We stayed 1 night (23rd Oct) as we were keen to break our journey whilst in the Drakensbergs before heading South to KwaZulu Natal. We disregarded the cautionary advice given, and went anyway. Fabulous drives and scenery in the area, but as a town, this place is just horrid - Tourist tat (allegedly mostly imported from FarEast) abounds and Coach Tours dominate. Most famous bar in Town is a smokers haven (integral to the Hotel). We were upgarded to a Room in their Annexe, and still felt disappointed, Decour is decidedly 1920s (my Great Granny's style), which if that's what they are seeking to project is fine, but please install proper lighting (for safety if nothing else) and some ammenities - fridge. We had to leave very early in the morning (pre-06.00) and so ordered a packed Breakfast, which was not available as the Receptionist 'forgot to tell the chef' - not a disaster in its own right, but sadly symptomatic of the place - almost everything was (just) sub-optimal (aka average). Dinner was also OK (at best) - we did not find fault with the staff - they seemed very willing etc and did their best, but we did feel the Management is in denial that there is anything needing doing to deliver a better Customer Experience. Summary - only stop at Pilgrims Rest for an hour or so, en route to somewhere nice and not at night - we did not feel safe at all, accentuated by the 'Don't Stop' road signs all around the area.
- Royal Hotel Pilgrims Rest
