17onWellington: George's BEST Luxury Suites? You HAVE to See This!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into 17onWellington: George's BEST Luxury Suites (and yes, they capitalized "BEST" – gotta love the enthusiasm!). I just got back, and lemme tell you, it's… well, let's just say it's an experience. They say you HAVE to see it? Well, I did. And now I'm here to tell you ALL about it, the good, the maybe-not-so-good, and everything in between, because, let’s face it, perfection is boring. This is gonna be a bumpy, but hopefully hilarious, ride.
First Impressions & Access (and the Great Wifi Quest!)
Right, so getting there. Accessibility? They say they cater to disabled guests, and there's an elevator. Praise the Lord! But… and it's a big but… I didn't see any specific wheelchair accessibility mentioned beyond the elevator, and navigating George can be a little… hmmm… hilly. So, call ahead and confirm everything if accessibility is a major concern.
Internet? Oh, the internet. Okay, so, they shout "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" from the rooftops. And they should!!! But, remember that time you went to a fancy hotel and the Wi-Fi was slower than a snail on Valium? Yeah, I felt that. Internet access - wireless, Internet access – LAN: They offer both, which is thoughtful, but I had a couple of moments where I swore I could communicate faster via carrier pigeon. So, bring your patience, and maybe a good book as backup. Wi-Fi in public areas: Seemed alright, actually. Better than the room Wi-Fi, which is just… shrugs …an adventure.
Cleanliness & the New Normal
Alright, let’s talk about the pandemic, because, ew, it's still here. Cleanliness and safety: They appear to be taking things seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products: Check. Daily disinfection in common areas: Check. Hand sanitizer: Everywhere! They had those little bottles like they were going out of style. Rooms sanitized between stays: They advertise this, and I saw that. I think I saw it. Hygiene certification: I didn't see any certificates hanging about, but, hey, maybe they're tucked away. Staff trained in safety protocol: The staff were wearing masks, and generally seemed on point. Room sanitization opt-out available: Honestly, I didn't even think to ask for this, but it’s good to know it might be an option. Cashless payment service: Yep, and they were happy to email the bill. Individually-wrapped food options: This I did notice during breakfast, which… we'll get to.
The Sanctuary (Aka, The Room – and My Obsession) - AVAILABLE IN ALL ROOMS
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks – my room. Air conditioning: Glorious, essential, air conditioning. This is the start to a perfect holiday. Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains: YES! Those blackout curtains are a godsend. Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker: Always a winner. Complimentary tea: I'm a sucker for a decent cup of tea. Daily housekeeping: The ladies that worked there were brilliant and so so helpful. Desk, Extra long bed: I'm six foot something and this bed was amazing. Free bottled water: Always appreciated. Hair dryer, High floor: Not sure that they have a low floor so great. In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar: I had a Coke Zero which cost about £34. Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale: (yes, there was a scale… judging eyes). Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub: Luxury. Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing: Yes, the rooms seemed well-insulated. Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi – free: Okay, again, free ish. Window that opens: Yessssss! So necessary!
Dining, Oh, The Dining! (And My Very Specific Breakfast Demise)
Okay, so they boast a lot of dining options. Restaurants, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Happy hour, Poolside bar. All good. Room service [24-hour]: Excellent! I ordered a burger at 2 am. It was glorious. Snack bar: The snack bar? Less glorious. It was… well, let’s say it wasn’t exactly Michelin-star material. Breakfast [buffet]: Here's where things get personal. The breakfast. Oh, the breakfast. They tried. They really, really did. Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant. I’m not a fan of Asian cuisine, so I passed. Western breakfast was an option. Breakfast takeaway service: Available. Now, here's the thing. I, personally, have a complicated relationship with hotel buffets. I go in with high hopes, a glint in my eye, and a stomach ready to conquer. What emerged, was more of a… post-apocalyptic breakfast. The eggs? Rubber. The bacon? Soggy. The pastries? Basically, a commitment to diabetes. The coffee, however, was surprisingly good. I was able, and it was good. But, seriously, I ended up ordering room service the next morning. So, my advice? Proceed with caution. Or, just order the burger.
