Cathkin Cottage Bed & Breakfast

A very warm welcome from Roger after a phone call to confirm receiving our booking. Great orientation and taking us through what is available within the facility and nearby. A great healthy breakfast and very flexible. A great room as well.

We had a very nice stay in the idyllic surrounding. The B&B is very nice and clean. I want to mention the host especially. He lives for his job, was absolutely friendly and made great recommandations for hikes and restaurants.

On January 27,2023 we secured a confirmed reservation, for 8 people (and 5 rooms), to stay at Cathkin Cottage for 3 nights (24 – 27 June, at R7,500 per night) and a reservation number was provided. The total cost of the stay came to R22,500. We were required to pay a 50% deposit to secure the booking (i.e R11,250). In good faith, we paid R18,750 (R7,500 more than 50% of the required deposit). On June 16, 2023, I informed the Cottage that we will not be able to continue with the stay as two of the ladies have fallen seriously ill. One was in critical condition in ICU, on a ventilator, and the other had serious cardiac issues. Proof of the emergencies were offered to the Cottage but we were told that won’t be necessary as they “do not doubt” us. While there was some empathy from the Cottage, they blatantly and outright refused to refund the R7,500 or any part of the payment we made. Instead, we were only offered an option to make an alternate booking within 30 days from date of the original booking. We were literally forced to book an alternate time in July 2023, as a result booking the weekend of July 14th. Even with that booking, we were given only a 2-night stay and not a 3-night stay, with 3 rooms and not 5 rooms, as originally booked. On July 5, 2023, the one lady had to undergo a cardiac procedure, and on July 7, 2023, heartbreakingly, the other lady passed away. As a result of these emergencies, we were unable to fulfil the “forced” stay for the weekend of July 14th and had to cancel. The Cottage now has those rooms open for occupation, and has refused to refund us, at minimum, the R7,500 we paid over and above the 50% required deposit. It is frustratingly sad to see one human take advantage of another’s pain and suffering! We lost a sister and a lot of money, with no mercy from Cathkin Cottage!

The B&B is located at a spot that offers spectacular views on the Drakensberge mountains and you get to see many animals. While the common room is very cosy and provides space to sit together any time of the day, the bedrooms are good for sleeping only. Unfortunately the Wi-Fi did not work properly when we were there, but it was made up by the stunning views, the hospitality of the landlord, who guves useful tips and serves a delicious breakfast and a very friendly cat that roams the premises.

It was a lovely cozy home away from home: I enjoyed the breakfasts and conversations around the table with Roger as well. The domestic staff were very friendly and attentive to detail too, which is rare; I really appreciated that about this place.

Accommodation met all expectations. Roger's local knowledge is very useful, and he was communicative and available leading up to our stay. I would recommend Cathkin Cottage to anyone looking for a base from which to explore the area.

We were bit disappoin**ent with Room 3, we did not think it was worth what we paid per night. Unfortunately, it was only a double bed, no view of the surrounding moutains and the WiFi was not accessible in our room.

Amazing host who couldn’t more helpful and gave us a warm welcome with lots of information. It is an amazing place with great attention to detail and such a relaxed a**osphere. Breakfast sets you up for the day. The host let us know good restaurants to eat at.

Perfect to break our trip in the Drakensburg. Excellent walking nearby. Perfect location, could even walk to (and back!) to the Sun's bar and restaurant. The Host was exceptional really welcoming and helpful.