We stayed in the Hackwood Hill for our last 5 days in South Africa having travelled 1200 miles down the Garden Route from Cape Town. What a fantastic country house hotel, our room, The Madilba was to die for, huge 4 poster bed, claw foot bath and the bathroom was so huge we could have waltzed round it. The staff were very attentive, nothing was too much trouble (as has been said before). The food was amazing and as on a few of our days we were the only guests we were treated like Lord & Lady of the Manor. Parts of the decor are a little "tired" if you look closely but on the whole I thought the whole experience was wonderful. The pool is adequate for the size of the hotel but it is very shaded by the trees and if you are looking to sunbathe you will be moving every 20 minutes to stay in the sun. The gardens are beautiful and well tended by numerous gardeners.

The weather unfortunately whilst we were there was not very good, cloudy, and lots of rain and there is not much to do in Port Elizabeth. There is the pier and The Boardwalk shopping centre. We did visit a lion park nearby which was a great experience and our taxi driver did the tour for us at half the price that the tour companies quote.

Ivan and Dean more or less run the hotel between them and at times were run ragged but that never once interfered with their brilliant service to us - they are both a credit to the owner. We asked if we could have the traditional dish of Bobotie on our last night and even though it wasn't on the menu they did it for us and it was delicious. The pancakes, grilled banana, bacon and maple syrup for breakfast was also divine - don't knock it until you've tried it !!!!.

If we are ever in Port Elizabeth we most certainly stay at Hacklewood Hill - a truly memorable and magical experience.

Joy Peck

We, being my husband and I, returned as we do a few times a year on business. We never stayed often in 2010 due to escalated prices due the World Cup being held in SA.

This year our favourite room was in need of a refurbishment - the carpets where badly stained and the bathroom needed some attention not to mention the buzzing compressor from outside the building - two missing security personel in the morning when trying to leave early made our stay less memorable of a normally remarkable hotel.

We did lodge a complaint in writing and where assured they would attend to the problems we noted as it is a firm favourite of ours when visiting Port Elizabeth - a home from home.

Stayed one night here before catching a flight to Durban. Haven't enjoyed a bath so much for 40 years. A really big bath to soak in. Room reminiscent of my youth. Nice and old-fashioned. Food amazingly good and well balanced together with an excellent wine cellar. Highly recommended.

We have just returned from our 3 week stay in South africa, we went to a friends wedding which was fabulous. We stayed in several hotels on route and have to say this is the best one. nothing too much trouble, the house was fantastic, victorian all original features kept. dinner was set up for My husband and I in the library, candle lit very intimate.Cant understand where one of the previous reviews came from I swam and the pool was perfect, tennis court was great. The staff were attentive, the food 5 star. who needs a reception desk when the staff are always around. the room was amazing 4 poster bed with a bathroom to die for. Maybe the previous review would be more comfortable in a travel lodge as they do not seem to have much taste for the better things in life. Thank you so much for our lovely stay and yes I would recommend this to others.