Hogsback Arminel Hotel

Hotels
8.2 (466 reviews)
Hogsback , Hogsback , za

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Non-smoking rooms
Swimming pool
Terrace
BBQ facilities
Safety deposit box
Fax/photocopying
Packed lunches
Table tennis
Darts
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Accommodating staff
Beautiful location
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Lack of Wi-Fi and meals

Categories

Cleanliness
7.41
Several issues mentioned including mould, unwashed items, and lack of thorough cleaning.
Service
9.38
Staff is described as very accommodating and friendly.
Location
9.42
Location is frequently praised as fabulous and beautiful.
Room Quality
7.87
Mixed reviews; some guests enjoyed the charming cottages, while others pointed out significant issues.
Amenities
7.4
Basic appliances and lack of Wi-Fi mentioned, but generally functional.
Value for Money
7.86
Complaints about being overpriced and not living up to expectations for a 4-star rating.
Food and Beverage
7.41
No meals available due to low number of guests; lack of dining options a downside.
Overall Experience
8.88
Despite issues, many guests found it a relaxing and tranquil stay.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-06 03:33

Property Description

Thatched-Roof Hotel in Hogsback, South Africa

Scenic Views and Cozy Accommodations
Experience the charm of Hogsback Arminel Hotel with its wooden deck views of the Amatola Mountains. Each room offers modern amenities and some include a fully equipped kitchen for your convenience.

Gourmet Dining and Relaxation
Savor delectable dishes at the à la carte restaurant, unwind in the cozy lounge with open fireplaces, or enjoy a refreshing drink on the terrace. Perfect for a relaxing evening after a day of exploring.

Recreational Activities and Lush Gardens
Take a dip in the swimming pool, play a game of tennis, or stroll through the gardens teeming with birdlife. For indoor entertainment, head to the games room for a fun-filled time.

Book your stay at Hogsback Arminel Hotel for a memorable retreat in the heart of nature.

Important information:

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.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in the business centre and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.

  • Parking

    Free public parking is possible on site (reservation is not possible).

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.2
Based on 466 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.41
Service: 9.38
Location: 9.42
Room Quality: 7.87
Amenities: 7.4
Value for Money: 7.86
Food and Beverage: 7.41
Overall Experience: 8.88
M
Mike • family_with_children • za
4
So sorry to see this once iconic hotel being so neglected. Natalie at reception was a gem!
Pros:

One of the best locations in the village. Beautiful gardens.

Cons:

The kitchen/restaurant lounge/pub are closed so there was no option to have breakfast or dinner in the dining room or have a drink in the lounge/pub. Wi-Fi was only available at reception.

2026-03-03 • via Nuitee
T
Tiana • family_with_children • za
8
Pros:

We enjoyed our stay at the Arminal, house was well kitted with dish washer and all necessities. Pool is easy walking distance from the accomodation.

Cons:

We were sad to see that the resturant and bar was closed.

2026-03-01 • via Nuitee
N
Nozuko • family_with_children • za
10
Pros:

We loved everything about the place

2026-03-01 • via Nuitee
W
Wanga • family_with_children • za
10
Pros:

Everything

Cons:

Nothing

2026-01-30 • via Nuitee
L
LANGITEMBA • family_with_children • za
8
Pros:

Neat and clean

Cons:

Towels were not replaced

2026-01-29 • via Nuitee
G
Gemma Valdez • family_with_children • us
5
Not Recommended
Pros:

Clean and well-equipped kitchen amenities, clean bedding, comfy bed, and clean bath with hot water.

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.

2026-01-28 • via Nuitee
D
Diederick • family_with_children • za
8
Pros:

Love this place pity the bar and restaurant have been closed. General feedback cottage needs a little love wear and tear is obvious though not distracting from its allure.

Cons:

Very little not too like just attention to detail mould in bathroom ceilings and general tlc just to lift the experience again

2026-01-25 • via Nuitee
L
Ludwe • extended_group • za
8
2026-01-20 • via Nuitee
K
Keegan • family_with_children • za
1
Moldy and old
Pros:

The location

Cons:

Mold everything inside, very dirty floors and surfaces, things were outdated and the duvet cover wasn’t big enough for the bed.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
J
Joy • couple • za
5
Lovely to stay wish room but more cleaner and had wifi in rooms
Pros:

Breakfast really good

Cons:

No wifi in the rooms had go to lounge area for wifi not good enough for me that no wifi in the rooms

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
S
solwandle • extended_group • za
9
Love this place and will continue to come here for years to come.
Pros:

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.

Cons:

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.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
K
KLARADYN • extended_group • za
7
WILL STAY AT THE HOTEL AGAIN
Pros:

LOCATION WAS 100%. THE DISHWASER WAS A PLUSPOINT. CLEAN AND NEAT

Cons:

THERE IS NO WI-FI. NO DINNER ROOM AT THE HOTEL

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
B
Bennie • solo_traveller • za
8
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
P
Paul • couple • za
9
Relaxing. Great chalet and comfort.
Pros:

Location, friendly staff, informative and very helpful.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
E
Evie • solo_traveller • za
3
Very disappointing, overpriced and definitely not value for money.
Pros:

Location is fabulous and the shampoo and soaps etc good quality

Cons:

I was disappointed with the condition of the cottage. There was mould in the showers, a missing glass from the bathroom, an unwashed coffee cup in the cupboard, and a warped, unsightly warped bathroom mirror frame. The toaster was cheap and burnt the toast, and the duvet inner was bulky, uncomfortable, and poor quality. The garden path to the kitchen door was untidy, and the lack of burglar bars meant I couldn’t sleep with the windows open. My heart sank the moment I saw the neglected entrance. If this is rated 4 stars, it’s overrated — for the same price, The Edge would have been a far better choice. This was a very special weekend as I was scattering my brother’s ashes, and I chose The Arminel Forest Cottages to treat my daughter because it once set the standard. Sadly, it no longer lives up to its “home-from-home” promise.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
S
Shaun • family_with_children • za
10
2026-01-18 • via Nuitee
S
Sarah • extended_group • za
8
2026-01-18 • via Nuitee
A
Anjali • family_with_children • za
9
Lovely stay. The Arminel has always been lovely.
Pros:

Beautiful little cottage to stay for a weekend. The cottage was clean and comfortable. The new fireplace is very easy to use and smoke free.

Cons:

The pillows were not comfortable.

2026-01-14 • via Nuitee
R
Ronel • couple • za
8
Pros:

Beautiful place.

Cons:

Very quiet out of season. They did not tell us beforehand that restaurant and bar was closed. We did not book a self catering chalet but was allocated one.

2026-01-13 • via Nuitee
K
Katherine • family_with_children • za
8
Loved the self-catering chalets, but understand that you rely on dining services in the village. We went to an amazing r
Pros:

The guest chalet cottages are spacious, comfortable and well appointed.

Cons:

The hotel section with hotel rooms seems neglected. For example there was no fire made in the communal area even though was a chilly evening. The restaurant is also closed.

2026-01-13 • via Nuitee