Escape to Pretoria: Luxury Awaits at Lauriston Guesthouse!
Escape to Pretoria: Lauriston Guesthouse - Did it Live Up to the Hype? (Spoiler: Mostly!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just escaped to Pretoria and, more specifically, to the much-hyped Lauriston Guesthouse. Let me tell you, after weeks of staring at my laptop, the thought of plush robes, a poolside bar, and silence…well, it was practically a religious experience. This review? Gonna be honest, raw, and probably a little all over the place, just like my brain after a long day of… well, everything.
First Impressions & the Accessibility Angle - Gotta be real…
Okay, so I'm not, like, super mobility-impaired, but accessibility is a big deal for my best friend, Sarah, who was supposed to come with me. Sadly, a last-minute work thing got in the way. BUT, I was on a mission to scope this place out for her.
The good news? Lauriston Guesthouse claims to be wheelchair accessible. And from what I saw – the elevator, relatively level entryways – it seems legit. The website (and my initial call) promised Facilities for disabled guests. Now, I didn’t personally test everything (didn't have a chair!), but I did snoop around. The lobby seemed wide and welcoming, and the staff, I have to say, were genuinely lovely and willing to answer my (probably annoying) questions. CCTV in common areas & outside property gave me a general feeling of safety too. Let's be honest, being able to relax is half the battle, right?
The Room - Oh, the Room! And Those Blackout Curtains… Swoon.
I’m not gonna lie, I was practically vibrating with anticipation when they gave me the room key. The air conditioning (essential in Pretoria, trust me) was already humming, and I could hear the faint whisper of… silence. Glorious, blessed silence.
The room itself? Pretty darn spiffy. It ticked all the boxes: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, (yes!), Bathroom phone (weird, but hey!), Blackout curtains (oh. my. God. The sleep!), Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping (thank you, angels!), Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water (thirsty!), Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless (it was fast!), Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and a Window that opens (for fresh air, duh!). It’s the little things, right? Like, the strategically placed socket near the bed for my phone. Pure genius.
Here’s where my inner critic emerged…
Okay, okay, I gotta be real. The décor was… a tad predictable? Think elegant, but perhaps a little… safe. A pop of color wouldn't have gone amiss. Maybe a quirky piece of art? A slightly more bold choice of pillows? (Yes, I get nitpicky when I’m relaxed. It’s a disease.)
And I have to mention Sarah's potential needs: I didn't see specifically ADA-compliant features in the room (e.g., grab bars, a roll-in shower, etc.). I also did not see a call button, which I thought would be a part of the "facilities for disabled guests". I suggest you explicitly ask about these features before booking if they are essential.
Relaxation Central: Pools, Spas, and The Quest for the Perfect Massage.
Right, let's get to the good stuff. The stress melt stuff. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Check. Pool with a view? Double check! I spent a solid afternoon lounging by the pool, sipping something vaguely alcoholic from the Poolside bar. Bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss.
Then, the spa! I'm a sucker for a good spa, and Lauriston didn't disappoint. They have a Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, the works. The Body wrap was seriously good (I emerged smelling suspiciously like… well, like a pampered goddess). And the Massage… oh, the massage. I’m still dreaming about it. Seriously, the therapist had magic hands. Afterwards, I had a lovely foot bath.
Now, here's a slightly embarrassing confession: I may have spent a little too long in the Sauna. Let's just say I emerged looking like a well-cooked lobster. But hey, no regrets!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - The Fuel for Relaxation.
Food, glorious food. Lauriston offers a bunch of options. They had a Restaurant, a Snack bar, and even Room service [24-hour]. The Breakfast [buffet] was pretty standard, with a lovely choice of pastries, eggs, bacon, etc. Honestly? I was slightly disappointed that I did not see a Vegetarian restaurant or even specifically Vegetarian options. They had Western breakfast, with a little options that were probably Asian breakfast. But hey, overall, the food was good. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent. I also loved the Bottle of water they gave in the room.
The A la carte in restaurant, I am going to explore next time. It would have been a plus to have seen the Asian cuisine in restaurant. The Desserts in restaurant looked amazing.
Safety and Cleanliness: Peeling Back the Layers (and Avoiding the Germs).
In these crazy times, safety is paramount. Lauriston gets top marks here. They clearly take things seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas. They use Anti-viral cleaning products. They have Hand sanitizer everywhere. The staff are trained in safety protocol. They offer Room sanitization opt-out available. A big thumbs up. I felt safe and secure, which is priceless.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference.
