Escape to Paradise: Bayside Hotel's Pietermaritzburg Oasis Awaits!

Bayside Hotel Pietermaritzburg Pietermaritzburg South Africa

Escape to Paradise: Bayside Hotel's Pietermaritzburg Oasis Awaits!

Escape to Paradise: Bayside Hotel's Pietermaritzburg Oasis - Or Was It? (A Messy, Honest Review)

Alright, folks, buckle up. I just got back from Bayside Hotel in Pietermaritzburg, and the whole experience… well, it was a thing. Let's call it a "sometimes paradise, sometimes slightly-off-key performance art piece" kind of thing. I'm going to try to make some kind of sense of it, mostly because I'm still processing, and maybe, just maybe, this review will help someone else navigate this… interesting establishment.

SEO & Metadata – Listen, I'm trying!

• Keywords: Bayside Hotel Pietermaritzburg, Hotel Review, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Accessible Hotel, Spa, Pool, Dining, Wi-Fi, Fitness Center, Family Friendly, Safe Hotel, Meeting Facilities, Pet-Friendly (unconfirmed), South Africa, Travel
• Meta Description: A brutally honest and detailed review of Bayside Hotel in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Discover the highs, lows, and quirky details of accessibility, dining, spa services, safety, and overall experience. Prepare for a rollercoaster!

(Deep breath) Let's dive in. It might get a little… rambly.

Accessibility – The First Hurdle (And, Thankfully, Mostly Clearable)

Okay, so I need accessibility. Mobility is, shall we say, a work in progress. The good news? Bayside Hotel mostly delivers. We're talking about wheelchair accessible doors, ramps, and elevators. I saw facilities for disabled guests, which is always a relief. However, and this is a BIG however, the lack of detailed information on specific room accessibility was a bit frustrating. Did the accessible room actually work for a wheelchair user? I didn't get a chance to find out fully, so that leaves a question mark. They mention it, but I would love real pictures. It gets a B+ based on what they attempted.

On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges? This is a maybe. Didn't spend much time at the the lounges, but they did seem on the easier side to get to. No major problems.

Internet – The Wi-Fi Saga!

Oh, the Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! they boast, and that's mostly true. But it was like trying to herd cats. One minute I was streaming, the next I was staring at a buffering symbol that mocked my very existence. Internet [LAN] was also available - that’s a plus for people who really want a reliable connection. But, honestly, it felt like they were trying to provide good internet, but the universe (or maybe just the local ISP) was actively conspiring against them. Wi-Fi in public areas was…better, I guess? But still hit or miss. I did see a few people running around, clearly irritated with their devices. The Internet Services section mentions nothing beyond what I've already covered (and complained about a little).

Things to Do, Ways to Relax – A Mixed Bag, To Put It Mildly

• The Good: Swimming pool was lovely and inviting on a hot day. Pool with a view? Well, it's Pietermaritzburg, so the view is…Pietermaritzburg. Still, it's a pool. And I swam in it. Triumph! They offer a Sauna, Spa and Spa/sauna. Now, I, shall we say, don't do saunas. But the idea of them is very comforting. The Fitness center was… a gym. It had the things. I didn’t go in much, to be honest.

• The "Interesting": Body scrub, Body wrap – sounds nice, but I didn’t delve into these. Foot bath - interesting. I was too busy trying to figure out where the nearest coffee shop was.

• The "Maybe Another Time": Steamroom. See sauna comment.

Cleanliness and Safety – A Breath of Fresh Air (Literally)

Okay, I'll give them this: Bayside Hotel really leaned into the cleanliness thing. Lots of evidence of Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. I saw Sterilizing equipment everywhere. The Hand sanitizer stations were plentiful, and they were actually working, unlike the Wi-Fi. I’m not entirely sure what Hot water linen and laundry washing entails, but it sounds…thorough. They’re also Hygiene certified. I felt pretty safe, even if sometimes overwhelmed.

This is also where I appreciated the Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. I enjoyed the Staff trained in safety protocol. It made me feel as if I was not in danger, even if the world looked a little…off. They had a First aid kit, which is good, although I didn't need to use it. They also had a Doctor/nurse on call, which I've grown to prefer seeing.

They also had Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. They provided Individually-wrapped food options, meaning the breakfast buffet was… a little less buffet, a little more "picnic in a plastic bag." (Room sanitization opt-out available - more on that later.) The Cashless payment service made paying easy, and they'd Shared stationery removed.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Foodie's Field of Dreams… Kinda?

Alright, the food was where the experience veered into the… unpredictable.

