Wailana Lodge: Your Unforgettable Margate Escape (South Africa)
Wailana Lodge: Margate’s Hidden Gem… Or Just a Pretty Shell? My Unfiltered Take.
Okay, folks, buckle up. This isn't your typical, sterile hotel review. I'm here to spill the tea on Wailana Lodge in Margate. Forget the polished brochures; this is the raw, unfiltered, and possibly slightly rambling version of my experience. Ready? Let’s dive in.
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First Impressions… and the Arrival Chaos (or “My Luggage and I Have Trust Issues”)
The drive down the South Coast is always a treat, right? Sun, sea breeze, the usual. Arriving at Wailana Lodge… well, it's… there. The exterior is undeniably picturesque, that classic South African coastal charm. But parking? Oh boy. I wouldn't call it ample, and maneuvering my car around the other guests felt like a strategic game of tetris. Luckily, they have a valet, but even then, my bags took an eternity to reach my room. (I swear, my rolling suitcase and I have a complicated relationship. It’s like a long-distance flirtation gone sour. One wrong move, and BAM! Over the curb you go!).
Accessibility: A Bit of a Mixed Bag (and My Unspoken Prayer to the Gods of Smooth Ramps)
Let's get this out of the way first. I was specifically looking into their accessibility claims since my aunt, bless her heart, uses a wheelchair. This is… nuanced. Wailana says they’re wheelchair accessible, and yeah, there's an elevator! But the layout… hmmm. Some areas are definitely easier than others. The entrance is manageable, but I recall some of the hallways feeling a bit… cramped. The website mentions “facilities for disabled guests.” Fingers crossed that extends beyond just the room itself. I’m giving it a solid "could be better, could be worse" rating. Keep that in mind if access is a non-negotiable for you.
Rooms: Cozy… and Maybe a Tad Dated. (But hey, Free Wi-Fi!)
My room? Okay, it was functional. Clean, which is huge for me. The "Daily housekeeping" was a lifesaver. The Air conditioning was a godsend considering the humidity. The "Air conditioning in public area" was also a plus; that lobby can get stuffy. And glory be, "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" Never underestimate the power of a strong Wi-Fi signal! The Internet access – wireless was also a winner, too. Now, the decor? Think "slightly retro beach house.” Not exactly minimalist chic, but not actively offensive either. It had all the basics like "Air conditioning," "Alarm clock," "Bathtub," "Blackout curtains," "Closet," "Coffee/tea maker," "Desk," "Hair dryer," "In-room safe box," "Mini bar," "Mirror," "Private bathroom," "Refrigerator," "Satellite/cable channels," "Seating area," "Separate shower/bathtub," "Shower," "Telephone," "Toiletries," "Towels," "Wake-up service," "Wi-Fi [free]," "Window that opens". Some rooms do "Interconnecting room(s) available," which is a nice touch for families.
The Bathroom Phone? Seriously?! (And Other Quirky Observations)
Okay, this is where it gets weird. The "Bathroom phone"? Who the heck needs a phone in a bathroom anymore?! I mean, sure, in an emergency, but it felt oddly anachronistic. And speaking of oddities, I couldn't find an iron in the "Ironing facilities"! That's basic hotel stuff! Also, where was the "Complimentary tea?" I like to relax with tea! The extra long bed provided ample space to stretch.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (and Questionable Service)
Now for the good stuff! The food at Wailana Lodge was… mixed. The "Breakfast [buffet]" was decent, with a pretty standard selection of the usual suspects. I did enjoy the ""Western breakfast" and the "Coffee/tea in restaurant." The "Poolside bar" was handy for sundowners, even if the service was a bit… leisurely. I could have died of thirst before someone flagged me down! The "Restaurants" were a decent offering and I got to enjoy "Happy hour." One highlight: They had a legit "Vegetarian restaurant," which made my life (and my tummy) very happy indeed. However, the "A la carte in restaurant" did get a bit pricey.
The "Room service [24-hour]" came in clutch after a long day on the beach. And I can't complain about the lack of "Bottle of water" there was plenty of tap water available to keep me hydrated and satisfied. The "Snack bar" was alright, and the "Desserts in restaurant" looked good.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Pool, and the Siren Song of Leisure
The real draw of Wailana Lodge? The amenities. The "Swimming pool" was lovely, and that "Pool with view" was a real highlight! I spent a good portion of my trip bobbing around, gazing out at the ocean. Pure bliss. I didn't get round to the "Sauna" or the "Steamroom" although. But I did treat myself to a "Body scrub" at the spa, which was absolute heaven. The "Spa/sauna" options are great for those long and hard days. And the "Gym/fitness" looked pretty modern, although I stuck to the pool.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe-ish (But Skeptical)
Okay, here’s the truth: I am a bit of a germaphobe. I appreciated the "Anti-viral cleaning products," the "Daily disinfection in common areas" and that they had "Hand sanitizer" everywhere. The "Rooms sanitized between stays" was also a big plus. The "Staff trained in safety protocol" seemed legit, and everything felt generally clean (which is a HUGE win in my book!) The "First aid kit" on hand.
