Pretoria's BEST Kept Secret? De Oude Herberg B&B Awaits!
Pretoria’s BEST Kept Secret? De Oude Herberg B&B Awaits! …and Boy Oh Boy, Did I Find a Secret! (A REALLY Good One)
Okay, so I'm back. And I'm still buzzing. I just got back from a stay at "De Oude Herberg B&B" in Pretoria, and let me tell you, the "BEST Kept Secret" tagline? It's legit. Honestly, I almost didn't want to write this review and blow their cover! But sharing is caring, right? (And maybe, just maybe, I can snag a deal on my next visit!)
So, buckle up, because I'm about to unleash the messy, honest, and slightly chaotic truth about this absolute gem. And yes, this is also my attempt at some SEO magic, so hopefully, Google loves it too… (wink, wink).
First Impressions & Accessibility (Or, "Where's the Elevator?")
The minute you pull into De Oude Herberg, you're hit with charm. Think gorgeous old architecture, lush gardens… it feels MORE like a hidden manor than just a B&B. The initial vibe is pure South African tranquility. Now, let’s be real, accessibility is always a concern. I didn’t specifically test this for someone in a wheelchair, and I admit, my initial wanderings were a tad unorganized, so finding the elevator took longer than it should (but hey, that's me!). I did notice the presence of Facilities for disabled guests, so hopefully, they’ve got things sorted. I'll give them a call and find out! The Exterior corridor design certainly adds to the old-world charm.
Getting around is a breeze, with Car park [free of charge] an absolute Godsend (parking in Pretoria can be a nightmare). They also offer Airport transfer, Taxi service, and even Valet parking (fancy!). I'm a budget traveler, so I stuck with my own wheels, but good to know the options are there. Car park [on-site] is also available.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (and My Slightly Messy Corner)
My room? Oh, the room! Let’s just say after a few days in a pressure cooker, I needed a space to breathe. I went for a non-smoking room (duh!), and it was lovely! Air conditioning worked a treat (essential for Pretoria heat, trust me). The bed? Extra long bed, perfect. The Blackout curtains were a sleep-saver (I’m a light sleeper!).
- Coffee/tea maker & Complimentary tea? Check and check.
- Bathrobes and Slippers? Luxury!
- Free bottled water? My dehydrating self thrived!
There's also your standard stuff like Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens - all of it - A+ on all.
But the BEST part? The little details. Like the Additional toilet (bliss!), the Internet access – wireless (essential!), the Socket near the bed (genius!), and the fact that everything was just… immaculately clean. And I'm pretty sure the Room sanitization opt-out available shows just how much they care.
The Spa: My Own Personal Oasis (Okay, Maybe a Little Rambling):
OKAY. So, I needed this. I was a walking ball of stress. The Spa at De Oude Herberg. Holy. Moly. It's not just a spa; it's a portal to another dimension of chill. I mean, everything they had to offer: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. ALL. OF. IT.
I went straight for a massage. I'm not even going to pretend to be cool about it. The lady (I wish I could remember her name!) was INCREDIBLE. She worked out knots I didn't even know I had. Honestly, it was probably the best massage of my entire life. I almost fell asleep, drooling, which is a strong compliment, I promise.
And the atmosphere? The smell of essential oils, the soft lighting… it was perfection. Afterward, I did get a little lost trying to find the Sauna, but hey, part of the adventure, right? This spa experience. THAT'S what made my experience at the hotel one of my top hotel experiences in 2024.
Food, Glorious Food! (And My Vegetarian Struggles)
Okay, so food. A crucial category, right? The fact that I could request Breakfast in room was brilliant on one day. The food on offer? Fantastic. They offer a Breakfast [buffet] which, I will admit, I love. However, one of my only real "complaints" is the limited options for a vegetarian like me. I managed, of course. (And they had a mean Vegetarian restaurant) – but a few more veggie-friendly choices on the buffet would’ve been amazing.
