Escape to Paradise: Chartfield Guesthouse, South Africa Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Chartfield Guesthouse - South Africa Awaits! (A Messy, Honest Review That's Totally Worth Reading)
Okay, buckle up, because trying to summarize Chartfield Guesthouse in a neat little box is like herding cats. This place… it's an experience. And I'm here to spill the tea (and maybe a little bit of Pinotage, because, South Africa!).
Accessibility & Whoa, That's a Lot of Checkboxes!
First off, bless their cotton socks, Chartfield Guesthouse actually tries. They've got a ton of features listed under accessibility. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I did notice an elevator (major win!), and the website mentions facilities for disabled guests. Always a good sign. They've also got features like a front desk that's open 24/7. This is a huge plus.
Internet? Let's Just Say You Won't Be Totally Cut Off (Thank God!)
Alright, internet nerds, listen up. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! And they aren’t lying! I could stream way too much travel vlogging from my room (a slightly embarrassing confession of mine). I also did a few work calls over the Wi-Fi in public areas and didn't have any issues. They even have Internet [LAN] in some rooms for the old-schoolers. My brain might not be old school, but my technology habits are.
Cleanliness & Safety - They Actually Seem To Care (Which is HUGE in Today's World)
Okay, this part? Impressed. Seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays – it's all there. They've clearly gone above and beyond. I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don’t judge!), so this was a huge relief. They provide hand sanitizer everywhere. They had stuff like individually-wrapped food options, and the staff was all masked up and following protocol. I felt genuinely safe.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking - Food, Glorious Food (With Some Quirks!)
The food? Mixed bag. They offer Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant. Okay. It sounds like a lot, right?
The breakfast [buffet] was pretty standard, but the coffee was surprisingly good! I'm a coffee snob, so that's high praise. They had a coffee shop too, which got me every morning, honestly.
There's also a Poolside bar, which is perfect for cocktails at sunset. They had a happy hour, which is always appreciated. The A la carte in restaurant was fine, but nothing earth-shattering. It’s the kind of place where you're happy to throw back a few drinks.
My biggest food related gripe: the snacks bar. It’s definitely a lifesaver when you’re peckish, especially after a long day of sightseeing.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Paradise Found (Maybe With a Little Spa?)
The pool with a view is stunning. Seriously. You could spend all day just floating around, staring at the scenery. And I might have done exactly that. Shame on nobody!
They also had a spa. Now, I'm not usually a spa kind of gal, but I got talked into a massage. And… wow. Okay, maybe I'm a spa person now. It was incredible. The masseuse actually seemed to know what she was doing. I left feeling like a limp noodle, but in a good way. They also offer a sauna, steamroom, body scrub, and body wrap. Which, if you're into that kind of thing, seem pretty amazing.
They also have a gym/fitness center, which I completely neglected. Hey, I was on vacation!
Services & Conveniences - They've Thought of EVERYTHING (Almost)
They have daily housekeeping (thank goodness!). They have concierge services. Laundry service (that’s a lifesaver when your suitcase looks like it exploded). Luggage storage. A convenience store (for those late-night snack attacks). The elevator is a godsend.
I had a little incident in the rooms, which was a bit weird, but the staff was super chill about it.
For the Kids - Seems Legit, But I Don't Have Any
They are family/child friendly, and offer babysitting service, and kids meal. Looks like a good destination for the little ones.
Getting Around - Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy
Airport transfer is included, which is a huge bonus. They also have car park [free of charge], and car park [on-site]. They have a taxi service, and bicycle parking, for those of you feeling active.
The Rooms - Cozy, Comfortable, and Perfectly Imperfect
The rooms! Air conditioning (essential!), free Wi-Fi, bathrobes, coffee/tea maker, and a mini bar are all included. The soundproofing, however, maybe not so much. You can definitely hear some noise from the hallway.
I was thrilled to discover a desk. I mean, I tried to do some work, but mostly just stared at the view while I drank my coffee. They also have an extra long bed. If you are lucky, you will be getting lots of sweet good night's sleep. The blackout curtains are a game-changer.
