Pretoria's Hidden Gem: Purple Olive Guest House Awaits!
Pretoria's Hidden Gem: Purple Olive Guest House Awaits!
Pretoria's Purple Olive: A Guest House Review - Maybe They're Good, Maybe They're Not, But Here's What I Saw (and Felt!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your average, sanitized hotel review. We're diving headfirst into the Purple Olive Guest House in Pretoria, a place promising "hidden gem" vibes. Prepare for some unfiltered thoughts, a few tangents, and potentially a whole lotta "meh" or "OMG, I NEED to go back!" Let's get messy!
First Impressions & Accessibility - The Entryway to Awesomeness, or Not?
Finding the Purple Olive? Easy peasy. Getting around once you’re there? That's the million-dollar question. Let's be honest, accessibility is HUGE for me. I like rolling up, not getting stuck.
- Accessibility: The website vaguely mentions "facilities for disabled guests." Vaguely isn't enough! I need specifics. Does it have ramps? Wide doorways? Accessible bathrooms in the accessible rooms (if they have 'em)? I didn't see anything concrete online and that always makes me nervous. I'd call ahead… or ask for pictures.
- Car Park [Free of Charge]: Score! Free parking is always a win. Made the initial arrival less stressful. Though, and this is a minor gripe, it wasn't the most clearly marked. A few extra signs wouldn't hurt, Purple Olive!
- Getting Around: Elevator? Crucial. The listing says "Elevator," thank the heavens.
Rooms: My Room, My Kingdom? (Probably Not, But We'll See!)
Okay, the rooms. This is where the rubber meets the road, right? They list everything, so here we go. I'm gonna be brutally honest.
Available in all rooms: (Deep Breath) Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
- Whew. That's a LOT. Seriously, a scale?? Okay Purple Olive, classy. Now, how much of this actually delivers? The bed better be comfy, the blackout curtains better actually block out the sun (I hate being woken up early!), and the Wi-Fi better actually work. Those are my bare minimums.
- My First Real Problem: Carpeting? Ugh. Carpeting in a bathroom situation – hard pass. More so if you're like me and have even a slight bit of a germaphobe in you. I'd be double-checking the cleaning protocols.
- Soundproofing: Praying to the soundproofing gods for this one. I need peace and quiet to work effectively. Loud neighbours will be the bane if my existence.
- Internet Access [LAN] and Internet access – wireless: Great, options! I hope they both work. My laptop workspace is my lifeline. And yes, I plan on using the complimentary tea.
- Important Disclaimer: I didn't stay in every room (obviously!), so this is all based on what's listed and what I'd personally look for.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food, Glorious Food (Or, the Dreaded Buffet)
Let's be real, the food situation can make or break a stay.
- Restaurants: They got 'em! Plural! Hopefully the food is actually good.
- Breakfast [Buffet]: Oh dear God. The buffet. Listen, I love a good buffet sometimes. But a bad buffet? A buffet of disappointment? That's a soul-crushing experience.
- A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant: More options are always good. Hoping for a menu that's not just your standard hotel fare.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Crucial! I need my morning caffeine fix, and the fact that they acknowledge this is already a good sign. If they offer good coffee, I'm practically sold.
- Room service [24-hour]: HELL YES. Essential for emergencies (or late-night snack attacks).
- Poolside bar: A poolside bar? Now you're talking. That's the dream, honestly. Cocktails and sunshine… what more could you want?
- Asian cuisine in restaurant, Asian breakfast: Interesting! A bold move. I'm cautiously optimistic; I love me some good noodles.
- Vegetarian restaurant: YES! A strong plus in my book. Always happy to see veggie options.
- Happy hour: Raises hand. Tell me more.
- Bottle of water: An absolute must-have.
- Snack bar: Perfect for those midday munchies.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Spa Day Anyone? (Maybe…)
Okay, this is where the "hidden gem" part comes into play. What can you actually do here?
- Spa: Okay. Okay. I'm listening.
- Sauna, Steamroom, Spa/sauna: Sigh. I love a good sauna! If they do it properly, I'm already envisioning myself in a blissful state of relaxation.
- Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap: This is promising. Spa treatments are the ultimate in relaxation. If they have a good therapist… consider me gone.
- Swimming pool, Pool with view: YES! Pool with a view. Now this is where we're talking.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Good to have.
- Foot bath: Now that's a little different. I'm intrigued.
Cleanliness and Safety - Is It Safe to Relax?
This is the big one, right? In this day and age, safety is everything.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays: Okay, impressive. This is what I like to see. This shows they give a damn.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Good. That's reassuring.
