Don’t expect much from Riverside Sun Hotel

Riverside Sun Hotel in Vanderbijlpark SW 5.

We visited the restaurant on 3 April 2023. We weee so excited. The view is impeccable. The smell of the river with the wind blowing in your hair; the green grass; the tranquillity of the scenery was bliss. However the service delivery is below par. Upon arrival we were instructed by reception to go to the bar as the restaurant is not open yet - they serve food also. We go to the bar and is met by Lucas. Lucas looked like a deer in headlights when we asked him whether we could order from the bar. After much reiteration and unanswered questions we finally were handed the menus to order. We asked if we could have a seat outside by the river and his response was a nonchalant “yeah” waving his hand and shrugging his shoulders. We needed to seat outside. Our drinks took 30-44min to arrive. I know this because I had time to go down to the river to take photos as well as walk all the way up the river and back - went to the chess boards- and car back and the drinks had STILL not arrived. I ordered a ****tail - “On the river”- and it was diluted. Seems like there was a limit on the alcohol. It tasted like a fruit ****tail rather. Our table was unstable. We looked for assistance and we could not find any because there was no one in sight. All the waiters disappear at once and only appear when they bring your food! Lucas brought us two stones he picked from the garden to prevent our table from wobbling. After our food was served Lucas did not return ask if we needed another drink (which I did) or anything else for that matter. We needed to get up and walk all the way up to the bar in order to pay. Lucas left us unattended for another 45minutes without any drinks. No other assistance was in sight. And there’s no way of calling them without having to walk up to the bar where they gather around the bar and socialise.

There was no variety in the sauces they have. (2 Worcestershire sauces, tomato and chutney sauce) Which is quite disappointing as the expectation of a hotel in that area is high. There was little variety of the menu and Lucas seemed *********** to answer any of our questions and or have us enjoy our visit. This takes away of the ambiance Riverside Sun is trying to go for. The scenery can be how beautiful however when the service delivery is not on par it takes away from the entire experience.

A place of that stature need qualified equipped staff on ALL days! Not only on “busy” days. Today was a “quiet” day and if I may, I assume hotel managers only have a minimum staff members work on “quiet” days. This can’t suffice!

One also needs to realise word of mouth travels faster than advertising your beautiful scenery! I will never visit Riverside Sun Hotel again! It’s like we now have to opt for places who has a “at least okay service” instead of just expecting good ol’ service’