Sandton Landgoedhotel Vennendal in Nunspeet

I don't like to complain, but if I had known beforehand I could have improved my trip by choosing a different hotel. I stayed in the 'romantic room'.

Unfortunately, this hotel is not that great. I really craved a couple days of rest here, but my stay was rather stressful.

Good to note is that other reviews are right, when they mention it being a bit outdated, the rooms being a bit cheaply decorated. The breakfast has the minimum of what you need.

While the forest embraces you beautifully at this location & it is very near public transport, the positives kind of stop there.

The staff was very sweet but young, it is not their fault; but the room I got was incredibly dusty, and the bedding was stained as you can see on the photos. The watercooker photo, even, is after I brushed it off a bit. The teaspoons in the room were unfortunately also dusty.

I called for new bedding and they did bring some an hour later but it was only the sheets; it was the mattress cover and pillowcase that was dirty. Eventually I got clean bedding, but they asked me to make the bed myself. "You can make it yourself, right?" She was really kind, and maybe I should have been bolder and asked her to do it, but I felt like I couldn't.

The bathroom mirror & light, while nice, was definitely far too dark to see yourself if you want to do your makeup or hair.

Another problem came up; I had paid for my stay beforehand at home, but I was asked to pay the whole thing again as I arrived. I checked later on, and went to ask about it. Luckily, the staff who checked me out again found out later on that I had been charged twice. So in the end, it did get sorted out. It would be good if the staff could ask at the check in moment, if you remember paying beforehand; since I was just told I still needed to pay, I convinced myself I misremembered. Luckily, I checked it later.

All in all, the potential might have gotten lost over the years, unfortunately. I did not get to relax there, but I did gain a good experience of traveling on my own for the first time and asking for what I need! Go me!