Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis 4 نجوم

I have stayed here before, reviewed the hotel, and this is a followup on other experiences. Not all is great. Complain portion at the bottom. Gym: Top facilities for a hotel gym. Everything you need in a gym. Backs Restaurant: Great little restaurant if you have a short stay (less than 5-days). Would be great for a “larger” menu offering at breakfast. Only a couple of options. But food overall good. Unfortunately the main restaurant is closed for renovations and that puts pressure on “Backs” yet again for dinner options. Still good food but limited menu. Entrance to the estate: Ridiculous! It is a time consuming exercise. Stop, where you going? cell phone number, scan driving licence and disc. Such a terrible process. For a world class resort, your systems must surely be able to cater for one code (entrance and exit) during your stay. You know when we depart so why not give one code for entrance and exit during this time? Don’t say it is for security and my (and residents) safety. Security should always be a priority but this is just a bad and inconvenient process. I stayed for 3-weeks and to follow this every time, twice a day, is just ridiculous. There is better ways! Unfortunately the complaints about the access procedure has been coming for years (as I read the reviews) and still it has not changed. Golf: Would still like to play (and review) but not at the requested rate. I have played at many other courses (of same quality) and they are just as good and exclusive but not this expensive. But Still a great stay Will go back

Excellent service and very friendly environment. I want especialy to praise the team at the Back's restaurant who met me with a smile every morning. They were charming and very helpful. Always ready and in a good mood even when t it was very busy.

All the great service and treatment we enjoyed from the Pearl Valley hotel and its wonderful staff was marred by the shocking manner in which the security staff operates the access and egress gates to the Estate. Our room was far from perfect, with a wet carpet and rising damp - but this was not an issue as the hotel staff were quick to attend to the issue with good grace. We stayed at the hotel for 3 nights for a beautiful celebratory weekend with close friends. Our stay was ruined by at least 7 unpleasant encounters we had with Thornburn Security staff who appeared to be antagonising my husband and I and our family members at the access and egress gates. Our lasting impression of this hotel is that of an extremely hostile, inefficient system which left us as paying Pearl Valley Hotel guests feeling vulnerable at the gate and victims of inefficient, antagonising, security personnel who appeared to be enjoying depriving us access or taking undue time to permit us access to the hotel premises. This ill treatment occurred on each and every interaction with them. When complaining about the security staff to various members of the hotel team - I was informed that there are “many complaints” about the security at the gates - “but nothing gets done”. Our family will never stay at the Pearl Valley Hotel again after the unpleasant experience dealing with Thornburn Security. Life is stressful enough without having to be antagonised on one’s holiday by irritating, inefficient security personnel who defeat the object of a welcoming and secure hospitality experience and environment.

The Mantis Hotel Group has consitently exceeded my expectations - this particular has simply reminded me why this group will always enjoy priority when searching for a hotel - General Manager: Mynhardt de Jongh clearly leafs from the front - the service is 5* + - the views are outstanding the facilities exceptionally clean and varied to accommodate most preferences - staff is always available to assist - a must visit for atleast 3 nights - will return.

One of the largest and nicest rooms (207) I have stayed in for some time. Clean, modern and everything you need. Great complimentary coffee. World class estate with so many facilities you can use. Backs Restaurant: Small but very affordable menu. Friendly staff. Valley Restaurant: You can eat about the same breakfast for almost half the price at “Backs” Negatives: Golf: This must be the in the top 5 most expensive courses in South Africa to play as a affiliated member. Not really catering for South Africans. As a very avid golfer, I am not willing to pay that fee. Even the discounted rate if you stay in the hotel is exorbitant. 2/10 Access to the estate is shockingly slow and ineffective, especially for hotel staying/returning guests. Every day the same procedure to gain access. Code only valid for 1-day. R40 for still water in a normal plastic bottle! Price: 6/10 Staff:9/10 Location: 9/10 Facilities: 9/10 Overall: 8/10 As the estate is so large, a map of the location of all the facilities would be great.