All the brochures we have, the internet, and even the agents our travel agent booked through recommended Brookes Luxury Suites. Well let me tell you there is absolutely nothing luxury (or at least in room 117!) about these suites.
From the moment we arrived it was absolutely horrific.
First off we were told we were in a room with a sofa bed, thankfully our paper work confirmed otherwise - 2 bedroom suite. Then after the staff arguing with one another in their language that we couldn't understand, apart from the 'that will have to do' comment, we were given keys to an apartment which will have to do!
The lounge room on the face of it didn't look too bad, until we saw peanuts on the floor, the state of the generally run-down fittings, carpet, TV cabinet etc. Very old and run down.
The brochures noted the luxury suites as having a number of things such as air conditioning, satellite TV etc. THe rooms had the musty smell that you get in old houses.
There were basic things we didn't have and some that had been advertised as being available.
* No airconditioning! Fairly basic. There were fans in the room but even then our sons room fan was not working properly.
* No room safe.
* No changing of our towels or linen for our 4 day stay.
* Restaurant disgusting - more on this after.
* No satellite TV.
* Old plug outlets - so we couldn't use our adaptors to charge gear.
* No hair dryer - fairly basic.
* No shampoo - basic.
* Lights not working in some areas.
* Bedroom window hanging off by a latch.
* Curtains not on tracks.
* No pool towels.
* No iron.
The day we decided we would have a swim in the pool (which strangenly enough was pretty ordinary and not maintained well) it was cordoned off so we couldn't go in it. No explanation just a piece of tape around it.
The restaurant was disgraceful - run by the barman (who could not be classed as a chef), and a helper on the side. The tablecloths, floor, curtains in the restaurant were disgusting, along with the dirty toothpicks on the floor. The sweaty tea towel swung over his shoulder that was used for wiping around plates, and shifting food in the bain marie could hardly be hygenic. The microwave worked in overtime re-heating portions of food for meals. And, we know why there was never a person in the restaurant. Needless to say we didn't end up eating there either, but highly recommend the Blackbeards Restaurant at the hotel next door. Just a short walk along the road outside the gate and up a set of steps. First class restaurant with a team of staff and chefs and great service and views over the ocean.
Apparently this used to be the place to go - update your information travel agents and other people....it isn't now. In comparison we went into the Beach Hotel on the main strip across from the beach and it looked beautiful - rooms were very clean and large, the foyer area and restaurant lovely to sit and enjoy a drink etc. Can't vouch for the food as we didn't have a meal but certainly we enjoyed the time we spent there with great service and a top class location.
KEEP AWAY FROM THIS PLACE - YOU WILL REGRET IT AND IT TOTALLY SPOILT OUR TIME IN PORT ELIZABETH.
- Brookes Hill Hotel
