Family Chalet, 1 Bedroom, Fireplace, Mountain View | Living area
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Reviews of The Fernery Lodge & Chalets

4 out of 5
The Fernery Lodge & Chalets
Forest Ferns Estate, Bluelilliesbush, Tsitsikamma, Storms River, Eastern Cape

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 68 out of 90 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 90 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 90 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 90 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 90 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Juliette

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
An absolutely beautiful spot where we were pampered with incredible food,massages,super friendly staff and amazing views
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

DAVID

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

ann

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely hotel/resort. You can hire bikes. A bit of info about the trails would be helpful but we had great fun anyway. I read it’s adults only but there were children staying. This didn’t spoil our experience but just wanted to manage expectations. Would def recommend. The rooms are beautiful with forest views. Spacious and comfortable and the bathroom in our log cabin was spectacular. We also loved taking a dip in the hot tub situated by the waterfall. We had one night as we were passing through but a second would have been perfect just to enjoy all they have to offer. Highly recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

eleni, chicago

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a special property ! We were so pleasantly surprised with this wonderful hotel situated on the edge of a gorge with waterfalls, trees, streams and monkeys. We stayed in a log cabin which was so romantic and absolutely gorgeous. A monkey greeted us at the door! The cabin had a fireplace, and a patio area and a huge bathroom with showers and bathtub. The food for dinner and breakfast was phenomenal again with a breathtaking view. Unfortunately we only stayed one night on our way to a game park but we will certainly be back. I highly recommend this wonderful place !
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Nathalie

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Natural retreat !
Have faith! We go to the end of the surfaced road, only to find there was another 6 Km to go on forest tracks....it IS worth it ! We really enjoyed our time at The Fernery, and the staff were so attentive and helpful and the breakfasts were amazing! Just watch out for the monkeys and the sugar sachets, if you choose to dine on the terrace! As it was nearing the end of the season, the on-site pool was a little cool for use, but if the weather had been warmer, it could have been refreshing!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Response from Ronique on 10 Jun 2023
Good DayThank you for your positive review. I'm glad you enjoyed your stay. Hope to see you again.RegardsRonique

8/10 Good

sharon

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from Ronique on 10 Jun 2023
Hi SharonThank you for staying at the Fernery.Hope to see you again.RegardsRonique

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Louise

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing scenery!
It was so amazing! So private and in nature it was unbelievable! With amazing friendly service with great food and scenery I wouldn’t choose a other destination. I would highly recommend the cabins if you want a private adventure in the woods!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022
Response from Diane on 30 Mar 2022
A warm greeting from the beautiful Fernery. Thank you for being such super guests. We loved having you and to see how you enjoyed yourselves. Thanks for this great review and please visit again soon. Kind regards, the Fernery Team

6/10 Okay

Clair

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022
Response from Diane on 14 Mar 2022
Dear Clair Your review is most appreciated. Thank you. Please feel free to share any suggestions, criticism or commendations that you wish to make. Hope to see you again. Kind regards, and all the best.

10/10 Excellent

Glenda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021
Response from Diane on 17 Nov 2021
Many thanks for your review and score. Wishing you all the best.

10/10 Excellent

Gert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This is our second time staying at the Fernery and once-again were blown away by the beauty, friendly service and helpful staff. Upgraded to a room with a view which was spectacular and the food was delicious. Would highly recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2021
Response from Diane on 9 Nov 2021
Thank you most sincerely for your recommendation, positive comments and high rating. It is greatly appreciated. We would love to welcome you again. Stay well and safe and see you soon.

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2020
Response from Diane on 25 Nov 2020
Dear Kevin Thank you for this review and the 10 score that you rated us. It is most appreciated. It was an absolute pleasure to have you stay and enjoy the beauty of the area and our special establishment. Please make sure to come again for a longer visit. Kind regards, Diane

10/10 Excellent

Haydn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2020
Response from Diane on 18 Oct 2020
Thanks so much for you top rating, and for supporting the Fernery. We are happy to be back in action. Please visit again soon. Keep well and kind regards.

