Pretoria's Hidden Gem: Candlewoods Guesthouse - Unforgettable Stay!
Candlewoods Guesthouse: Beyond Expectations (Mostly!) - A Candid Review
Okay, so, picture this: you're scrolling through endless accommodation options in Pretoria, overwhelmed by the choices, praying for something…different. Then, BAM! Candlewoods Guesthouse pops up, promising an "Unforgettable Stay." Now, I'm usually skeptical of such grandiose claims. But, oh boy, after experiencing it myself, I'm here to spill the tea (and maybe rant a little. Buckle up!).
Accessibility & Safety: Comfort and Peace of Mind
First off, the essentials. Accessibility is…well, it's there. They have an elevator, which is a massive plus, but I didn’t personally test the wheelchair access thoroughly. The website says it’s accessible, so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. On the safety front, things felt pretty darn secure. CCTV cameras everywhere (inside and out), 24-hour security, and a well-lit exterior put my mind at ease. Fire extinguishers aren't just hanging around; they're strategically placed, and the smoke alarms did their job (thankfully!). The express check-in/out option was a blessing, especially after a long flight – a definite win. They even had a doctor/nurse on call, which, while I didn't need, is super comforting. They're clearly trying to tick all the boxes. And the fact that they use anti-viral cleaning products and have professional-grade sanitizing services feels essential in this day and age. They take hygiene seriously, which I really appreciate.
The Rooms - A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Good Vibes
Let's talk about the rooms. The non-smoking rooms are a must for me (thank goodness!), and I was thrilled to find air conditioning that actually works. The room I got was spacious, with a desk perfect for the inevitable work I had to do, and a comfy sofa for lounging. The bed was a dream - seriously, a huge plus – I slept like a log! And thankfully, the blackout curtains were on POINT. There was a mini-bar (always a temptation!), plus the standard coffee/tea maker. Oh, and the free Wi-Fi worked like a charm. I even had a window that opens (sometimes the simple things are the best!). The bathroom was…decent. The bathtub was tempting, though I preferred the separate shower/bathtub, which was nice and roomy. Everything was clean, but the décor was a little…dated? A fresh coat of paint and a modern touch wouldn’t go amiss. I did like the bathrobes!
Internet & Tech - Connected & (Mostly) Happy
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! Seriously, it worked flawlessly. They also have Internet [LAN], which I didn’t utilize. The Internet services were comprehensive – no complaints there. For the special events, the Wi-Fi would be reliable as well.
Food, Glorious Food (and a Few Hiccups)
Here’s where things get interesting. "Unforgettable stay" includes food, right? RIGHT.
The breakfast [buffet] was pretty decent. They had a good selection, Asian breakfast choices too. I’m a sucker for coffee/tea in the restaurant and they had it, but the coffee was lukewarm the first morning.. a definite downer (minor imperfection, but still!). The restaurants themselves offer a varied menu, including International cuisine and Asian cuisine in the restaurant. One evening, I decided to treat myself to a meal. The food was mostly good, my friend ordered the salad, which was also good. The Poolside bar was tempting, but I didn't get to it, shame on me. They offer 24-hour room service, which is always a savior. And the presence of a Vegetarian restaurant is also a big point in their favor.
The Spa & Relaxation: A Moment of Pure Bliss… Mostly
Okay, this is where Candlewoods shines. I ventured into the Spa, and, wow. I opted for a massage (obviously), and the experience was divine. The masseuse was skilled, the ambiance was perfect (dim lighting, soft music…). It was just what I needed to unwind. They also offer a Sauna and a Steamroom, which I didn't try. The Body wrap and the Body scrub were also offered.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax!
They have a beautiful outdoor swimming pool with a pool with a view! They even have a Fitness center, which is a bonus.
Services & Conveniences: Ticking the Boxes (and Then Some)
They offer so many Services! I noticed a doorman that greeted me enthusiastically. They had a concierge, a daily housekeeping service, and laundry service which was really helpful. As for amenities, they have facilities for Facilities for disabled guests.
The Downside (Because Nothing's Perfect)
Okay, here's the honesty part. While the staff were mostly friendly and helpful, there were a couple of hiccups. The room service was occasionally slow (but the food was worth it). The lack of a gym (although they had a fitness center) was disappointing (but the gorgeous spa almost made up for it). And, well, the décor wasn't exactly "cutting edge." But overall, the staff was really nice, and it clearly tried hard.
