Golden Gate Hotel and Chalets

Golden Gate Hotel and Chalets descritpion

Nestled in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Golden Gate Hotel and Chalets is located 11.2 miles outside of Clarens. The 24-hour hotel offers a restaurant, chalet, suites and rooms. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout.
Every accommodation at Golden Gate Hotel and Chalets has a private bathroom with shower, bathtub or spa bath. After a long day of hiking in the national park, guests can relax watching satellite TV.
The chalet have an equipped kitchen with barbecue facilities. A snack bar can be found on site and you can sample a drink at the bar of the hotel.
Additional facilities include darts, a laundry room and a business centre. You can play tennis at an additional cost. The property offers free parking.

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Facilities of Golden Gate Hotel and Chalets

Outdoors ：BBQ Facilities | Grounds

Activities ：Tennis Court | Darts | Canoeing | Hiking | Horseback Riding

Food & Drink ：Bar | Restaurant with Dining Menu | Buffet-Style Restaurant | Snack Bar

General ：Facilities for Disabled Guests | Elevator | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private) | Air Conditioning

Reviews for Golden Gate Hotel and Chalets

Review 1：The towels were hard in texture, management should invest in a 2ply toilet roll for health reasons especially for female gusts and there was a bad smell in the chalet, don't know if it was the carpet or the detergent used for cleaning. I left the chalet having bad sinuses and genital thrush caused by the cheap quality of the toilet paper.

Review 2：The environment and surrounding, there is peace and tranquility. The bed was very comfortable.

Review 3：The lady who checked us in was so dull, didn't know much about the area, we nearly cancelled our booking due to her response when we asked her about activities in the area. However the gentlemen working in the late shift were of great assistance.

Review 4：The hotel melas are surely the highlight of our stay.

Review 5：Staff does not respond to requests promptly. Guests have to remind them about requests. Lack of a swimming pool...our visit was during one of the hottest summers on record, and we needed to swim Wedding guests allowed into lounge and sleeping on couches, leaving no space for other hotel guests. Their children noisy and running up and down the stairs.

Review 6：The location is very peaceful...just what I needed after a long year.

Review 7：The basin/tap was leaking in the bathroom and the airconditioner was not working. The airconditioner was repaired the following day. We found the dinners to be expensive for what was on offer and did not believe that the quality of the food was worth the R180 pp price tag. Breakfasts were good but also overpriced at R180 pp - we would not have eaten breakfast had it not been included in the room rate.

Review 8：the location was beautiful, staff friendly and helpful

Review 9：TERRIBLE TERRIBLE TERRIBLE! Do not waste your money!!!1. Check in - The staff at reception were terribly unfriendly. We were not greeted and during the whole check in process, we were not given one smile and were not even told to enjoy our stay which should be standard hotel etiquette.2. Our room: We were put in a room looking right onto a wedding that was playing extremely loud music and we could hear every word of the speeches. I am never one to complain about noise but we specifically came to the golden gate hotel for its pristine location and tranquillity and instead got a noisy wedding with drunk guests after driving for 12 hours and now had to try and put our 3 month old baby to sleep. This room cost us a hefty R1400.We asked to move rooms and were told that there were no more rooms available. Only after we proved to the reception staff that there were rooms available by showing them booking.com, did they allow us to move rooms. We were moved to a much smaller room with a shower which was fine but had to pay the same price as the larger room with a bath! I felt this was completely inconsiderate.3. Buffet dinner - since I was unable to put my baby to sleep because of the noise he was crying a lot so I was unable to take him to the restaurant. I phoned reception and eventually spoke to the restaurant asking if there was any way I good get a basic toasted sandwich or something considering our situation. It would not have been pleasant for other guests either. No one was able to help me. I could not believe how unaccommadating the staff were. My husband ended up paying the exorbitant R180 per head for a plate of food that he went to dish up at the restaurant to bring back to our room. We were given a trolley and no one would help him take the food to the room and he had to wheel it himself and then cart it down the stairs plate by plate as there are no lifts. After all that the food was awful!

Review 10：The bed was comfortable

Review 11：Desk was a little small in room. Sewerage smell in the corridor. Staff not educated on the hiking trails and very poor maps available! No details whatsoever!

Review 12：The rooms in the hotel are spacious (King size beds) with large bathrooms. Value for money dining!

Review 13：We phoned to book a room with a bath after the initial booking was made. They confirmed it was done. On arrival there was no record of it. The staff were quite disinterested didn't seem to know what was going on . Blaming it on a temp. Also on the first night there were a very noisy bunch of people in 3 units in front of us. We had to complain numerous times before anything was done. AFter midnight my husband had to phone the hotel manager. It was very unpleasant. We only got to sleep after 2am. after they left it was much better.

