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About
Located in Hogsback on the Eastern Cape of South Africa, this thatched-roof hotel offers rooms or self-catering cottages surrounded by native forest. Some accommodations features a wooden deck overlooking the Amatola Mountains. All heated rooms at Hogsback Arminel Self catering Cottages provide garden views, a satellite TV and a modern, private bathroom. Each is warmly decorated and some have a fully equipped kitchen with stove, fridge and dishwasher. Arminel features bar and lounge area with open fireplaces. Guests can also enjoy a drink on the terrace. A swimming pool and tennis courts are available or walk through the hotel’s gardens with many bird species. There is also a games room with various board games. East London Airport is a 2-hour drive away. Alice and the University of Fort Hare is 30 minutes’ by car.
303 Reviews
- Cleanliness
- 8.7
- Staff
- 9.0
- Location
- 9.3
What Guests Say
- “Clean and well-equipped kitchen amenities, clean bedding, comfy bed, and clean bath with hot water.”
- “Very coazy family style houses and has a very natural feel to it, with the forest air and beautiful greenery. Absolutely love being able…”
Top Amenities
- Swimming Pool
- Free Internet Access
- Free Parking
- Accessible Rooms / Facilities
- Non-Smoking Rooms
Room Options
Our Best Price. GUARANTEED.
Exclusively for Priceline members Details
1/3Double Room
- Bath or Shower
- Body soap
- Carpeting
- Conditioner
1/4Cottage
- Adapter
- Barbecue
- Bath or Shower
- Body soap
1/4Three-Bedroom Chalet
- Adapter
- Barbecue
- Bath or Shower
- Body soap
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What Guests Loved
Based on 303 reviews
Pros +
- Clean and well-equipped kitchen amenities, clean bedding, comfy bed, and clean bath with hot water.
- Very coazy family style houses and has a very natural feel to it, with the forest air and beautiful greenery. Absolutely love being able to see the stars and the scenery of the area.
- LOCATION WAS 100%. THE DISHWASER WAS A PLUSPOINT. CLEAN AND NEAT
Cons -
- Oddly run down. In stark contrast to the clean kitchen, bedlinens and bath, the walls (especially base board) and carpet were filthy. Looks like it used to be a nice place, but now there's barely anyone working there. Nice receptionist, but no security (there's a gate, but no attendant - anyone can push the button to let themselves in). The #2 (2 bedroom with loft) house where we stayed was incredibly musty. We had to keep all the windows open to make it bearable, even if it was pouring with rain, or too cold or too hot. The living room pillows and upholstered furniture was super damp to the touch. The downstairs bedroom/bath was so incredibly musty that it seemed unhealthy to use that room. We kept our suitcases closed since there were all kinds of critters in the house, from cockroaches, moths, to snails, ++. Any clean, dry clothing left out got considerably damp and musty overnight. The upstairs bathroom hot water barely dribbled out of the bath faucet. NO WIFI, NO AIRCON, NO FAN. No wonder this place was empty. We only saw one other guest only one of the nights there.
- Couldn't pick up the Wi-Fi if there is any. My previous stay had firelighters and wood, this time the wood was wet and no fire starter, not really complaining about it because there were heavy rains hours before I arrived, so it makes sense why the wood was wet.
- THERE IS NO WI-FI. NO DINNER ROOM AT THE HOTEL
Clean and well-equipped kitchen amenities, clean bedding, comfy bed, and clean bath with hot water.
Oddly run down. In stark contrast to the clean kitchen, bedlinens and bath, the walls (especially base board) and carpet were filthy. Looks like it used to be a nice place, but now there's barely anyone working there. Nice receptionist, but no security (there's a gate, but no attendant - anyone can push the button to let themselves in). The #2 (2 bedroom with loft) house where we stayed was incredibly musty. We had to keep all the windows open to make it bearable, even if it was pouring with rain, or too cold or too hot. The living room pillows and upholstered furniture was super damp to the touch. The downstairs bedroom/bath was so incredibly musty that it seemed unhealthy to use that room. We kept our suitcases closed since there were all kinds of critters in the house, from cockroaches, moths, to snails, ++. Any clean, dry clothing left out got considerably damp and musty overnight. The upstairs bathroom hot water barely dribbled out of the bath faucet. NO WIFI, NO AIRCON, NO FAN. No wonder this place was empty. We only saw one other guest only one of the nights there.
Very coazy family style houses and has a very natural feel to it, with the forest air and beautiful greenery. Absolutely love being able to see the stars and the scenery of the area.
Couldn't pick up the Wi-Fi if there is any. My previous stay had firelighters and wood, this time the wood was wet and no fire starter, not really complaining about it because there were heavy rains hours before I arrived, so it makes sense why the wood was wet.
