Escape to Paradise: Arum Guest House, East London's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Arum Guest House, East London's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise? More Like a Glorious Glitch: My Arum Guest House Adventure
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average sanitized hotel review. We're diving headfirst into the Arum Guest House, East London’s self-proclaimed "Hidden Gem." And let me tell you, after my stay, it is hidden. Hidden from the world's cynicism, maybe? Or just… hidden, period.
Accessibility – Not Totally a Disaster (But Don't Expect the Red Carpet, Literally)
Look, I'm relatively able-bodied, so the accessibility thing wasn't my primary concern. But I did make a point of checking it out a bit. They say they have facilities for disabled guests. And the elevator, thank god for the elevator!… It wasn't palatial, let's put it that way. Like, you could probably fit a wheelchair in it, but you'd be cozy. And the hallways? Well, they're not exactly the Great Wide Open, so, yeah… Take that for what it's worth. They try, which is more than some places bother.
Cleanliness & Safety - They're Trying, Bless Their Hearts
Okay, this is where the Arum Guest House shone. Seriously, the COVID precautions were top-notch. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Staff looking like they'd just stepped out of a science fiction movie with all their PPE? Double check. Hand sanitizer pumps practically glued to every surface? Yep. They were serious about cleanliness. I even saw a little robot vacuum zipping around the lobby, which, honestly, I found more endearing than spooky.
And you know what? The rooms genuinely felt clean. They even offered an opt-out of room sanitization, which is a nice touch if you're, you know, that kind of germophobe. (Not me, I swear!)
Dining, Drinking & Snacking - An Adventure in Itself
Alright, let's talk food. The Arum isn't just a place to sleep; it’s a culinary journey, a winding road paved with… well, sometimes questionable choices.
- Restaurants: They have a restaurant, or rather, several "spaces" that could technically be called restaurants. One was a buffet thing, the other was a la carte, which is fancy for "order off a menu that might or might not have everything on it." I tried the Asian breakfast. It was…an experience. Let's just say I appreciate my bacon and eggs more than ever. The coffee, though? Surprisingly decent. Coffee/tea in restaurant, check!
- Poolside Bar: I didn't actually see a bar at the pool. The pool itself was pretty nice – a little gem with that "pool with a view" going for it. But the bar situation was more of a "bring your own" or "ask nicely." Happy hour? I was too busy trying to figure out what exactly was in that "Asian breakfast" to notice.
- Room Service 24-hour: Thank GOD for 24-hour room service. My midnight craving for a grilled cheese sandwich was met with surprising efficiency. It was a lifesaver!
Services & Conveniences – A Mixed Bag, Delightfully
Here's where the Arum Guest House really hits its stride - and sometimes, completely misses the mark.
- Internet Access: Free Wi-Fi? Absolutely! In all rooms? Yes! Fast? Eeehhh… It's there. It works. Sometimes. I did manage to annoy my boss with some crucial emails.
- Business Facilities: I didn't even notice a Xerox/fax situation, but they did provide an Invoice for the stay, which, hey, at least they are organized.
- Cash Withdrawal & Currency Exchange: Yes, Yes.
- Laundry Service: I was so tempted to load my dirty clothes up and get them all nice and cleaned up.
- Concierge: The front desk was surprisingly helpful. They booked a taxi for me and managed to find a decent restaurant that wasn't affiliated with the hotel.
- Indoor venue for special events: I did see some sort of small wedding reception going on one evening - pretty festive!
For The Kids - A Place for a Few Screaming Terrors, It Seems
I'm a single guy, no brats! However, the Arum Guest House seemed to tolerate little ankle-biters. Babysitting service? I didn't see it, but the presence of kids facilities suggests they might have it.
Things To Do, Ways to Relax - Spa? Seriously?
This is where things really got interesting.
- Spa & Wellness: OK, so the spa… I have to be honest. I'm not exactly a spa guy, but I was intrigued by the sauna and massage advertised. Well, I was at least able to locate the room dedicated to spa services, but the facilities weren't quite up to the standards I'm used to, if I'm being honest. I think I'll use my own methods for the sauna, since the Arum seems to lack an active one.
- Pool with view: The pool was lovely, though! As previously stated.
Getting Around – Free Parking… Score!
- Car Park [free of charge]: Seriously, this was a major win. Free parking is a rarity these days.
- Airport Transfer: They arranged it without a mess.
Availability in all rooms
The Room Itself – A Cozy Sanctuary (Mostly)
Okay, the room. My room. It was… fine. Definitely adequate, yes.
- Air conditioning: Thank God!!!
- Bathroom: Clean, functional, and actually had hot water. Bathrobes were a nice touch, though I'm pretty sure I just used them to mop up a spill.
- Internet access – wireless, internet access – LAN: It worked.
- Mini bar and Coffee/tea maker: Were both present, and I appreciated them!
- Beds: The bed was comfortable enough, though that extra-long bed was clearly designed for someone a whole lot taller than me.