Review 14：Staff was the downsize of this hotel. Reception so so. Dining room staff; have seen friendlier faces. There is no swimming pool and wifi is only in the lobby. So nothing really extra besides the location.

Review 15：The location is excellent. We had a chalet, but next time i would take a hotel room. Chalets are dated. Its complete, plenty of space. The diner was far out good! Dining area and lobby are very up to date.

Review 16：The staff, especially in the restaurant, was not really motivated. We had to ask for everything.

Review 17：Great location in the middle of the national park. Nice hikes just outside the hotel. Big rooms with nice interior.

Review 18：Rooms were booked far apart and the one had no shower. Airconditioning wasn't working and took 2 days to sort out. Staff were unhelpful and made no effort to accommodate requests

Review 19：Great location and setting.

Review 20：The unprofessional and unfriendly attitude of staff

Review 21：The location in the Golden Gate National Park and it's close proximity to excellent walking trials at Glen Reenen

Review 22：Loved the view from the the hotel balcony and our morning walk behind the hotel to see the caves. Dinner buffet was good quality with attentive service.

Review 23：There was a wedding at the venue and people were drinking and playing music in the parking lot. The park is so special and we chose the property for the peace and quiet, we were never told that the property was used as a wedding venue. The staff did not act when guest complained about the noise and music. I was very disappointed to see that something so special and serene can be transformed into a party joint for the sake of money. The hotel only offered a buffet option as dinner, and we didn't feel like paying R180 for a plate of food and sharing dinner with all the wedding guests.

Review 24：the room was nice and big and clean.

Review 25：Baboons took our rusk container in the chalet. Dangerous and not a nice experience. An electrical fan or a roof fan will also be nice to have.

Review 26：Excellent view and location. So much places to visit from here. Go to Clarens is also very interesting to visit. We will like to visit again.

Review 27：Buffet food at dinner on both evenings and breakfast was not very hot. We dined early both evenings. Limited Wfi area. Would of liked fresh fruit at breakfast apart from water melon. Was a little disappointed with the position of our room No 25 would of loved to of had a front facing room.

Review 28：The peace and quiet.

Review 29：None, when something wrong everybody keen to rectify which turns everthing into great experience

Review 30：Location, staff very customer focussed. Restaurant excellent (Thomas), housekeeping (Daniel) also excellent. Reception staff great

Review 31：Everything was perfect, but the only disappointment was the fact that both restaurants were almost completely out of stock. We couldn't order any salad, any chicken or wraps (which makes up a big portion of the overall menu). At breakfast the dispenser machines were broken. Had to ask for basics like sugar. Awesome hotel but in need of some hands-on management to pull things together.

Review 32：Fantastic setting / beautiful surrounding mountains which is truly unique. Great atmosphere. Recently renovated.

Review 33：Your staff are poorly trained, your food was cold and poorly managed and organised breakfast/dinner service. We had drinks at your downstairs bar, the barmen vanished for over 30 minutes with patrons coming and going because of no service...The worst service and most poorly managed Hotel i have ever stayed at, not to mention your rates in comparison to what you get, shocking!!!

Review 34：The hotels location is unbelievable, the actual room was clean and comfortable, although its embarrassing to think that you have a potential goldmine due to such a wonderful location, but your poorly managed hotel and staff are going to be the downfall of your business.

Review 35：Outside the chalet is no privacy. When you sit outside you sit next to the neighbours. On a fridayaftenoon, when we stayed at the chalet people had hired a chalet for partying!! Couldn't believe that the management agreed with this. Very loud housemusic for hours......

Review 36：Very friendly staff! Nice area for walking!

Review 37：Blaring music from a parting group on Friday evening, at least the howling wind dampened the noise. Also no information brochures in the rooms on things to do in and around the park and Clarens.

Review 38：The setting and views. Perfectly situated.

Review 39：The biggest and above all, highest, hotel room I have ever been in and the view from our room was spectacular. The beds were very comfortable. The bathroom was a bit dated but clean and functional. Shower was lovely and hot. Breakfast was excellent, good range of choice and menu and again with a spectacular view and lovely staff. Had we known before what a great place this is, we would have stayed longer.

Review 40：when you stay overnight and pay accommodation why do you have to pay parks fee . day visitors pay no fee in the park they pass as will

Review 41：placement good beautiful area onsite facilities good

Review 42：All Good. No reason to complain

Review 43：Everything. The location, scenery, booking in at reception,servicing of the rooms and the security all very impressive.