Ways to Relax & Have Fun (Or Not, Depending on Your Vibe)
Okay, the good stuff! Body scrub, Body wrap: I didn't partake, but options are there and the team would be very happy to help. Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Yes, they've got a gym. It looks… functional? I'm not a gym person, I like to relax, so I skipped. Massage, Pool with view: There's a pool, and it's nice! Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: They advertise a spa, but I didn’t go. The pool itself is lovely. It's the kind of pool where you can actually relax, read a book, and pretend you're a glamorous movie star. The atmosphere is great. This is the place that you want to just be.
Services & Conveniences & Bits and Bobs
Oh, the little things that make a stay easier… or not so much. Air conditioning in public area: check. Business facilities: They have the basics. Cash withdrawal, Concierge: The concierge was helpful, and got me some taxi's. Daily housekeeping: They were great. Doorman: Smiling and helpful. Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities: Pretty standard stuff. Smoking area: Yes. They are very thoughtful! Terrace: A nice touch, if you like to feel the sun.
For the Kids… (Or Not) – Family/child friendly, Babysitting service, Kids meal,
They say they're Family/child friendly. There does appear to be a babysitting service. They offer Kids meal, but I didn't see much evidence of kid-specific activities. So, maybe bring your own entertainment.
Extra Stuff (Security, Parking, & Other Random Bits)
Access: Easy to get in and out of the hotel. CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property. They are very serious about this (which is good). Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private]. Both of these were offered and were very easy. Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service: all sorted. Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms. Safe and sound.
Quirks & Anecdotes
Okay, I have an anecdote about the burger. It's late, I'm starving, room service arrives… and the burger? It was surprisingly good! Truly, the best damn hotel burger I've ever had. I was so impressed. It came with fries and, the best part? They weren't those soggy, sad fries you sometimes get. These were crispy. I devoured it. It felt so wrong, yet so right.
**The Verdict & The Pitch (AKA, How to
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into 17onWellington Suites in George, South Africa. And let me tell you, it’s gonna be a wild ride. Think less "perfect brochure," more "slightly tipsy diary entry."
Day 1: Arrival and Initial Panic (and the Promise of Redemption!)
- 14:00 - Arrival at 17onWellington Suites: Okay, first impression? Chic. Seriously chic. Like, Architectural Digest chic. The pictures definitely didn’t lie. But then… the baggage. My god, did I overpack? I swear, I think I brought half my wardrobe and a portable library. Dragging those behemoths up the elegant staircase almost killed me. The receptionist, bless her heart, probably thought I was a sweaty, stressed-out walrus.
- 14:30 - Room Reconnaissance: Okay, breathe. Deep breaths. The suite? Divine. That mountain view from the balcony? Jaw-dropping. Seriously considering just staying put and ordering takeout for the next week. Wait… is that a Nespresso machine? Jackpot! (Must. Have. Coffee.) My initial panic slowly melted away as I sunk into the plush couch but then, suddenly, where's the wifi? Oh honey, the little things!
- 15:00 - The Hunt for Wifi and the "Lemony Snicket" Moment: This is important, people. Wifi is life. Wandering around like a lost penguin, desperately searching for a signal. Finally cornered a cleaning lady. "Wifi, please?" I asked, in my most pathetic, pleading voice. She looked at me, completely unfazed, and said, “Ah, you must use the password!” Bless her! I had my access to reality once again!
- 16:00 - Exploration Attempt (and a near miss with a Zebra): After surviving the Wifi ordeal, I braved the outside world. George looks stunning from here. Deciding to use my map, because I'm old school like that, and immediately got lost, or rather, slightly confused. I took a wrong turn and ended up near a field. Suddenly, a Zebra! Just casually munching on grass. I legit almost squealed. It was beautiful, then I remembered I had a meeting in the morning.
- 18:00 - Sundowners & Seriously Good Food: The balcony beckoned. Wine, cheese, and that view. The world felt right again. Managed to find a local restaurant. The name escapes me (blame the wine), but the food was incredible. Best steak I've had in ages. The chef? Apparently, a genius. A slightly eccentric genius, if the flaming dessert special was any indication.
Day 2: Diving Down the Garden Route - and a Sea of Tears (of Joy!)
- 07:00 - Coffee, Compass, and Conundrums: Armed with sufficient caffeine, I had to decide. Where to go? So many choices! The sheer volume of possible destinations was paralyzing. Garden route, here I come!
