Makaranga Garden Lodge

Makaranga Garden Lodge descritpion

Makaranga Garden Lodge sells fast on our site. This lodge lies within 30 acres of indigenous and exotic botanical gardens, 17.4 miles outside of Durban. It features a swimming pool, a wellness centre, and an art gallery on site.
All of the accommodation at the Makaranga Garden Lodge is very spacious, and each room and suite features a balcony with views of the surrounding gardens. Every room has a flat-screen TV and an en suite with a bath or shower.
The lodge offers a choice of two restaurants, as well as the stylish Library Bar.
Guests can work out in the fitness centre or relax on the sunny terrace. A range of activities are offered for children.
Attractions in the area include the Kranzkloof Nature Reserve just 3.1 miles away or visit Shongweni Dam less than 11.8 miles away.
Other nearby options include horse riding and polo. Free private parking is also available on site.

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Facilities of Makaranga Garden Lodge

Outdoors ：Outdoor Pool | Grounds | Sun Deck

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Activities ：Spa | Library | Playground

Food & Drink ：Bar | Breakfast in the Room | Restaurant with Dining Menu | Special Diet Meals (upon request)

Internet ：WiFi is available in all areas and charges apply.

Parking ：Free!Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

Languages Spoken ：Zulu | English

Reviews for Makaranga Garden Lodge

Review 1：1 1st single bed in room 1 is bloody uncomfortable, otherwise everything was spot on.

Review 2：friendliuness of the staff, food was brilliant, service was a little dodgy, but good

Review 3：Some of the kitchen staff members prefered to assist white people first in all the offerings. I felt being second best customer.k

Review 4：The room was stunning and garden, even though i could not go due to rain

Review 5：Staff were unhelpful and anything but eager to please. Following booking, they insisted that we pay a fee almost equal to the room charge to have our post wedding photo shoot in the gardens. This unless our party was not more than 3 people. As outrageous as it was, we would have had to pay if our party was 4 people, for a 1 hour shoot with our own photographer. No consideration or even aknowledgment, on our arrival, or at any other time, despite staff being made aware in advance that it was the first night of our honeymoon. When i called the front desk at around 21h30, I was told that there were only sandwiches and lamb available on the menue. It was raining when we checked out, despite two golf carts, used as shuttles to the parking area, being parking at the entrance no drivers were available. Front desk staff recommended I walk to car and drive to the drop off area to fetch my wife. We were regular asked if we had booked to have our photo shoot in the garden, which we felt was highly unprofessional. Our impression is that the staff are either under trained,simply pooly managed or just unhappy. Regardless and needless to state, we will not be returning. Also no irons are provided, an ironing service is provided for at a fee.

Review 6：Lovely gardens, great views. good room with ample space, may however be due to the allocated room being a "disabled room". Breakfast was good.

Review 7：We made use of the shuttle service after checking out and had to be dropped off at the Gilletts Medical centre which was about 5 kms away. We had to pay the exorbitant amount of R350 for the drop off. We were in a rush to get to an emergency appointment at the dr and couldnt wait for another taxi. I felt really annoyed at this.

Review 8：The size and comfort of the room and the beautiful setting

Review 9：Bathrooms weren't clean enough. The toilet is way too small. Bathroom was very disappointing and spoilt our stay.

Review 10：Great spacious room and lovely patio deck.

Review 11：The shower was flooding. The shower floor and wall tiles were dirty and stained. The toilet brush was dirty and stained, it appears it is not sanitised. The shower gel was not provided on the second day of our stay. The carpet is good quality but it needs to be cleaned. Tea and rooibos was not available in the room, only coffee and ice tea was provided.

Review 12：The place is very quite, the gardens are lovely, lots of space for kids to play, nature is exciting and the rooms are spacious and the fact that housekeeping is done until 10pm. The food is good. I will definitely come back.

