The worst one-night stay at this horrific place

Formal Review of horrific Stay at AB&AB Hotel and Apartments, Bothashoek, Burgersfort

We wish to formally register our dissatisfaction following a highly distressing and unacceptable experience during our recent stay at AB&AB Hotel and Apartments, located in Bothashoek, Burgersfort.

Upon attempting to check in for a single-night stay, we encountered significant logistical challenges. Despite making a prior booking, the establishment was unable to locate our reservation when we contacted them telephonically for directions, resulting in a delay of over 30 minutes. Upon eventual arrival at the premises, staff were still unable to retrieve our booking and instead directed us to an alternative accommodation under their management. This substitute unit was, at the time of our arrival, still being cleaned and unfit for immediate occupancy.

Upon entry into the assigned unit, we were met with highly unsanitary conditions, including a strong and pervasive odour of sewage emanating from the bathroom plumbing, compounded by a complete lack of ventilation. Furthermore, the room was inadequately stocked—basic amenities such as towels were not provided, and these had to be requested separately. Access to Wi-Fi was also unnecessarily complicated, with staff refusing to provide login details on the grounds that this information had already been given to the individual who had made the booking.

Approximately one hour after our arrival, the electricity supply to the unit was disrupted. We requested a late check-out due to an early morning funeral we were attending; however, although the website stated a standard checkout time of 11:00 AM, we were told to vacate by 10:00 AM unless we paid an additional fee—contrary to what had earlier been indicated by staff.

The situation escalated later that night. After our initial negative experience, I contacted the host via message to again request the Wi-Fi password and to inquire where we might submit a formal review of the service we had received. The response was hostile and evasive. At approximately 1:30 AM, the owner of the establishment attempted to contact me via telephone, which I did not answer. At around 2:00 AM, he arrived unannounced and aggressively knocked on our door. The owner accused me of threatening him and his business—an accusation that appears to stem solely from my inquiry about submitting a review.

The owner proceeded to justify his behaviour by referencing the amount he had allegedly invested in the property—information which was irrelevant to our concerns as paying guests. He further claimed that his refusal to provide certain information was based on internal policy, though no such policy had been disclosed or agreed upon at the time of booking. He then demanded that we vacate the premises immediately, at 2:00 AM. We refused, given that we had paid in full for the night's stay. He eventually left, but the incident left us feeling unsafe and severely intimidated, resulting in a sleepless night.

To exacerbate matters further, when we attempted to shower at 5:00 AM in preparation for our departure to the funeral, we discovered there was no running water. Upon our departure at 6:00 AM, the owner was seen waiting at the gate, which suggests he had been informed by the on-site caretaker of our movements. His presence at the exit was again perceived as an act of ************.

In conclusion, our experience at AB&AB Hotel and Apartments was profoundly negative. The service was unprofessional, the facilities were substandard, and the conduct of the owner was hostile and aggressive. We strongly advise prospective guests to exercise extreme caution when considering a booking at this establishment. Based on our experience, we cannot in good conscience recommend this property to any traveller visiting the Burgersfort area.