- Window that opens: I definitely appreciated this since my room faced the road.
- In-room safe box: I didn't actually use it. But it was there!
I've used all these keywords to help you enjoy the search result! So, Is It Paradise?
Look, the Arum Guest House isn't perfect. But it’s got character! It's quirky, it's safe, it tries to be luxurious. Is it a hidden gem? Maybe. More like a well-polished pebble. Maybe. I'd stay there again? Absolutely. Especially if the Asian breakfast is off the menu.
Phuket Paradise: 3BR Villa w/ Pool, Gym, Parking & WiFi! (80% Off!)
Right, so… East London. Arum Guest House. South Africa. Land of… well, I'm still figuring that out, actually. This itinerary thing? More of a "suggestion" to my perpetually chaotic self, I think. Let's dive in, shall we? Buckle up, because it's gonna be a bumpy ride.
Day 1: Arrival and a Brush with the Breezes (Mostly Breezes)
Morning (ish - let’s face it, I’m always late): Landed at the airport (be glad you weren't on the plane with me - turbulence makes me… uh… let’s just say I scream a lot). Picked up the rental car. It’s a tiny, slightly battered thing named “Brenda” because, well, why not? Driving on the "wrong" side of the road? Already had a near-death experience involving a roundabout and a very patient bakkie (that's a pickup truck, for the uninitiated). Brenda and I are bonding, slowly.
Afternoon: Arrived at Arum Guest House. Absolutely charmed. That porch? Seriously, the porch sells the whole place. It's exactly what I needed after the frantic airport run. Check-in was a breeze (ha!), thanks to a lovely lady named Thandi who gave me the warmest welcome ever. The room is… well, it's clean. The bed looks inviting. More importantly, the Wi-Fi works! (Essentials, people, essentials). Immediately crashed on the bed I was so exhausted.
Evening: Decided to be brave (or, more accurately, hungry). Went for a walk to the beach. Gonubie Beach, I think? Gorgeous, yes. But my god the WIND. It's like being sandblasted. I attempted a sunset picture, but the wind practically ripped the camera from my hands. Ended up eating a mediocre fish and chips on a bench and shivering the whole time. Still, the waves were epic. Almost made the wind-induced chill worth it. Almost. (The chips needed salt, though. That was a crime.) My first impression: This place feels wild, untouched. A little bit scrappy, but in the best way possible.
Post-amble: Back at the guesthouse, I had a cup of tea and was too tired to work on my blog, so I thought I would go straight to bed . Reaction: Feeling slightly overwhelmed but mostly thrilled.
Day 2: Chasing Waterfalls (and maybe a little sanity)
Morning: I woke up late; breakfast was delicious and included lovely fresh fruit. Drove to the Nahoon Estuary Nature Reserve. The plan? A gentle hike (I need to take it easy; I’m on vacation, after all). Reality? Slightly overgrown trails, a rogue mosquito, and the constant fear of tripping over a root (I’m clumsy; it’s a fact). But the views! The estuary is breathtakingly beautiful. Birds, lush greenery… pure bliss. Managed to get a good picture without losing my camera.
Afternoon: Tried to visit the East London Museum. Got completely lost. Ended up driving in circles for an hour, yelling at Brenda (the car, remember?) and questioning every life choice that led me to this moment. Eventually found the museum. It was interesting (especially the Coelacanth exhibit – who knew?!), but frankly, I was too stressed from the earlier debacle to really absorb it. Still, glad I went. At least I tried.
Evening: Decided to double down on the beauty and head to one of the waterfalls (I think it was Mpongo Park? Again, getting lost is a real possibility). I didn't even attempt to take pictures because I was lost in my thoughts. The moment I stood there, listening to the water crash on the rocks below was simply serene and took my breath away. The air was fresh. I forgot all my problems. I wished I could stay forever. (The memory will forever be etched in my mind.) Reaction: Absolutely fell in love with the place.
Day 3: The Big Day
- Morning: I woke up feeling refreshed from the previous day's events, and I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. I sat down for breakfast and then had a very difficult decision to choose between a city tour or a wildlife tour. Wildlife tour won. So I packed my camera and headed out on my tour.
- Afternoon/ Evening: I arrived back at the guest house with a heavy heart. the trip was amazing but it was time to leave the next day. So I packed my bags and started planning the next day. Reaction: Sad.
Day 4: Departure (and a vague promise to maybe return, someday)
- Morning: Said a sad goodbye to Thandi (seriously, that woman is a gem). Checked out of Arum Guest House (sob). Brenda started acting up on the way to the airport.
- Afternoon: Boarded the plane. Looked out the window. East London shrank beneath me. It was a whirlwind. It was beautiful. It was… well, it was South Africa. I’m sad I had to leave but I cannot wait to return! Reaction: A mix of relief, sadness, and a deep, unexpected longing to return.
Escape to Paradise: Arum Guest House - The Messy Truth (FAQ Edition!)
