Nova Boutique Hotel and Spa

We recently spent 1 night at the Nova Boutique Hotel in the family suite; an airport stopover before being collected the following day for transfer to our Eastern Cape game reserve. The positives.. -Close proximity to the airport. -Nice modern building with a lovely reception and bar area. -Friendly helpful manager (Justice). -Lovely breakfast room serving a really good breakfast with lots of cooked options and fabulous coffee. -Extremely comfortable beds and nice bedding. -A short taxi ride away from numerous dining options. The negatives.. -We booked almost a year before our stay, provided flight details, and reconfirmed our collection from the airport several times leading up to our arrival. Despite this nobody met us at the airport, so we were left feeling panicked arriving in an unfamiliar city. This was our 1st stop in SA. An airport representative helped and was eventually able to reach the hotel after several attempts, and the owners did eventually come to collect us. They were a friendly couple, but it seemed odd, and slightly rude, that they didn't once apologise for having forgotten us. -The 2 bed family suite was a separate area at the back of the main building, and although large, it was very run down and dirty. It was definitely not worth the price paid (approx £200 for the night!) -2 bedside lamps, but just for show.. there were no plug sockets for them! -No plug sockets or lights by the dressing table. I ended up plugging my hair straighteners in the kitchen with no mirror to use. -Very dirty under the edge of the rugs, and dirty, mouldy bathrooms. The curtains were also filthy with what appeared to be muddy hand prints! If we hadn't have been in an unfamiliar city , we'd have left without spending the night. We did look upstairs in the main building at the gym on the morning of our departure, and a number of bedroom doors were open. Whilst we didn't venture inside they did look nice and in complete contrast to the room we'd been allocated. Whilst I definitely couldn't recommend the family suite, the main rooms at least did look ok from the small glimpse we had, and can only assume they were based on the other glowing reviews.

I recently stayed at this charming hotel, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience. The owners went above and beyond to ensure our comfort. When I fell unwell during our stay, they immediately offered assistance. Not only did they provide thoughtful recommendations for nearby medical services, but they also personally drove us to the pharmacy. Their kindness and genuine concern made all the difference. The rooms were cozy, the staff attentive, and the overall ambiance delightful. I highly recommend this hotel for anyone seeking a warm and caring stay. Cheers, Celine & Vincent