When we entered the wing of the hotel where our room was located, there was a very strong smell of paint thinner or other paint product. The smell was almost equally strong in the room, so we asked to change rooms. The one employee at the front desk (appeared to be the supervisor) was not impressed that we asked to change rooms, but arranged for another room. He also sent an employee with a bowl of liquid to our original room, likely a type of air freshener. The 2nd room was beside the first, and also smelled. As there were no other rooms available, we told the front desk staff that we were leaving and going to L'Oreale, another hotel in the Emperor's Palace complex (same owner). They told us to take the shuttle. We stood on the front steps waiting almost an hour for the shuttle to arrive. Although two stopped prior, they were going to airport and would not take us to L'Oreale. When we told the front desk staff that we were still waiting, they said they would arrange for a car to pick us up from L'Oreale. No car came. The supervisor at the front desk was clearly very annoyed - all he saw was lost revenue. The woman working at front desk was friendly, professional and helpful - she saw an unhappy guest.
The rooms at Metcourt Laurel were large and clean, except the bathroom ceiling was very mouldy.
L'Oreale was fine, but overpriced. Although labelled "5 star", it is only a step above ordinary.
Our only unpleasant experience during a three week trip to South Africa.