10/10 Excellent

POOBALAN

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
excellent
Excellent stay and thoroughly enjoyed the location and restaurant. Only wish the pool in on the front of the room should be heated
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020
Response from Diane on 9 Mar 2020
Thank you for your feedback and especially your suggestion. It is most appreciated. We hope your holiday was memorable and that your stay with us was special. Kind regards, Diane

10/10 Excellent

Margaret

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020
Response from Diane on 9 Mar 2020
Thank you most sincerely for your feedback. We hope you will visit again. Travel safely. Kind regards, Diane

10/10 Excellent

Johann

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The very best
It was very cosy. Beautiful place and very good food. I would highly recommend The Fernery.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019
Response from diane on 30 Dec 2019
Dear Guest We greatly appreciate your review and 10-score. Thank you so much. Wishing you a wonderful holiday and happy memories. Kind regards from the Fernery Team

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019
Response from Diane on 5 Dec 2019
Dear Guest Thank you so much for this great score and for choosing to stay at the Fernery. Wishing you a wonderful season. Kind regards, Diane

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful
The location is beautiful on the edge of a ravine and over;looking the sea. We had a room overlooking the ocean with private deck and everything about it was wonderful. The staff, the food, the service and the attention to detail. Can't imagine anywhere better than this and we have been to many hotels around the world. The location is also wonderful near the Tsitsikamma forest.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019
Response from Diane on 18 Nov 2019
Thank you most sincerely for this excellent review and feedback. It is most appreciated. We hope to welcome you back. Travel safely. Kind regards, Diane

10/10 Excellent

Debra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful property with views to match.
This place has amazing views and the accommodation was gorgeous. I had forgotten what I had booked so it was a lovely surprise to find I had booked the owners suite and it did not disappoint. The log fire was amazing. The service was attentive but not intrusive. The bed was so comfortable. Definitely worth booking.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019
Response from Diane on 6 Nov 2019
Greetings Thank you most sincerely for this excellent review and feedback on your stay. It was a pleasure sharing our spot of paradise with you. All the best.

10/10 Excellent

stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Unique place blessed by nature
Wonderful chalets. The hotel fulfill all our expectations.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019
Response from Diane on 16 Jul 2019
Thank you so much for this excellent review. It is always incredibly encouraging to hear from our guests and just ensure that we keep trying to go that extra mile or you. Kind regards, Diane

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Superb location. Worth the bumpy ride on the road. Lacked a bit of soul off-season.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
Response from Diane on 16 Jul 2019
Dear Guest Thank you so much for this review. Your feedback and input is valued. We do get very quiet during our off-season period, making the peace and solitude so much more evident. It would be wonderful if you could visit again when the vibe is busier and there is more activity. Travel safely and kind regards, Diane

10/10 Excellent

Neill

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Unfortunately we had to leave early but it was a wonderful place to visit and definitely want to return
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019
Response from Diane on 29 May 2019
Thank you for such a great review. We look forward to welcoming you back.

6/10 Okay

WORLD

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort
NICE LODGE with a lot of let downs
Lovely little lodge hidden on a cliff overlooking a gorge and the ocean. The Suite room was overall great with nice modern decor....BUT with NO dressing table or work desk AT ALL. No plugs for charging phones (unless you unplug something). The restaurant was a total let down, from the unfriendly waitress to the mediocre food, to the cat running around the tables. Dinner was very rushed, as it seemed the staff wanted to knock off. Breakfast was great, though with friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in May 2019
Response from Diane on 23 May 2019
Dear Guest We are so appreciative of all feedback, comments and suggestions and value our guests assistance in pointing out areas that need to be addressed. Thank you sincerely. With regards your comments, these have been proactively handled and we are excited and happy to advise too that redecorating and revamping is underway. Hope to see you again. Kind regards, Diane

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful setting of the property. Friendly staff and
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019
Response from Diane on 10 Apr 2019
Thank you most sincerely for this positive review and for top rating. Hope to see you again. Please visit soon. Kind regards

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
All though it’s a long 7 km on dirt road, once you get there you won’t regret. We have NEVER seen any place like the Fernery, it’s sitting on a cliff looking over waterfall and river flowing to the sea. Absolutely stunning!!! We loved every minute. Stayed 2 nights and wished we could stay for 2 more. Definitely be back. The only negative was, when we wanted to fish the Dam was clogged with weeds .
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019
Response from Diane on 6 Mar 2019
Greetings What a great review. Thank you so much. Your last point has been noted and I have requested that action be taken to improve the situation. Thank you again. Kind regards, Diane

10/10 Excellent

sharon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Forest retreat
Beautiful retreat in the forest Bit of a bumpy lane to access but worth the drive stayed in the log cabins luxury at its best
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019
Response from Diane on 5 Feb 2019
Dear Guest We are most grateful for your feedback. Thank you very much and we are so happy your stay was perfect. Hope to welcome you back to our little piece of paradise. Kind regards from The Fernery team.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location, great views, great staff. A little oasis.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019
Response from Diane on 14 Jan 2019
Dear Guest Thank you most sincerely for having taken the time to review The Fernery and for feedback on your stay. We hope to welcome you back. Have a wonderful time in our beautiful sunny South Africa. Kind regards from the team

