The Kimberley Club

Verified reviewvery good

A place where first impressions does not last When I drove 500 km and arrived at 1 am to book in, I firstly could not find the place as I think that the Kimberley Municipality has rearranged all the roads and made just one to many 'one ways'. It was a nightmare as the place is really dodgey and my navigator could not even find or direct me nor could the staff, lucky I had people from Kimberley meeting us at the begining of the city and eventually found it. At first glance, I was terrified when looking at the place at night as it looked as if I was entering a bricked up 16th century prison. However despite my nerves I ventured into the place and looked around to see if I would survive alone in such a place. I settled into the luxury room and never wanted to leave throughout my stay.....I fell in love with the huge lemon tree outside my window and the deco was full of charm. Lots of wood and deep buttoned cushions. Felt as if I was royalty for those moments. Roamed around the courtyard and was given a tour by Joseph, one of the waiters....he was terribly entertaining. The place reminded me of my school and University (UCT) which is lost in a colonial time. The reading room was great and I was in awe of the rose window . Good classic staircase and full of heritage! I enjoyed my stay there over the weekend, the staff (Elvie, Kenneth and Joseph) and service was great and went out of there way for my every whim.....even a box of matches at 2 am. I booked into the luxury room and thoroughly enjoyed my stay. Was refreshed and relaxed. The rennovation is great and has a stately feel about the place, rose windows, fireplaces, it does have the "Old Boys" feel. I share the exact same sentiment as the previous reviewer James: Excerpt from his review: "Although the rooms and service are excelent I had a few issues: The internet access is non existent in the courtyard rooms and when you can get on content is filtered (as it would be in a work place eg no myspace, facebook, messenger etc). The clientelle is mostly older white men (I suspect Club Members) and older couples. A very old boys network feel to the place. Being a guest I did not feel very comfortable in the "public" areas. There is a very upper class, stuffy (and loud posh accents!) atmosphere. I couldnt wait to get out for a meal/drink - however the club is also located in a not particularly nice area of town (although Im not sure where is nice in Kimberley) and there does not appear to be any alterntive venues nearby (walking)." I will return to the Kimberley Club, over and over again as it was a great place to do some studying and have told everyone about it, I even gave them a tour by webcam and they have also fallen in love with the place and are planning to experience a holiday there . There is not much to do in Kimberley (at all) therefore this is an excellent place to recover from heavy laden city life!

August 2009

Verified reviewgood

Very nice, luxury boutique style hotel with a lot of history for Kimberley. Rooms are excellent with AC, DSTV, huge walk in shower rooms etc. The property is lovely with a lot of character. There are no facilites expect a bar and restaurant and nothing within walking distance. There is a secure carpark at the back and across the road. The reception staff are excellent (once you have gone through 2 secure gates/doors to get in) Although the rooms and service are excelent I had a few issues: The internet access is non existent in the courtyard rooms and when you can get on content is filtered (as it would be in a work place eg no myspace, facebook, messenger etc). The clientelle is mostly older white men (I suspect Club Members) and older couples. A very old boys network feel to the place. Being a guest I did not feel very comfortable in the "public" areas. There is a very upper class, stuffy (and loud posh accents!) atmosphere. I couldnt wait to get out for a meal/drink - however the club is also located in a not particularly nice area of town (although Im not sure where is nice in Kimberley) and there does not appear to be any alterntive venues nearby (walking).

December 2008