Guest User
November 25, 2024
It is with deep regret that I write this review. Having hosted seven functions at Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel over the past four years, I had come to associate the establishment with exceptional service, an inviting atmosphere, and an experience that left both my guests and myself delighted. However, my most recent visit marked the last time I will ever recommend or return to this venue. Let me begin with the positives: the service remains top-notch—attentive, professional, and warm. The ambiance? Still charming and elegant, setting the perfect tone for any occasion. But this is where the compliments end. The food portions and prices are nothing short of shocking, leaving me utterly embarrassed in front of my guests. The main courses were smaller than starters, an insult to any diner who values balance between quality and value. Take, for example, the lamb shank priced at a hefty R310. What arrived on the plate was barely two bites of meat—a portion so meagre it bordered on disrespectful. The Duck Duo, a dish with promise, was laughably tiny—better described as a "Quail Duo" based on its size. And the Rib Eye steak, traditionally known for its hearty cut and flavour, was riddled with fat and sinew, rendering it almost inedible. To top it off, the desserts were an even greater disappointment, with portions so insubstantial they failed to satisfy even the lightest of sweet cravings. This was a far cry from the Ivory Manor experience I had grown to love and trust over the years. It is evident that there has been a change in management or the culinary team, and unfortunately, the new direction is far from an improvement. Charging such exorbitant prices for these insultingly small portions is not only unjustifiable but also out of touch with the expectations of loyal patrons. Let me be clear: this is not fine French cuisine, where smaller portions might be excused by the complexity and artistry of the dish. Even Pretoria-based French eateries offer larger, more satisfying portions at similar or lower price points. The stark contrast to your past standards is both disappointing and disheartening. I had high hopes for this visit, expecting the usual blend of sophistication and satisfaction. Instead, I left feeling let down, embarrassed for my guests, and deeply saddened to see what Ivory Manor has become. Never again will I recommend your establishment, and never again will I return. For a venue with such a stellar reputation, this decline in quality and value is unacceptable. I hope you take this feedback seriously because the Ivory Manor of today is far removed from the one I have cherished over the years. You have lost a loyal customer. Dr Thommie and Mrs Zoleika Burger