• The Breakfast Debacle: They offered Breakfast [buffet], but it was scaled back, as I mentioned. Don't get me wrong, I love a good buffet. But the pre-packaged pastries and lukewarm scrambled eggs… it was a bit of a letdown. They also offered Breakfast in room and Breakfast takeaway service, which looked to me like the better option, but I didn’t get any. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast were listed, but unavailable. The Coffee/tea in restaurant, was alright but nothing that I wrote home about.

• The Restaurant Rollercoaster: The A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant (which I've already touched on), and Restaurants offered some potential. They offer Asian cuisine, International cuisine and Western cuisine. I had a decent (but not amazing) meal. I was trying to order a specific meal, but they were out of it, so I had to settle for something else. It didn’t ruin my time, but I would have liked my food more. The Desserts in restaurant were okay. The Salad in restaurant was safe. The Soup in restaurant was what I would have wanted it.

• The Liquid Assets: They have a Bar, Poolside bar, and Happy hour. I took advantage of all of these. The Bottle of water was a lifesaver (especially since the tap water tasted a bit… questionable).

• The Other Stuff: Coffee shop, Snack bar, Room service [24-hour] were all present. I didn’t try them though. The Alternative meal arrangement looked interesting.

Services and Conveniences – The Good, the Bad, and the Laundry

• The Practical Stuff: Air conditioning in public area, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, and Safety deposit boxes were all great to have. They even had a Convenience store.

• The "Let's See If It Works": Concierge was hit or miss. I'd ask a question, and the answer was often a shrug. Contactless check-in/out was a nice touch.

• The "Interesting": Doorman, which I enjoy, but they weren't as proactive with help as they could have been. Invoice provided is a plus. They also have Smoking area, which is a plus for other people.

For the Kids – Family-Friendly, In Theory…

They list Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, and Kids meal. But I didn't see much evidence of these. I'd say proceed with a bit of caution if you're bringing the little ones.

Available in All Rooms – The Comforts of Home (Plus Extra)

Most of what was listed was useful and present. Everything from Air conditioning to Wake-up service, and everything in between (the Additional toilet was a real blessing!). Complimentary tea and Free bottled water were appreciated touches. The bathrooms were fine.

Getting Around – Uber or Go It Alone?

They offer Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, and Valet parking. Having free parking is always a plus, and they also have Car power charging station, which is forward-thinking.

**My Biggest

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Bayside Hotel Pietermaritzburg Pietermaritzburg South Africa

Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is the, uh, Bayside Hotel in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, and Me itinerary. And trust me, it's gonna be a wild ride. I'm calling it "The Pietermaritzburg Ponderous Pilgrimage," mostly because I'm already feeling ponderous.

Part 1: Arrival & Awkwardness (Day 1)

• Morning (ish): Okay, so, I landed. J-Burg airport. Massive. Felt like I walked for a solid hour just to find a coffee stand that didn't cost a limb. (Seriously, South African coffee prices… whoa.) Smooth airport pick-up. Shout out to my driver, bless his heart, for not judging my luggage situation (two overstuffed bags, one suspiciously heavy backpack – don't ask). Hit the road with a little bit of motion sickness.
  • Arrival at Bayside Hotel: First impressions? Let’s just say "charming" might be a generous description. The lobby is…well, it’s there. I swear I heard a ghost or two. The receptionist was lovely, though, and thankfully, she spoke English. My room? Decent sized with a view of… a parking lot. Sigh. You know, you'd think after years of traveling, I wouldn't be so easily deflated by a parking lot view. But here we are.
  • Unpacking Disaster & Room Inspection: My unpacking always includes a strategic, very messy explosion, things are everywhere. Quickly I assessed the situation. Check. Bed. Good enough. Bathroom. Needs work. The showerhead looks like it's about to weep, and there's a suspicious stain on the carpet that I'm choosing to ignore.
  • Lunch: Found a little cafe a few blocks away. The food was… fine. The coffee, however, was a revelation. Best. Coffee. Ever. And this, my friends, is where my love affair with South African coffee begins.
• Afternoon: Okay, I decided to embrace the local vibe. I am usually a shy person, but I can do this. Went for a walk around the block. It was… interesting. Saw a few very friendly dogs and a lot of very interesting architecture. I stopped at a local market. I bought myself a ridiculous hat.
  • Dinner: Decided to go for a nice walk. Got slightly lost. Ended up eating at a pizza place. I am a pizza connoisseur, and this was certainly pizza. It was edible. That's about it.
• Evening: The air is cool, the city lights are pretty, and I am tired. I'm trying to adjust to the time change. I am going to crash.