This place is full of services. Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. They had a Car park [free of charge] and Airport transfer. They have almost everything you could possibly need!
For the Kids (Or Just the Kid in You!)
While I was travelling solo, I did notice that they have Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy, Lemon Squeezy.
Lauriston offers Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. Getting around was easy peasy!
To Wrap Up (Before I Drift Off… Again)
Lauriston Guesthouse? Highly recommended. It's a solid choice for a relaxing escape. The staff are fantastic, the facilities are great, and the overall vibe is just… lovely. However, make sure you confirm accessibility options for your specific needs.
My Emotional Verdict:
- Joy Level: 9/10 (Would be 10 if Sarah had been there!)
- Stress Melt-Down Factor: 10/10 (Seriously. Melted.)
- Would I Go Back? Absolutely. In fact, I'm already planning my next visit!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your meticulously-planned, Pinterest-perfect itinerary. This is me, battling jet lag and the existential dread of unpacking in a foreign land, all while trying to squeeze a bit of "authenticity" out of Lauriston Guesthouse in Pretoria. Let's see how this disaster… I mean adventure unfolds.
Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh, God, I Forgot Sunscreen" Feeling
- 10:00 AM (ish) - Landing and the Welcome Committee (aka, the Airport Hustle): Johannesburg Airport. A chaotic ballet of luggage carousels, slightly-too-pushy taxi drivers, and the overwhelming scent of… I’m not sure what, but it’s definitely African. Already feeling the sweat break out. My meticulously packed bag (thanks, me!) is blessedly making it through, the only good thing so far.
- 11:00 AM - The Taxi Ride of Truth: The driver, a cheerful chap named Sipho with a smile that could launch a thousand ships, takes the wheel. He’s regaling me with tales of Pretoria’s weather, which apparently can switch from sunny to apocalyptic in about five minutes. "Just like my ex-wife,” he chuckles, and I instantly feel a bond forming. Traffic, however, is a different beast entirely. Oh, and I forgot SUNSCREEN. Of course, I did. My skin's already screaming for mercy.
- 12:00 PM - Lauriston Guesthouse – And the Tiny, Adorable Dog: Okay, the guesthouse is… charming. Victorian, I think? Think "colonial chic" with a healthy dose of "maybe it's secretly haunted." The owner, a kindly woman named Mrs. Van der Merwe (of course), greets me with a genuinely warm welcome and a tiny, yappy dog with more personality than most humans I know. Score! Unloading is the usual struggle because, as usual, my luggage is a disaster.
- 1:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance and the Dreaded Unpack: My room is small, but cozy. The bed looks inviting. Okay, very inviting. The windows look out onto a garden that’s probably lovely, if I could see past the layer of exhaustion clinging to my eyeballs. Unpacking? Ugh. This is where the reality of travel hits: a vast pile of clothing, toiletries, and the ever-present question, "Did I bring enough underwear?" (The answer is always a resounding NO.)
- 2:00 PM - Lunch Scramble and the Local Cafe: Starving, I wander down the street. Found a little cafe, "The Rusty Spoon." Ordered what I think was a chicken wrap, it could be anything really. But whatever it is, it's delicious. And the coffee? Surprisingly good. The locals are friendly, I try to be too, my rusty 'how are you' gets only slightly embarrassed looks.
- 3:00 PM - Napageddon: The bed won. Completely and utterly. I wake up with a dry mouth and a vague sense of disorientation. Did I dream the entire morning? I'm not sure, and frankly, I don't care.
- 6:00 PM - Sunset Stroll and the "Where's My Wallet?!" Moment: Trying to do something productive, I decide a stroll is in order. The neighborhood seems safe, the sunset is beautiful. Then… I pat my pockets. Wallet MIA. My heart leaps into my throat. Did I leave it at the cafe? Was I mugged? Panic sets in, followed by a wave of self-loathing. I retrace my steps, desperately searching, and then… I find it. In my other pocket. Ugh. Moral of the story: don't be a moron.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at the Guesthouse and the Surprise Dessert: Mrs. Van der Merwe has a home-cooked meal waiting for me. It tastes divine. Surprise: The dessert is malva pudding (a South African delight). I swear, it's the best freakin' thing I've ever tasted. I'm slowly starting to love this place.
