Horrible.
For the past seven years, my family and I have enjoyed wonderful festive seasons on the South Coast, but this year was undoubtedly one of the worst experiences we've had. Ramsgate Palms 24, while clean, did not meet the expectations set by the advertised photos. Initially, I booked a 6-sleeper, 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit - I have two young boys who were perfectly happy to sleep on the sleeper couch in the lounge. However, on our first night, when we invited two guests over for coffee, we were rudely informed by the caretaker that 2-bedroom units could only accommodate a maximum of 4 guests. It was only after we showed her our booking for 6 people that she backed off. During this encounter, we were handed a copy of the body corporate rules, which state that 2-bedroom units are limited to 4 guests. There was also a long list of additional rules, including quiet time after 10 pm and expectations that children must be on their best behaviour. That same evening at 10:30 pm, I received a call from LekkeSlaap, who had received a complaint from the owner about overcrowding. We explained that we had only had my sister, her husband and 4-month-old baby over briefly for coffee, and they had already left. The following morning, I received a threatening call from the owner, claiming she had been fined R1500 because of overcrowding and that she knew more people slept over. Again, I explained my sister and them only came round for a quick coffee, but when we were confronted about guests, they immediately left. To which she responded that she received information that only 1 guy left in a white double cab bakkie - I tried to explain that my sister was probably sitting at the back with the baby, but she wouldn't give me a chance to explain. Based on the body corporate rules and the fact that the listing was later changed to reflect the unit as a 4-sleeper, I suspect the fine wasn't due to us having two guests over for coffee, but because the owner had violated the rules by accepting a booking for 6 people. In all my years of staying in Margate, Ramsgate, Uvongo, and Shelly Beach, I have never encountered a rule forbidding friends or family from visiting for a simple coffee. It’s totally unheard of, had I known guests were forbidden, I really wouldn't have invited anyone around. Nonetheless, I wish I had known the following before booking Ramsgate Palms 24. Perhaps you will find this information useful: 1. There are 3 sets of rules—owner’s rules, body corporate rules, and rules on the website. The owner prohibits visitors, but the body corporate rules and website make no mention of this. 2. The allocated parking space is now located at the top of a steep hill, requiring a walk up 76 stairs to reach your car. Be sure to confirm parking details before arrival, as we were sent in circles trying to find out where we could park. 3. Only permanent residents can use visitor parking for guests. 4. The complex is not child-friendly, nor is it suitable for families who enjoy having fun and making noise. It’s more along the lines of a glorified retirement village. 5. The caretaker is overly concerned about overcrowding and noise levels, but drinking and partying until 11 pm is allowed at the pool by some residents. 6. While the listing states check-out is at 10 am, the owner requests that you leave by 8 am. 7. It literally feels as if you are constantly under surveillance! While sitting on the patio one afternoon, the caretaker shouted from the pool, in front of everyone, that she heard a window had been broken in our unit, which was really not true, we didn't break anything. I am extremely disappointed and will not return to Ramsgate Palms 24. I will certainly never book with this rude host again.
Word in die oorspronklike taal vertoon.