The “Don’t Miss” Bit - The Anecdote That Sold It For Me
One evening, I was lounging by the pool, nursing a cocktail (the "Chartfield Sunset," highly recommended), when I overheard a couple, clearly just engaged, gushing about a super-secret spot on the property where they'd be setting up a proposal spot. That’s the kind of vibe this place has. Romantic, relaxed, and full of little surprises.
The Not-So-Perfect Bits (Because Honesty!)
Okay, here's the real deal. The overall place is a bit older, and the decor is a little… how shall we say… "eclectic"? Some of the rooms are not up to par with the photos. And the service, while generally good, can be a liiiiittle slow at times. But honestly, the stunning views, the laid-back atmosphere, and genuinely friendly staff more than make up for it.
Final Verdict - Would I Go Back?
Absolutely! For the price, the location, the incredible staff, and the overall chill vibe, Chartfield Guesthouse is a winner. It's not perfect, sure, but it’s real, it’s charming, and it's a genuinely lovely place to escape to.
The "Book Now!" Offer (Because We Need to Sell This Thing!)
Escape to Paradise - Chartfield Guesthouse awaits!
Tired of the same old routine? Craving sun-drenched beaches, breathtaking views, and a truly relaxing getaway? Then pack your bags and escape to the heart of South Africa!
Here's what you get when you book directly with us:
- Exclusive Discount: Enjoy a 15% discount on all room rates for stays of 3 nights or more.
- Complimentary Welcome Drink: Toast to your escape with a FREE "Chartfield Sunset" cocktail upon arrival.
- Flexible Booking: Peace of mind with our flexible cancellation policy – change your plans without worry!
- Best Price Guarantee: We are the cheapest and you know it!
Don’t miss out on this incredible offer! Book your escape to Paradise today, and experience the magic of Chartfield Guesthouse!
(Click here to check availability and book now! [Insert link here - use a real link when you have one!])
#ChartfieldGuesthouse #SouthAfrica #Travel #Paradise #Vacation #Luxury #Relax #Spa #Adventure #Hotel #Beach #Accommodation #SouthAfricaTravel #TravelSouthAfrica #HotelReview #TravelDeals
Unbelievable AfriCamps Glamping: Kam'Bati's Hidden Safari Paradise!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This is not your grandma's pristine travel itinerary. This is CHARTFIELD GUESTHOUSE, SOUTH AFRICA - unfiltered, messy, and probably a little bit hungover. Prepare for the feels, the fumbles, and the sheer, unadulterated joy (and maybe a touch of existential dread) of a South African adventure.
CHARTFIELD CHAOS: A Guest-House-Hacking Odyssey
Pre-Trip Babble (aka, Panic Stations)
- The Dream: Picture it: Me, sun-kissed, sipping Amarula, actually understanding the words "Ubuntu." My social media feed is already prepping for peak aesthetic. Turns out, Johannesburg airport's a chaotic mess.
- Reality: Packing. Ugh. Somehow I crammed in all the essentials (sunscreen, multiple pairs of "I'll-look-good-in-this-but-probably-won't-wear-it" dresses, and a travel-sized bottle of desperation…). My passport photo looks like a wanted poster. Flight's at 10, let's hope I make it…
Day 1: Chartfield Check-In & That First "Wow" Moment (plus the Great Coffee Debacle)
- Morning (ish): Arrived. Got really lost on the way in. Chartfield's not exactly easy to find. Finally found the Guest House and meet the most amazing staff who are going to make my stay an absolute treat. Feeling a little overwhelmed (and possibly jet-lagged). But that view. That. View. The ocean, the mountains, everything. It's like a postcard threw up on my face. Seriously, I've seen more impressive sunsets on a screensaver. Already smitten.
- Afternoon: Settled into my room. Cute, simple, but spotless. Immediately tried to conquer laundry. Failure. Did a little happy dance when I heard the coffee machine (very excited for any opportunity to drink coffee).
- Afternoon(ish): Coffee Tragedy. It was the most beautiful coffee I've ever seen, made by my incredibly charming host, but I took one sip and it tasted like bad coffee. I tried to be polite but I actually can't have a bad coffee I tell you. I went back to my room in a huff.
- Evening: Walked the beach to try to calm down my nerves. Absolutely fantastic, and the fresh air did me good. I met a local who told me about the history of the place. I bought some souvenirs to remind me of the trip.
