Kiara Lodge ★★★

"Had actually booked a trip to Tashkent but because of the unhinged antics of the Fanta-faced effwit currently occupying the White House, the trip had to be moved to September, so settled for Clarens instead. Kiara Lodge is a largely self-catering resort situated about fifteen minutes from the overly-twee town of Clarens. The lodge is beautifully nestled between some gorgeous mountains in the Free State. It’s also a quick five-minute drive to the Golden Gate Highlands National Park with its awesome new Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Museum (do visit – it’s amazing, especially for children). We booked a one-bedroom apartment for two people. It was large and roomy, with an equally huge balcony (almost wrap-around) with barbecue facilities – very impressive. Bathroom was great as well with a fantastically hot shower. We didn’t make much use of the kitchen utensils but there seemed to be just about everything you’d need for cooking. There’s also a fireplace which warms the place nicely (there was a cold snap during our April/May visit). The apartments are very clean and are serviced daily by the wonderful staff – with plenty of fresh towels on hand. We chose a stay with breakfast included at the on-premises restaurant - not a good option to be honest. Food was somewhat limited and unexciting in options and could charitably be described as “wholesome”. It was fresh though but very dull after the third day. You’d be better off taking your own. We also had one particularly surly and lugubrious character at breakfast who served us sometimes – if ever there was someone who had something of the night about him… Outside, there are plenty of hiking trails – one of which leads to some rather lacklustre and ill-kept San paintings on the property. This is the place for early-morning walks and deep silences. There’s also a great heated indoor swimming pool on the premises but the little tykes were like greyhounds straining at the slips. If you like your swimming environment to be hot, sweaty and shouty, this is just the place for you. Fortunately, it rained one day and we were able to use the pool – just the once. Would love to have used it every day. The resort has quite a number of properties crammed into a pretty small space so If you’re anti-social and claustrophobic (like me), try and get a room at the edges of the resort. These tend to make you feel less like you’re residing in a Midrand apartment block. Also, not sure if it was because of the long weekend but check-in was strictly at 3pm so don’t bother getting there early – lots of families with grumpy children crowding around reception demanding rooms. Kiara Lodge was a wonderful stay and one I’d quite happily return to – soon I hope."

The Love Story Guest House ★★★★

Protea Hotel Clarens ★★★★

"We picked Protea Clarens for a short stay for one night as we were travelling from Drakensberg over to Bloemfontein. The receptionist was nice, the room - fresh and spacious, we had everything we needed. The view from the balcony was amazing. On top of the fact that there was a guarded parking, we were able to walk everywhere in Clarens, which was super convenient. Can't comment on breakfast as we didn't have one."

Fouriesburg Country Inn ★★★★

"Stopped for quick coffee, but had milkshake & Chai Latte. Milkshake R65) was delicious, caramel and mint. Chai Latte, (R45) was a disappointment, could barely taste the Chai, tasted more like vanilla latte. We were the only two people in the garden and it took about 40 minutes to get the two drinks. When we were paying I asked the waiter if they used the powder for the latte and he said yes. If you want to charge R45 for a chai latte, don't skimp on the ingredients."

Mont d'Or Hotel Clarens ★★★★

"Awesome weekend at Mont D'Or hotel in Clarens. Comfy beds and great service from very friendly staff."

The Green Acorn Guest House ★★★★

" The Green Acorn Guesthouse staff is very friendly and helpfull . Rooms very clean and comfortable. Will recommend to everyone. "

Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge ★★★

"A wonderful lodge at an altitude of 2,200 meters. There's a restaurant and a shuttle to the start of the trek to Tugela Falls. The rooms are small but cozy."

Stonehaven Clarens ★★★★

"All was perfect The waitress was the best Luna... We had fun places nice nd clean..the place is suitable and accommodate kids as well. Nice and safe..the food is delicious and not expensive at all.the eniiromnt is welcoming and packing are is safe and has good car gurds"

Knock Out View Clarens ★★★

"I would go there every weekend if possible!! Clean, neat, place, comfortable beds, clean bathroom. Love the fireplace"