Part 2: The Botanical Garden Bliss (Day 2)

• Morning: Okay, I am off to the Botanical Garden. It's supposed to be beautiful, so I'm trying to keep an open mind. Breakfast at the hotel was… a mixed bag. The eggs were actually pretty good. The toast, however, was dry enough to build a miniature fort.
  • The Botanical Garden Experience: The Botanical Garden was a dream. Finally! Lush greenery, exotic flowers I'd never even dreamed of, and the sweet scent of… something floral. I spent a good two hours just wandering, taking pictures, and feeling like a small, insignificant (in a good way) speck in the universe. I was actually, genuinely happy. I even saw a few birds that I could not identify. (Side note: I take pictures of birds. I am just terrible at identifying them.)
    • The Garden's Imperfections: Okay, so the paths could use a little work -- a few potholes that nearly ate my shoe -- but seriously, minor flaws in an otherwise absolute paradise.
    • The "Zen Moment": I even found a little bench, sat down, closed my eyes, and tried to meditate. It was all going swimmingly until a rowdy family decided that the bench next to me was the perfect spot for a picnic. Sigh. This is the story of my life though.
• Afternoon: Lunch back at the same cafe as yesterday. Coffee once again, brilliant. Decided I needed serious retail therapy. I went shopping.
  • Shopping Spree: Now, I'm not usually a big shopper, but something about the energy of the place, the colors, the sounds… I went a little crazy. Found a crazy shirt. It is covered in flamingos. I love it. I am not sure where I am going to wear it, but I love it.
• Evening: Had a really nice dinner at a restaurant I found online. It's the best meal I have had in days. I swear, it was the best thing ever.

Part 3: The Museum & The "Almost Lost" (Day 3)

• Morning: Slept in! Needed it. Breakfast was… fine.
  • The Local Museum: Spent the afternoon exploring a museum. It was… educational. Lots of history. The exhibits are interesting. I especially loved the old photographs. (And if I'm honest, a little bit emotional. The history here… it’s intense.)
• Afternoon: Okay, I needed food.
  • Almost Lost Adventure: Decided to take a "shortcut" back to the hotel. My sense of direction? Pathetic. Ended up wandering through some side streets. I got a little lost. I might have panicked a little bit. I asked a very nice (and very amused) local for directions. He gave them to me with a smile. Felt like an idiot.
• Evening: Crashed back at the hotel. Honestly, I was exhausted but in a good way. I ordered room service (which was surprisingly decent) and watched some utter rubbish on TV. Pure bliss.

Part 4: Departure & Reflections (Day 4)

• Morning: Woke up. The rain was coming. The coffee was great. I went for a quick walk.
  • Thoughts & Feelings: Packing up. Trying to sort through my thoughts. This trip… it wasn't what I expected. It was messy, imperfect, and at times, a little bit frustrating. But it was real. I came to Pietermaritzburg expecting… something. I'm not sure what. I came away with something more.
  • Final Ramblings: I’m leaving with a flamingo shirt, a newfound appreciation for South African coffee, and a collection of memories that are sure to be… well, memories.
• Departure: Checking out of Bayside. Saying goodbye to the lovely receptionist. The hotel? It was what it was. But Pietermaritzburg… Pietermaritzburg, you unpredictable marvel, you got a piece of my heart.
  • Airporrt Disaster: J-burg. Again. The food court is still a nightmare. Wish me luck with the flight.

Post-Trip Notes:

• Things I'd Do Differently: Learn a few phrases in Zulu. Book a nicer hotel. Pack less stuff.
• Things I'd Do Again: Drink all the coffee. Go back to the Botanical Garden. Embrace the chaos.
• Final Verdict: Worth it. Absolutely worth it. Even with the parking lot view.

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Bayside Hotel Pietermaritzburg Pietermaritzburg South Africa```html

Escape to Paradise: Bayside Hotel's Pietermaritzburg Oasis - Seriously, What's the Deal?

Okay, let's be real. Is "Paradise" a bit much for Pietermaritzburg? Asking for a friend… who's me.

Alright, alright, hold your horses (and your cynicism, I'm looking at *you*). "Paradise" is a *touch* ambitious. It’s Pietermaritzburg, not the Maldives, okay? But hear me out. The Bayside Hotel… surprisingly, it works. It’s that unexpected oasis feeling. Remember that time you were *dying* for a Coke at that dodgy petrol station in the middle of nowhere, and the fridges were off? This is the opposite of that. It's a decent sanctuary, especially after a long drive. The garden’s pretty lush, the pool's sparkling (usually), and the staff are genuinely friendly, which frankly, in the hotel industry, is a small miracle. So, Paradise? No. Pleasant surprise after a long journey? Absolutely. Now, let's delve deeper.

I've seen the photos. Looks… nice. But is it actually *clean*? Cleanliness is next to… well, you know.

