Irene Country Lodge, Autograph Collection® Bewertungen

When you see pictures on the internet, you are never quite sure if the reality will meet your expectations- but this wonderful Country Lodge surpassed my expectations. This is a beautiful country hotel attached to a working farm. It has a delightful deli with organic and unusual produce. But the best part was the staff. Every single staff member, from cleaners to managers stopped to great us with a friendly smile and an offer of help. From the bartenders, reception staff, porters to the managers, we were treated with such kindness. A haven of Country life so close to the city and so family friendly - a definite place to return to.

I have stayed here on a number of occasions for work in the past 3 years. I regularly have stayed between 2 - 4 weeks. Rooms are nice and spacious and the staff in the bar and restaurant were so helpful and friendly. Because I stay for long duration, the staff made me feel the hotel was a home. Brian, Bongami and Richard with some of the other bar staff have always looked to help me with a smile. On occasion they even got the kitchen to make a dish for me that wasn't on the evening. The breakfast crew of Sharon, Thandie and Delly have always been fantastic. Apologies to any names I don't mention! The walk around the lake is fantastic particularly after a day at week. Really nice to have access to the farm across the road and a nice walk there too plus places to eat as well as nice farm shop.

Not your typical 'Marriott' hotel or management style. Nice African layout and calming atmosphere! Great location for Jo'Burg airport but tucked away within the suburbs that you don't experience the mad hustle/bustle of Pretoria. Booked through a booking website rather than directly, so got a great deal on a forest-facing room. Bath and walk-in 'rainforest' shower. Separate toilet. Spacious room with all amenities. We had dinner and breakfast in the restaurant. Good quality food and choice of menu. I also had time to use the beauty spa before heading out on Safari. Great service and peaceful, away from the main hotel. What I did like (that speeded up check-out) was that you pay for everything on card at the 'outlet' every time you visit, ie in the bar, restaurant, at breakfast etc. I think they have a policy of 'no cash' to keep people safe etc.

I am traveling to Johannesburg for business and have Bonvoy Gold Elite status. Apparently that did not mean much because even though my executive assistant confirmed the reservation the day before, I received a cancellation notice from them while I was in flight. Thinking it was a mistake, I showed up to check in. In fact they had my paperwork but then could not find my reservation and had no explanation other than they are fully booked…totally the worse experience I have had at a Marriott property yet!

The attraction of this hotel is its lakeside bird sanctuary. The rooms are spacious but now dated. Basic things are provided like a safe and tea and coffee making. There is also an iron and board for the traveller. Limited toiletries of poor quality. The lakeside walk is worth a 15 to 20 minute walk round. We would call this a good one night passing through place. The only facilities to dine appear to be at the hotel. We need to make a special mention on the staff. At the bar the bartenders had an attitude of you are only here one night. He was unpleasant and edging on rude. We found most, but not all, staff to have the same unhappy customers service attitude and charisma bypass or lacked customer training.