Esibayeni Lodge, Matsapha

- we had dirty smelly water running down the driveway next to our chalet and when we asked for it to be sorted out, nothing was done - room safe didn't work and when we asked for it to be sorted out, nothing was done - kitchen utensils were very basic - aircon was leaking - lots of little things e.g. no bin in bedroom, shower rail far from shower so drip on floor etc.

I stayed with my family over the period 22 December 2008 to 02 January 2009 in self-catering chalet accomodation. My first impressions was that the place looked very clean and serene, exactly what we were looking for. I was actually suprised that given that it was a peak season there were very few people booked into the accomodation. The chalet was cleaned eveyday and the dishes were also washed by the staff. While the overall experience was fine the following issues were of concern: - We were not told that the lodge hosts the biggest new year party in Swaziland. On the 31st December and the 1st January it was painful to stay in the place. Youngsters were all over the place drunk and the noise was unbearable. Although we reassured by the reception staff that entry to the place would not be a problem for residents on the 31st December and no special arrangements are necessary, we had to argue our way to the chalet with security and bouncers. - The reception staff conveniently forget that they need to refund you a key deposit. - While the place has electric fencing, people attending the party on the 31st were able to by-pass security and jump into the lodge. So if someone wants to steal from you they can easily do so. - There were many problems with the television. We could not get the local TV station reception and the Satelite channels (DSTV) were limited and changed at will by someone in higher office. - We had to ask for a shower curtain. - We had to ask for tin and bottle openers. - Although we filled iin a form to show that we were staying over a relatively prolonged peiod, the reception staff chose to charge at first a higher daily rate until the following day when we re-enquired. If I go back again it will not be in the same period.