Had actually booked a trip to Tashkent but because of the unhinged antics of the Fanta-faced effwit currently occupying the White House, the trip had to be moved to September, so settled for Clarens instead. Kiara Lodge is a largely self-catering resort situated about fifteen minutes from the overly-twee town of Clarens. The lodge is beautifully nestled between some gorgeous mountains in the Free State. It’s also a quick five-minute drive to the Golden Gate Highlands National Park with its awesome new Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Museum (do visit – it’s amazing, especially for children). We booked a one-bedroom apartment for two people. It was large and roomy, with an equally huge balcony (almost wrap-around) with barbecue facilities – very impressive. Bathroom was great as well with a fantastically hot shower. We didn’t make much use of the kitchen utensils but there seemed to be just about everything you’d need for cooking. There’s also a fireplace which warms the place nicely (there was a cold snap during our April/May visit). The apartments are very clean and are serviced daily by the wonderful staff – with plenty of fresh towels on hand. We chose a stay with breakfast included at the on-premises restaurant - not a good option to be honest. Food was somewhat limited and unexciting in options and could charitably be described as “wholesome”. It was fresh though but very dull after the third day. You’d be better off taking your own. We also had one particularly surly and lugubrious character at breakfast who served us sometimes – if ever there was someone who had something of the night about him… Outside, there are plenty of hiking trails – one of which leads to some rather lacklustre and ill-kept San paintings on the property. This is the place for early-morning walks and deep silences. There’s also a great heated indoor swimming pool on the premises but the little tykes were like greyhounds straining at the slips. If you like your swimming environment to be hot, sweaty and shouty, this is just the place for you. Fortunately, it rained one day and we were able to use the pool – just the once. Would love to have used it every day. The resort has quite a number of properties crammed into a pretty small space so If you’re anti-social and claustrophobic (like me), try and get a room at the edges of the resort. These tend to make you feel less like you’re residing in a Midrand apartment block. Also, not sure if it was because of the long weekend but check-in was strictly at 3pm so don’t bother getting there early – lots of families with grumpy children crowding around reception demanding rooms. Kiara Lodge was a wonderful stay and one I’d quite happily return to – soon I hope.

酒店回复：Hi Burtonesque! Thank you for your lovely feedback and wonderful compliments on our location and facilities. We're glad you enjoyed your stay and can confirm that check in is at 15h00. This is to allow enough time to ensure your unit is in tip-top condition for your arrival. Should time permit, we try to accommodate early check-ins. Your comments have been shared with management for review. We’re excited to welcome you back for another stunning mountain escape ?.