How to choose a B&B

Location, location, location. Image belongs to Pearl View Guest House…

As I travel rather a lot, choosing where to stay is obviously quite a large part of my portfolio. It’s not always as simple as it sounds, but as a rule I have been blessed and have seldom, if ever, experienced bad accommodation… For example, our Knysna accommodation – Pearl View Guest House – was simply wonderful. That said, I do take great care in doing my research – as I believe that bad accommodation can destroy a wonderful adventure. Over and above that, why would anyone want to stay in awful surroundings when great accommodation could be just around the corner?? Anyone can find great accommodation! So, here are some hints and tips – and an example.

A room with a view…

The first consideration is price, and which establishments fit into your budget. If there is a B&B that you really like, which is a little out of your budget – call and ask anyway. If they are not full, or if it is off-peak, there will often be ‘room’ to negotiate. The second is location. You obviously want to be central to your desired activities. A view is always a ‘great to have’. Plan your trip so that you arrive at your accommodation at the very least before sunset. It’s always good to check in, unpack and settle down before heading out for dinner. A refreshing little break after driving all day allows you to gather your thoughts, appreciate your accommodation and be fresh for the evening. It’s also a good idea to remove all the ‘obvious’ luggage from your vehicle into your accommodation before leaving the car parked on the street whilst you go for dinner.

An elegant breakfast – with a divine view.

A good verification of your first impression of accommodation found online is to check public reviews. These are honest and not influenced by the owner of the establishment. My favourite site is Tripadvisor – but there are many options. You can also check the venue on Facebook or Instagram… If, for example, the establishment has been around for some time, and it only has, for example, 50 “likes” on Facebook – probably not a good idea. But there are always exceptions to the rules, so don’t let that be your only guide. Also, be sure that the reviews you are reading are current. A review from 2019 may not still be valid – especially after Covid, which destroyed many, many tourism establishments.

This room at Pearl View even had electronic blinds that came down to block outside light!

Which leads me onto the next conversation. I always like to support small, independent business. I have nothing against large companies, but I do believe by supporting the entrepreneurs, we are building a better South Africa where everyone can thrive.

Noise. My personal peeve. Second only to cleanliness. I love quiet when I want to sleep. So, for example, don’t choose accommodation above a pub, or on a busy main street, if quiet is important to you. You are guaranteed to be disappointed. If you aren’t able to sleep, the down duvet or complimentary biscuits are going to have zero value to you.

An elegant, relaxing dining area with stunning views.

I also love nature and a garden setting of some sort, where you can wake to birdsong. This can even be in the main street if you’re in one of our small dorps. If, however, you are in a bigger city, you might choose a quieter suburb, or an establishment that is on the outskirts of the city.

If you are a woman travelling alone, a B&B (where the owners are present) may be better than a self-catering establishment in the middle of nowhere (from a safety perspective). If it is hot, enquire whether the establishment has an air conditioner and/or a fan (also good for mosquitoes). A pool is also a bonus in the heat.

A pool is always a bonus in our hot climate.

Breakfast is an integral part of B&Bs. However, if you find a place you really love that doesn’t serve breakfast, simply research and find a nearby restaurant that serves great breakfasts. Dinner is also a consideration. If you have driven a long way, and especially if you’re in a small town where the restaurants may close early (or be non-existent), order dinner at the establishment ahead of time (many require prior notice).

Delicious oysters for dinner at Freshline Fisheries.

If you are travelling for business, enquire about internet. Connectivity is important. Always ask if it is available in your room (and check the speeds!), as many smaller establishments seem to only have connectivity in the public areas – which proves problematic if you have to work late into the night… 

Off-street parking provides peace of mind – although not imperative (it all depends on your personal preferences). Upstairs vs ground floor accommodation is also a consideration. Upstairs rooms generally provide better views whilst downstairs provides ease of access and negates carrying heavy luggage up stairs. Again – a personal preference. Finally, be aware of their cancellation policies. Life happens, and you don’t want to be out of pocket as a result.

Ian Georgeson, CEO of Cross Country Insurance Company, takes a quiet moment to catch up at the Freshline Fisheries restaurant before dinner is served.

Whilst we were in Knysna, one of the establishments we spent time at was Pearl View Guest House. It was, quite simply, spectacular. When you are in Knysna as a tourist, you can drive up a winding road to a viewpoint of “The Heads”. Well, this B&B is located just above this viewpoint – with an even better view!! In fact, its primary attraction is the vistas – over the Knysna lagoon estuary to the right and the ocean to the left. Simply breathtaking! Their breakfast is basically anything you could wish for – and we thoroughly enjoyed ours, served against the spectacular views of the ocean, the Heads and the lagoon. I highly recommend this B&B – there wasn’t a single issue I could fault them on. A thoroughly delightful experience.

I truly appreciated their recommendation to visit Freshline Fisheries. Rated as Tripadvisor’s #1 Seafood restaurant in Knysna, it is located in an unassuming (which I love!!) beach-bar setting, complete with sand, wooden benches and plants. You could literally go there in a costume… The food is simply delicious – fresh from the ocean. Service was great and the ambiance exactly what you would expect from a “beach restaurant”. The smell of the ocean and the light of the lanterns complete the atmosphere. I would imagine that it is so popular by now, that it is worth booking to avoid disappointment. 

Whilst I am always open to discovering gems along the way, doing a little homework before you travel can lead you to worthwhile experiences you may otherwise have missed. Make the effort – you will no doubt be richly rewarded.

Happy Travels!!

Jacqui Ikin & The Cross Country Team

INFO BLOCK:

Pearl View Guest House
4 View Point, The Heads, Knysna, 6571
044-384-0021
https://www.pearlviewguesthouse.co.za
https://www.facebook.com/pearlviewguesthouse

Freshline Fisheries
Railway Siding Dockyard Cnr Long & Waterfront Drive (Behind Tait Marine, Knysna, 6570
044-382-3131
https://freshlinefisheries.co.za/
https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/Restaurant_Review-g312664-d3755646-Reviews-Freshline_Fisheries-Knysna_Western_Cape.html
https://www.facebook.com/FreshlineFisheries