Overall Impression:
Candlewoods Guesthouse mostly delivers on its promise of an "Unforgettable Stay." The safety, the spa, the comfortable rooms, and the decent food make it a strong contender. I would definitely recommend this guesthouse. My stay was an absolute delight!
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- Title: Candlewoods Guesthouse Review: Unforgettable Stay in Pretoria! (My Honest Take)
- Meta Description: A candid review of Candlewoods Guesthouse in Pretoria! Discover the pros and cons: amazing spa, comfortable rooms, delicious food, and top-notch safety. Is it worth it? Find out!
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is my whirlwind, hopefully-won't-totally-fail, Pretoria adventure, centered on the supposed comfort of Candlewoods Guesthouse. Let's see if it lives up to the hype (or if I end up fleeing in the middle of the night).
The Pretoria Pilgrimage: A Messy, Honest, and Probably Hilarious Itinerary (aka, My Life is a Work in Progress)
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Promise of Braai
14:00 - 14:30: Arrival at OR Tambo Airport (JNB). Ugh. Airports. The smell of jet fuel and manufactured anxiety. Praying my luggage actually makes it this time. Seriously, last time, my bag went to… I don't even remember. Somewhere tropical, I think. Anyway, hoping for a smooth transfer to Candlewoods. The photos online look charming, all colonial-chic with a splash of… something. Fingers crossed it doesn't actually smell colonial-chic.
14:30 - 15:30: Airport Transfer to Candlewoods Guesthouse. Okay, so I thought I’d booked a shuttle, but I'm now staring at a slightly suspicious-looking taxi driver with a name tag that says "Lucky". Lucky me, I guess. Praying he doesn't try to sell me a timeshare in the bushveld. Also, mentally preparing myself for the inevitable "traffic is terrible" excuse.
15:30 - 16:00: Check-in at Candlewoods (hopefully not a disaster). Okay, deep breaths. Time to unleash my polite-but-firm travel persona. Need a room with good Wi-Fi (working from "home" is a luxury). And PLEASE, a functioning AC. I'm a delicate flower, you know? Sunburn is a death sentence. And a clean toilet. Basic human requirement. I mean, I’m paying to be here and I was hoping some of my money would go here.
16:00 - 17:00: Settle in, Unpack, Panic. Success! (Maybe). Room seems… okay. Okay, actually a bit charming. The colonial-chic is definitely present, but it also smells slightly of… old books? Not bad, actually. Now for the main event: unpacking. Which inevitably leads to: Where did I put my adapters? Why did I pack so many shoes? Did I forget the toothpaste? Wait, where's my phone charger?! (cue mini-meltdown).
17:00 - 18:00: Explore Candlewoods, Stalking the Braai Scene. Time to sniff out the promised braai (South African barbecue). Seriously, I've been dreaming of it since I booked this trip. Finding the braai area is crucial. This is not a drill. Wandering the grounds, peering through windows, generally behaving like a slightly unhinged garden gnome.
18:00 - 20:00: Braai! (fingers crossed). If the braai is good, this whole trip could be salvaged. If it’s not… well, there’s always the airport. Eating meat cooked over open flames is a love language of mine. Praying for juicy boerewors, perfectly charred steak, and that the other guests aren’t too… chatty. I require time to savor the meat in peace.
20:00 onwards: Post-Braai Coma and Attempted Journaling. Food babies are real. Staggering back to the room, possibly struggling to articulate the experience in my travel journal. Might just write "Meat. Glorious. Meat." and call it a day. Trying to avoid those pesky mosquito and maybe read a book. Sleep.
Day 2: History, Highs, and the Haunting of the Voortrekker Monument.
08:00 - 09:00: Breakfast. Hopefully not the same dry toast and instant coffee I’m used to at home. A proper South African breakfast is what I need. Eggs? Bacon? Biltong? Yes, yes, and YES! Gosh! And I’m a bit hungry.
09:00 - 11:00: Voortrekker Monument. Okay, history time. This is where I face the… let's call it "historical weight" of this monument. I know it's complex and loaded with baggage. I approach with an open mind (and a strong need for caffeine). Praying the gift shop has some interesting souvenirs, and not just, you know, flags and replica guns. Also, hoping the view is worth the climb.
