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Review by: Amanda Swart, Stellenbosch (stayed: November 2010)
I have stayed at many guesthouses/B&Bs – and I must honestly say Michael de Pinna’s Executive Guest House ranks right up there with the best of them. Usually one overnights at these places because one has to be somewhere for something – being at the guesthouse is not the prime reason for being at a given place at a given time – it’s a means to an end. My stay at De Pinna’s was such that I am sorely tempted to go to Jo’burg just to stay at there! Everything was superb. The welcome was warm and our stay came with many “extras”. We originally planned a two-night stay but we ended up coming back after our weekend trip for another night.
Michael and Peter are wonderful hosts - their hospitality went beyond the call of duty. Michael took time out to take us on a guided tour, showing us the lay of the land, the shortest route to our conference venue, and of course, all the interesting spots! Not that we were inclined to do anything as we were already good to go - surrounded by delightful company, sundowners which could easily have extended to sunrises, accompanied by all things delicious from the host’s kitchen. The breakfasts were to die for – perfectly prepared by Peter, who also threw in freshly baked petite muffins!
The house is superbly positioned in a quiet, charming area – a safe walking distance to Melrose Arch and many fine local restaurants. The ambient setting with the patio and pool area overlooking a beautiful garden lends itself to memorable moments. Our room, the Red Suite, was spacious with everything one could possibly need. At first I thought that the absence of a shower was a hassle. Taking a shower has become such a way of life with most of us that we skip the bath ritual simply because we don’t have the time. But away from home and everyday chores there are worse things to do with your time. There is something to be said for spending a relaxed session in a comfortably styled bathtub, surrounded by a profusion of pots and jars screaming “indulge”!
All in all marvelous accommodation! We came away refreshed, ready for the last few hectic weeks of 2010! It is the only place we will ever consider staying when traveling to Jo’burg. No cold, hotel-type treatment here - Michael does it from the heart!
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