Beware of Beach Holidays KZN's misleading adverti*****ts

Our family group of six booked for the period 2-9 January at 4 La Pirogue in Ballito, a property managed by Beach Holidays KZN, an organisation specialising in self-catering holiday rentals on the North Coast of Natal. We dealt with Michelle Dold of Beach Holidays KZN (mobile 083 602-7742)

We were very disappointed by the property. It was dilapidated and run down. A few examples: two glass shelves in the fridge were broken and had been replaced by unvarnished wooden boards which was unhygienic; the fronts for door compartments in the fridge were missing which meant that items could not be stored there; the fridge ice/cold water dispenser didn't work; several saucepans had no lids; a washing machine was advertised but wasn't there; keys and adapters were missing; the sliding door mechanism for the blinds in the main bedroom were rusted up and couldn't be used; there was a cupboard safe but no key; the lighter mechanism in the gas braai didn't work. The burner plates had to be removed and the gas lit with a match which was dangerous; the indoor dining table only seated four for an apartment that was advertised for six; one of the dining table chairs was broken.

On top of all this, the apartment hadn't been cleaned or the beds made when we arrived at the advertised check-in time of 3pm. Our young grandchildren were tired after a long trip and just needed to relax. This was not possible.

In their website, Beach Holidays KZN state: "Our goal is to ensure that all our accommodation is kept to a high standard and maintain close contact with our homeowners. We know that travelling can be exhausting, and we will do our best to make your stay easy, comfortable and satisfying". This is a good sentiment but clearly isn't followed. Even the quickest and most basic inspection by Beach Holidays KZN would have revealed the defects listed above, but this wasn't done.

The purpose of this email is to warn other holiday makers about the dangers of relying on Beach Holidays KZN's adverti*****ts but rather to verify wherever possible that the actual condition of the apartment is as advertised.