- Rambling aside about the Voortrekker Monument: I'm preparing myself to feel something big at the Voortrekker Monument. I've heard it's impressive. It's also… a monument to a very specific, and often problematic, history. I'm interested in the history, the context, the stories. But history is complicated, and you always have to know these things come with a lot of baggage, right?
11:00 - 12:00: Lunch at a Local Cafe. Need a break from monument-induced contemplation. Seeking a cafe with character. Maybe something with live music. Maybe something with cake. Gotta get a little sugar in my system.
12:00 - 15:00: Exploring Church Square and City Centre. Gearing up for exploring the city, the Church Square, maybe some museums. The architecture in this country is so rich and unique. This could be good. This could be bad. This could be very interesting. I hear the city center can be a bit… edgy? Wearing my most un-flashy attire, and hoping I don’t get lost. Map skills are not my strongest suit. No, really.
15:00 - 17:00: Shopping for Souvenirs. (attempt 1) Hoping to find something to bring home. Something authentic, something that screams "I've been to South Africa!" NOT a plastic rhino, please. Something cute. Praying for a good market. I’ll be looking for it.
17:00 - 19:00: Rest and Reflect at Candlewoods. Time to recharge. Journal? Maybe a nap? More hopefully, I’ll get a bit of a view in so I can reflect on the day's events. This will be the time I get into my thoughts.
19:00 onwards: Dinner. Depends on my mood. Maybe back to the restaurant. Or perhaps I’ll try to find something more authentic. I’ll go with the flow. Probably the flow of my stomach.
Day 3: Cheetahs, Crafts, and the inevitable airport.
08:00 - 09:00: Breakfast (again!). This time, I will be prepared and know what is in store.
09:00 - 12:00: Cheetah Encounter at a Wildlife Sanctuary. Okay, this is the one I'm VERY excited (and slightly terrified) about! Seeing cheetahs up close is a bucket-list item. Hoping the animals are well-cared for, and that I don’t accidentally end up as lunch. Lots of photos are required, but I'm more likely to spend the whole time frozen in terror.
12:00 - 13:00: Lunch at the Wildlife Sanctuary. Hopefully, they do not serve "cheetah-themed" lunches.
13:00 - 15:00: More Shopping (attempt 2). Today, I will succeed in finding souvenirs. I WILL! Praying for a market. Praying for cool stuff. Praying for a good price.
15:00 - 17:00: Last-Minute Panic and Packing. The inevitable. This is where I start to feel the travel hangover. Gathering my things, trying to remember where I put my phone charger, and generally stressing.
17:00 - 18:00: Goodbye Drinks at Candlewoods. One last chance to sit and enjoy the colonial charm (or whatever vibe I've decided it has). Also, maybe a quick chat with the staff. Who knows? I might learn something.
18:00 - 19:00: Transfer to OR Tambo Airport (JNB).
19:00 onwards: Flight home. Praying my flight isn't delayed, my luggage makes it, and I don't cry on the plane.
So there you have it! My possibly disastrous, definitely messy, and hopefully memorable Pretoria adventure. Wish me luck… I’m going to need it. And please, someone remind me to buy a decent adapter before I leave.
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Candlewoods Guesthouse: The Real Scoop (and Why You Should Probably Go!)
Is Candlewoods REALLY as good as the Instagram photos suggest? Like, seriously?
Okay, here's the truth bomb: Instagram lies. A little. BUT... Candlewoods? It's close. I’m talking *close*. The photos are gorgeous, yes, with those lush gardens and the elegant rooms. My first thought? "Photoshop! It *has* to be!" Then I drove through those gates... woah. It’s like stepping into a different world. The gardens? Real. The pool? Crystal clear (and blissfully NOT freezing, unlike some places I've been!). The architecture? Stunning. My advice? Go, and prepare to be pleasantly surprised. Just maybe bring a filter. You never know.
What's the vibe like? Is it stuffy or chilled?