But, let’s face it: they make up for it. The Asian cuisine in restaurant had some amazing options. A la carte in restaurant is a solid option. I also noticed Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, and Soup in restaurant. All things, I'm told, that exist. There's even a Poolside bar and Snack bar for those lazy afternoons. They offer Room service [24-hour], which is amazing, and the Bottle of water they provide is a welcome gift. They provide Essential condiments which are an absolute godsend on a hotel stay.
Side note: they even have a little Convenience store on site! (which came in handy for my midnight chocolate craving).
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Beyond Just the Spa – though, seriously…)
They have a Swimming pool [outdoor] which looked inviting, but I was so busy luxuriating I barely got a chance to take a dip. There's a Fitness center and Gym/fitness for those who are inclined (I am not, but good to know!). The Pool with view looked AMAZING.
Beyond that, the B&B is close to all sorts of things. They can help arrange a Doctor/nurse on call if needed.
Cleanliness & Safety: They REALLY Care!
This is important, right? Especially now. I was incredibly impressed. De Oude Herberg takes cleanliness seriously. I noticed Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff following all the safety protocols. Everything felt safe and secure. They even had Individually-wrapped food options and clearly stated Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. They really seem to care about the details. They have CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Proposal spot, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms. The Staff trained in safety protocol, and Sterilizing equipment, and the Rooms sanitized between stays. That's a lot of care to make sure the security of the property is perfect.
Services & Conveniences: They Think of Everything!
This is where De Oude Herberg really shines. The Concierge was exceptionally helpful! They offer Cash withdrawal, Contactless check-in/out, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, and the list goes on!
They even have a Business facilities and Meeting/banquet facilities, and Seminars (if you're feeling productive). Plus, the Cashless payment service made things super easy.
For the Kids (And the Kid in Me!)
I didn't travel with kids, but I did notice they are Family/child friendly! They offer a Babysitting service if you need it. They have Kids facilities, and Kids meal.
Internet & Techy Stuff (Let's Be Honest, We Need it!)
The Internet access – wireless was fast and reliable
Escape to Traverse City's BEST-KEPT Secret: Sleep Inn & Suites Bay View!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your pristine, perfectly-polished travel brochure. This is my trip to De Oude Herberg B&B in Pretoria, South Africa, and it's gonna be a glorious, chaotic mess. Consider yourselves warned.
De Oude Herberg: Pretoria – The Whirlwind Adventure (and Potential Meltdown)
Day 1: Arrival, Confusion, and the Great "What Did I Just Book?" Panic
6:00 AM (roughly): Okay, the alarm’s blaring like a goddamn air raid siren. Ugh. Why did I think flying halfway across the world was a good idea? Especially when I have to wake up before the sun even thinks about cracking open. I stumble out of bed, already regretting every life decision.
7:00 AM: Flight – South Africa, here I come! The flight was… well, a flight. Bland airplane food, the incessant hum of the engines, and the uncomfortable feeling of already losing sleep.
12:00 PM (ish): Landing in Johannesburg was a blurry jumble of passport control, and feeling like I was in a movie. I was very confused. Why does everything sound so different? Where do I even start?!
1:30 PM: I Grabbed a rental car. I feel so confident.
2:30 PM: After a series of wrong turns, and me nearly driving us off a cliff (okay, maybe not a cliff, but a very steep embankment), I finally arrive at De Oude Herberg. It's… charming. Like, seriously, charming. But also, very residential. I peer through the gates and whisper, "Is this… right?" I think I like the architecture. It's a mix of styles. All I know is I made it!
3:00 PM: Check-in: The lovely, kind lady, who probably thought I was utterly insane. I mumbled something about being "jet-lagged," and she took pity on me. She kept asking if I was alright. I probably looked like a zombie.
4:00 PM: The Room. Alright, the room. It's… aight. It's got a ridiculously comfortable bed. This is going to be my saving grace. Also, the bathroom has a weirdly powerful shower. I could probably strip the paint off the walls with it, and it's going to be glorious. I take a moment to just breathe.
5:00 PM: I'm going to get lost on the city bus. Wish me luck.
6:00 PM: I'm back. I'm going to go eat.
7:00 PM: I'm going to call the hotel.
8:00 PM: Food… After a long day, I found a good burger place. It was pretty great.