Day 2: Cape Town Chaos & The Penguin Predicament
- Morning: Cape Town day trip! Rented a car. Found out I hate driving on the "wrong" side of the road (terrifying). Almost rear-ended a bus full of baboons. Close call. The drive was fantastic but the driving was atrocious.
- Afternoon: Boulders Beach. Penguin time! These adorable little guys are so clumsy and adorable they practically melt your heart. Saw a couple of people getting too close and was worried, the penguins aren't used to people. The ocean was freezing but I didn't care. Happiness level: maximum.
- Evening: Dinner in the city. Couldn't understand the menu. Pointed randomly. The food was divine, even though I have no idea what it was. Wine was good. Tipsy me is a happy me.
Day 3: Hiking & Humble Pie (literally)
- Morning: Decided to hike Lion's Head. "Easy" they said. "Amazing views" they promised. Turns out, "easy" meant "almost-died-of-exhaustion-while-being-judged-by-a-goat." The views were amazing, though. Totally worth the sweat, the existential dread, and the near-constant threat of falling. I had to ask for directions from a hiker and she laughed. I'm a mess.
- Afternoon: Lunch in Chartfield. Best burger ever. Seriously. Made me forget the morning's humiliation. I want the recipe.
- Evening: Started a book to try to read before bed. Woke up at 3am to keep reading.
Day 4: The Great White Shark Whisperer (and the Reality of Seasickness)
- Morning: Shark cage diving. I am a total scaredy-cat, but I figured, "When in Rome… or, you know, the Atlantic." The boat ride. Oh, the boat ride. Seasickness. It was… intense. Spent most of the time hugging the toilet. Saw a shark! (Briefly. Through a watery blur). It was terrifying and exhilarating all at once. I'm officially cooler than I was yesterday.
- Afternoon: Napped. Needed to recover from the shark encounter and the seasickness. Ate a bread roll.
- Evening: Ate dinner with the host. She made me feel better. I can't thank her enough.
Day 5: Chartfield Reflections & the Bitter-Sweet Goodbye
- Morning: Lounging (finally!). Spent the morning on the guest-house patio, soaking up the last of the sun. Wrote a few postcards, mostly filled with exclamations of "Wow!" and "You HAVE to come here!". Also started to feel the pang of leaving already. Nooooo!
- Afternoon: Walked around the neighbourhood. I'm in love with this place. Everything is brilliant, from the wildlife to the locals.
- Evening: Farewell dinner. Tears. Not a lot, but a little, because I'm seriously going to miss this place. Said my goodbyes to the staff, made some promises to return. And packed my bags, slightly less clean than when I arrived (thanks, laundry fail!).
Post-Trip Hangover (aka, The Aftermath)
- The Flight: Praying I don't have to share a seat with a screaming baby. (Fingers crossed!)
- The Memories: Still feel like I'm in South Africa. The taste of that burger is something else. The kindness of the people. The epic beauty. The absolute chaos. It's all burned into my brain. 10/10 would recommend.
- The Verdict: Chartfield Guesthouse, you were more than just a place to stay. You were an experience. A messy, imperfect, utterly wonderful experience. I'll be back. (And next time, I'm mastering that laundry machine! Or at least, asking for help…)
This is just a taste of what your South Africa trip might be like. Travel is messy, unpredictable, and full of surprises. Embrace the chaos, the stumbles, and the "Oh, crap, I forgot my…" moments. They're the stories you'll be telling for years to come. Now go. Make some (beautiful, messy) memories!
Texas City's BEST Western Hotel: Unbeatable Deals & Reviews!
Escape to Paradise: Chartfield Guesthouse, South Africa Awaits! Frequently Asked Questions (and My Utterly Unfiltered Opinions)
How do I get to Chartfield Guesthouse? Seems kinda...remote, right?
Okay, so getting to Chartfield is an adventure in itself. Let me put it this way: if you’re expecting a quick hop on a bus and a leisurely stroll, you're in for a surprise. Cape Town International Airport is your starting point. Honestly, you’re best off renting a car. I mean, you *can* try to navigate the public transport (which, bless your heart, I wouldn’t even attempt), but trust me, the freedom a car gives you is invaluable.