Review 13：Just on one evening of our stay we got back to the restaurant at around 9pm and it was made obvious by one member of the staff in the restaurant that it was an inconvenience and we were made to feel rather uncomfortable. This had not happened on the previous 2 evenings. It was unfortunate that we had to dine late every evening due to the nature of our visit to Natal. Co-ed Water Polo Tournament at Thomas More College.

Review 14：Great location. Beautiful surroundings. Rooms lovely and spacious. Comfortable and clean. On the whole staff very friendly and helpful.

Review 15：The spa owner is disgustingly rude and has no manners, she messed up our booking and instead of offering us a convenient time she told us that we were being an inconvenience to her. Rude lady.

Review 16：Excellent staff and location

Review 17：There were a few wear marks in the bathroom. The insulation was not very good, we were woken both mornings by people talking or the neighbour's kids playing. The food was bland.

Review 18：The rooms were spacious and had everything we needed. The gardens were peaceful and the personalised patios were a treat.

Review 19：Having to pay for things like ironing, not practical, could work if the prices were reasonable however and iron and an ironing board would have worked much better.

Review 20：The set up of the rooms, the interior decor of the accomodation

Review 21：Bathroom was very tired, cracked wash hand basin, no extraction fan. Urgently needs to be fully refurbished. One waiting staff member was unfortunately very rude when delivering teas. All the other staff who served us were very good.

Review 22：Staff helpfulness. Quality of food Beautiful gardens

Review 23：Quiet. restful.relaxed atmosphere, excellent service and food. Room had pleasant odour and beautifully prepared. Gardens a pleasure to behold and birdlife wonderful . A real breath of fresh air ! Thank you.

Review 24：There was no kettle or fridge. The decor was somwaht vanilla and lacking in character compared to what we had experienced 2 years ago. The shower pressure what nor good.

Review 25：Beds were comfortable and the view was lovely

Review 26：Value for money. No tea in the room(coffee only) Breakfast not included Parking too far for overnight guests Turndown was not up to standard

Review 27：The gardens are stunning

Review 28：The staff at Makaranga Lodge are the most friendliness and the most helpful. The food was delicious and the rooms are so spacious and comfortable. Well done guys for making our stay extra special. We will definately be there again soon.

Review 29：The play ground and gardens are beautiful. The availability of a child minder was great. The food was delicious. The staff was very friendly and professional

Review 30：The service in the restaurant at dinner was very dissapointing and must say the food was not great.

Review 31：The rooms are very big. Grounds are magnificent. Spa was great. Would have been nice if breakfast was included in the price.

Review 32：It is so ridiculous to refuse people checking in with open drink. I would understand if it was closed and lots of drinks but I had only 1 open energy drink which u was drinking while driving in.

Review 33：Staff went the extra mile to ensure that my our wedding anniversary celebration was extra special. The smiles from the staff were always genuine and fantastic to see. Well done!!!

Review 34：Bathrooms could be nicer e.g. shower head, bath bit small and could have had more hot water. Was a little noisy in the early morning with other guests leaving. Restaurant did not live up to great standards for dinner but pub food and breakfast were great.

Review 35：The gorgeous gardens and pub restaurant area are great. The rooms are very comfortable, Beds great. Décor very nice, except for raw pine table in the bathroom.

Review 36：Safe did not work. Internet and phone signals not great. Shower and hand basin drains blocked. But despite these still a great place to stay.

Review 37：Location, stunning botanical like gardens, fantastic view, spacious room, lovely artworks everywhere, friendly staff.

Review 38：The King size bed was two twin beds put together, and the rooms were a bit humid, as there was no A/C. Still quite nice, though!

Review 39：Loved the grounds! The food at the restaurant (Nonna) was really great, although the service is very laid back.

Review 40：Security poor.... Safe did not work..... Deadlock on door did notwork..... No security chain on door. Was not given room booked.Reception denied such a room EXISTED> manager admitted in the morningthat the room was available and said that the staff had lied. Areduction of the price did not make up for the fact that this was aspecial trip for my wife and I had ordered the best room for her.