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018
Response from Diane on 10 Dec 2018
Dear Guest Thank you for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fab location and beautiful chalet with the best bathroom I've ever seen
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018
Response from Diane on 6 Dec 2018
Thank you so much for this positive review. We hope to welcome you back.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We loved the view, it had everything you can ask, waterfall, mountains, river and ofcourse the sea. It was just amazing!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018
Response from Diane on 1 Dec 2018
Thank you so much for your review. We hope you will be back so we can warming welcome you again. Kind regards from The Fernery team

10/10 Excellent

Amadeus, Atlanta

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Location of the lodge is amazing. Restaurant has great views.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2018
Response from Diane on 9 Oct 2018
Thank you for your feedback and review. We look forward to making your stay special. Kind regards from The Fernery Team.

8/10 Good

Bernd

Wonderful experience
Wonderful staff and accommodation. There should however be more signs warning of slippery walks and also a warning that there is a 8km dirt road leading to the lodge Luckily we were in a 4x4. Scenery was amazing and all other amenities can be recommended
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2018
Response from Diane on 12 Sept 2018
Good morning Thank you so much for this positive review. Your comments have been noted constructively and we are most appreciative of all feedback that assists us in continually bringing in improvements. Travel safely and we hope to see you again. Kind regards from The Fernery Team.

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place to get away from it all
In so many ways this is a great hotel: helpful and attentive staff, huge rooms, excellent restaurant, stunning location perched above a waterfall near a river's mouth so that the splashing of water is a constant backdrop. The only realistic improvements I can think of are getting the WiFi to reach beyond the bar area, replacing the tv in the bar, and requesting Google Maps to send people the right way rather than across a (blocked off) farm track: there are signs but if you miss one or it's dark this is a proper problem. However, I must say that the hotel isn't really aimed at solo travellers and it is a long way from anywhere else. It would be excellent for a romantic break and there are activities which could keep the kids occupied if travelling as a family... just not so much if you're on your own. This isn't the hotel's fault of course, but I think it is a fair warning.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2018
Response from Diane on 10 Aug 2018
A warm good morning to you Matthew What an excellent and descriptive review, giving a good and fair overview of The Fernery. Thank you. We depend heavily on our guests' feedback as a guideline for prospective guests. We hope you will visit again. Wishing you all the best. Regards, Diane ~ PA to Frans and Meg Gerber

10/10 Excellent

Jean Pierre

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2018
Response from Diane on 2 Aug 2018
Thank you most sincerely. We appreciate your review. Please do visit again. Kind regards, The Fernery

10/10 Excellent

Or

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The best place!!!
The hotel is AMAZING!! The view is breathtaking, dinner is WOW, very helpful stuff and good service. The only thing that is annoying is the road to the hotel - it’s about 6 KM of bumpy dirt road. But I guess there’s a tough way to heaven
Stayed 2 nights in May 2018
Response from Diane on 13 Jun 2018
Good day and greetings to you from The Fernery Thank you for this great review. The road has recently been re-gravelled and rolled, making it a lot less bumpy. Our sincere apologies for your annoyance but thank you indeed for such a great philosophy. The rocky road most certainly is worth it. Best wishes and thank you again for having chosen The Fernery as a destination of choice. Please come again soon. Kind regards, Diane

8/10 Good

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Overnight stop in Storms River
Lovely location, rooms and facilities first class. The food was well cooked and serving staff excellent. We did not stay long enough to take advantage of all the facilities. Was not expecting the 6km long dirt track access to the facility.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2018
Response from Diane on 9 Apr 2018
Greetings from The Fernery Thank you for this review and for your positive feedback. Your comments will be communicated to the staff. It is always very rewarding to know that we have succeeded in pleasing our guests. Travel safely and have a wonderful holiday. Kind regards from the team.

10/10 Excellent

Gavriel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2018
Response from Diane on 19 Feb 2018
Dear Mr Smith Thank you so much for this great review. It was such a pleasure having you and your family stay with us as and we trust that the memories will always remain special. Travel safely in beautiful South Africa. We hope you will be back again one day. Kind regards from The Fernery Team.

10/10 Excellent

Matthys

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Out of this world
Any amazing place to sit back and recharge your batteries. Quality service and facilities. Overall, an out of this world experience.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2018
Response from Diane on 18 Jan 2018
Thank you so much for this excellent review and for our 5 out of 5 score. Really appreciated. Kind regards from the Fernery team.