Day 2: Getting a Head Start on Being a Tourist
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast and the "I've Officially Regretted My Life Choices" Coffee: The coffee is not good this morning. It tastes like burnt tire. The toast? Soggy. But I soldier on. Gotta fuel up for the day, right?
- 9:00 AM - The Voortrekker Monument. My Biggest Mistake: I read about this monument, some historical stuff that sounds interesting. The architecture is impressive, sure. The view over Pretoria is stunning. But the monument itself? Feels like a massive, cold, concrete tomb. You know what? I take it back, it's a beautiful tomb. I spend an hour staring at the carved reliefs, trying to understand the whole story. After that, I need a strong drink or two.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch at a dodgy place, an Adventure in Itself: I stumble across this place called "The Hungry Hippo." The name alone should have warned me. But it’s cheap, and I'm starving. The food? Questionable. The company? Mostly grumpy truckers. But hey, at least I'm experiencing "real" South Africa, right? Right?
- 2:00 PM - The Botanical Gardens and the "Actually, This is Pretty Great" Realization: I needed this. The Botanical Gardens are a welcome respite from the monument - a lush, green oasis. I found a bench, read a bit, and actually enjoyed the quiet. The birds were singing, the sun was shining, and the world didn't seem so bad. Maybe I’m warming up to this whole "travelling" thing. Maybe.
- 5:00 PM - Back to the guesthouse, the dreaded unpacking again: I feel a little more settled now. The room feels more like my home. Unpacking has become less of a hassle.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner and the "I'm Starting to Forget I'm Here Alone" Feeling: The meal is once again nice. There I was just eating the food and laughing with the people that I meet during the day.
Day 3: The Journey Continues (Maybe Literally)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast and the "Please, No More Burnt Coffee" Wish: Same as yesterday, but with a prayer thrown in for decent caffeine. Nope. Still burnt.
- 9:00 AM - A Road Trip?!: To the South African National Museum of Natural History: I'm not sure why, but I'm drawn to it. The idea of exploring the natural world, even in a museum setting, appeals to me.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch and the "Spontaneous Conversation" Surprise: Finding a casual cafe, I start chatting with the owner. A brilliant, lively woman with a million stories and a heart of gold.
- 2:00 PM - The Museum: It's fantastic. Paleontology, zoology, geology—I'm completely fascinated. The sheer scale of the exhibits, with its dinosaur skeleton, is incredible. Hours later, I don't want to leave.
- 5:00 PM - Return to the guesthouse, the art of the afternoon: Time for some down time. I sit in the garden with my journal. The afternoon sun is warm. I'm starting to feel more like a local.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner and the "I Think I'm Actually Enjoying This" Revelation: This is the day I feel most at peace. This place is growing on me. South Africa is growing on me. This is a journey.
Day 4: The Farewell and the "I'll Be Back" Vow
- 8:00 AM - Last Breakfast (and a Final Toast to Acceptable Coffee): The coffee is… manageable. A small victory. I'm going to miss Mrs. Van der Merwe and her adorable dog more than I expected.
- 9:00 AM - Packing (This Time, with Much Less Panic): Somehow, this time is easier. I've accepted that my bag will never be perfectly neat, and that's okay.
- 10:00 AM - A Final Chat with Mrs. Van der Merwe and the "You're Always Welcome" Hug: She gives me a hug that feels like a warm blanket. "Come back anytime, dear," she says. I will. I really will.
- 11:00 AM - Farewells and the Airport Shuffle (Again): The airport, as before, is a whirlwind. But this time, there's a feeling of sadness mixed with a surprising sense of accomplishment.
Final Thoughts:
Lauriston Guesthouse was a bit of a chaotic adventure, with more stumbles and uncertainties than I'm proud to admit. But, that's life. Pretoria stole my heart, and I know this, and the people there. Forget your meticulously planned itineraries – embrace the chaos, the unexpected, the burnt coffee, the lost wallets, and the joy that comes from fully immersing yourself in a new place. I'll see you
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Escape to Pretoria: Lauriston Guesthouse - FAQs (But, Like, the *Real* FAQs)
...Because let's be honest, you're probably wondering the *important* stuff.
Okay, so, "Luxury"? Is it *Actually* Luxury, or like, "Luxury" defined by an overly optimistic estate agent?