- First aid kit, Doctor/nurse on call: Always good to have.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms: More good things.
- Safe dining setup: I hope that applies to the buffet and the bar!
- Cashless payment service: Another plus for safety and convenience.
- Important Disclaimer: I’m relying on what is stated in these categories. Personally, I'd be taking a good look around upon arrival to check out the cleaning practices myself.
Services and Conveniences - The Perks (and Possible Pains)
- Air conditioning in public area: Hallelujah. South Africa can get hot.
- Concierge: Helpful if you need help with anything.
- Contactless check-in/out: Smoother check-in? I'm in.
- Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: Very convenient.
- Luggage storage: A practical boon.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings: For those needing to combine business with pleasure.
- Cash withdrawal: Helpful.
- Gift/souvenir shop: If you need a last-minute gift.
- Doorman: A nice touch.
- Elevator: Already covered this one, but still, great.
- Car park [on-site], Car park [free of charge]: More parking wins.
For the Kids - A Family-Friendly Getaway?
- Family/child friendly, Babysitting service, Kids meal, Kids facilities: Good if you have kids.
Getting Around
- Airport transfer, Taxi service, Valet parking: Useful.
- Car park [on-site], Car park [free of charge], Car power charging station: Also good to have.
The Verdict (So Far…)
Look, I want to say this place is a "hidden gem." The potential is definitely there. But the proof is in the pudding, or in this case, the buffet. My personal experience will make or break it, but these listed factors are definitely a great start. I’
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Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your sanitized, perfect travel guide. This is a Purple Olive Guest House experience, and it's going to be… well, real.
Purple Olive Guest House: Pretoria - The Messy, Magnificent Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Crisis of a Really Comfy Bed
- 14:00: Arrived at OR Tambo. Ugh, airport. Always a soul-sucking preamble to the adventure. The taxi ride to Purple Olive (that name! So pretentious-yet-charming!) took FOREVER. Traffic was a nightmare, and I'm pretty sure the driver was secretly judging my touristy map-reading skills.
- 15:30: Check-in. Ooh, pretty! The Purple Olive is actually kinda gorgeous. Jacaranda trees dripping purple outside, making me feel like I'm in a particularly vibrant painting. The owner, bless her heart, is a whirlwind of energy. Greeted me like a long-lost friend, with a smile that could melt glaciers. She then launched into a five-minute monologue about the history of the house and the best places for coffee, all in her lilting South African accent. Adorable, but I was still running on airport fumes, and all I wanted were some water.
- 16:00: Room exploration. Here we go! My room is… surprisingly large. And the bed. The bed. It's one of those cloud-like situations. I’m not joking, I could literally disappear into that thing. I spent a solid 20 minutes just lying on it, contemplating the meaning of life and the profound importance of a good mattress. This bed is a trap, I swear. I will never leave Pretoria.
- 16:30: Okay, must… fight… the… bed… Went for a wander around the guest house. Found a ridiculously charming courtyard and a pool that's probably too chilly for me, but still, a pool. Smells of frangipani and something else… something savory?
- 17:00: Coffee Time! The owner's recommendation for "The Daily Grind" was spot on. Wandered around the area, feeling ridiculously out of place, but also strangely invigorated. Pretoria is definitely not as I imagined. It's… green. Really green. And the air smells amazing.
- 18:00: Back to the Purple Olive. Bed has won. I surrender. Just a quick nap. Just a little… oh god.
- 19:30: Wake up in a panic. I've slept through dinner! And it's dark now. I feel like a useless blob.
- 20:00: Found some leftover fruit and crackers in the room (thank god for snack generosity!). The owner, saw me and gave me a knowing look, she probably recognized my sleep-induced coma. I could have sworn she winked. This place is slowly turning me into a marshmallow.
- 21:00: Attempted to journal. Mostly just a collection of sleepy scribbles and the words "BED IS LIFE." Realized I have no idea how to work the TV. And the WiFi is patchy. Maybe this is a sign I should just… sleep. Seriously, where is the snooze button on life?
Day 2: History, High Tea, and the Unexpected Allure of Biltong
- 08:00: Breakfast. OH. MY. GOD. The breakfast at Purple Olive is phenomenal. Fresh fruit, perfectly cooked eggs, and the best damn sausage I've had in ages. I practically inhaled it. I seriously need to ask the owner about her sausage secret.
