Garden view

Reviews of Eight Bells Mountain Inn

4 out of 5
Eight Bells Mountain Inn
Foot of Robinson Pass, On R328, Garden Route, Ruiterbos, Western Cape

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 23 out of 51 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 51 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 51 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 51 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 51 reviews" "

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

anthony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A great choice
We had a wonderful stay. The staff were wonderful. The food very tasty. The grounds of the hotel spacious and beautiful. We especially enjoyed playing bowls on thier bowls lawn
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Response from Billy Engelbrecht on Sep 30, 2023
Hi Mr. Heymann, thank you for staying with us recently and for your kind review sir - much appreciated !

10/10 Excellent

Tanya

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023
Response from Billy Engelbrecht on Mar 26, 2023
Hi Tanya, it was lovely to meet you and your parents; thank you for staying with us and for your kind review - much appreciated. We look forward to the next opportunity to host you.Keep Well and Kind RegardsBilly Engelbrecht

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021
Response from Billy on May 24, 2021
Hi Brian - thank you for your stay and lovely review ! Much appreciated. Keep Well and Kind Regards Billy Engelbrecht

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020
Response from Rene Bongers on Mar 4, 2020
Thank you for staying with us and for your positive review. We are very please to see that you enjoyed all aspects of our product and gave us perfect score. Thank you once again.

10/10 Excellent

yvonne

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
highly recommended.
We had been here before. Just as good as the first time we stayed. Brilliant highly recommended,
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019
Response from Rene Bongers on Dec 29, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your positive review. It is much appreciated. looking forward to your next visit.

10/10 Excellent

Marietha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019
Response from Rene Bongers on Aug 8, 2019
Thank you very much for staying with us and for your very positive review. We really appreciate the fact that you enjoyed all aspects of your stay. Looking forward to your next visit.

10/10 Excellent

Marietha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019
Response from Rene Bongers on Aug 8, 2019
Thank you very much for staying with us and for your very positive review. We really appreciate the fact that you enjoyed all aspects of your stay. Looking forward to your next visit.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The breakfasts were good if not exciting. The other meals were unimaginative. The menu is dated and needs some serious upgrading. However we did appreciate the service, the spotless white table cloths and real silverware .
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019
Response from Rene Bongers on May 27, 2019
Thank you for your review and for staying with us. We update the menu from time to time based on popularity of items and new trends. This will be done again soon. Thank you for your kind words on our service and table settings. Much appreciated.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in May 2019
Response from Rene Bongers on May 27, 2019
Thank you for your review score. Much appreciated.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
It’s fine for the price. Needs a revamp, not correct to say its in Mossel Bay as it’s a good 30km outside it.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019
Response from Rene on Apr 17, 2019
All rooms have been revamped. Our discription clearly states that we are situated at the foot of the Robinson Pass, in Ruiterbos, on the R328 which is 35km from Mossel Bay and 50km from Oudtshoorn. Situated on a 160-hectare estate with a host of outdoor activities we offer so much more than a normal hotel.

8/10 Good

Alayne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A gem
Beautiful part of the Cape and very tranquil and peaceful.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Looking forward to your next visit.

10/10 Excellent

Ronan, Luxembourg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place for everyone
It was a last minute booking before a meeting at Mosselbay. It was definitely worth the few extra kilometers: the place is wonderful, the staff is really nice (they actually waited for us as we arrived around 9.30 pm, to serve us an excellent dinner)... I just look forward to coming back here with my family next time!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you so much for staying with us and for your positive review. It is wonderful to hear that you are planning to come back with your family. Thank you once again.

6/10 Okay

Moira

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Mountain Inn far from Mossel Bay.
We stayed one night, and would not return, the area is rather remote and we were on our way to Knysna and opted to break the journey, we wouldn't do it the next time. The bathroom was so cold, it was uncomfortable, and whilst the bedroom had a heat A/C it was still cold, and water was coming in thru the front door, which we had to ask for towels to soak up the rain water.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2018
Response from Rene Bongers on Aug 27, 2018
I am sad to hear that you did not enjoy your stay with us. Unfortunately we experienced extreme weather conditions at the time. The water coming through your door was as a result of a cloudburst which occurred on that Saturday night. All rooms offer under-carpet heating and your room also had an air-conditioner blowing in hot air. We apologize that you still found it to be to cold but under the circumstances there was not much else we could do. Please accept our apologies and hopefully we will have the pleasure of welcoming you back soon.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Response from Eight Bells on May 28, 2018
Thank you very much.

10/10 Excellent

Glen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A nice place in the countryside
The Inn is on a very pretty site. It has a lot on ammenities and a very good invluded breakfast. The bar and restaurant are very nice.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2017
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Simple but nice. Staffs are very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2017
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.

4/10 Poor

Ulf

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Room comfort
Be aware
All was good except the most important part, it was completely impossible to sleep since our poolview rooms where just beside a big road with traffic throughout the night, big lorries making a lot of noise !
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.

