Ross Grahamstown: Unveiling the Hidden Gem of South Africa
Ross Grahamstown: A Truthful, Unvarnished Review (With a Touch of Soul)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Ross Grahamstown. Forget the perfectly manicured, SEO-optimized fluff. This is the real deal. I'm talking honest opinions, messy experiences, and maybe a tear or two (of joy, mostly).
First Impressions & Accessibility: Getting In Without Breaking Yourself (or Your Wheelchair)
Okay, let's get the basics out of the way. Getting here wasn't terrible. Finding the place was straightforward enough - unlike that hidden gem in Prague I kept wandering around in circles for, good grief! Accessibility is a big one. They say they have facilities for disabled guests. Now, I didn't personally need full-on wheelchair access, but I did notice the ramps and elevators. Good. It's 2024, people! We're not exactly reinventing the wheel here, but it's a solid start.
On-site Restaurants & Lounges: Fueling the Adventure (or Just Avoiding the Buffet)
The eating situation? Mixed bag. There are restaurants, plural! They boast a la carte, buffet, and various cuisines, including Asian. Now, I'm a sucker for a decent Asian breakfast. So, I tried the Asian cuisine in restaurant. And… well, let's just say it was attempted Asian cuisine. Edible? Yes. Memorable? Not quite. The buffet in restaurant looked… okay, you know, the usual. I did, however, discover the coffee shop - bless its cotton socks - because, darling, a girl needs her caffeine.
There's also a poolside bar. Picture this: me, slumped dramatically on a sun lounger, sipping a questionable cocktail, contemplating the meaning of life. Okay, maybe I wasn't quite that philosophical. But the bar was there, and the drinks, well, they did quench the thirst.
(Rambling Interlude): I swear, sometimes I think the key to happiness is a good cup of coffee and a giant pool. Oh! And a clean toilet. That's important too.
Internet & Digital Detox (Or Lack Thereof): Wi-Fi, LAN, and the Struggle is Real
The blurb screams "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!". Praise be! My Instagram feed and my life depend on it. And, yes, there's Wi-Fi in public areas too. Thank goodness. The Internet [LAN] situation? Don't ask. Let's just say I was running on fumes. A small digression, but isn't it strange how we've become so inextricably linked to the internet? It's both a blessing and a curse. Okay, back to the review.
Things to Do (and How to Relax): More Than Just a Hotel Room
Here's where Ross Grahamstown starts to shine, slightly. There’s a spa! Now, I’m not always a spa person— I’m more of a “read a book in a bath with bubbles” kind of gal. But I heard whispers of a Body wrap and maybe a massage. And after the "Asian breakfast" experience, a body wrap sounded heavenly. The Gym/fitness? I glanced in as I ran past. Looked… gym-y. The pool with view was a definite highlight. Floating, gazing at the scenery… pure bliss.
Cleanliness & Safety: Are We Safe Here?
Okay, let's get serious. Given the current global climate, cleanliness and safety are paramount, right? They make a big show about it. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. They also have hand sanitizer everywhere. The staff trained in safety protocol. They even offer room sanitization opt-out available. Now, I'm not a germaphobe, but it was reassuring. I also saw CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. So, good. I felt… safe.
(Quirky Observation): I swear, I saw a sign that read, "Staff has the right to refuse service to anyone who looks like they're about to sneeze."
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Fun (and the Stomach)
Aside from the restaurants, there's a snack bar (thank goodness). There's also room service [24-hour]. I may have indulged a little at 3 am. The food delivery was… well, it arrived. The bottle of water was a lifesaver, especially after the "experience" at the poolside bar. And the coffee/tea in restaurant was decent, which is a godsend.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier (or Just Less Annoying)
Air conditioning in public areas? Yes, please. Cash withdrawal, concierge, daily housekeeping, dry cleaning, elevator, and luggage storage? All present and accounted for. The food delivery service saved my life. Invoice provided? Check. The ironing service, however, may have been a little slow. But hey, no complaints!
(Emotional Reaction): I almost cried when I saw the elevator. Seriously. I have a knack for picking hotels with an abundance of stairs.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly? Or Just Tolerant?
