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External Review's Review of Umngazi Hotel And Spa

Back to Umngazi Hotel And Spa
1 How would you rate your overall experience?

TRIP ADVISOR - Melanie L - 04 August 2022 - - - Very noisy but beautiful - - - "The dining room drinks staff were at times a little inattentive and slow in offering us drinks. However the staff in general were extremely friendly and helpful, and I commented to my travel companion how joyous and happy they all seemed. I caught a number of lady staff members singing away as they worked or walked around. Poor wifi coverage. Considering that the Covid-19 pandemic has created a new phenomenon, a new type of traveller i.e. those going on a "workation", the wifi at 4 star hotels should REALLY be up to scratch and they need to cater for such travellers. I was "working from home" on this road trip and good wifi was a necessity. There is no wifi in the rooms so I was advised to work in the Adult TV room above the lounge. Unfortunately the staff in reception, the staff visiting reception and the staff entering the lounge and bar area from the reception side were unbelievably noisy, and had almost constant conversations at TOP volume with complete disregard for me trying to work very close by in that TV lounge. Also there was a jovial bunch of lady trail runners visiting the hotel during our stay who insisted on the bar music being played SO loud before dinner, that one couldn't even hear to talk to one's partner in the bar when having pre-dinner drinks. Then we had the arrival of the large cycling group where the ululation (lililili sounds) from the lady staff, and again ridiculously loud music, went on for about 2 hours. I do admire the jovial spirit Umngazi is trying to create for larger groups, but it really is at the discomfort of and detriment to other guests. Thank you to the kind and attentive manager (I think his name is Keith) who offered me his office upstairs away from the noise to attend my online work meeting. The food was outstanding, the hikes beautiful and the location is stunning."

Umngazi Hotel And Spa
Dear Melanie. Thank you for your detailed review of your stay with us at Umngazi. We appreciate your compliments as well as constructive feedback where we can improve on our offering to all our valued guests. We're delighted that you enjoyed your stay, making special mention of our friendly staff, outstanding cuisine and beautiful surrounds. Due to our rooms being freestanding within our beautiful, pristine but undulating coastal gardens, overlooking the tranquil Umngazi estuary and Indian ocean, we offer complimentary wifi in our public areas only. Getting it to all our rooms would impact on the surrounds. We are regularly advised by our current service provider and looking into other feasible options when they become available. We agree that this is a priority during these times. Guests do occasionally request a quiet area to do work and we happily provide an office or there is the upstairs quiet lounge, which ever they prefer. The Imana Wild Ride books out the entire hotel for the finish of their 200km stage race up the Wild Coast from the Kei mouth to Umngazi. Their arrival was at 11h30, which is after check-out time on the day of your departure. We're fully appreciate that you had an urgent meeting on that day that delayed your departure and were very happy that we were able to offer you an office to quietly finish your work. Please keep in mind that all our guests staying that night were part of the Imana group. The proceeds of this race raise millions for schools along the Wild Coast which we are very proud to be a part of. Similarly, the ladies who had ran up the Wild Coast were raising funds for birthing clinics in the area too. We never want any group of guests to disturb others with their joyous celebrations and having a good time together and this is something we as management monitor and respect. We hope you enjoyed the remainder of your trip and would very much like to welcome you back to the peaceful and beautiful Umngazi on the Wild Coast. Wishing you friendly Pondo greetings from the team.