Okay, this is a BIG one. Hotel cleanliness is make-or-break, right? And I have *standards*. The Bayside? It's… good. Not hospital-grade spotless, mind you. Look, I’m no germaphobe, but I’ve seen things. Let's put it this way: you won’t be picking up any stray pubic hairs from the bathroom floor. *I checked*. The rooms are definitely tidied daily, the sheets are crisp (mostly), and the bathrooms are generally what you’d expect. There might be a rogue dust bunny or two lurking in a corner, but hey, imperfections add character, right? (I tell myself that.) Honestly, it's cleaner than my apartment after a week of creative writing. They get a solid B+ on the cleanliness scale. Which, for the price, is damn good.

What about the food? I'm a foodie. A hungry one. Will I starve? Or, even worse, be disappointed?

Oh, the food. Ah, yes. Here's where the waters get a bit… murkier. The Bayside's restaurant is… dependable. Let's call it that. Breakfast is a buffet, which, again, is a classic, isn't it? Standard fare: eggs, bacon (sometimes crispy, sometimes not… a gamble I'm willing to take!), toast, cereal. The coffee isn't terrible, which is a HUGE plus. Honestly, it’s good enough to get you going. Now, for dinner… the menu is… extensive. Perhaps a little too extensive. So many choices! Sometimes, the sheer volume of options gives me decision paralysis. I once ordered the grilled chicken with chips and salad. It was… fine. Edible. I’ve had better, I’ve had worse. But the atmosphere in the restaurant is actually quite lovely, especially on a warm evening. They do try, and the staff are sweet. So, will you be wowed? Maybe not. Will you starve? Absolutely not. You'll survive, and that's a win!

Let's talk pool. Is it as inviting as it looks in those staged brochure photos, or is it perpetually green with algae?

The pool. Ah, the siren song of cool water. I have to give you the complete truth. The pool is… generally inviting. It’s a decent size, not Olympic, but big enough to do a few laps. The water is usually clear and refreshing, *except*… and here's the confession… *once*, and I swear it was only once, the water looked slightly… *off*. A tad murky. I'm sure they filter it regularly, because it's really not the norm. But that one time? I passed. I went and sat under a tree instead. I’m not risking it! But other than that one slightly questionable dip, the pool is a definite highlight. There are loungers (grab one early!), towels (usually), and a poolside bar (essential!). So, generally, yes, the pool is as inviting as the photos suggest. Just… maybe give it a quick visual inspection before you dive in, okay? Trust your gut.

What's the vibe? Romantic getaway? Family-friendly? Loud party central?

The vibe? Ah, now we're getting to the heart of the matter. The Bayside is… a bit of everything, actually! It's not a rowdy party place, thank goodness. More chill. You'll see couples, definitely. Romantic? Potentially, especially if you're the type that can find romance in a slightly outdated floral duvet cover. Family-friendly? Absolutely. There are usually kids splashing in the pool, and there's a playground. It is, essentially, a good all-rounder. It's relaxed, quiet enough for a peaceful afternoon lounging, but not so sterile that it feels like a funeral home. It's the sort of place where you can feel comfortable just… *being*. That's a good feeling, really.

Okay, so the staff. Are they friendly? Efficient? Or will I be yelling for a drink for an hour? My patience is… limited.

The staff. Oh, the staff. They're the *saving grace*, honestly. The staff are *wonderful*. Honestly, the staff at the Bayside are some of the nicest people you'll meet. They're genuinely friendly, helpful, and welcoming. They're not just going through the motions. I've had a couple of small requests (more towels, a different pillow), and they've dealt with them quickly and with a smile. The service is good. They really make an effort. And you know what? In a world of grumpy hotel staff, that’s a huge win. I'm talking about the people who are *there* – the ones you're going to interact with on a daily basis. I'll take genuine friendliness over slick efficiency any day. It's worth its weight in gold.

Is there anything that really, really annoyed you? Be honest!

Okay, okay. The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Yes. Yes, there is ONE thing. ONE. The wifi. It's… spotty. Let's be generous and call it "intermittent". Sometimes it works like a dream. You can stream movies, download large files, the works. Other times… it’s dial-up. Remember dial-up? No? Lucky you. It’s like trying to send a carrier pigeon in the digital age. I once spent a good hour trying to upload a photo. It failed. Twice. (Cue: internal raging). It's frustrating, particularly if you, like me, need to work a little. So, if you need rock-solid internet, be warned. Download what you need *before* you get there. Other than that, and I'm being picky, the lack of USB charging ports in the rooms is a minor inconvenience. But the Wi-Fi? Yeah, that could use a serious upgrade.

Mountain Stay

Bayside Hotel Pietermaritzburg Pietermaritzburg South Africa

Bayside Hotel Pietermaritzburg Pietermaritzburg South Africa

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