VICTORIAN BEAUTY
LOCATION
About 185km northwest of Port Elizabeth.
ROOMS
There are nine rooms in total, which include family rooms, doubles and two self-catering units, which sleep four and five respectively.
The rooms all have en-suite bathrooms, fans and heaters (only two are airconditioned), tea and coffee facilities, free wifi and bottled water. Some rooms have TVs but only offer SABC channels.
STYLE
The edifices and architecture rose out of the late Victorian period (1897) and the corrugated-iron-roofed buildings, with their long, covered verandahs, high ceilings and wooden floors are redolent of a more graceful era. Most of the rooms and communal areas, such as the bar, lounge and dining room, are furnished with antiques, and many original artworks adorn the walls.
FACILITIES
Bar, conference facilities, a children’s play area, swimming pool, big-screen DStv in the communal area, jacuzzi (pre-booking required at an hourly rate), laundry and a braai area. The hotel also does events, such as weddings and year-end functions.
SERVICE
Very good, and with a smile.
THE EATING
The menu is comprehensive and offers something for most — including kiddies and vegetarians — but on a cold night after a long day in the saddle, I opted for the lamb curry and basmati rice. Its authentic Indian flavours made it an inspired choice.
THE ‘DO’ LIST
Most guests are passing through, but it’s worth spending a bit more time in the area. The town’s Gregorian-style Dutch Reformed Church is one of the biggest in the southern hemisphere; and a night stroll down the wide main street will give you an appreciation for the clean Karoo air, star-studded skies and the well-preserved examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture. There’s also the option of a day drive to Addo or one of the other game reserves in the area.
BEST TIME TO GO
Mid-summer is prohibitively hot, so I’d recommend April - October.
RATES
From R430 single per night to R770 for two people sharing, and R240 per person in a five-sleeper self-catering unit. Breakfast is between R45 and R90 and children under 11, sharing with parents, stay free.
CONTACT
Mail royal@dieseli.co.za or see steytlervilleaccommodation.co.za.