Review 44：They appear to have closed the shop at the location and I was hoping to get a souvenier and maybe a couple of gifts. We also had to drive to the next rest camp to get a few supplies.

Review 45：The location of this hotel and chalets was superb and the view from our chalet was awesome. Beds were very comfortable. Staff were really helpful, friendly and kind. Wonderful visits from the Weaver Birds and others when we had breakfast on the patio.

Review 46：Cant believe there is no pool , sooo hot . No air conditioner , and cant leave doors open because of baboons.Wont come back because of that . Poorly equipped kitchen .

Review 47：Lovely views and walks , near enough to Clarens and the restaurant was nice.

Review 48：Booked into the self catering units and was looking forward to a relaxing braai and some drinks. Went off to do shopping at the kiosk....IT WAS EMPTY!!!...nothing...zip...nix. 6or 7 packets of Provita some crisps and some alcohol. Ehh sorry: maybe stock next week.

Review 49：I asked for 2 beds when I booked. When I arrived the beds had to be split. This was done speedily and without issues. Breakfast was fair but not exciting

Review 50：No complaints I will visit the Hotel once again in the future

Review 51：I don't like the idea of not having the iron in the room and had to go out to use an iron in a corridor.

Review 52：the venue is well maintained I like the views in the surrounding

Review 53：The price of breakfast is way to high for the good offered...R180.00 is too much for the little variety on display.too much port yet we don't eat pork.

Review 54：The view and speed of service from staff

Review 55：Hotel rooms expensive and not realy fancy. Quite small. Little maintenance issues. Hot room, and you cant adjust the aircon they manage that. Eating at hotel is very expensive because of the buffet option only.

Review 56：Awesome view!! Great staff..! Yummy food!

Review 57：nothing!

Review 58：Staying here was a last minute decision after a problem with a reservation elsewhere. The property is a bit on the older side, but clean. A good value for money and it you want to stay in a national park, this is a great one. I liked being able to take a hike the next morning right from the property.

Review 59：The fact that we made a online booking for a valued price of R2287 and when we got there payment didnt go through and we were said we had to pay R2510 which is unacceptable

Review 60：The view and the cottages was very good and alot of peacefullness

Review 61：badly organized. our room was double booked. Ask for a shower got a bath only room. Then had to upgrade to a more expensive room and only 2 nights instead of 3. Food always cold and not worth the price.

Review 62：location

Review 63：there was a conservation charge to pay (extra cost) which was not indicated to us before time. Chalets were much better then the hotel room, should book there rather

Review 64：remotely located yet easy to access. beautiful views

Review 65：The frying pan was not in good shape. The hotel struggled to use my visa card, I think because they tried to run it initially from just the number, triggering a fraud alert and yielding some difficulty settling the bill.

Review 66：The room was nice, bigger than expected. The patio furniture was a very nice touch. The kitchen was equipped with more than just the basics. We saw animals!

Review 67：Location: If you want to discover the Golden Gate Highlands Park, then it is the only place to go. You are in the middle of the park, sharing your space with the Baboons in a perfectly quiet environment. Hiking trails are minutes away and if you want to go to Clarens, it is really easy. The room was ample and comfortable with a small balcony with a nice view. The style is simple, the breakfast is European, and the staff ready to help you if you need.

Review 68：They control the aircon/room temperature so you cant use it or adjust it. Its very hot because you cant keep the door open due to the baboons. Our room door struggled to close, etc. small maintenance issues that must be addressed.

Review 69：Love the view!! Quiet and peaceful atmosphere! Great staff and management. Loved the buffet (breakfast and dinner).

Review 70：The security at the the chalet boom gate did not know if we were residents so drive around the whole area looking for the reception

Review 71：The friendly staff at the reception.

Review 72：It's in the middle of a beautiful, serene national park and they have loud wedding parties that last from early afternoon into the night. This is the kind of place where quiet would be appreciated, but you won't experience it.

Review 73：The staff was very nice. The manager worked hard to fix my non-functioning air-conditioner, and eventually did. Good views from the balcony. Solid breakfast buffet.

Review 74：There was a dirty sheet forgotten by the cleaners and left next to the wardrobe....the lounge closes too early and this don't make any sense especially on a saturday night.....some staff were not helpful.....not enuff ice in the bar....no staff urgency to repond to customer requests....there should be more choice of restuarants....

Review 75：Location. .some friendly staff....

Review 76：1. There was no toilet rolls. 2. The bathroom bin had not been cleaned. 3. There was no swimming pool. 4. The staff were very disorganised/confused at check-in. Made mistakes with invoice.

Review 77：1. The view / location - beautiful. 2. The beds, very comfortable.