Review 41：Location

Review 42：Breakfast service very long Cleanliness of room is limit specifically the bathroom.

Review 43：Beautiful garden and quite area. Kindness of staff who receive you. Ideal location for Durban visit Good diner

Review 44：The suites were excellent and spacious. The staff friendly and caring. The gardens looked neat and well cared for. Pity I did not have time to explore them further. Next time

Review 45：The rooms are beautiful. We felt welcome and we received a complimentary bottle champagne at dinner for our Wedding Anniversary. Your gardens are stunning and peaceful.

Review 46：Very Unhelpful, unfriendly & apathetic staff, unfortunately made our experience an unpleasant one. We dubbed it "THE NO HOTEL" as we had some requests, that were all met with a NO. So sad.

Review 47：The gardens and the environment is fantastic, a very beautiful location. Rooms were comfortable.

Review 48：Over the New Year period the restaurant seemed unable to cope with the extra number of people. We had a few very long waits and disappointing meals. However, the staff were friendly and we understand they were doing their best. Perhaps more kitchen staff would've helped.

Review 49：Very friendly and helpful staff. Beautiful location and comfortable rooms. A lovely, happy atmosphere.

Review 50：Staff are uninformed and incapable of providing info - had difficulty with booking due to trainee staff members. No reserved parking - had to park on the overflow parking +-300m away! None of the staff seem happy to be working there. No breakfast was included in my stay! Overpriced for what you get.

Review 51：Gardens Location

Review 52：Service in the restaurant was terrible and if you weren't waiting for ages for the food you were being given the wrong things.

Review 53：Staff were very helpful and facilities and location great.

Review 54：Really tiny TV for such a large room.

Review 55：The staff were extremely helpful and friendly. Rooms were beautiful. Huge comfy bed, very clean and gloriously peaceful.

Review 56：The room was very comfortable and the grounds very well kept and the setting, very romantic. We enjoyed our stay very much and will surely be visiting again, hopefully in the near future.

Review 57：As a 5 star hotel it really should have been better.The bar staff and restaurant staff were quite slow. The restaurant food was a bit disappointing. Little things just let it down for instance 1 towel in the bathroom which I asked three times to be supplemented and wasn't.

Review 58：Grounds and general standard of amenity are good.

Review 59：No shower jel on day 2 Only one ' plastic ' glass in the double room (we had to take turns to drink) Food is expensive and took a long time when we were a group ie luncheon on the 4th)

Review 60：The setting

Review 61：Road works and detours to the venue - though we cannot fault the lodge itself. All staff were excellent except for one lady that assisted during check-out but she also had a "trainee" badge.

Review 62：The location of the lodge is tranquil. Walking through the garden was also relaxing except areas near the neighbouring houses to the property where other noises disturbed the peace/tranquility.

Review 63：The staff was very friendly and helpful. The gardens were beautiful. An extremely romantic getaway that's affordable. Would definitely like to go back :-)

Review 64：the rooms needs a revamp, carpets are filthy, mildewed tiles in bathrooms. TVs are too small for such a big room. Needs a bigger play area for kids. Staff are noisy in the mornings when moving past rooms. Restaurant staff are sluggish and restaurant and room service and bar need to open until 23h00...

Review 65：Loved the location and scenery and Nonna, the restaurant. Nice spacious rooms Love the Spa

Review 66：Not warned at check-in that a music event was being held that weekend at the property. Noisy and disruptive to paying guests (e.g. bar area reserved for the event day). Stayed in suite and found it quite 'empty'. No premium amenities or treatment. Just another room in the hotel. Room-service menu a photo copy of a typed up list with spelling mistakes and unprofessional layout. Cancellation fee through booking.com is excessive. 50% even if you cancel 60+ days in advance!

Review 67：Stayed in suite. Big room, big bathroom and double balcony. Beautiful views of the garden.