Services and Conveniences: Hits and Misses
They have a "Concierge" which is helpful when I need to be. The "Cash withdrawal," and "Currency exchange" helps for those quick trips or if I wanted to leave. "Dry cleaning" and "Ironing service," are great touches. There are also "Luggage storage" options too. The "Gift/souvenir shop" is what the kids liked, of course.
On the other hand, I wasn't impressed with the "Car park [free of charge]," as it took a long time to find one. I could not use the "Car power charging station" as I didn't have one.
For the Kids: Smiles and Screams (Probably)
I didn't bring any kids, but from what I saw, Wailana Lodge seems pretty family-friendly. "Family/child friendly" is a solid plus. The "Babysitting service" might be a lifesaver for some parents. The Kids facilities looked good.
Getting Around: Convenient… if You Have a Car
If you’re driving, the "Car park [free of charge]" is convenient. However, public transport options seemed limited. Airport transfer is available but might be a bit pricey depending on your airport.
The Verdict: Worth a Visit, But Manage Your Expectations
So, is Wailana Lodge a hidden gem? Maybe. It’s certainly got potential. It's not perfect, but it's got a certain charm. If you can handle a few quirks, the uneven accessibility, and the occasional wait for service, then it’s worth checking out. Just don't go expecting a five-star experience. Come for the pool, the location, and the chance to escape the everyday. And maybe, just maybe, bring your own iron.
Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars (with a strong emphasis on the view).
Disclaimer: This review reflects my personal experience, which might differ from yours. Your mileage may vary. Also, I can't promise I won't rant about the bathroom phone again.
Rayong's BEST Kept Secret: The Great Rayong Hotel Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to dive headfirst into a travel itinerary that's less "perfectly curated brochure" and more "slightly deranged travel journal vomited onto paper." We're going to Margate, South Africa, and we're staying at that Wailana Lodge. Supposedly, it's lovely. We'll see about that.
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Panic (or, Hello Margate, You Look… Ocean-y)
- Morning (9 AM-ish - depends on how much the flight delayed us): Touchdown in Durban. Right, so first hurdle: surviving the airport. It's always a glorious mess. I swear, airports are designed to test your patience. Luggage carousel roulette – will my bag be there? (Spoiler alert: probably not). Then, the car hire. Pray to the travel gods for a decent vehicle. Seriously, I once got a car with brakes that sounded like a dying walrus. Praying for better vibes this time.
- Mid-Morning (11 AM-ish): The drive to Margate. Road trip music: mandatory. (Probably some terrible 80s ballads to annoy my travel companions – if I have any. I'm a lone wolf; don't judge.) The scenery: a blur of coastlines and… what is that bush with the bright orange flowers? (I never remember plant names. They're all "green things" to me.)
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (1 PM-ish): Arrive at Wailana Lodge. Oh, the anticipation! Will the lodge even exist? Will it be charming? Will it be haunted? (Okay, maybe a slight overreaction). Check-in. Pray the room isn't facing the car park. Unpack (or, more accurately, explode my suitcase contents across the bed). Inspect for any… unsavoury surprises. (Last time, I found a rogue sock. My sock, not even a hotel sock!)
- Afternoon (3 PM-ish): First Margate Impression: A stroll on the beach. Ocean air… salty kisses of the waves. (Or, if the wind is up, a stinging sandblasting. Again, context is key.) Walk the pier, probably looking for the ice-cream. Or the first cocktail. (I'm a complex individual. The beach is a perfect way to start the day, but a cocktails just set it up better.)
Day 2: Beach Bliss (and the Great Suntan Debacle)
- Morning (8 AM-ish): Wake up. Hopefully, not with a crippling sunburn. Sunscreen: essential. (Remember that time I forgot it? Let's just say it involved a lot of aloe vera and looking like a lobster). Beach time! Sand between my toes, the sun on my face, the sound of the waves… pure bliss. Briefly.
- Mid-Morning: The Great Suntan Debacle™ Part 1. I’m going to lie on the beach. But my skin is going to be fried.