LOCATION WAS 100%. THE DISHWASER WAS A PLUSPOINT. CLEAN AND NEAT
THERE IS NO WI-FI. NO DINNER ROOM AT THE HOTEL
The chalet was large and comfortable. Set in the trees. Included a bag of wood for the fire. Detergent and dishwasher tablets were available. Friendly reception lady. Shower and bath available. Very safe. Hogsback is beautiful.
Curtains were not very dark, so in summer light comes in around 5am. Our unit backed onto the main street where people were picnicking and braai-ing with loud music. So beat to get a unit deeper into the resort. The kitchen utensils very basic but worked.
Really fantastic - beautiful property and a spacious renovated house with patio. Walking distance to the arboretum. The Cape Parrots slept in the trees above us.
Very friendly staff, great meals, clean and spacious rooms. Good value for money
Always enjoy the location
The immediate area around cottage No1 was messy. The house itself is looking shoddy althougg clean. Curtains coming down. Bench and table out side needs varinsh. Entrance to house needs painting. Dustbin inside needs a lid. No bedside lamp in second bedroom. Unelievable noise on Monday evening as people who had attended a conference on the premises partied until 2am! despite I large sign at the gate stating "be mindful of others please keep the noise levels down." This happened again a day later with a new group of people, with them singing amd talking on a microphone for most of the day. There seems to be no control over the noise at Arminal, so not sure I would return again! Its too risky....eg. one makes a booking for a weekend and it could be totally spoilt by loud music and partying!
Location was booked for a wedding nearby
It was filthy, black mould on the walls, water running down the walls due to holes in the roof.Dirty facilities and cupboard sticky
Location was purposely booked for a wedding nearby
It was filthy, black mould on the walls, water running down the walls due to holes in the roof.Dirty facilities and cupboard sticky
Rooms were great value, Dinner, Bed and Breakfast. Hotel was very accommodating and moved our group from single rooms into a chalet with multiple bedrooms. Also then served our dinner in the chalet instead of us going to the dining room. Friendly staff. I will definitely stay here again.
Very idyllic and picturesque
Our bedding was dirty and had visible stains, streaks and scratches. We found some pretty large spiders - but that comes with being in nature. Breakfast was served in generous portions but was average in terms of taste.
Property is beautiful and relaxing, breakfast was delicious and lovely staff.
If you are checking in late or over weekends do not pay through booking.com as this was a big issue for me and put a stain on an otherwise enjoyable stay.My room also had a bath, no shower, so beware if that is an issue for you.
Location friendliness of staff.
Unfortunately it rained for the duration of our stay so we couldn’t explore the area. But we did find some interesting pubs and coffee places
The location
The house we stayed in was dirty. The bathrooms were dirty. The stoep were dirty. The gardens are neglected. I am very disappointed in this hotel.
Food for both breakfast and dinner was good , buffet style. location was good walked to the shops and restaurant's in the main street. Security was good.
Room was a old. Carpet seemed to have been dam at a time when I was there made the room smell a bit "musty".Certain area of the property need to be tidied up. Pool was not in working order.
We were met by the most beautiful forest surroundings and sounds of nature. It's just the place to get away from all the hustle and bustle. Breakfasts and dinners was delicious and the service was excellent.
We loved the cottage - the design was inviting and comfortable and had great views. The whole environment was rejuvenating. The staff was friendly and helpful. We wish we could have stayed longer.
Beautiful gardens set in an even more beautiful forest
The food was very average, I would self-cater in the future.
Superb stay, fantastic staff, accommodation and location. Just watch the road conditions! (and monkeys and baboons). A little bit of luxury in a fabulously rural town.
family of 4, the self catering unit was well kept and huge! About 160m2, which was well appreciated as we had a trailer full and 4 bikes too! the lawns around all the units were beautifully maintained and everything was so tranquil - a great getaway.
Amenities & Policies
Amenities
Swimming & Soaking
- Swimming Pool
- Outdoor pool
Media & Technology
- Free Internet Access
Transportation
- Free Parking
- Accessible parking
Health & Safety
- Health Services
- Daily disinfection
Accessibility
- Handicapped Rooms/Facilities
General
- No Smoking Rooms/Facilities
Guest policies
| Check-in | After 2:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Check-out | Before 10:00 AM |
| Internet | Free Wi-Fi is available. |
| Parking | Free parking is available. |
| Children & Extra Beds | Children of all ages are welcome. |
| Pets | Pets are not allowed. |
| Room Rates | All rates displayed are for two guests unless otherwise noted. |
Important info
Please note that advance reservations are required for guests intending to dine at the restaurant. Please note that a credit card authorization form, copy of front and back of credit card and copy of passport are required on arrival.Payment before arrival by bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions. Please note that the full amount of the reservation is due before arrival. will send a confirmation with detailed payment information. After full payment is taken, the property's details, including the address and where to pick up the keys, will be sent to you by email. Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Location
Hogsback, Hogsback
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Hogsback Arminel Self catering Cottages
Hogsback
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