- 09:00 - Knysna Heads - The Majestic Moment: I've seen pictures, but honestly, they do not do it justice. The sheer scale of the Knysna Heads is breathtaking. The waves crashed, the wind howled, and I felt ridiculously small. And then I got a little tearful. Not a full-on sob, mind you, just a single glistening tear of majestic awe. So beautiful, and so much wind!
- 11:00 - A Quick Beach Stop (and Sand in Places You Don't Want Sand): Decided to hit the beach. Sunshine, sand, the ocean… perfection. Until I ended up covered in the stuff. You know how sand gets everywhere? Yep. Everywhere.
- 12:00 - Lunch in Knysna: Knysna is charming, I'll give it that. Found a little restaurant overlooking the water. Seafood, of course. I mean, when in Rome… or Knysna… or wherever the heck I am. Food was great, but the service was slower than molasses in winter (and I'm not patient!).
- 14:00 - The Featherbed Nature Reserve Experience (And a Very Emotional Boat Ride): This is what people remember the most. The Featherbed Nature Reserve. Okay, so there are two options, go by foot or take the boat. The boat trip was amazing. I mean, amazing. The views, the company (the best!), the snacks… It’s like a dream. The boat ride was so beautiful, I think I got a little misty-eyed again. (I swear, it's just the wind!) The hike up to the top? Worth it. I could almost see the entire universe from there. The guide was a fountain of knowledge, and I learned more about the local flora and fauna than I ever thought possible. I was in my element.
- 18:00 - Back to 17onWellington - The Return of the Nespresso: Glorious. Glorious Nespresso. That balcony. That view. Still amazing. Exhausted, exhilarated, and slightly sandy, but totally, utterly happy. And maybe, just maybe, getting used to the fact that I might not want to leave.
Day 3: Coastal Road Adventures & a Serious Case of Wanderlust
- 08:00 - The Coffee Ritual (and the Dread of Packing): Okay, first things first. Coffee. Then the dreaded suitcase. How am I gonna get all this stuff home? This place is so good. Thinking of staying.
- 09:00 - Driving the Coastal Roads- Serenity Now: The drive. The ocean on one side, the mountains on the other, me in the middle, driving in a rental car. Seriously idyllic. Windows down, music blasting. Pure freedom. Until, you know, the GPS tried taking me on a farm track.
- 11:00 - Mossel Bay- Just a Bit More Beach: Stopped in Mossel Bay. More beach! More views! More joy! Had a fantastic walk around the harbour
- 13:00 - Lunch and a Little Souvenir Shopping: Found a charming little cafe. Fish again (naturally) and decided to browse the local shops. Came away with a quirky little trinket I probably don't need but absolutely must have. Regrets? Zero!
- 15:00- Another Hike: I felt as if something was missing, I had to start exploring! So I did. Found another trail, a new point, a new view. The world is my oyster.
- 18:00 - Farewell Sundowners & a Promise to Return: Back on the balcony. Wine, cheese (again!), and a sunset that looked like it had been painted by God himself. I’m starting to think, maybe, I really don't want to leave.
- 19:00 - Dinner, Deliciously Dramatic: Found an amazing restaurant. The food was incredible (yes, I know, I'm repeating myself). But tonight, it felt like the perfect end to a perfect trip.
- 21:00 - Packing (and a Realization): Forced myself to pack. Realized I'd bought way too much stuff. But then, staring at the view one last time, I also realized something important: this trip wasn't just about seeing places. It was about feeling things. About letting the beauty of South Africa – and 17onWellington – seep into my soul. And, maybe, just maybe, leaving a little piece of me behind. So, until next time, George. You beautiful, chaotic, utterly wonderful place.
Epilogue:
The Aftermath: Back home. Jet lag is brutal. Still finding sand in my shoes. Starting to plan the return trip. Already missing the Nespresso machine. And most importantly, the feeling of pure, unadulterated joy. Until next time, South Africa! You stole a piece of my heart, and I didn't even mind.
(Might have to go therapy now.)
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Is 17onWellington really as luxurious as George claims? (And who *is* George, anyway?)
Alright, let's be real. "Luxury" gets thrown around like confetti at a wedding. But in this case... yeah, it's pretty darn close. We're talking seriously plush linens, ridiculously comfortable beds (I practically *melted* into mine, which might be a problem, but hey!), and bathrooms that make you want to spend an entire afternoon just...existing. And George? Well, he's the enigmatic owner, the wizard behind the curtain of this whole operation. He's got a quiet intensity, a bit of a dry wit, and a genuine passion for making sure you're utterly pampered. I actually saw him wrestling with one of those fancy espresso machines when I arrived – apparently, he's a perfectionist. I respect the hustle!