They claim to be family/child friendly. They have babysitting service and kids facilities. I don't have kids, but I saw some around, and they seemed… happy.
Rooms: The Nitty Gritty (and the Blackout Curtains!)
The rooms. Ah, the rooms. My room had, thankfully, air conditioning. It had blackout curtains. Praise the heavens! I need my sleep! There’s also a coffee/tea maker, a mini bar, and a safe box, all standard, right? Yes. I loved my desk, although I never actually used it. The shower was good, the bed was comfortable, and the Wi-Fi [free] usually worked. In other words, it wasn’t a disaster.
Getting Around: Wheels, Rides & the Freedom to Go
They offer airport transfer, which makes the whole ordeal less terrible. There's car park [free of charge] and taxi service. And they even had bicycle parking.
(Stream of Consciousness Rambling): You know, I still don’t know what to make of the whole experience. One moment, I'm thinking, "This place is great!" And the next, I'm like "Is the water safe to drink?" But, that's life, isn't it? A rollercoaster of moments, good and bad, all wrapped up in one big, messy package.
Conclusion: The Verdict (and the Unsolicited Advice)
So, is Ross Grahamstown a hidden gem? Maybe. It isn’t perfect, but it has a certain charm. It's not flawless, but it's also not a total calamity. It has its good points and its bad points, just like, well, most things in life. I did enjoy the spa. The pool was fantastic. The staff was helpful. If you're looking for a comfortable, somewhat functional place to stay in Grahamstown, look no further. Should you book now? Sure, why not? It's worth a go.
(Final, Opinionated Thought): Relax, embrace the chaos, and for the love of all that is holy, bring your own teabags.
Nanjing Lukou Airport Hotel: Hanting's Unbeatable Luxury (Near Airport!)
Ross Grahamstown: A Chaotic Chronicle
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travelogue. This is real. This is Ross Grahamstown, and trust me, it’s a wild ride.
Day 1: Arrival & “Oh, God, What Have I Gotten Myself Into?”
- Morning (or, more accurately, "Whenever I Finally Dragged Myself Out of Bed"): Landed at Port Elizabeth Airport. Honestly, the flight was a blur of stale airplane peanuts and a crying baby. My first thought? "This is going to be…a thing." Picked up the rental car – a suspiciously cheerful, bright yellow…thing. Named it "Sunshine." (I was trying to be positive).
- Mid-day: Scenic drive to Grahamstown, supposedly 1.5 hours. Scenic, my foot! It was mostly pothole-ridden roads and a landscape that felt like the "before" picture of a drought simulator. Sunshine handled the bumps surprisingly well.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Arrived at my B&B – "The Old Post Office." Cute name, slightly less cute actual place. The owner, a woman named Brenda who looked like she'd seen a ghost or two, welcomed me with a shaky smile and a cup of instant coffee. Apparently there was a mix-up, and my room wasn't quite ready. Brenda, bless her heart, kept muttering about “the plumber’s latest antics.” Was this a sign? Probably.
- Evening: Finally got into my room. Okay. It smelled faintly of mothballs and hope. Decided a pre-dinner drink was necessary. Found a charming little pub, "The Rat and Parrot". Sat at the bar. Ordered a beer. Spent the next two hours listening to locals discuss the merits of rugby, the latest gossip, and the general state of South African politics. Loved them. Got utterly lost in conversation, missed dinner. Ate a questionable samosa from a street vendor. Now regret this.
Day 2: Rhodes University & Existential Dread
- Morning: Woke up… still slightly smelling of mothballs. Breakfast at the B&B – Brenda’s instant coffee was again the undisputed star. Made my way to Rhodes University. Wow. Massive, impressive. Got lost trying to find the library and felt a sudden urge to enroll in a philosophy class. Maybe I was just craving intellectual stimulation after the samosa.
- Mid-day: Spent hours wandering through the campus. The architecture is stunning, but I felt like I was playing a very sophisticated game of hide-and-seek with myself. Tried to find a student to give me a quick campus tour. One eventually took pity on me (or perhaps was bored).
- Afternoon: Tried to visit the 1820 Settlers National Monument. Arrived just as they were closing. Sigh. Tried to fake a smile. Failed miserably. Instead I took a photo of the exterior. This photograph would not win me any awards.