Review 78：Staff could not find my booking and were quite rude about it. I had to call Booking.com for assistance.

Review 79：The scenery and views offered by the surrounding area are to die for.

Review 80：-The television did not have all the channels as specified in the room guide. The Music channels did not play any music and there was only one movie and sport channel. -Would like to see list of places/shops/cafes that are close by as well as the time that they close including the camp cafe. We struggled because places were closed and we didn't know where to buy meat or necessities.

Review 81：I liked how clean everything was including the towels that were replaced on second day.

Review 82：Was put into room 1, noisey, no / limited view. People on balcony at pub, look straight into room 1... so curtains always close... not nice

Review 83：Location location! Very nice

Review 84：some staff are very incompetent and very big lack of communication between them and management. waiters need more training and people skills. don't advertise activities to lure people to book in at your place that you cant deliver on like the horse riding.

Review 85：the view's were great the hike's was good the room was ok but could have done with a bath too.

Review 86：Not bad experience. need Wi-Fi in the bedrooms.Need a bar fridge in the bedrooms.Aircons not operational - this is essential.Not enough undercover parking.

Review 87：Layout of hotel , arhitechture and furnishing =fabulous.High ceilings are most luxurious feeling of openness.Bathrooms as well as bedrooms nice and spacious, very comfortable.Buffet dinner & b/fast impressive , excellent actually.

Review 88：No mini bar for cold water and the menu was very average, especially for dinner

Review 89：Location was great and the bar and restaurant were nice for views of golden gates

Review 90：After revisiting Golden Gate after 25 years, this was a refreshing trip, the views, the friendliness of the staff and the excellent food, was worth every minute.

Review 91：We had to sign in and out every time we came or went at the entrance and also by the park entrance. Was very frustrating especially since we paid for room and stayed there

Review 92：The staff

Review 93：Both our beds were full of bed bugs and we killed a few of them during the night with resulting blood stains all over the sheets. We report it to the manager which promised to come back to us but we have not heard from her.

Review 94：We were there on a long weekend to celebrate an anniversary in the free state visiting the small town of Clarens which had been fully booked for accommodation which is why we booked at Golden gate which is approx 20km outside of clarens. The hotel breakfast did not have any variety and due to the public holiday the staff and the kitchen could not keep up with the demand. The buffet dinner was dismal and tasteless and the service overall felt very slow, although the staff did always have a smile on their face.

Review 95：Set in the beautiful mountains in a nature reserve, hotel was very very clean, our room was however very small.

Review 96：To expensive i.e. R150,00 for breakfast per person?? For what I paid at least dinner should be part of the stay as it was out of season??

Review 97：The View and the location

Review 98：Not much privacy on the chalet balcony, no swimming pool - the rock pool was dry

Review 99：All the staff were very friendly and accommodating :) It was very clean and definitely great value for money! The scenery and view from our chalet was breathtaking! We will definitely be back.

Review 100：We love the location!! Superb place to hike, drive along dirt roads nearby with mountaneous views! Went with a group of friends and stayed in 2 chalets.

Review 101：Everything was amazing! The chalet had electric blankets, wall panel heaters in both rooms, keeping the chalet warm and comfortable. Every day the staff tidied the room and washed the dishes (great). I had have all facilities in the kitchen, making possible to cook everything you want (don't forget the food, of course). There are many trails near to the chalets, some of them suitable for young children (my young daughter is 6 years old). I thinking back there in summer, when the vegetation will get it green color again!

Review 102：There was a door close to our group's rooms (046 & 048) that kept on slamming shut throughout the night. I'm not sure if it was one of the bathroom doors or a service door, but that detracted from the experience.

Review 103：It was an enjoyable stay. The chicken livers at breakfast was delicious.

Review 104：Lounge only operational from 14h00 - 18h00 Early bar closure over Friday and Saturday No entertainment program over weekends To summarize - as leisure guests we had nothing to do at the hotel, had to go to Clarens for fun

Review 105：Refurbished hotel

Review 106：Because the resort is out of Clarence we could drive around and do some of the other things in the area such as horse riding, hiking, archery, quad biking and had a lovely relaxing time in our challet. It was great value for family time. Loved it.

Review 107：Waiters not on the ball at breakfast, can be a bit sharper in clearing tables

Review 108：Location and walking routes a reason to visit. Mountain views out of this world.

