds are comfortable.

Common Spaces

There is a large wooden deck and a communal lounge. There are self-catering facilities and a communal dining room. There is a beautiful fireplace and a generous kitchen for guest use. For an extra charge breakfasts are available with delicious hot bread. There are BBQ facilities and a swimming pool. The focus is on relaxation and socialization so there is no television.

Summary

The hostel is more of a lodge and it is in a rural setting. Most guests have their own cars. However, it is easy to fill your day with activities reachable with a short walk. The owners are really charming and really go out of their way to make everyone feel welcome and included. Airport pickup can be arranged from Capetown. This hostel is such a mellow place that it is hard to move on from there. It is a good value for such a lovely setting and facility.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
January 2009


Ratings & Comments

1 Average from 1 Rating

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Comment by Chris, South Africa
August 2009
1 Terrible
Otter's Bend was the singularly worst place I have ever stayed in my life. We arrived late for an overnight stay to find our room dirty -- the dustbin overflowing with someone else's rubbish, the bed unmade and stinky, the bathroom uncleaned, and the towels dirty. Of course we were totally unprepared, there was no one around to help us with clean linen as it was very late at night, and we were too exhausted to drive back to Cape Town. It was horrible. I contacted the owner who offered us a refund, but after several emails he never actually made good on his offer. Yes, a beautiful site, but unfortunately marred for us and we would never recommend Otter's Bend.
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