- Evening: Went back to "The Rat and Parrot." This time, ate dinner. Enjoyed the food. Chatted with the bartender. Realized I could get used to this slow pace of life. Or maybe the beer kicked in.
Day 3: Settlers, Art, and a Near-Disaster with a Chicken
- Morning: Finally made it into the 1820 Settlers National Monument. Okay, I have to admit, it was…interesting. Learned a lot about the history of the area, the challenges faced by the settlers. Felt a little humbled by the resilience of people. (Maybe there were some tears.)
- Mid-day: Explored the local art scene. Grahamstown has some fantastic galleries and studios. Found a beautiful piece of pottery that I almost bought… but I got distracted by a small, very insistent, and ridiculously cute dog. Abandoned the pottery to cuddle the dog. Then bought some postcards with silly pictures.
- Afternoon: Tried to find a local farm to buy some fresh produce. Got lost… again. Stopped at a roadside stall. Bought a bag of oranges. Said hello to a gaggle of chickens. One of them gave me the death stare. I thought it was me, but apparently, they have a reputation.
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant that claimed to serve "Authentic South African Cuisine." The food was… edible. The company, however, was brilliant. Met a couple of local artists, and we had an evening of laughs and great conversation. Feeling less a tourist, slightly more part of the place.
Day 4: The Monument, Repeated Trauma, and a Moment of Serendipity
- Morning: Headed back to the 1820 Settlers National Monument… because, well, I think I missed a whole section. This time, I got a better understanding. Felt a surge of respect.
- Mid-day: Sunshine had a flat tire! Of course. Cue existential crisis. Spent an hour trying to change it by the side of the road (thank god for YouTube). Failed. Eventually a very kind, slightly bewildered farmer stopped to help. We fixed the tire. He then insisted on giving me fresh eggs. (The universe provides.)
- Afternoon: Needed a morale boost. Went back to "The Rat and Parrot." Met a musician. We talked about life. Good times.
- Evening: Was walking back to my B&B and bumped into the artist couple from the night before. They were at the annual Grahamstown Festival. We went exploring. Good night (and not because of the beer).
Day 5: Departure – Will I Ever Leave?
- Morning: Breakfast with Brenda. More instant coffee. Said goodbye to Sunshine. Started to feel a little bit melancholy.
- Mid-day: Drove back to Port Elizabeth. Looked back at Grahamstown in the rearview mirror. Felt a pang of… nostalgia? Actually!
- Afternoon: Waited at the airport, reflecting.
- Evening: Flight. The flight was less of a blur. And I still have that samosa.
Final Thoughts:
Grahamstown isn't perfect. It's dusty. It's a little quirky. It's certainly not always convenient. But it's real. It's a place that gets under your skin. It gives you a slice of life. I left a little changed, maybe a little cracked, but definitely richer for the experience. Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm buying a repair kit for Sunshine. And maybe resisting the chicken. And leaving Brenda with a case of the good coffee.
Unbelievable Depok Luxury! Simply Studio Margonda Residences 5 Awaits!
Ross Grahamstown: Unveiling the (Sometimes Kinda Rough) Beauty
So, is Grahamstown *actually* a hidden gem? Because, like, everyone says that…
Ugh, the "hidden gem" thing. Look, the marketing guys are probably rolling their eyes right now. Yes, and no. It's *definitely* off the beaten path. You’re not stumbling into a massive, glitzy tourist trap. Grahamstown is raw, real, and a little…wonky. But the word 'gem' implies perfection, doesn't it? Grahamstown has its rough edges, its potholes that could swallow a small car, and the occasional power outage that leaves you staring at the stars and wondering if the internet is still a thing.
But those rough edges? They're part of its charm. You get authentic encounters with people, you find little pockets of magic if you're willing to look. So, hidden? Yeah. Gem? With a few dents, maybe. And, honestly? Sometimes the dents tell the best stories.
What's the *vibe*? Like, is it all academics, or is there more to it?
Okay, so Grahamstown is undeniably *steeped* in academics. Rhodes University is the heart and soul. You'll see students everywhere, bikes chained up, the scent of coffee and…possibly impending deadlines. But don’t let that fool you. The vibe is a surprisingly diverse mix.