The drive itself is gorgeous, even if you get a bit lost – which, uh, I may or may not have done. Twice. Just follow the signs (mostly!), and keep an eye out for baboons. Seriously. They're like, the official welcoming committee. One time, I swear, a baboon gave me the stink eye for driving too slow.
What time is check-in/check-out? And, like, are they strict about it?
Check-in is usually around 2 PM, and check-out is at 10 AM. Now, I'm going to be brutally honest here: I’m not a morning person. Ten AM is basically the crack of dawn in my world. I remember one time, I was desperately trying to pack my stuff, and somehow managed to spill coffee all over my suitcase. It was a scene. I swear, I was still pulling my hair out when I was rushed out the door.
The staff is usually pretty accommodating, but don't expect miracles. Give them a heads up if you’re running late, and maybe bribe them with a box of good chocolates. Works every time, I've heard. *wink* .
What kind of rooms do they have? And are they…nice?
Oh, the rooms! Honestly, Chartfield nailed it. They’re all different, all charming, all with their own personality. No sterile hotel rooms here. I’ve stayed in a few – the sea-facing ones are absolute magic. Waking up to that view literally took my breath away. (Dramatic, I know, but it’s true!). I'm pretty sure I spent a whole hour just gazing at the waves. The decor is simple, elegant, and oh-so-South African. It's not modern minimalist, thankfully - more cozy, inviting, and like you've stepped into your dream coastal cottage.
My personal favorite? The one with the little balcony overlooking the bay. Perfect for a sundowner, a good book, and a serious dose of "I don't want to go home" vibes. Just be warned - expect to be fighting for that balcony spot.
Are the rooms clean? Because I’m like, a neat freak.
Okay, let’s get real: I am *not* a neat freak. I’m more of a "stuff it under the bed until I can’t see it" kind of person. But even *I* was impressed with the cleanliness at Chartfield. Everything was spotless. And the housekeeping staff? Absolute angels. They even folded my clothes (which, let’s be honest, probably needed to be done).
Seriously, the rooms are impeccable. And the bathrooms are sparkling. No mold. No questionable stains. Just pure, clean, luxuriousness. Which, let's be honest, after a long day of exploring, is pure heaven.
Breakfast…is it any good? Because I'm a breakfast snob.
Okay, breakfast… Oh. My. GOD. The breakfast. I am not exaggerating when I say it's the best breakfast I’ve ever had in my entire life. And I've eaten a *lot* of breakfasts.
Think freshly baked bread, delicious scones, eggs cooked in a million different ways (you name it, they’ll make it!), fresh fruit, yogurt, muesli… and the coffee! Rich, strong, and exactly what a caffeine addict like myself needed to start the day. This is the kind of breakfast that makes you want to stay in your pajamas all day, curled up with a good book, and just… be. I could eat a whole breakfast just thinking about it. I might actually book another trip just for the breakfast. And don't even get me started on the homemade jams...
What is there to do around Chartfield? Is it boring?
Boring? NO WAY! Chartfield is perfectly positioned. You're close to everything.
First off, you've got the beach right there. Like, a five-minute walk. The beaches in that area are stunning. Think white sand, turquoise water, and hardly any crowds. I spent hours just wandering along the shore, collecting shells, and trying (and failing) to surf. There are hiking trails nearby, wine farms you can visit, and plenty of charming little seaside towns to explore. You can go whale watching (seasonal, but incredible!), surfing, kayaking… Basically, your biggest problem will be choosing what to do.
One thing I *would* recommend is a sunset walk on the beach. Pure magic. I took like a million photos, and even then, they don't do it justice.
Is it a good place for kids?
This is a tough one, honestly. Chartfield *could* be great for kids, but really depends on your kids. There's no dedicated kid's club or anything, so you're your own entertainment. The beach is amazing, but the ocean can be rough.
I saw a few families there, and the kids seemed to love it. But, I also saw a few parents who looked like they really needed a vacation from... well, the kids. If your kids are happy with beach time and a bit of exploration, then it might work. If they need constant stimulation, maybe not. Personally, I think it's a perfect place for a romantic getaway or a solo trip. But, hey, that's just me.
