This has to go down as one of the worlds Great Hotels for its position and architecture. The pioneering Englishman who built this hotel knew that it would endure in the memories of all who visit. Should your interest lie in the Battle field history or not you will never forget this Hotel. I was quite taken by the friendly stall and the relaxed atmosphere it truly feels like a home from home. The rooms remain lovely and cool due to the unique design so AC is not required.
Recommend booking ahead for a battlefields day tour with Paul, who is very knowledgeable and brought the history of the region to life. He also hosted us at all mealtimes and made us feel very welcome. We enjoyed the triangular tables for convivial dining with other guests. Very comfortable bed and good shower. No UK/SA plug adaptor in the room. Very friendly and helpful staff. The approach to the hotel is via miles of gravel roads, as with other battlefield sites in the area. Our Toyota saloon coped but in hindsight we wished we had hired an SUV.
We stopped here as part of our private tour of the battlefields for lunch. Fine lunch, a la carte, cold beer, fabulous views of the buffalo river, excellent general facilities and a local artist who was painting a the historical battlefield site of Isandlwana. Friendly staff.
Fabulous 3 nt stay at RDH, our base to tour the battlefields at Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift and Blood River. Charles, the owner (who built the hotel in 2010) was charming and the perfect host ..entertained and dined with us. The hotel looks out on the Buffalo River and Zululand beyond, incredible views. Accommodation very comfortable, room was a generous size, sanitary equipment all worked perfectly, Quiet roof fan to keep you cool at night. The style, fittings, wall coverings, furniture, kitchen equipment all thought out with consideration and an eye for detail (and a bargain!) reflecting Charles’ personality. Location is off-road so careful navigation required on the approach; SUV recommended. Our guide Pat (Rundren) made the battles come to life with his humour and deep knowledge ..highly recommend him. A word also about the hotel staff. They were great and could not have been more polite or attentive. We even had our car washed every day without having asked ..a neat touch. So glad we booked here.…
We arrived in the dark. However Charles (owner and host) made sure the night watchman was at the gates to let us in and he also made sure there was some dinner for us. The main hotel building is stunning with a vaulted ceiling, dining, reception sitting area, wrap around balcony and bar all in one space. The walls are clad with fabulous prints, paintings, articles all with a historical bias. The next morning the view from the balcony over the Buffalo River was superb as it was of course throughout our stay! We spent a day with Pat (our guide) being instructed on Zulu culture and the two battles. A trip not to be missed. This is not a posh hotel, just very homely with food and service to match. It even had its own resident artist (Charle’s cousin) over from England painting what, I am sure, will be a superb painting of the army camp on the other side of the river! …
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