Caution: Check out vetted establishments in Mossel Bay

23 Dec 2011

Though membership of Mossel Bay Tourism is voluntary, as is the professional grading of hospitality establishments, it pays to check out holiday accommodation before arriving to avoid disappointment. This is the advice of Mossel Bay Tourism's Marcia Holm.

(Image: Dellex, via wikimedia Commons)

"Unfortunately the law does not require accommodation providers to have their properties professionally graded but as a result we've become aware of at least three recent cases where guests have arrived here, only to find that the rooms they've booked have been well below standard," she said.

"Three is a small number, when you consider that a recent desktop survey estimated that, at its busiest, the area accommodates up to 60 000 visitors a night in self-catering resorts, lodges, hotels, B&Bs, backpackers, caravan and camping sites, and privately owned holiday homes.

"However, this kind of incident is always very distressing for the guests concerned but we're pleased to report that the people involved have been reimbursed and were able to find more suitable accommodation elsewhere."

Check before committing

"While our members are free to choose whether or not to grade their establishments with organisations such as the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa or Cape Town Routes Unlimited, Mossel Bay Tourism screens every property that applies for membership before we accept any applications. Members of the Guest House Guild are assessed by their peers.

"So, if you don't know the property personally and you want to make sure that your accommodation is going to be equal to what you've been promised, it's always a good idea to make sure. Check if it is a member of Mossel Bay Tourism or that it's been assessed by a reputable agency and that its grading is up to date.

"All its members - whether they provide accommodation or activities - are listed on our website, www.visitmosselbay.co.za,"she concluded.