Alright, buckle up, because this is where I get *real*. "Luxury"... it's a slippery word, isn't it? Like, I've seen "luxury" apartments that are basically glorified shoeboxes. Lauriston? No. It's actually quite lovely. Think less "gold taps and a butler" (though, a girl can dream…) and more "beautifully appointed rooms, seriously comfortable beds (I slept SO well!), and a genuinely peaceful atmosphere." I mean, the sheets were *divine*. Like, silk-adjacent level of soft. Okay, maybe not *silk*, but you get the idea. And the garden? Oh, the garden. I spent like, a whole afternoon just reading a book under a gigantic jacaranda tree, listening to the birds. Pure bliss. Luxury in the sense that you feel *pampered*. Not like, "I-need-to-take-out-a-second-mortgage-to-stay-here" luxury. Though, let's be honest, I *would* if it was affordable! *Sigh*.
The food...is the food any good? Because a pretty room is useless with bad breakfast.
Okay, this is CRUCIAL. Breakfast is the *make-or-break* of any guesthouse, in my humble opinion. And at Lauriston? The food is... *chef's kiss*. Seriously. It's not just the usual continental spread of sad sausages and lukewarm scrambled eggs. We're talking fresh fruit, proper coffee (thank the heavens!), and, get this... they had *homemade* muffins. I swear, I think I ate like, three. Don't judge me! They were melt-in-your-mouth gloriousness. And one morning, I had this *amazing* omelette. perfectly cooked, oozing with cheese and mushrooms. Seriously though, the quality of the breakfast alone is worth the price of admission. I am still dreaming of it. *Oh god, I'm hungry now.* I need to go back just for those muffins!
Is it noisy? I need peace and quiet. My neighbours are loud.
This is a BIG one for me. I'm a light sleeper, you see. The slightest noise and I'm up, wide awake, contemplating the meaning of life at 3 AM. Lauriston? Surprisingly, incredibly quiet. Like, the kind of quiet where you can *actually* hear the birds chirping in the morning. Okay, maybe not *dead* silent - you're still in a city, after all. But it's a peaceful, tranquil kind of quiet. I'm talking, you could actually hear your own thoughts, the perfect place to unwind. I actually slept through the night every night, which is basically a miracle. My grumpy neighbours? Miles away, thankfully. Pure bliss!
Parking? Because finding parking in Pretoria is a nightmare, right?
Parking? They do it well, trust me! I was so stressed about parking before I arrived, because lets face it, everywhere in Pretoria is a pain in the butt to visit and park, but there was ample, secure parking on-site. I didn't have to trawl the streets wondering where to leave my car. Bonus points: it felt safe. Seriously, one less thing to worry about.
The location? How close is it to anything interesting?
Okay, location, location, location! Lauriston is in a really good spot. Close enough to the main attractions in Pretoria. You're not going to be stuck miles away from everything, which is key. Now, getting around Pretoria can be a bit... interesting, let's say. Traffic can be a beast, but from Lauriston, you have easy access to the highways. Just remember to check Google Maps, I had no issues. And the Guesthouse itself is beautiful, the area felt really safe. Makes it all worth it!
OK, so the vibe... is it stuffy? Do I need to bring my fanciest shoes? (Please say no.)
*Thank GOD*, no. No stuffiness! Lauriston has a lovely, welcoming atmosphere. It's more "relaxed elegance" than "stiff upper lip." You can be yourself. People are friendly and helpful, without being overly intrusive. You don't have to worry about wearing your best shoes unless you want to (though, let's be honest, I lived in my comfiest sneakers). It's genuinely a place where you can relax and feel comfortable. It reminded me of my favourite aunt's house; a space of comfort.
Any downsides? Because nothing's perfect, right?
Okay, I'm going to be brutally honest here. There were a couple of minor things. The Wi-Fi wasn't *always* the strongest, but honestly, I didn't even care that much. I was there to escape, relax and enjoy a mini-break. The truth is, when you are in a place that offers as much as Lauriston, you're not focusing on the little things. And the weather, well. You can't control the weather. But honestly, I would give this a BIG 5 star rating. I'm already planning my return.
Would you go back? Seriously?
Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. Without a doubt. If you can swing it, book a room. You won't regret it. I'm even thinking of booking a room for my family. The whole experience, the delicious food, the peace and quiet, the comfy beds. It all comes together to create a truly wonderful experience. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to check their website for availability again… and to dream of muffins. *Okay, I really should go back. Soon.*