9:00 PM: Sleep. Sweet, sleep. Praying I don't snore too loudly tonight.
Day 2: Culture Shocker, Bushveld Bliss, and a Near-Disaster
7:00 AM: Breakfast! The smell of fresh coffee – ah, nectar of the gods. The breakfast, thankfully, was a feast. Fresh fruit, pastries, the works. This is the sustenance I needed. Feeling slightly less like a sleep-deprived, directionally-challenged zombie, but still on edge.
8:00 AM: I went to Pretoria. So much history. So much… well, I don't know it all. There was a lot to see.
10:00 AM: Voortrekker Monument. I'll admit, I didn't know much about the Voortrekkers beforehand. Now, I have a slightly better understanding. It's a very imposing building. The history is complex, to say the least. I found myself having some strong emotional reactions. I left with a newfound awareness of the country's complicated past. I feel.
1:00 PM: Lunch. Got a delicious meal.
3:00 PM: I go to the Lion and Safari park. It was amazing. The lions! Seeing them up close like that was both exhilarating and slightly terrifying. But I wish I could have stayed longer. The cats were magnificent. This was the greatest thing I've ever done.
5:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I didn't get run over by any lions.
7:00 PM: Dinner in the local area. I saw lots of people. Ate some food.
8:00 PM: After dinner, I did all the things.
9:00 PM: Sleep. I'll be tired.
Day 3: Relaxation, Reflections, and Potential Tourist Traps
- 8:00 AM: Sleep in! Okay, okay, I actually overslept. Jet Lag is a beast.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Enjoying the peace and quiet. No crazy travel itinerary today. I need a day to decompress.
- 10:00 AM: The plan? Relax.
- 11:00 AM: I went to do some things. I went a bit overboard.
- 1:00 PM: I eat some lunch.
- 2:00 PM: Decide to wander: Pretend I know what I'm doing. Stumbled upon a charming little park. Just sat there, watching the locals go about their day. It made it easy.
- 5:00 PM: Try to write in my journal. Fail miserably. So many thoughts. It's all a jumbled mess.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant I wanted to check out. It was okay.
- 9:00 PM: Pack. Sigh heavily. Tomorrow, I move on to the next adventure!
Day 4: Departure (and the inevitable "I Should Have Done More!" Regret)
7:00 AM: Wake up too early, thanks to that internal body clock.
8:00 AM: Final breakfast. Staring at the food and pretending I don't have to leave.
9:00 AM: Packing. Double-check everything (probably missed something). Say goodbye to the staff – they were lovely.
10:00 AM: Check out. Sigh.
11:00 AM: Departure!
Throughout the Day: The journey back to the airport involved some near-misses with traffic, and me getting thoroughly lost yet again in a city. The end.
Final Thoughts:
This trip to De Oude Herberg was a whirlwind. It was beautiful. It caused me panic. I got lost. I learned things. I saw things. I ate too much. Did I do everything perfectly? No. Did I have the perfect itinerary? Absolutely not. But did I experience life? Hell yes.
And that, my friends, is all that matters. Now, off to the next adventure (and probably more chaos)!
Perlis Paradise: NURHAKIM's Stunning Pool Villa in Arau!
Okay, so, I'm thinking about buying a used car. Is this a terrible idea? Be honest.
Terrible? Well, that depends on your definition of "terrible." Look, owning a car, any car, is a money pit. Let's just acknowledge that up front. And a *used* car? You're basically playing a game of automotive roulette. I bought a used '98 Honda Civic (shiny, red, bless its heart) back in like, 2005. Thought I was winning the lottery! For a whole glorious month. Then the check engine light started doing a rave in my dashboard. Turned out it was, and I quote, "a thing with the catalytic converter." Which translated to "a thing that'll cost you a small fortune." So, yeah, there's that. But... it can also be a smart move! It's all about the research, the patience, and a healthy dose of "knowing when to walk away." More on that later.
What's better -- a used car from a dealer or a private seller? I keep hearing both sides.
