Zebula Golf Estate and Spa - Zebula Golfers Lodge

We had an amazing weekend. The staff at Zebula are the most caring and friendly staff, I have ever came across. So helpful an passionate about their jobs. Christina our game drive gaurd, nade our trip fun an we also learned from her. The home we stayed in was amazing. Will recommend this place to anyone

This weekend was booked as a birthday celebration by my partner and after many previous stays before, we were really looking forward to a relaxing weekend in the bush. This sadly wasn't the case and from the moment we arrived, our expectations and memories of what once was a luxury haven, were ruined. The list of disappointments can go on for days but I think it's important if you are going to carry on running your establishment as a 4*lodge, you best pull out your A game and pick it up quickly before it goes to complete ruin. -When checking in we were immediately greeted by the site of renovations around the pool area which was not communicated in any of the emails or mentioned on the phone calls. The petting zoo and animals that my children grew up loving to see has also been demolished. We then noticed how many people were walking around with cooler boxes and blatantly drinking out of the boots of the cars with no respect for anyone around them. -From there we went to reception where we were told about our "Dinner Allowance of R250 each" and also advised that the fine dining restaurant upstairs is no longer available (which also isn't mentioned on your site). This may work for golf days or conferences but is unacceptable for hotel guests that have paid a decent amount to stay at your lodge. We were also informed that there is no room service and the restaurant closes at 21h00-all this whilst you have a full bar of guests to watch the rugby which only started at 21h00. Where are they meant to get something to eat after the game seeing as though they've all been drinking all night? The dinner was very disappointing and not a patch on what it used to be. -Then the room........desperately needing maintenance!! From cracked tiles, gaping granite around the bath tub and step, no pressure in the shower, aircon lip jammed with toilet paper (which vibrated and dripped water all night), no tissues in the room, 1 small hand soap whilst there are 3 basins/ bath and a shower, no gown and slippers, no cushions on the patio chairs, no wifi in the room, etc etc -The peaceful experience that is normally expected in a bush lodge was nothing remotely peaceful and we may as well have been at a shebeen in the city with music blaring until midnight and generators blasting all day and night. And please don't use loadshedding as an excuse as we travel frequently and know what to expect when going to hotels. By now there should be sufficient alternatives in place. -Breakfast the next morning was once again done in "school hostel" style with pre-packed cutlery and a tea station (acceptable at a conference but not a hotel). The choice was disappointing with dried out bacon, margarine at the toaster with dirty knives all over (no butter on the table), limited preserves and canned fruit as opposed to fresh fruit? Food was cold, etc -Then to the pool where there were already at least 30 people around and a bunch of kids in the pool.....with 8 pool loungers and no umbrellas

Disappointing - Almost nothing worked. Lights, Braai, Shower. For the price, rather go elsewhere. Staff are incompetent and rude. Asking for assistance is pointless. The F&B manager thought it appropriate to argue with my wife and I during dinner in full view of my 21 guests. Looking for customer service? Go elsewhere. Scary - Drove out after dark to assist family members that were lost. Was pulled over by a seemingly intoxicated staff member. Threatened to fine me for speeding. The state of the roads is appalling. You couldn't speed even if you wanted to. The manner in which he approached my car and blocked me in was a very scary experience, almost similar to being hijacked. This is how they treat paying guests. Unhygienic - We realized too late that the scullery was roach infested. We had to discard most of our groceries. On day 1 we asked for the showers to be unblocked and the braai to be fixed. We stayed 2 nights. No one bothered to assist or follow up. We've used Protea by Marriott resorts previously. I'm surprised they've endorsed such an appalling establishment.