- Afternoon: Beach. More beach. Maybe a swim if the water's not freezing. (South African oceans are often… bracing. Let's call it that.)
- Late Afternoon: Dinner at a seafood restaurant. (Fingers crossed for fresh fish! I love seafood, because after I eat it, I don't feel guilty. This is a lie, as I'll have to eat a dessert, which will be a whole other story.)
Day 3: Wildlife (or, the Quest for Cute Critters)
- Morning (9 AM-ish): A drive to a nearby nature reserve. (I'm picturing zebras. And maybe elephants. And definitely, cute little meerkats. I'm a sucker for cute animals. Nature in general is good. Let's hope there aren't any aggressive baboons.)
- Mid-Morning: The Quest for Cute Critters™ Begins. I've seen the pics, I know what I need.
- Afternoon: Back to Wailana Lodge. Chill time. Read a book. (Or, you know, stare out the window and contemplate the meaning of life. Travel does that to you, doesn't it?)
- Evening: Sunset cocktails. (Because clearly, I have a problem. But sunset cocktails by the beach? Worth it. And then, the best thought: dinner somewhere different. Maybe a local spot. Maybe somewhere dodgy-looking that turns out to have the best curry ever. Now that is the dream.)
Day 4: The Deep Dive (and the Existential Crisis)
Morning: Scuba diving or snorkelling. (Okay, maybe not scuba diving. I'm a bit claustrophobic. But snorkeling? Definitely. I want to see colourful reefs and fish. I want to feel like I'm in a David Attenborough documentary.)
- The Diving Experience: The water's freezing, but I take a deep breath and plunge in. The world transforms. Sunlight dances through the water, illuminating the vibrant coral. Fish, in a kaleidoscope of colours, dart by! It's awe-inspiring, breathtaking. Absolute magic, until…
- The Sinking Feeling: I'm suddenly hit with a weird, profound existential crisis. Looking at the ocean, full of wonders and unknown creatures, I can't help but wonder if my mundane existence has any meaning at all. I am a tiny speck in the vastness of the universe. Am I the only one?
Afternoon: More beach time. (I'm starting to feel slightly crazed by all this freedom. It's… a lot.)
Evening: Try a Zulu-themed restaurant. I hope they have actual Zulu food, not just some watered-down tourist trap. (And don't even get me started on cultural appropriation. I'll try to be respectful, but if they're doing chicken in baskets with pretend Zulu drums, I'm walking out.)
Day 5: Farewell, Margate (and the Reality Check)
- Morning: One last breakfast at Wailana Lodge. (Did I love it? Did I hate it? Honestly, I'll probably be somewhere in between. Lodges are like that.) Pack. Check out. Say goodbye to the ocean.
- Mid-Morning: Souvenir shopping. (I need something to prove I actually went. Probably a fridge magnet. Or a keyring. Something that says "I survived Margate.")
- Afternoon: The drive back to Durban. Reflect on the trip. Did I have fun? Did I learn anything? Did I avoid getting eaten by a shark? (These are all valid questions.)
- Evening: Flight home. The end. (Until the next adventure. Because, you know, I'm already planning it.)
Important Notes, Because I'm Probably Going to Forget Everything:
- Sunscreen: Seriously, pack a metric ton.
- Adaptor: South African plugs. Don't be an idiot like I was last time and show up with only a European plug.
- Bug spray: I attract mosquitoes like a lighthouse attracts moths.
- Patience: Things don't always go to plan. Embrace the chaos.
- Open Mind: South Africa is a complex place. Be respectful, be curious, and be prepared to be surprised.
- And the most important thing: Have fun. And try not to worry too much. You'll be fine. (Probably.)
So there you have it. My disastrously honest, gloriously messy travel plan for Margate. Wish me luck. I'll probably need it. And if I disappear, send help. And maybe a rescue pack of chocolate.
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Wailana Lodge: Your (Potentially) Awesome Margate Escape - FAQs (and Rants!)
Okay, so is Wailana Lodge actually *nice*? Like, REALLY nice? Because online pics are notoriously misleading...
Alright, let's be real. The pictures? They're… well, they're pictures. They're meant to lure you in. Is Wailana Lodge "five-star luxury"? Absolutely not. Is it a delightful, character-filled, slightly-weather-beaten (in a charming way, mostly) escape? YES. Think more "rustic chic meets South Coast coastal vibe." I'm talking whitewashed walls, maybe a slightly wonky door here and there (embracing the imperfections, people!), and a view that'll make your jaw drop. Seriously, that sea view? Worth the price of admission alone. My first reaction? "Oh, wow... this isn't quite what I *expected*... but it's so much better." (Followed swiftly by a deep inhale of fresh, salty air.) There was this one time, we walked into our room and the mini-fridge was making this awful sputtering noise, like a dying frog. Immediately, I was ready to call reception and complain, then I saw the whales breaching in the distance and was like "Never mind! Froggy fridge can wait." A tiny bit of perspective truly made the difference!
