Park House Lodge

Park House is a historic Mossel Bay Sandstone house built in... It's a delightful, quirky place and a good place to stop over to explore Mossel Bay if you look for value for money and are not afraid of meeting a wide range of people from all walks of life. There are two sides to the House - one a Lodge and the other a more basic backpacker's experience. The Lounge and bar, brazo and other communal areas are shared. The attraction of Park House is its history and position in the Old City, close to or within walking distance of the historic centre with its quirky restaurants, cafes, unique Monroe house theatre, antique shops, flea markets, harbour fish restaurants - and wonderful beaches. The furniture is period and absolutely in keeping with the age of the house and it's history - which I loved. I was there precisely because it is a Historic monument to Victorian Mossel Bay - and I wanted to feel I was in a period house, not some over-restored fake that tried to hide it's blemishes and age! One of the attractions too is that Park House is in a very quiet area - by a delightful historic park with fountains and streams and an animal sanctuary. The House has a delightful tree shaded and grassy garden for guests to enjoy - and a historic porch to eat on. The night I stayed I only heard birds and the sound of gentle rain on the garden. I must also say that all the guests I experienced - coming from a wide range of professions and social position - were respectful and thoughtful of others - perhaps responding to the general ethos that one feels immediately on entering the House. The point about Park House is the experience of staying in a historic house. Some guests who have posted less than complimentary reviews seem not to understand this and should do their research more carefully before deciding where to stay! The House is filled with historic woodwork (the precious yellow-wood stairs, window frames and shutters are a glory!!) The property is not a chic, modern place - it has old, worn corners and is an old Lady!! so if you are seeking the usual modern, generic, ordinary hotel experience, go elsewhere! My experience was happy and memorable. The House is very well managed by Lelani and her staff - on a very tight budget. She has been holding this venerable old Lady in her care for some years and, with limited resources, is doing a commendable job. The House is spotless, well maintained as possible (within the constraints of an old, largely un-restored house). Lelani provides little touches such as natural air fresheners in the bathrooms, fresh soap, the beds are made up wit fresh looking and attractive linen and look excellent. The Communal Kitchen is a basic backpackers one but has good clean crockery and the usual utensils (in the usual state! - but this IS a backpacker's kitchen, so go figure! ) I certainly will be returning to Park House to stay when on my next visit to this surprising, slightly sleepy historic City.