8/10 Good

margaret

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great Steaks
A delightful place to stay with great facilities. The pool is excellent and the extensive grounds are lovely and well maintained. The Inn is historic but is in the middle of nowhere so transport is required. The restaurant is outstanding and I had the best fillet steaks of any during my stay in South Africa.
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.

10/10 Excellent

Alyssa, US

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Paradise in the wilderness of South Africa
Beyond words, this piece of paradise is a small garden od Eden nestled in the wilderness of south Africa's most beautiful landscapes . We stayed at the swiss family log cabin , and had every amenity possible. The staff was sooo helpful and accommodating in every way, from suggesting outings , room service, free wifi, etc. the cleanliness was impeccable , and the breakfast was first clas, 5 star, with buffet as well as home cooked to order egg. The sound of roosters in the morning and birds chirping would wak us with a smile , and the country like activities for kids, like a donkey cart ride every day, all made us feel like we could truly experience the beauty of nature and the outdoor wonders . Our cabin faced a mountain view that took our breath away as we sat on the large balcony and had our wine and dinner one evening. This place gets a 10 star rating from us ( party of 4 +7 month old infant)
Our 5 star log cabin
Horseback riding
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your positive review. Much appreciated.

10/10 Excellent

Willy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hideaway
This Hotel was a wonderful surprise on our Trip trough ZA. We fielt at home. The staff is friendly and the Restaurant great. The place made verry good memories to us.
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.

8/10 Good

Simon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful Location Away From The Rush
Eight Bells is located in a beautiful setting. There are lots of activities organised by the hotel such as horse riding and trail walking. The room was a good size and well appointed. The staff were friendly and helpful. The only disappointment was the lack of WiFi service. In this day and age it is inappropriate to limit Internet access in this way (100MB per day between 4 people) and then to charge for additional access.
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.

10/10 Excellent

Deon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A hapy environment
Met very friendly on arrival and showed the way to the log cabin which is situated away from the rest of the hotel overlooking the valley. Room clean, neat with underfloor heating which you need on the chilly nights. Staff overall friendly, country hotel in the country side with country cooking! If you want fine dine or trendy food/décor stay away - you only find real country hospitality here!
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.

10/10 Excellent

Donald, Carrigaline

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Traditional Hideaway
20 miles from the nearest town. Rooms were like the Zulu Round Hut complete with thatched ,circular roof and masses of space
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We loved this place!
What a gem this place is. In a stunning location at the foot of Robinson Pass. We stayed in one of the Swiss cottages with a superb balcony and amazing mountain views. The food, staff and service were all excellent. Simply not to be missed!
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thanks

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Roundabout no where
Situated 30 minutes north of Mossell Bay at the foot of Robinson pass you are a captive audience. Breakfast (included) was good quality and plenty of it. Lunch and dinner also very good and in UK terms very reasonably priced.We stayed in a round house comprising of a bedroom and bathroom good size and comfortable, but for some traffic noise starting at 5-30 am. although other rooms are situated way from the road. Many inclusive activities available.
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good Place to stay overnight
Easy access to Ostrich farm and Mossel bay. Gives a old century feeling
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.

10/10 Excellent

Grant, Cape Town

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Been Back
Awesomeness. Love the quality of everything.
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.

10/10 Excellent

Deon, East London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Pleasant and relaxing
Spend a few days at Eight Bells. The location of this homely country hotel is in the Robinson Pass and set amongst the most beautiful scenery. The hotel and grounds are kept in a tip top condition and is overall well maintained. Found the staff very helpful and friendly except for Sunday lunch when the restaurant got busy with couples and groups - to serve a single person seems to be an effort by the waiting staff. It did spoil my lunch experience. Stayed in a log cabin - clean, comfortable bed, underfloor heating (can get chilly at night) with a turn down service. Overall a pleasant and relaxing experience.
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.

6/10 Okay

dilip, mombasa kenya

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
nice hotel close to all places
Never choose the wooden Swiss cottage as they are very cramy and bathrooms are very small otherwise the breakfast was a feast staff very friendly surroundings and the
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.

10/10 Excellent

Grant

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thanks

8/10 Good

Robert, London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Comfortable place with good service!
Located in an excellent spot to explore the region around Mussel Bay and the Conga Canyon made this a fantastic place to stay. It was quiet retreat with many activities on the site, including a swimming pool, tennis courts and horse riding. The staff are very friendly and helpful helping us book a trip to to Pinnacle Point Caves through the Human Origin. Overall a great place to stay.
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.

6/10 Okay

rosemary, uk

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Lovely location,
The cabin floor (carpet) was damp from a leak, management did all they could to dry the floor and rectify the weak. The overall problem is that due to the the water heating system in place and a notice stating that the hot water would take a while to come through, we only go tepid water at best. Two nights was enough.
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.