Oh, it's definitely NOT stuffy. Thank goodness. It's more like… relaxed luxury. Think a bit boujee, a bit country, and a HUGE dollop of friendly. Honestly, the staff are just amazing. They're helpful, BUT not in that overly-polished, robotic way you get at some hotels. They're genuinely warm and friendly. I remember once, I locked myself out of my room (classic me!), and the guy at reception, Thabiso, didn’t just hand me a key, he basically *laughed with* me. A genuine laugh. That's the vibe. Comfortable. Welcoming. Like you’re visiting a super stylish, super well-kept (and frankly, much cleaner than *my* house) friend's place. Though you probably can't lounge around in your pajamas.
Breakfast. Spill the tea. Is it a basic continental or a glorious feast?
Okay, breakfast. This is where Candlewoods *really* shines. It's... glorious. Don't expect just toast and a sad little croissant. Think freshly baked bread, a whole array of cheeses and cold meats, fresh fruit that actually tastes like fruit (a rare treat!), and cooked options to order like omelets, pancakes, and even the occasional *amazing* shakshuka (that's my personal favorite). I swear, I spent a good portion of one morning just staring at the buffet, completely overwhelmed by choice. And the coffee? Strong. Really, really strong. Perfect. Just perfect. I might have had three cups. Don't judge me.
The rooms. Are they worth the price? (Be honest!)
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks: the rooms. Yes, they're pricey, let's not pretend otherwise. But are they worth it? ABSOLUTELY. I stayed in the Garden Suite once, and I nearly moved in permanently. The space! The balcony! That incredible shower! I honestly spent, like, an hour in there, just enjoying the rain shower. The decor is elegant, the beds are ridiculously comfortable (I'm talking *sinking-into-a-cloud* comfortable), and everything is spotless. And there’s air conditioning. In Pretoria. Need I say more?
Is there a gym? Because I gotta work off all that glorious breakfast somehow...
Okay, there IS a small gym. It exists. I glanced at it once. That's about as far as I got. Let's just say my workout routine while I was there consisted of "walking to the pool" and "lifting a breakfast fork." It's got the basics, treadmills, some weights, that sort of thing. If you're a gym fanatic, you *might* be disappointed. But honestly, with that pool and those gardens, who needs a gym? Maybe take a hike? Or just, you know, accept that you’re on vacation and enjoy the delicious food.
What about the location? Is it safe and convenient?
The location is pretty good. It's in Centurion, so it’s not right in the heart of Pretoria, but it's close enough to get everywhere without too much hassle. There are shops and restaurants nearby, which is always a bonus. And the area *feels* safe. There's security at the gate (which, admittedly, made me feel a bit like I was entering a secret government facility, but hey, peace of mind, right?). Of course, be sensible, especially at night, but I felt completely comfortable wandering around. Just do your research on nearby areas if you plan on venturing out a lot.
Is it a good place for a romantic getaway?
Oh, absolutely! Candlewoods is like, practically *built* for romance. The gardens are stunning for a stroll, the pool is perfect for a lazy afternoon, and the rooms are just made for snuggling. Seriously, I saw more than a few couples there, all loved-up and looking blissfully happy. In fact, I might have felt a *tiny* bit jealous. (Okay, maybe a LOT jealous.) If you're looking to whisk someone away, Candlewoods is a winner. Just maybe try and book a room with a balcony. The view is spectacular.
Any downsides? (Be brutally honest!)
Okay, here's where I get real. Firstly, the price. It's not a budget option. Secondly, and this is a minor quibble, the Wi-Fi wasn't *always* the strongest. (Though, honestly, maybe that’s a good thing – forced digital detox, anyone?). Thirdly, and this is just me being super picky, the music at breakfast could sometimes be a bit… beige. Think elevator music with a slightly annoying beat. (I'm being dramatic, but if I had to listen to it all day I might lose my mind.) Other than that? Honestly, it's hard to fault. But... and here's where I truly bare my soul... I was SO sad to leave. It's just that good.
Okay, you’ve convinced me. Anything else I should know?
Pack your swimsuit. Definitely. Seriously, that pool is calling your name. Book in advance, especially if you’re going during peak season. And… treat yourself to a massage! They have a spa. I didn’t get one (regrets!), but I saw people wandering around looking incredibly relaxed. Seriously, if you're thinking about it, just BOOK IT. You won’t regret it. And finally, just… relax. Candlewoods is the kind of place where you can actually switch off, unwind, and forget about the everyday chaos. It's a proper escape. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to check the prices for my next trip…!
