Drakensberg Sun - Declining standards

DRAK SUN Declining standards?

After waiting 2 weeks for my refund and an apology from the General Manager which has still not been forthcoming, (which is a good indicia of the top-down malaise prevalent in S A) I have been forced to put pen to paper. Bear in mind, however, that even excellent hotels have the occasional snafu & bad rating so don’t judge this review in isolation.

Drakensberg Sun is a mostly Fantastic 3 star hotel with 4 star designation & prices; Though I doubt the rating applies to the lesser self-catering section.

I wrote this at another resort : La Rochelle in St Lucia (which I recommend unreservedly). La Rochelle is an excellent 3 * hotel but Drak Sun in a supposedly 4* hotel. La Rochelle is large and spacious with proper bedrooms & 2 bathrooms, But Drak is 1 bedroom plus a sleeper couch for kids that slopes after a while making sitting exasperating. The former has a proper walk-in shower (and separate bath) whilst Drak has only a slippery bath in which to shower. The former has a proper adjoining covered garage plus parking for a few extra cars outside the unit Whilst Drak has an open parking-lot over 100 metres away, which is vulnerable to the very occasional snow or hail. Even worse, the porter takes your luggage in a miserable 2-wheel trolley instead of a proper 4 wheel hotel cart. The former provides liquid soap, shampoo & body lotion but Drak does not, unless you count the real poo from the staff. I think the moisturizer is essential in the mountain but the GM wants you to buy it from their monopoly store. At La Rochelle, you arrive to a table already set, (with a net over it) which is such a gracious welcome.

Drak sun itself: The majestic mountains, the panoramic views, the refreshing air, the mind & soul expanding walks, the myriad birds are just superb to fantastic. It’s around 3 hours from dbn and Almost always 3 to 6 degrees cooler.

Mind the cattle and goats crossing the roads, mostly at dawn and dusk. Decent roads all the way. When we first started coming here 30 years ago The last 10 km was dirt road that turned to clay after prolonged rain

Decent unit and kitchen that even has a dishwasher. Extremely uncomfortable table and chairs for eating. Table too high, seats much too low. You will understand what kids feel like at the table, with your plate at neck level.

1 bed, 4 sleeper. For a couple and 2 little kids on the sleeper couch. Lovely air-con room; firm king size bed, with horrible pillows, 1 is not enough & 2 is too many. TV in lounge And bedroom, which is nice. Good restaurant. Tennis and squash court. Bowling green and golf course; kids playroom. Even when full, the hotel doesn't seem too crowded. Free daily 15 min boat cruise. Must try once as it’s very pleasant. Of course it was out of commission which seems to be a refrain.

What should have been a Great view from the unit is constrained and spoilt. (see pic) Was looking forward to sit in the balcony just to admire the view but no balcony (unless their 10 cm which can barely take my toes counts) so this was a huge disappointment.

Not sure if it's wheelchair friendly as it is split level with small flights of stairs, and the frail and old may be put off by that. No lifts. Though I did see a couple of wheelchairs.

Nearby attractions : Try the zipline, I’m almost 60 and loved it. horse riding etc. If you are a chocoholic you must try the chocolate drink at the nearby chocolate shop. The bird show at Falcon Ridge is a must. But go on a sunny day with thermals for majestic flights.

On the whole the Staff are ok, but can only be as good as the GM. If you want friendly, efficient staff visit Margate Sands. Good to see some staff that began as porters have been promoted. My unit was not properly inspected before my arrival: bulb on one bedside lamp was kaput. 1 set of bedroom lights could not be used as there was a horrible static-like sound emanating therefrom. Extractor fan in bathroom was terribly noisy. Previous resident had left a soap bar stuck in the sink. (all were fixed, only the next day…. But only after we complained) At La Rochelle, on the other hand, when I got into the shower a little ***** holding the shower door fell out, making the door wonky. As we were rushing off to the Hluhluwe Game reserve at 6 am I didn’t have time to report it to maintenance; but when we came back that afternoon, it was fixed, Without us having to report it. Take a lesson, Drak.

But all this is only an appetiser & paled into insignificance with my main complaint: NOISE!. Residents below us brought their phone & speaker outside and were playing their music outside my window till 3:15 in the morning! And only stopped when, at the end of my tether, I was forced to report it to Reception, who sent a security guard. He requested that they shut off their music because residents were complaining rather than informing them That noise is not tolerated after hours, if at all. This is a secluded mountain resort, not a beach club, swinger’s club or a rage party. 3:15 AM? Surely Security should have called it in when they do a patrol; or don’t they?

We were so upset we only got to bed after 4, then woke babelas & missed the guided walk And rued a spoilt day. Sunday, the superb bird show. Came back for a siesta after lunch. Woken up 10 min later by party noise, as a dozen people from various rooms had gathered below my window For lunch, and Jägermeister’s. Is drinking in the common area, outdoors, legal Or is Drak flouting that law too?

I have no problem with parties at the restaurant or at the pool or in a properly designated area, But outside my window? Instant Migraine.

That was the last straw. We packed and left a day early; fore-going a lovely Midland drive on Monday To try the chocs, cheese, honey & olives. I told reception to have the GM do an in loco inspection & phone me As I was too loco right then.

Still waiting.

In 33 years (have a timeshare) this is only my second complaint- but still 1, if not 2, too many. But 85 poor ratings on Trip Advisor is not promising. Even their stairs are dangerous