Ratings based on 13 Verified Reviews

4.0 out of 5
89% of guests recommend
4.3 Room cleanliness
4.2 Service & staff
4.2 Room comfort
4.0 Hotel condition
Expedia Verified Reviews
5 out of 5
by A verified traveler

Best guesthouse in Natal

Posted 7 Jan 2024 on Hotels
Excellent service. Kind owners. Luxury rooms. Best breakfast in town. Strongly recommended.
4 out of 5
by A verified traveler

Posted 23 Sep 2019 on Hotels
For the amount I paid for my stay it was definitely worth that. Enjoyed the bird life.
Comment from Hotel Management
23 Sep 2019 by Ria, Hotel Management
Thank you so much for your kind review. Spread the good news to your friends, please? Warm regards, Ria.
1 out of 5
by A verified traveler

NOT 4 STAR NEEDS MUCH TLC

Posted 26 Aug 2019 on Hotels
Our booking was done based on the pictures on Hotels.com. The drive down to the house is a bit narrow and steep which was ok in the day but not so sure at night. On arrival we walked around the house to find the office and was asked if we were early. Lizette checked and said the room was ready and asked us to sign in. After doing so we were taken to our room with the first visit being to the toilet after a long drive. There were still faeces in the toilet and the bathroom had not been cleaned. Told Lizette who called the maid who apparently was new. Then found that actually the room had not been serviced, linen not changed etc. Also the glass of the door leading to the balcony was broken and she said there may be some wind noise. No offer to cover the broken glass. The area around the pool was plain concrete and the lounges rusted. The patio was dusty and generally the place needed a lot of cleaning and TLC. By this time any rustic magic was gone and we cancelled and found alternative accommodation. Lizette's comment was "oh well we will have another booking within the hour" so guess she was not perturbed !
2 out of 5
by A verified traveler from South Africa

Difficult to Find

Posted 21 Jan 2018
Pros: Very little.
Cons: Repair access road, no Wifi access despite advertising it, used soap in bathroom, no toiletrries, not near restaurants etc.
Location: Off a motorway and on a river near coast.
I had booked this lodging as a stopover en route to St. Francis Bay. The house is very difficult to find even with GPS, down a narrow, badly potholed lane. The room was okay, but no toiletries (e,g shampoo) provided, and the only soap had obviously been used by previous guests! The house did not provide dinner. I asked the owners for suggestions on restaurants and drove around looking for them but never fund them as instructions were so vague. Had minimal sleep as my room did not have blackout curtains and there was a bright security light outside that kept me awake. I left before breakfast. Considering the high price, I would never recommend this place.
Comment from Hotel Management
29 Jan 2018 by Ria., Hotel Management
Dear Tim, I am sorry you perceived Royston Hall in such a negative light. Apologies for the lack of fresh amenities. A pity you didn't draw my attention to this flaw as I would have rectified it immediately. We are a B&B establishment and advertise as such. Instructions to Restaurant 2.5km from our establishment and your GPS failed - a pity and I cannot take the blame for it. Your room has block out curtains and blinds, but I've realised the security light causes a disturbance, so have removed it. Pity you missed breakfast, our breakfasts are a famous and might have improved your opinion.
5 out of 5
Recommended
for Everyone
by A verified traveler

Absolute gem of a find!

Posted 2 Jan 2018
Quite remote, which adds to its charm- a little like stepping back in time but with all the mod-cons. Very very welcoming owners and staff - would love to have stayed much longer. Magnificent views and surroundings are outstanding- tropical gardens and a birdwatching paradise. Will definitely be back !
Comment from Hotel Management
23 Jan 2018 by Ria., Hotel Management
Dear Guest, Thank you for your great review. this is what we love about Royston Hall too: we are within sight of town, but totally secluded. Come again soon! Warm regards, Ria.
5 out of 5
Recommended
for Couples
by A verified traveler from UK

Delightful retreat

Posted 28 May 2017
Pros: Beautiful old property set in peaceful location, with lovely views over the river and surrounding countryside. Well run & friendly.
Cons: Only a small request - a fridge in the room for the milk & water - but it didn't spoil our visit!
Location: Perfect setting - only 15 minutes drive from a couple of restaurants, but completely secluded and away from the sound of everything but the birds.
We arrived at this oasis of tranquillity on the day of a family funeral. However we were greeted warmly, our room was ready and we were made to feel very welcome. We spent a lovely afternoon sitting in the grounds of the guesthouse, listening to the birds whilst we sipped our tea and read. Later on when we were trying to organise a taxi to take us to a local restaurant for supper without success; our host, Ria, offered to drive us herself and collect us later when we had finished our meal. It was an extremely kind gesture, especially considering the circumstances. The following morning we were served a delicious breakfast on the veranda. The service, food and location were perfect. Thank you!
5 out of 5
Recommended
for Everyone
by A verified traveler from france

An almost unique experience, but a good one

Posted 1 Feb 2017
Pros: Huge room, and bathroom, quaint, in line with its era. Big terrace overlooking the river gorge, very peaceful.
Cons: Mugs, not cups, in the rooms!
Location: There's a restaurant down the hill do evening meals not a problem. Right on the coast, easy access west and east.
A historic house in an amazing setting.This is living in the grand style. Breakfast, served by a charming young lady, was excellent.
5 out of 5
by Robert

Posted 5 Jan 2017 on Hotels
It is a very relaxing and peaceful environment with very good hosts and staff who make you feel welcome. The breakfasts were innovative and tasty as was the dinner. It is a beautiful setting and the atmosphere has been retained. .
4 out of 5
Recommended
for Everyone
by A verified traveler from London

Historical house

Posted 14 Dec 2016
Pros: Great period atmosphere
Cons: Nothing really, it is what it is, a great period house
Location: Up in the hills above Port Shepstone with commanding views. Jaxx restaurant nearby has good food at very reasonable prices
Just like an english manor house with great period features. Spectacular river views. Room was delightful with period furniture and a good size. The hosts are delightful and very friendly. It was a shame we could only stay one night.
4 out of 5
Recommended
for Everyone
by A verified traveler from Scotland

Posted 1 Jan 2016
lovely setting and lovely old mansion; great food and service from extremely helpful hosts.