- 09:00: The Union Buildings. Okay, so I'm a history nerd, or at least I aspire to be one. This place is impressive. HUGE. Stood in awe for a bit and took a million photos, of corse, I was trying to make one for my Instagram. The gardens are stunning, and the whole place just oozes gravitas. The views of Pretoria are pretty spectacular too.
- 11:00: Headed to Voortrekker Monument. Now, this is where it gets interesting. It’s HUGE. And imposing. And a bit… intense. You can see the architecture and the art, but you can't escape the history. It was a tough one, and I found myself torn between historical curiosity and what felt like a very personal weight.
- 12:30: Needed a breather. Found a cute cafe near the monument. Coffee and contemplation. And people-watching. Found that watching other people has become a significant part of my travel experience.
- 14:00: The owner told me about high tea at a local hotel. I am not a "high tea" person. It's all a bit… fussy. But I decided to be adventurous. I still feel like I'm in an old movie and it's kind of fun. Little sandwiches with the crusts cut off, delicate pastries, and endless tea. I even managed to keep my pinky finger down (which, for me, is a victory). And had some great conversation.
- 16:00: Back to Purple Olive. I'm tired. But I'm also… happy? Pretoria is growing on me.
- 17:00: Snack shopping. Found a local market. This is where things got messy. I bought some biltong. Biltong is… cured, dried meat. Sounds awful, right? WRONG! It's amazing. Like savory jerky from heaven. I may have bought an embarrassingly large amount.
- 18:00: Sitting on the balcony, devouring biltong and planning the next day. Realizing my "messy" itinerary is just as important as everything else, maybe even more so.
- 19:00: Dinner. Found a local restaurant, tried some authentic South African food. Bobotie, which is the perfect name for a dish. The flavors exploded in my mouth. I also tried some local beer. Very good, and I felt like a real local for a hot minute.
- 20:00: Back to the Purple Olive. The bed is calling. Good night, Pretoria.
Day 3: Wildlife, Wonder, and the Reluctant Departure
- 07:00: Early rise, or at least, as early as I can manage. Heading to the Lion & Safari Park. I'm not a huge fan of zoos, but this one is supposed to be different and offers lion encounters.
- 08:00: Breakfast. Fuel up. I need all the energy I can get for the adventure!
- 09:00: Lion & Safari Park. Okay, this was incredible. The lions were majestic. Being able to watch them up close, and seeing them in their natural habitat, was awesome. I was a little nervous when the lions were near, and it was a truly humbling experience; I also petted a giraffe, and it was the softest thing I've ever touched. My heart skipped a beat.
- 12:00: Back to Purple Olive, filled with wild dreams and memories.
- 13:00: Packing- which is never my strongest suit.
- 14:00: A final farewell to the owner (and the bed!) before heading off to the airport. The owner's warmth, the beautiful purple jacarandas, and the delicious biltong.
- 15:00: Taxi to the airport. The traffic is still horrendous. The existential dread returns.
- 16:00: At OR Tambo. Waiting for my flight. Feeling a strange mix of sadness and exhilaration.
- 17:00: Boarding. Looking out the window, a silent thank you to Pretoria, and the Purple Olive for the wild ride.
Postscript:
So, that's it. My messy, magnificent adventure in Pretoria. It wasn't perfect. It was full of unexpected delights, moments of profound beauty, and a whole lot of biltong. But it was real. And that's what makes it unforgettable. And it all started with that damn bed. The moral of the story? Always trust a good mattress. And maybe pack more biltong. You'll thank me later. Now I just have to find my next adventure and make it just as messy. Wish me luck!
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Purple Olive Guest House: The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But (Mostly)
Okay, spill the beans! What *is* the Purple Olive Guest House like, actually? The real, unfiltered picture?
Alright, alright! No sugarcoating here. Picture this: you're driving down a leafy Pretoria street, absolutely *dripping* with Jacaranda blossom in spring (breathtaking, by the way). Then, *bam!* You see it – a slightly quirky, definitely charming, almost-but-not-quite-perfect little haven called Purple Olive. It's not some sterile hotel chain; it's more like staying at your cool aunt's place, if your cool aunt had impeccable taste and a seriously comfy bed.
My first thought? "This is… smaller than I expected." Website photos, you know? They always make things look grander. But that *smallness* quickly melts away. Suddenly you're wrapped in this cozy, almost secretive, feeling. It's the kind of place where you can wander around barefoot, sipping your coffee, and pretending you have no responsibilities. (Which, for a weekend, is glorious).
The décor? Oh, the décor! A delicious mishmash. Think vibrant colours, interesting artwork (some of which *I* could probably do better, to be honest, but it works!), and the unmistakable feel of a place lived in and loved. It’s not overly designed or pretentious. It's homey, which is exactly what you *want* from a guest house, right?