6/10 Okay

terry, lancashire, UK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hotel not too bad
Food, staff and scenery very good, facilities are old and tired. Ok one night stopover.
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.

8/10 Good

Jeanette, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Lovely Hotel in the Mountains. A view to a kill.
Overall a wonderful experience, staff friendly. One problem - the Wi-Fi was not operational in my room and on the premises. The staff did not know how to correct this. However they offered the Computer at the Service Desk for use short use.
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.

8/10 Good

Deale, East London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Friendly and helpful staff.
I thought I booked a log cabin - that was according to me the description on the hotels.com website - but it was a pool terrace room right next to a noisy road. The staff realized I was unhappy and took me on a tour of rooms - settled on a Palm Court room. The room was spacious and clean with all the amenities. Unfortunately it was right next to the staff entrance - could hear them talking especially when they where waiting to go home and on arrival in the morning. I found the food reasonably price for what they offer. Will be back if I can stay in a log cabin.
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thanks

6/10 Okay

Rut und Ralf, München

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
A quaint hotel from days gone by.
We honestly can't decide what we thought about the hotel. The whole place felt as though it had remained stuck in time for the last 30 years. But not necessarily in a bad way. The surroundings are lovely and we had a very nice walk (around 2hrs) within the grounds which was v pleasant. After having just left Cape Town this was a nice change of pace. Dinner was decent and reasonably priced. However, we thought the breakfast was poor. The buffet was very limited - some cereals, warm milk and tinned fruit - the cooked breakfast was very greasy. The whole hotel felt very dated and while this gave it a quaint feel, in some places the décor was looking very tired. However, we spoke to other guests who had stayed at the hotel a number of times in the past (one couple had first visited 20 years ago) and they all thought it was fantastic so the place must have a certain charm. In short, we didn't dislike it and it offered some welcome peace and quiet, however, I don't think we would stay there again.
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.

10/10 Excellent

patrizia fabi

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022
Response from Billy Engelbrecht on Jan 3, 2023
Hi Patrizia - thank you for staying at Eight Bells Mountain Inn and for your kind review Mam! I am glad to know you enjoyed your time with us and we are looking forward to the next opportunity to host you.Keep Well and Kind Regards

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thanks

10/10 Excellent

otto, Nürnberg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very british
Im Stile eines englischen Landhauses, dennoch günstig und toller Service.
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thanks

8/10 Good

Lena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Rekreations hotell
Otroligt vackert läge, mycket vänlig personal, möjlighet till många aktiviteter som ingick som tennis, ridtur, squash och utomhus bowling. Bra mat. Tyvärr var buller från trafiken mycket störande under natten, den branta backen utanför hotellet skapade mycket ljud när bilar och lastbilar växlade ned för att komma upp i backen.
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thnaks

8/10 Good

Jacques, Montreal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
Belle hotel mais assez vieux
C'est un très beau site et l'hôtel est assez vieux. Ca serait bon une touche de rafraîchissement! La nourriture est excellente au déjeuner et au souper! Personnel très flexible!
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.

6/10 Okay

Helge, Göteborg

Långtbortistan
Dåligt för att vara fyrstjärnigt och slitet... inte barnfamij vänligt!
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thanks

8/10 Good

Peter, München

Liked: Staff & service
Tradtionsreiches, großzügig angelegtes Hotel
Das Hotel liegt an der Landstrasse von Oudtshoorn nach Mossel Bay und ist ein kleines Ressort mit Tennis, Bowling, Reiten und großzügigen Terrassenplätzen. Wir waren die einzigen Gäste zum Herbststart und die Zimmer und das Bad sind etwas veraltet. Dafür war der Service absolut topp und das Personal sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit. Statt uns ein Abendessen (fantastisch lecker-zartes Filletsteak) im großen Essenssaal zu servieren, wurde für uns ein Einzeltisch im Kamin-Wohnzimmer aufgestellt und gedeckt. Der Kamin flackerte auch und so hatten wir ein super schönes 'Cheminee-Light-Dinner'. Morgens bekamen wir dann das Frühstücksbuffet serviert und wir fühlten uns in dem eigentlich großen Hotel sehr wohl.
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wunderschönes Hotel an der Landstraße
Über das Hotel lässt sich nur Positives berichten - mit einer Ausnahme. Es ist an einer auch von Lastwagen befahrenen Straße gelegen, daher sind die reizvollsten Zimmer auch nachts durch den Lärm beeinträchtigt. Wen dies nicht stört, findet ein sehr schönes Hotel vor.
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.

6/10 Okay

Ricardo Hampel, Brasília

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Bom, mas não voltaria
Isolado, no meio do mato e sem wifi. Nossa experiência não foi tão boa como eu esperava. O hotel fica bem afastado de Mossel Bay. O quarto não tem ar condicionado e o wifi não funcionava nos quartos. Eu não voltaria, muito embora para uma noite apenas servisse.
Response from Rene on Feb 6, 2019
Thank you for staying with us and for your review. Much appreciated.