You've got your students, obviously. Then there are the locals, some of whom have been there generations. There's a strong artistic community, thanks to the National Arts Festival which, by the way, is an absolute madhouse. Then you get the odd tourist, the hitchhikers, the… well, let's just say the whole spectrum of humanity. It's a slightly chaotic, but ultimately welcoming, mix. It’s quirky, it’s bohemian, it’s often a little bit 'unfinished'. It’s never dull, and sometimes that can be exhausting.
Tell me about the *size* of the place. Is it walkable?
Oh, bless your soul. Yes, it's walkable! Thank GOD. You can easily explore the main streets and most of the key areas on foot. You'll probably get more exercise than you're used to, given South Africa is generally a car-dependent culture. Don’t try to wear heels everywhere, my friend. The pavements are charmingly… uneven. And the hills! Oh, the hills. My calves still ache from my first visit.
It’s not a huge city, thankfully. That's part of the appeal, really. You can get from one side of town to another without feeling like you’ve run a marathon. Just pack comfy shoes, a water bottle, and a good attitude. You'll need it for the hills.
What's the deal with the National Arts Festival? Is it worth the hype?
Ugh, the Festival. Here's the real talk: It's an absolute *insanity*. A glorious, chaotic, mind-bending insanity. Is it worth it? YES... and also, maybe run for the hills if you're not prepared.
I went once, okay? ONCE. It started with beautiful sunrises over the open plains. It ended with me curled up in a tiny bathtub, completely exhausted, listening to a random street musician's saxophone rendition of a Lady Gaga song. The sheer *volume* of stuff is overwhelming. Theatre, dance, music, art, food, craft… everything you can imagine, and then some. The streets are PACKED. Accommodation? Good luck. Prices? Skyrocket. But… the energy is electric. The creativity is infectious. You meet the most fascinating people. You see things you'll never forget (or perhaps want to forget!). Just mentally prepare yourself for the sensory overload and make sure you book your accommodations. *Now*. Seriously.
Any good food recommendations? I'm always hungry.
Okay, food. Always a solid question. Grahamstown has a decent selection of places to eat. Don't expect Michelin stars, but you *can* find some good eats.
The High Street has quite a few options. There's a place called The Rat and Parrot that's okay, but go with low expectations, and a few other spots that cater to student budgets. If you're feeling fancy, try the Highlander - it's…decent. I went there with a friend and ordered a steak, and I was hoping for a lot more. It was mediocre steak at a good price. The real gem is the bakery down the road, though. If you want good coffee, just go to the local art school coffee shop. I'm pretty sure they're getting better about the coffee.
For a seriously authentic experience, find yourself some *braai*. It's a South African barbecue, and it's basically a religion. Ask a local for a recommendation. And remember, a good meal is always better with good company.
What about safety? What's the crime situation like?
Okay, let's be real. South Africa has a reputation, and Grahamstown is part of that. Crime *does* exist. Petty theft is common, and violent crime, while not rampant, is a concern, especially at night.
Honestly, use common sense. Don’t flash expensive jewelry. Don’t walk alone at night. Stick to well-lit areas. Ask your accommodation for advice and recommendations. And if something feels off, trust your gut. It's not a war zone, but it's also not a park. I had a friend who nearly got mugged out there. It was a close call; he's lucky he escaped. It's not something to be paranoid about, but awareness is key. Stay vigilant, be aware of your surroundings, and you should be fine. Don’t let the crime paranoia ruin your trip, but be smart.
Any day trip recommendations from Grahamstown? Need a change of scenery.
Yes! Get out of town! Grahamstown is great, but honestly, sometimes you just need a change of pace. Luckily, you're surrounded by some great options.
The coast is only an hour or two away and the beaches are incredible. Port Alfred is the obvious choice; it's a nice little seaside town. Or you could head inland to the Karoo. I had a great day there with a friend; it's a completely different kind of beauty. The views are stunning, like, seriously Instagrammable. And if you're into wildlife, the Addo Elephant National Park is a must-do. You could probably spend a whole day there. Just remember to pack a hat and sunscreen no matter where you go - African sun is no joke.
