Avalon Springs by Dream Resorts

What a nightmarish and disappointing experience. I paid R8700 for a weekend in the mountain Chalets. The thought of enjoying our own private jacuzzi was our main motivation for choosing Avalon Springs. Looking forward to a quiet evening soak , to our horror on arriving at the chalet,we were greeted by all the occupants from the neighboring chalet having a party in our jacuzzi (drinks and all) because they didn't like the temperature in theirs. Although they scrambled out at our request, the water level was low and it was no longer the clean private Jacuzzi that we paid for. I asked reception to sort it out so that we could use it at 6 the next morning .Nothing was done until much later the morning after another call to the reception by then it was almost time for us to leave. We do not complain easily and we could even have overlooked the noisy party that was allowed to continue until the early hours of the morning on the balcony of the chalet behind ours . Pity there is no checking or enforcement of the resort rules of being quiet after 10. The manager and reception offered an apology and a gift bag containing a mug and some sachets. I feel that this is not enough to compensate for the horrible and very disappointing experience . I would not recommend Avalon Springs to anyone . They do not care about or take the guests seriously.

The resort/rooms are getting a little run down, leaking taps, enamel peeling off the bath etc. But the worst is the water temperature of the hot pools: tepid, not hot. It used to be nice and hot before they renovated and added too many pools or increased the surface area too much, water was not what it used to be. Won't see us again....

So we booked online for a day visit at Avalon Springs and by the looks of it on the website, we are more than looking forward to day. We made an online booking and made paynent. Website clearly states no coolerboxes, alcohol, etc etc. No problem as you can buy everything there. To our disappointment. When we got there, there were ONE q at the gate, for pre bookers and late sleepers who want to come. While standing in the q, there is no controle over guests. You start at the front and work backwards. 1 person standing in the q, and the rest of the 50 that came with them just push in. By the time you get in front and enter, the whole place is packed, what is the point for the online booking then. People arive there with their coolerboxes, plastic tables, looks like they have packed in their whole kitchen at home and clearly states on Avalon Springs website, no coolerboxes with food or alcohol. Those people are let in. There is a restaurant inside, with a option to buy braai meat. Avalon can't even keep with their own rules and regulations Limited pool access as there's only 3 small pools, like realy small and obviously a water slide. The cocktail bar where you can buy cool drinks are closed. The place was so packed no where to sit, as shades are a problem and tables not much. We just count or loses and left within 10 min. We spoke to the manager but I don't think thats going to make much of difference for furure. Not returning very soon. Not a day visit recommended place, unless you don't care and do as you like.

Family Alert: Terrible experience at #AvalonSprings , where I was injured the glass shower door came off and cut my foot open. There was no emergency doctor on-site, and after waiting 45 minutes for an ambulance, I was told I could only be taken to a government hospital, where I wouldn't be treated on time! The resort’s main concern was taking images, not caring for me. Management didn’t check on us at all during that 45 minutes wait. We had to drive 2.5 hours to get proper treatment. I feel terrible thinking this could happen to another family, especially if it could be children. Management only called the next day and hasn't followed up since. We checked out a day early and was told, sorry we won't cover any medical expense. Stitches and 3 week recovery, and my foot isn't back to normal. Please be cautious.

They certainly redid the outside pools and this is beautiful, however the hotel is most definitely not upgraded at all and needs it. The rooms are old and shabby, old worn carpets, linen quality is poor, sheets did not even fit the bed, the aircon is so old and noisy we were unable to use it during the night for warmth on a freezing cold stay in winter, there was no other heating. The room needs repainting, paint scrapped off the bathroom door let alone patchy walls, chipped floor tiles in the bathroom, lighting is poor. This is a 2 star hotel in my opinion, not 3 star. The indoor pool used to be an adults only sanctuary, this is now overrun with screaming children splashing and making what was a relaxing spot away from the main pools unusable. The bar/lounge did not even open although they advertised a warm fire in winter etc. The hottest pool was only 33 degrees, that being the unusable indoor pool, not the 36 degrees as stated. This makes a big difference in winter. We have being coming here for over 20 years, sadly we will never return as we have watched the hotel itself run down further and further. It is such a great pity that no attention was given to the hotel itself or your long standing guests comforts in the hotel. Everything seems geared for the time share and day visitors.

ther, checking thae is not 1 staff member that did not make you feel welcome. always greeting checking that your okay and in need of nothing. it was my partner birthday and thet made it extra special with arranging baloons, cake and pianist playing happybirthday and other guest starting singing along. how awesome the staff service. Thank you Celest, Madeline, Sanet.