Okay, spill the beans. Is Arum Guest House *actually* paradise, or is that just marketing fluff?
Ugh, the "paradise" thing? Look, it's East London. Let's not pretend we're talking Bora Bora here. But, and this is a big BUT, Arum Guest House, it's got a certain... *something*. It's not perfect. My first impression? The garden felt a little... overgrown. Like the kind of "overgrown" where you wonder if you're about to stumble upon a rogue velociraptor. (Okay, maybe not *that* overgrown. I have a vivid imagination, clearly.)
BUT – the pool? Glorious. Shimmering, clean, and on a day I was there, completely bathed in the East London sun, it felt like, yeah, *almost* paradise. The real paradise came later. More on that later, lemme tell it right. It’s a slow burn, this place. Not about the instant gratification of a perfect hotel. It’s about the slow creep of charm.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they actually nice, or are we talking tiny, cramped, and smelling vaguely of damp?
Alright, look, the rooms... they weren't, like, the *Four Seasons*. I'll be dead honest. One room I saw – I think it was the "Sunrise Suite" or something equally ambitious, *ahem* – the picture I saw online, looked amazing. In person? Yeah, the headboard was crooked and the paint job wasn’t the best. Felt I am walking through the wrong place. But the bed – oh, the BED. Seriously, that bed was possibly the most comfortable thing I've ever encountered that wasn't a massive fluffy dog. And the view from the window? Worth the crooked headboard, I swear.
Also, I totally got lost trying to find my room. Seriously. Woke up at 3am to walk and find myself in a random garden. Still don't know how. I should be on the Amazing Race, clearly.
Breakfast? Is breakfast included, and if so, is it the sad, lukewarm buffet kind?
Breakfast is included. And praise be, it wasn't just sad, lukewarm rubber eggs. Okay, it *was* a bit of a *vibe* at first - the food layout was a bit odd. Like, someone just randomly placed sausages next to the fruit salad. But then, the *taste* – the fresh fruit was juicy, the coffee was strong enough to raise the dead (in a good way!), and the cooked breakfast option...oh, my. I had some eggs, one day. They were cooked exactly how I wanted. Perfect. Crispy bacon, which is a must. And it's all delivered with this...genuine warmth from the staff. It’s not just a job, it's like they actually WANT you to enjoy it.
I think I even got a hug from one of the waiters one day. I don't really know why. Must have needed it. Either way, great vibe. Great food.
What's the location like? Is it actually near anything, or are you stranded in the middle of nowhere?
Okay, location. This is where Arum scores BIG. It's like, a *secret*. A hidden gem, tucked away but still close enough to the action. You got the beach nearby (East London beaches are awesome). There’s a shopping centre, a few decent restaurants, and – critically – a supermarket for emergency snack runs. Because let's be real, a girl (or guy) needs snacks.
On the subject of snack runs, one night, I got a craving for chocolate. Midnight. Found out i was locked inside the gate. Cue the embarrassment of banging for 20 minutes. One of the staff came to the rescue, grumpy at first but smiled after. I even offered him a piece of chocolate. He said yes.
Okay, what about the staff? Are they helpful, friendly, or are you going to spend your stay being ignored?
The staff? Honestly, they're the heart and soul of the place. Yes, they got *human* faces and emotions. The reception staff? Friendly, efficient, and remembered my name after, like, two seconds. This one guy, whose name I *think* was Joseph, he went above and beyond. I had a minor travel blunder – lost my wallet (don’t judge) - and he helped me out, even offered to drive me to the police station. Seriously, the level of kindness! It wasn’t manufactured, it was genuine. These are people who seem to actually care about their guests. That's rare.
I once, saw a housekeeper cleaning. I mean, *really* cleaning, on all fours. I offered to help but she shook her head with a gentle smile. So I went and got ice-cream. I am a team player.
Worth the money? Would you actually go back?
Worth the money? YES. Absolutely. Look, it's not the cheapest place in East London. But it gives you a genuine value, and it's a great place to spend a few days. I'd go back? In a heartbeat. I kinda miss it now. Especially the breakfast.
It might not be perfect. Yeah, it may be a bit rough around the edges. The headboard might be crooked. The garden might look a bit untamed. But those little imperfections are what make it real. They’re what make it *homey*. It's got a soul, this place. And sometimes, that's worth more than a perfectly polished hotel room.
Any hidden "cons" we should know about?
Okay, the *warts*. Let's be real. As i said, getting lost in my room. The Wi-Fi? Sometimes a little spotty. But hey, it's the perfect excuse to switch off. The pool? Can get a little crowded on busy days. Some of the decor is, um, shall we say, "eclectic." It’s like they found a vintage store and said, "Yes! Everything!"
But honestly? You can overlook all of that. I slept like a baby. I felt looked after. I could be myself. And let's be clear. That's not something you find every day. I recommend this place – but please, don’t ruin it by all going there. I want to still be able to get a room, next time.
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