AA Highly Recommended Report - November 2014

Assessment Date:         21-10-2014

Assessor:                     Garth Maxwell

Category:                     B&B Guest House Style

Our Assessor visited your property on 21-10-2014 and compiled the following report:

Check-In

All the bookings and payments are done via Nightsbridge. Brenda (manageress) personally handles all the formalities in a very professional manner. All necessary documentation in place. Guests are assisted with their luggage and the relevant details of the establishment are explained to them.

General Efficiency

Brenda and Anthony make absolutely sure that this establishment operates smoothly. Their attention to detail is quite amazing.

Cleanliness

Very high standards of hygiene and cleanliness throughout.

Maintenance

The fixtures, fittings, furnishings and appliances are all in very good condition. Since my last visit the following improvements have been made: Varnished the wooden deck and all the chairs. Painted all the rooms. Placed an advertising screen in the dining room. A filtration system now supplies filtered water to all the taps. Once a year all the mattresses are sanitised. Room 1 - the cane couch has been recovered. All the chairs in the dining room have been dry cleaned. All the carpets have been cleaned. Room 2 -  new bedspreads. Room 3 & D - new granite top side tables. Four of the ottomans have been recovered. Changed round tables in some rooms for square ones. All suede curtains washed. The top, outside deck now has a new wooden table and six chairs. Room F3 now has a fridge. Room A  has been re-wired. New desk at reception.

Friendliness

Brenda and Anthony are very hospitable and make their guests feel very comfortable and at home. Their interaction with guests is quite amazing to see.

Local Knowledge

Anthony is an absolute fountain of knowledge. Being enthralled by history he can tell his guests virtually everything about Knysna and the surrounding area. He enjoys sharing his knowledge with his visitors. Good up to date brochures and pamphlets at reception for guests to peruse.

Service Efficiency

This establishment is well managed with prompt and efficient service in all areas of business. Although dinners are not served, guests can make use of food delivery services and use the dining room. Laundry is taken to a launderette for the guests. Free WiFi access. Rooms serviced daily. Linen changed every third day or on departure and towels are changed every day. Filtered water in all the taps.

Bedrooms (Type 1)

A lot of thought has gone into the decor and theme of each room. The pictures compliment the colour scheme of the rooms. All rooms are spacious with en-suite bathrooms. The rooms are varied providing most people with exactly the sleeping accommodation they require. Good quality beds with mattress and pillow protectors together with good clean linen and fresh towels, side tables or cabinets with lamps, built-in cupboards or wardrobes, wall to wall carpeting or wooden floors and good lighting provided. Other comforts include T/V with limited DSTV, full length mirrors, fans, wall heaters, WiFi, tea and coffee facilities, magazine stands and de- humidifiers. All furniture well placed for comfort and easy access.

Bathrooms (Type 1)

The bathrooms differ in size, fixtures and fittings, but all provide well placed facilities allowing for easy access.The choices are: Shower only (some with built-in seats), Shower with separate bath or shower in the room with a separate toilet. Good toiletries such as shampoo, bath soap and shower gel neatly displayed and ample lighting for purpose. Well ventilated areas, good quality towels provided and ample storage space.

Public Areas

1)A beautifully decorated and well furnished lounge together with an honesty bar and large T/V is certainly a nice place to while away ones time. 2) Two comfortable lounge suites furnish a common area downstairs. 3) The wooden deck adjacent to the dining room has the most amazing view of Knysna. When the weather permits breakfast is served here.

Building Exterior

This is a listed building which was built in 1896, it's condition is quite astounding. Plenty of TLC has been given to this lovely building. Mr+Mrs Liddle take pride in their establishment and maintenance is an ongoing exercise.

Parking

Ample safe parking behind electric gates in a well lit area.

Grounds & Gardens

The grounds are neat and well maintained. At the back, overlooking the the parking area is a lovely sparkling pool.

Security

Every effort has been made to make this property as safe as possible. Security razor wire has been placed all round and steel spikes attached to the top of the concrete wall. Two dogs sleep in the laundry room with the door left open so they can patrol or warn of impending danger. After 8 pm. the front door is locked and guests must come in from the parking area at the back.

Food Quality

Breakfast is served daily in either the dining room or on the outside deck, where guests can enjoy a lazy breakfast as the Knysna Lagoon shimmers in the background. Breakfast consists of a choice of fresh fruit, yoghurt, followed by eggs made to order, bacon, sausage, tomato and mushrooms.Then there is a choice of fresh breads, cheese, fruit juice, tea and coffee. Having been fortunate enough to partake in a breakfast, I can say with confidence that guests really enjoy this meal.

Overall

This enchanting heritage site has a unique aura of making one feel at peace with the world. The service offered is prompt and efficient, the hospitality is genuinely warm and friendly and the accommodation very comfortable with attention to detail.

Commendations

The guests comment book says it all. Mr and Mrs Liddle must be commended for maintaining the high standards of this establishment and for continually improving an already wonderful  venue. Congratulations on your Bravo Award from TripAdvisor.