What are the rooms like? Are they clean? (Because the bathroom is KEY, let's be honest.)
The rooms? Clean, mostly. We always check for the "three P's" – you know, things you REALLY don't want to see. And thankfully, Wailana Lodge generally delivers. The bathrooms? Okay, so they're not exactly spa-level, but they're perfectly adequate. My wife is a hygiene freak, and she generally only grumbled *slightly*. (That's a win, people!) The water pressure? Can be a bit... unpredictable at times. Sometimes a gentle trickle, sometimes a full-on power wash. It's part of the charm, I guess. We stayed in Room 12, it's big and the balcony's a delight! Oh! We almost forgot the one time we found a tiny, almost invisible ant walking in a circle. Totally harmless. Totally freaked out my daughter when we told her about it. The beds though? Comfortable enough. I slept like a log. Literally. Didn't want to get up.
The food… What's the scoop on the food at Wailana? Is it worth raving about (or secretly dreading)?
Okay, food. This is where things get… interesting. The breakfast? Generally, a solid spread. Think your staples: eggs, bacon, toast, cereal, fruit. Nothing mind-blowing, but perfectly acceptable fuel for a day of exploring. The coffee could be stronger, I'm a coffee snob - don't judge me. Lunch and dinner? Well, there's a restaurant on-site. Sometimes it's great! Other times… it's a bit hit or miss. (Let’s just say consistency isn't their strong suit). I had the seafood platter one night, and honestly? It was divine. Totally worth the wait! My partner ordered the steak; it was a bit tough (she's a tougher critic). It's all about setting your expectations. Don't expect Michelin-star dining, and you'll be pleasantly surprised. If you REALLY love food you can try the local seafood markets--just saying! One thing to remember, and this is CRITICAL: if you don't like something, say something. They're usually happy to fix it. They are lovely people. They will work to make your stay unforgettable. Seriously, on our last night, the chef came right up to us and asked us what we thought.
Is it kid-friendly? Because my kids are… well, they're kids.
Yes, mostly. There's a swimming pool (that my kids LOVED), and the beach is within easy walking distance. The staff are generally very welcoming to families. The rooms themselves are a good size, so you won’t feel on top of each other. BUT. Let's be honest. It's not a dedicated "kids' club" type of place. If your kids need constant entertainment, you might need to bring your own. There's not a lot of "planned" activities. On the other hand, the lack of organised silliness might be a blessing. My kids spent hours building sandcastles, splashing in the waves… you know, actual childhood stuff. In our opinion, that's a *massive* win. One memory about the kids, we went on a boat tour and saw dolphins frolicking in the waves! They were screaming with joy, it was beautiful. A moment I will treasure for all time.
What about the location? Is it easy to get to the beach, shops, etc.?
Location, location, location! Wailana Lodge is seriously well-placed. The beach? Walkable. Easy peasy. The shops and restaurants of Margate? A short drive (or a slightly longer, but pleasant, walk) away. It's PERFECT. You're close enough to everything, but far enough away from the hustle and bustle to actually relax. You get the sea breeze, the sound of the waves… bliss! One word of warning: parking can be a tiny bit tricky at times, especially during peak season. Be prepared to possibly have to do a little shuffle when you get there. But it's a minor inconvenience in an otherwise idyllic location. Plus, it's like, you're on holiday. Chill.
Are there any downsides? GIVE ME THE JUICY GOSSIP!
Okay, alright. The downsides. No place is perfect, right? The Wi-Fi… can be a bit patchy. Embrace the digital detox, people! There's a bit of noise from the road sometimes – it didn't bother us too much, but if you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. And the decor… it's a bit "vintage," shall we say. Think, “charmingly dated”. Some people might call it "old-fashioned." I'm happy enough with it. The biggest gripe? Well, this is a personal one, the service. Sometimes, it can be a *tad* slow. But! The staff are genuinely friendly, and they're always trying their best. I'd take a slow, friendly waiter over a super-efficient but grumpy one any day. And honestly, you're on holiday. What's the rush? But, to be honest, it's not that bad. Seriously, it's a beautiful place. The whole experience is unique. I can't wait to have another vacation there!
Would you go back? Tell me the truth! (And don't say "maybe!")
