Do not stay there!

Sea Castle 2, Paternoster

Speechless - And not in a good way.

We booked for our anniversary weekend. We chose this place because it looked like it was centrally located, had a fireplace in the room (as advertised on the picture). However this soon changed. Upon check in we were welcomed and told our car needs to be parked outside on the street. I asked if it is safe as one dont just leave a vehicle to be...”well” said the guy, “just dont leave any valuables in the car”, thats a given, “ok but will they ***** my car”? “We cant be too sure”. We continued to our room. The room layout and size was exactly as advertised and was clean. However, very unwelcoming due to the cold weather. This did not bother us too much as we have a fireplace right? No! Fireplace is not allowed to be used, this was not communicated prior to check in. No fireplace, no heater?? Not even a braai area as the unit next to us, 1, had a braai but dedicated to them on their balcony. I immediately contacted the host to ask if there is anyway to assist, still waiting for an answer 1 day later. After reading about the crime in Paternoster and the thought of a cold and uncomfortable night, we thought best to pack up and go home due to no feedback from the Ops Manager Marie. On our arrival home at 17:00 I messaged the Host, Kevin, and informed him of my experience. He read my message, no reply. I think the worst part of this experience was not only the false advertising(on the photos it is clear that there is a fireplace and even has wood stacked in it) which I did not preceive as only for display purposes... (Side note, not a major issue, but they advertise amenities such as salt and oil, still looking for that as well). What got to me was the complete disrespect and absence of communication, really not what hospitality is about. I dont really like posting negative reviews however seeing that I have tried to resolve this matter with Marie and Kevin with no prevail, here it is.

Tips for being in Hospitality: Communication is key. Always try and make a plan. Had Marie phoned me and offered me a heater or said I can also use the braai next door, this might have actually turned out well, yet she decided to ignore me.

Well done Kevin and Marie! Keep it up.