10/10 Excellent

Richard, Kent, UK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A spectacular location with first class service
The lodge and some of the rooms have the most remarkable view over a gorge with a series of small waterfalls running down to the sea. The rooms are extremely comfortable and generously appointed. The food was excellent, as was the service in the dining room. There was a glitch with our booking (a mismatch between the room as described and as provided) but that has been addressed. We would recommend this place to anyone – the prices are fully justified and we hope to return.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2017
Response from Diane on 29 Dec 2017
Greetings Richard Thank you for this great score and review. We look forward to warmly welcoming you back. Wishing you a splendid 2018. Best wishes from The Fernery Management and Staff

10/10 Excellent

GAIL

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Heavenly awespme
Could not have wished for a better stay, absolutely excellent.
Greetings Gail. Thank you so much for this wonderful review. It is always good to know we have been able to meet out guests' expectations. Kind regards, Diane

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Garden route gem
Sadly we only had one night but the apartment was amazing, food was great! We will go back with more time to see more of the park
Greetings Andrew. Thank you so much for our 5-star review. We love having return guests and sincerely look forward to your next visit. Kind regards, Diane

10/10 Excellent

Maureen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing position on the gorge. Great service and restaurant food was excellent
Response from diane on 24 Oct 2019
How wonderful to hear!! Thank you for our 10 score!! It is most rewarding. All the best, Diane

10/10 Excellent

Joel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Chillaxing
Loved this place, fresh air great chalet with bath overlooking the green forest and gorge. Clientele were a little old but didnt really mind as we tucked ourselves away in our country retreat.
Response from General Manager on 1 Feb 2017
Good day Joel How good to hear that you got to chillax and enjoy all that The Fernery promises... peace and tranquility. Please make sure to come again. Kind regards Diane PA to the Owners

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The view is amazing!
Response from General Manager on 1 Feb 2017
Good day and warm greetings Thanks so much for your 4-star rating. We hope all your expectations were met. Kind regards, Diane PA to the Owners

8/10 Good

Tomi

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great stay, awesome spot (but not the best value)
The lodge is in a superb location, with beautiful views and tranquility. We stayed in the luxury room, which is part of the lodge (other options are cottages adjacent to the lodge). We were a bit disappointed that our room directly overlooked the bar area (which was covered in a big tent structure) so our views were somewhat obscured. We fortunately did not hear any noise from the bar though. The room was very comfortable with a nice bathroom. A fair bit of mould in the shower needs to be attended to - but we found that a problem in many establishments on our trip. Food was excellent and teh whole dining experience was very pleasant. Facilities were good, although bicycles should be free (not R120) as there are limited cycling opportunities. The swim in the rock pool (have to climb over the rails at the lookout) is highly recommended.
Response from General Manager on 22 Dec 2016
Warm and friendly greetings to you, and many thanks for this 5-star review. We appreciate your positive comments. All suggestions by guests are highlighted and considered. Our thanks again for your review and for having chosed to make memories at The Fernery. Travel safely and best wishes for the season and the new year ahead. Kind regards, Diane

8/10 Good

Darren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Relaxing and Indulgent.
Fantastic property, vicinity, service and food. Our room could have done with an air conditioner though. 8 out of 10!
Response from General Manager on 22 Dec 2016
Greetings from The Fernery. Many thanks for this 5-star review and for having chosen to make special memories with us. Travel safely and best wishes for the season and the new year ahead. Kind regards, Diane

10/10 Excellent

Luke, UK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Exceptional experience in amazing surroundings
A long bumpy ride along a dirt track left us wondering what we would find at the end. We arrived early and our room wasn't ready but we were given a tour of the facitlity and its breathtaking views over the gorge out to the sea. When we got to our 'chalet' it was stunning. Chalet 7 hangs over the river, the Jacuzzi that does the same a short walk away. A log fire sits in the corner with a lovely sitting area. The restaurant is stunning with wide views. The staffed were very helpful and considerate. An exceptional experience.
Response from Diane on 22 Dec 2016
Warm and friendly greetings to you. Wow, this is a wonderful review and it is really great to hear that your experience with us was "exceptional". Best wishes to you and yours for the season and the new year ahead. Kind regards, Diane

10/10 Excellent

vr

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The Fernery is rated as a 4* and should be a 5*! it was exceptional !!!!! Wonderful service!
Response from General Manager on 22 Dec 2016
Greetings!! We aim to deliver 5-star service in every way, and how rewarding that you found this to be so. Thank you indeed for this review. Please visit again some day soon. Travel safely and best wishes for the season of peace and goodwill. Kind regards, Diane