Review 68：Things in the room were broken and should have been checked and repaired. The chain lock on the door was broken. The aircon remote didnt work so I had to swap batteries from the tv remote into the aircon remote to make it work. That kind of thing should be checked by room keeping daily!!! Also, it wasnt warm on the dates I travelled and when I got into my room the balcony door was open on both days! Pretty silly.

Review 69：The rooms were in a lovely setting.

Review 70：Room heater not good. Remote control batteries for heating/aircon dead, could be checked by staff. Poor picture quality on most TV channels. Bathroom looking dated. Guest in next (interconnecting) room (9) smoking in room and smell of smoke coming into my room (10).

Review 71：Comfortable bed, nice sized room and bathroom, friendly staff, good food, excellent continental breakfast.

Review 72：Everything was excellent.

Review 73：The rooms were outstanding, service excellent. Enjoyed everything especially the wonderful gardens. A not to be missed experience.

Review 74：I was made to pay double because we did our booking via booking.com and the other couple did not make it. This is absolute rip off considering that the lodge is in control to giveaway a room if the guest doesnt pitch. I was disgusted but i understand better now!

Review 75：The sirene natural environment...great stuff

Review 76：Service at restaurant was rather slow

Review 77：Comfort of the rooms

Review 78：THE PEACEFUL ENVIRONMENT

Review 79：The shower head in Room 6 was leaking an abundance of water out of the back of the shower head.

Review 80：The staff were very friendly

Review 81：Laundry staff were very slow in fetching my clothes for ironing. It took approximately 30 minutes

Review 82：Everything.... from the room to the food !

Review 83：We were in a standard room and it was excellent. All the staff were very caring. The food was delicious.

Review 84：The setting is fantastic. Beautiful gardens. Interested meandering pathways with sculptures throughout.

Review 85：Nothing

Review 86：The garden was purely natural and beautifil. Food excellent. The accomodation perfect.

Review 87：Honestly everything was amazing

Review 88：The rooms , the food, the gardens

Review 89：We loved the beautiful gardens!

Review 90：Breakfast took long to be served.

Review 91：Friendly staff.

Review 92：The aircon did not work properly.

Review 93：The extra effort that the staff did when they heard we were on honeymoon blew me away! Wine, petals, candles etc.

Review 94：room was cold. not enough blankets. battled with the aircon eventually gave up.

Review 95：Restaurant huge improvement on previous visit.Service was good against very poor before

Review 96：Temperature in room was too cold and the heater would not work

Review 97：Location, gardens, size of rooms

Review 98：coffee machine was not hot enough

Review 99：The room is spacious and comfortable. security was excellent staff and meals were perfect.

Review 100：Beautiful views, rooms, food, friendly staff ...everything was just perfect.

Review 101：poorly administered restaurant

Review 102：Setting, sculptures

Review 103：Amazing gardens, delicious meals and great spa.

Review 104：Cleanliness Staff attitude and lack of training

Review 105：Location Garden Security

Review 106：Restaurant that serves dinner, so that you don't have to leave once you have checked in!

Review 107：The atmosphere, gardens, meals and friendly and helpful staff.

Review 108：nothing

Review 109：Staff were lovely always welcoming especially in the restaurant. Nothing was too much trouble

Review 110：Ryan and his team are truly incredible, very proud, loyal committed staff and ensured we were very happy.

Review 111：The Garden, staff service

Review 112：have not found anything yet

Review 113：fast and friendly

Review 114：EVERYTHING WAS FANTASTIC

Review 115：Unfortunately the room service was not good waited an h

Review 116：Very peaceful and nice Accomodation

Review 117：Beautiful settings, very obliging and friendly staff, enjoyable meals.

Review 118：Restaurant was average

Review 119：Vibe, Gardens, Views, Staff

Review 120：Superb garden setting

Review 121：Unfortunately the food is not up to the standards you would expect of Makaranga lodge.

Review 122：The staff were really accommodating.