What kind of suites are available? And which one is the *best*? (Come on, spill!)
Okay, okay, I'll spill. There are a few different suites, each with its own personality. Some have balconies overlooking the street (perfect for people-watching, which, let's be honest, is a national sport), others are more secluded and intimate. Honestly, the "best" one? That’s subjective, like choosing your favorite pizza topping. However, if you can swing it – and I mean, *financially* – go for the penthouse. Seriously. The view from up there? Breath-taking. I swear, I nearly choked on my complimentary champagne (which, by the way, was DELICIOUS) because I was so overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of it all. One minor hiccup though – the elevator's a bit… temperamental after a few glasses of bubbly. But hey, it’s a small price to pay for heaven on Earth. I swear I almost fell up a few stairs. Oops...
I'm a bit of a foodie. How's the breakfast situation?
Oh. My. Goodness. The breakfast. Forget those sad, sad continental breakfast buffets you get at some places. We're talking *artistry* here. Freshly baked pastries, a smorgasbord of artisan cheeses, the *real* stuff – not that processed stuff. And the coffee? Forget Starbucks, this is a religious experience. They make omelets to order in almost any form you can imagine. I spent approximately three hours consuming their divine creations. I think I still have some egg clinging to my soul. And no, not just any omelet. This was a CHEESE omelet. With mushrooms. And truffle oil. I nearly wept. *Wept*, I tell you!
Is it noisy? I need my beauty sleep, people!
Okay, this is important. It's downtown, so there's *some* ambient city noise. But George has done a fantastic job soundproofing the suites. Honestly, I'm a light sleeper, and I slept like a baby. Well, maybe a baby who's been drinking champagne and eating truffle oil-infused omelets, but still! If you're super sensitive, maybe ask for a suite away from the street. But honestly, it's pretty darn quiet. You'll be fine. Probably. Unless you have a *really* loud snore. Then, well, that's on you, pal.
What amenities are available? (Besides the obvious, like, a bed)
Okay, let's run through some of the highlights here. High-speed Wi-Fi (crucial, because, you know, the internet), a fully stocked mini-bar (dangerous), flat-screen TVs, and, get this… a *pillow menu*! Seriously. I was tempted to try them all, but I didn't want to look like a total weirdo…but the one I chose? PERFECT. They also offer a concierge service, which is super handy for booking restaurants, getting tickets to shows, or basically anything you need. And... okay, I'm going to be honest here... they have ridiculously fluffy robes. I practically *lived* in mine. George, if you're reading this, can I order one? Please?
Is it worth the price? Because, let's be honest, it's not exactly budget-friendly, is it?
Alright, let's tackle the elephant in the room. 17onWellington is an investment. It's not cheap. But… is it worth it? In my opinion… YES. Absolutely. You're paying for an experience, not just a room. You're paying for the attention to detail, the impeccable service, the sheer indulgence. If you're looking for a special occasion, a romantic getaway, or just a chance to treat yourself, I can't recommend it enough. Okay, maybe I'd put it in the budget for a once-a-year trip. But I definitely wouldn't balk at the price for a night or two of absolute heaven. I still have dreams about that omelet...
What's the deal with the location? Is everything nearby?
The location is fantastic! It's right in the heart of the city, within walking distance of just about everything. Restaurants, bars, shopping…you name it, it's probably nearby. You can wander around and feel like you’re in a movie, which is nice. There are lots of interesting little shops and cafes, and the people-watching is top-notch (as I may have mentioned). You can also take public transportation if you don’t feel like walking. That being said, if you are one of those people who like to see the world, you may want to try some other options. Unless, of course, your goal is to spend all your time at the suite and just get room service all day. Which, I must say, is also not a bad option at all.
Any downsides? Gotta have some reality check here!
Okay, okay, I can’t be *completely* blinded by the fluffy robes and truffle oil. There's a tiny downside. The building doesn't have a gym. Though, you know, if you're indulging in breakfasts like I described, maybe a little break from exercise is a good thing. And, as I mentioned before, the elevator in the penthouses, *sometimes*, can get wonky after a few drinks. But honestly, those are minor quibbles. It’s seriously a minor inconvenience.
Would you go back?
