Crawford's Lodge service, food and interior not up to standard

Dear Hellopeter,

My husband and I got married recently and my husband meant well to book at Crawford's beach lodge to spend our honeymoon there for a week. Which should have been a special and pleasant experience, unfortunately landed up being much different than expected, especially when paying a premium price.

Upon arrival we received non-alcoholic champagne in our room without being offered a choice upfront (which I take up as "budgeting"), this was fine until we experienced much bigger further disappointments that actually matter.

"Welcome drinks" were in a very outdated, bar-like atmosphere, nothing like envisioned/advertised. The one night was advertised as a "Seafood Bonanza", which is ironic as one salmon, tiny and limited oysters as well as raw prawns were served and split up between probably 100 guests - so much for a Bonanza! Guests sitting nearby were all sending their prawns back to the chef, terrified that them/their children will get sick. Looking at the colouration of the fish it was also very clear that it was not fresh and had probably been in the freezer for a very long time. On the last day we observed how the leftover pizza from the previous afternoon was offered again at the buffet table, also noted by a few guests around us.

Lastly when asked for guest towels in order to swim, the towels given to us were old and ripped with holes - a towel I would almost not give my own dog to sleep on.

We decided to cut our visit short and could eventually not even get our full deposit back after explaining our concerns in a good manner.

As locals we were willing to support local lodges, pay premium prices (R6000 per night) in order to just have a good time and treat ourselves on a "once in a lifetime" occasion, we had expected much better.

To clarify - we are not snobs at all - we have stayed in many different places, but Crawford's service, decor and food is not up to standard (when paying R6000 p/night) and outdated overall when compared to the price. It is not market-related and do think it is sickening to charge local guests this and offer s****s - reflect what you are charging your guests.

When one owns a business he/she should feel proud and this should be reflected from food, interior to service etc, otherwise more and more local clients will not return, which is an important aspect to consider in these volatile times.

Hoping you can look into this.

Thank you Marelie