Let's talk about the rooms. What's the deal with the beds? Are we talking fluffy cloud or concrete slab?
Okay, the beds. This is important. Because after a long day of exploring Pretoria or, let's be honest, *doing nothing* but reading a book, you want a good night's sleep. The Purple Olive delivers. They're seriously comfortable. Not *quite* fluffy cloud (nothing's perfect!), but definitely on the higher end of the comfort scale. Think firm, supportive mattress, crisp, clean linen, and enough pillows to build a small fort. I'm pretty sure I spent half my first night just... lying there, appreciating the sheer *comfort* of it all.
One tiny, *tiny* gripe: the pillows. They're good, don't get me wrong, but they didn't *quite* mould to my head in that perfect, cloud-like way. (I'm a pillow snob, what can I say?). But honestly? That's nitpicking. Overall, the rooms are well-appointed, clean, and quiet. Perfect for recharging those travel batteries.
Breakfast! Is it worth getting out of that comfy bed for? Give me the lowdown.
Breakfast at the Purple Olive? YES. Absolutely, 100% YES. I'm a breakfast person, and I'm telling you, it's GOOD. It's not some pre-packaged, buffet-style misery. It's proper, home-cooked goodness. I'm talking fresh fruit, creamy yogurt, perfectly cooked eggs (however you like 'em), crispy bacon (the *most* important thing, obviously), and decent coffee. My first morning, I had a full English, and let me tell you, I was set for the day. I mean, absolutely *stuffed*, but happy.
There's also a bit of a *personality* to the breakfast. It's served in a bright, cheerful dining room, and the staff are genuinely friendly. It felt less like a chore and more like... well, a lovely conversation and a really delicious meal. They were even happy to make little changes, I asked for something a tad different. It was the personal touch that made it extra special. Though… I did accidentally drop a bit of my toast. (Don’t judge, tiredness.) But no one batted an eyelid; they just offered me some more. Bravo!
Anything negative? Any potential dealbreakers? Lay it on me!
Okay, the downsides. Let's be real. No place is perfect. Here's the thing: I *loved* Purple Olive. But… here’s the honest-to-goodness, warts-and-all truth.
Firstly, the entrance can be a *little* tricky to find, especially if you're relying on Google Maps (which, let's be honest, we all do!). I may or may not have driven past it the first time, three times. It's not *bad*, just… slightly hidden. So, keep your eyes peeled! (And maybe print out the directions, just in case.)
Secondly - and this is *very* personal - I found the Wi-Fi a bit dodgy in my room. It worked perfectly fine in the communal areas, but in my room… well, let's just say I had a few moments of Instagram withdrawal. (The horror!) But honestly, that’s more a first-world problem, isn't it? Could be the walls, the location, the technology gods having a laugh at my expense, who knows?
And finally… Okay, I'm stretching here, but the parking is a little tight. Not impossibly tight, just... a little. But honestly? It’s all so minor. It really is. For the price, cleanliness, and overall experience, it's worth it. Seriously, those are the only gripes I can think of, and honestly, they are minuscule compared to the overall experience.
I'm not going to lie - I'm already checking dates to return. Seriously. It's the kind of place that gets under your skin. You leave feeling refreshed, rested, and already homesick for that breakfast.
What about the location? Is it central? Close to stuff?
The location is pretty darn good, actually. Pretoria is a bit of a spread-out city, so you're not going to stumble out the door and be in the middle of everything like you would in another city. But, Purple Olive is surprisingly well-situated.
You’re within a reasonable driving distance of most of the major attractions. Union Buildings? Close. The Voortrekker Monument? Not a problem. Some decent restaurants? Yep. There's a lovely little cafe down the road. I spent a sunny afternoon wandering down there!
It feels relatively safe, too. It's in a nice, leafy suburb with that feeling of a residential district. You won't feel like you're in the thick of things. And it is certainly a relief, being able to retreat to a quiet, peaceful haven after a day exploring the city.
Tell me about a specific, memorable moment at Purple Olive. Something that really stuck with you.
Okay, here's one. It's silly, really, but it sums up the whole vibe of Purple Olive. I had a seriously rough morning. I got lost (again!), spilled coffee all over my favorite shirt (which, naturally, I'd chosen to wear *that* day), and generally felt like a walking disaster. I arrived at Purple Olive feeling totally frazzled.Unbelievable Alpenhotel Fernau: Your Austrian Dream Escape Awaits!
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