Review 109：Overall we expected much less for the price we paid per night but it was a pleasant and surprising experience when we arrived to see our nicely set up and clean self catering chalet thumbs up to golden gate hotel and thank you for a pleasant experience

Review 110：The wifi is pathetic. They advertise it in reception so boldly but it doesnt even work in the rooms so I cant really understand the purpose. The restaurant was a disaster. Luke warm buffet dinner for R170/head and thats your only option. We went out to Clarens the following night, but we saw the buffet menu was almost the same the night after. Breakfast was as bad! Lounge is closed half the day. It should be open most of the day, not sure I understand the point, its so nice in there, leave it open!

Review 111：The front desk staff were very helpful (particularly Thabo) with accommodating us with our 1 year old in a room close to the restaurant. The location is beautiful. Rooms are nice.

Review 112：None of the games or darts were available... but thats the only real downside.

Review 113：The hotel itself has a wonderful feel to it. when i saw the price and location i was very wary, but when we got there... it was perfect... Cozy and Spacious with incredible views. the staff were good. Breakfast was amazing! great variety and prepared very well.

Review 114：Wifi in rooms virtually no signal, only at reception.

Review 115：Generally all good. Room, views and Location. Staff doing their best to try please everyone. Trying new options with regards to the meals.

Review 116：We stayed in the honeymoon suit and it was truly luxurious. The views of the mountains from our balcony was absolutely stunning. Must do the hikes. We are not fit but managed to accomplish the 11.6km hike + 2km of getting lost. So proud of ourself. This place is ideal because you still get the privacy without the hassle of Clarens

Review 117：The wifi was only on the reception area we are use to have wifi all over the place. I question the staff and their replay was there is a plan to extend the wifi to the chalets next year

Review 118：Front desk staff must be trained to understand the needs of travellers = not only give the correct answer but look for a solution that should satisfy customers

Review 119：Location

Review 120：The trails are not very well maintained with Holburn(?) having large metal spikes sticking up on the path in many places (dangerous). Staff were poorly trained (e.g we specially ordered fresh scones in the morning for afternoon tea but received stale ones with cheese instead of the jam we ordered(twice) and sulkiness when we politely complained. The cleaning lady came in without knocking when we were changing.Despite this we had a wonderful weekend.

Review 121：The location is absolutely majestic with outstanding hikes in the immediate location and the accommodation is clean and perfectly adequate.

Review 122：Wifi is free which is great, but only limited to reception area.

Review 123：The hotel is situated in the beautiful Golden Gate National Park surrounded by the sandstone mountains great for walking, and peace and quiet. It's close to the arty town of Clarens. Staff were incredibly friendly and nothing was too much trouble. Room was clean and comfortable, with TV and coffee/tea making facilities. Breakfast buffet offered a full variety and the evening dinner buffet offered a sufficient spread, all nicely presented. Would definitely stay again. Well done National Parks.

Review 124：Phone didnt work. All available TV channels not working, not sure if the storm wrecked that. Lock on the front door broke but was sorted out in a reasonable time period. Was in bed watching procedures. Was quite novel as the TV wasnt working.

Review 125：Nice warm comfortable beds in the chalets on a typically cold berg night.Good space in all rooms. Clean and neat.

Review 126：Poor insulation and heating. Really freezing inside and the heaters supplied hardly make a difference. Would be nice if the unit had a couch

Review 127：Amazing location, the unit was clean and had almost everything that was needed.

Review 128：Our main concerns were about dining, example buffet dinner being rehashed and repeated. Secondly, we were not informed that breakfast was a' la carte on entering the dining room.

Review 129：Overall experience was very good. Hotel was exceptionally clean with a pleasant ambience. Location to walking trails was convenient. Manager acknowledged and addressed our concerns in a non-defensive manner

Review 130：Food ordered off the lunch menu in the Brandwag lounge was excellent and very reasonably priced. Dinner and breakfasts on offer in the dining room were however, substandard and overpriced for what was on offer.

Review 131：Location and decor in hotel very chic and comfortable.

Review 132：The restaurant menu really needs to be revised with a different offering. After a 12-hour day on the road, it felt as if we had ust arrived at some real down-market, 1-star, country facility.

Review 133：Beautiful setting. Friendly staff.

Review 134：The toilet had a small leak, but not a big problem as we only stayed one night. Did report it the next morning.

Review 135：The electric blanket was such a treat! Loved the braai, we had a very nice braai. The hikes in nature, just awesome.. what beautiful environment..!

Review 136：The breakfast is a bit pricey and wifi was available only in the restaurant and lobby, but not great.

Review 137：The chalets were very good. Very comfortable beds and the kitchen was stocked well. Good hiking optoons and great autumn colours.

The Fine Print

Please note compulsory conservation and park fees are applicable and excluded from the rates.Please inform Golden Gate Hotel and Chalets of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details provided in your confirmation.