Ugh. The age-old question! Dealer versus private. It’s a battle for the ages, like Coke vs. Pepsi, or cats vs. dogs (and I'm firmly on Team Cat, by the way). Dealers offer warranties, which, on paper, sounds amazing. Like, "protection from the inevitable mechanical mayhem!" But read the fine print, people! Those warranties are usually about as useful as a chocolate teapot. The dealer also tends to have a bit more pressure. You are dealing with a person who, despite how personable they are being, want your money. Private sellers? You *might* get a better price. But, you're essentially flying solo. You're the mechanic, the negotiator, the judge, jury, and executioner. It's a gamble. And, honestly, I've found a lot of private sellers are… let's just say, *economical* with the truth. They may be trying to sell a lemon.
I, myself, once did buy a car from a private seller. I actually got lucky enough to get the real deal. The woman selling it mentioned the engine was a little noisy, But it was the nicest car I had ever seen! I got her on the cheap, and it was exactly what I wanted. To say it was the best car I had ever owned, would be an understatement.
How do I even *start* looking? Where do I even *look*? This feels overwhelming.
Okay, breathe. It *is* overwhelming. Imagine staring into the abyss of car listings. It's enough to make you just want to stay home and ride your bike (which, honestly, is starting to sound pretty good right about now). But don't give up! Here's the messy, imperfect, but (hopefully) helpful starting point:
- Figure out your budget: This is the MOST important step. Seriously. Stick to it. Don't let those shiny rims and promises of "low monthly payments" sway you!
- Know your needs: Do you need something for the daily commute? A family hauler? Something sporty to pretend you're a race car on the weekends? These are the kinds of questions you need to honestly and objectively ask yourself. I once bought a tiny hatchback because, in my mid-twenties, I thought I "needed" to look "cool." Spoiler alert: I did not. And the storage capacity was abysmal.
- Start researching: Websites like CarGurus, Kelley Blue Book, and even Craigslist are great starting points. Filter the cars based on your budget and needs. Notice the key word "starting point" in the last sentence.
- Read reviews, and then read them again: Consumer Reports, and even just Google "Model Year + Car Review", are your friends. Find out what common problems to watch out for. This is how you avoid the "check engine light rave" scenario.
- Narrow your options: Once you've got a shortlist of cars that tick your boxes, make a list and go.
Okay, I've found a car. Now what? What should I check *before* I even think about driving it?
This is where you become a detective. A car detective! Grab a flashlight, a notebook, and a friend who knows about cars (or at least pretends to). Here's the nitty-gritty:
- Exterior Inspection: Walk around the car. Look for rust, dents, scratches, and mismatched paint. Rust is a red flag, people! It's like a cancer on a car.
- Tires: Check the tire tread. Are they worn? Uneven? Replace them. Or use it as leverage.
- Under the Hood: This is where a flashlight comes in handy! Check the fluids, (oil, coolant, brake fluid, etc.). Look for leaks, suspicious gunk, or anything that looks, well, *off*. And trust your gut.
- Interior: Look for stains, rips, and smells. A lingering odor of stale smoke is a big no-no unless you enjoy smelling like a cigarette.
- Test Drive (and then test drive differently): Drive the car! Listen for strange noises. Does it accelerate smoothly? Does it brake well? The key is to drive gently at first, and then maybe… give it a little bit of a push.
- Check the Carfax, or a similar report: This is for a quick look. Has the car been in an accident? Was it flooded? What's the car's history?
The seller is pushy. What do I do? I'm not great at confrontation.
Oh, honey, I feel you! Pushy sellers are THE WORST. They're like vultures circling a carcass. They can smell your indecision. Here's your survival guide:
- Trust your gut: If something feels off, GTFO (Get The Frick Out). Seriously. Don't let them pressure you!
- Politely, but firmly, say "no": "Thank you, but I'm not interested." Repeat as many times as necessary. Don't give them an inch!
- Bring a friend: A friend can act as a buffer, a second set of eyes, and a voice of reason. Plus, it's always fun to have someone to roll your eyes with.
- Be prepared to walk away: This is KEY. The car is *not* the only car in the world. There will be others. Your sanity is more important!
I had a dealer once, oh my god, he must have been from the car salesman training program of hell, who would not let me leave. HeHotels With Kitchenettes
