The Trail House

The Trail House

Comfortable bed but bare minimum 'creature comforts' provided
Traveller (6)
Room & Suite (11)
Dining (1)

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Avg. C$50 /night, 2/17 - 2/18
C$54
per night
C$50
per night
C$46
per night

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Reflects recent average nightly prices reported by our partners, and may not include estimated taxes or fees. Price at checkout may differ.
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About

#2 of 4 guest houses in Betty's Bay
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.5 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.5 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality

See why so many travellers make The Trail House their guest house of choice when visiting Betty's Bay. Providing an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience, it offers a charming setting with an array of amenities designed for travellers like you.

Guest rooms offer a flat screen TV, and The Trail House makes getting online easy as free wifi is available.

You can also take advantage of some of the amenities offered by the guest house, including an outdoor fireplace and outdoor furniture. In addition, guests can enjoy barbeque facilities during their visit. As an added convenience, there is free parking available to guests.

While in Betty's Bay be sure to experience local shawarma favourites at The Whaling Station Greek Mediterranean.

During your visit, be sure to check out a popular art gallery like John the Potter Pottery gallery, which is a short distance from the guest house.

At The Trail House, your comfort and satisfaction come first, and they look forward to welcoming you to Betty's Bay.

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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Special diet menus
Beach
Canoeing
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
BBQ facilities
Non-smoking hotel
Internet
Diving
Hiking
Horseback riding
Snorkelling
Windsurfing
Fishing
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Private check-in / check-out
Room features
Fireplace
Clothes rack
Coffee / tea maker
Kitchenware
Flatscreen TV
Bath / shower
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans
Traveller rating
  • 21
  • 5
  • 0
  • 1
  • 2
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
Selected filters
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Detailed Reviews
Eleta N wrote a review Feb 2020
Hartlepool, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed at the trail house studio and it was a fabulous place to stay. We settled ourselves in for 9 days and made great use of the studio and all the appliances for self catering providing. Hot shower, great kitchen equipment, use of gas braii and also induction hob for cooking. Great views of the mountains and the sea and good location not only for Betty’s bay but also to travel to other villages of Hermanus, Pringle bay., Gordon’s bay and Cape Town. We loved it.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
costas t wrote a review Sep 2016
western cape
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This is a small guest house with comfortable and clean rooms and reasonable prices.
Great safe location overlooking the mountain and the beach as well. Our room had its own balcony where you can sit and have your coffee looking at the ocean. Free and fast wifi as well. The penguin colony is just around the corner Simple,convenient and lovely breakfast. The owner is friendly and helpful and is always prepared to go the extra mile to accommodate her guests. Highly recommended.!!!
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Date of stay: July 2016
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pandy1807 wrote a review Jun 2016
Johannesburg, South Africa
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Value for money accommodation. Clean,comfy, rooms,honest accommodation. Franzel the owner most helpful with information about the area. Only stayed one night but would recommend as very reasonable and good value for money.
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Date of stay: May 2016Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Candi888 wrote a review Apr 2016
Cape Town, South Africa
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My sister and I visited The Trail House in 2011. There are three rooms available, and then you share a communal lounge and kitchen. We were the only two there during our stay. Fransel was great, with interesting information on the area. The rooms were comfortable and clean, with a lovely little balcony to have your morning coffee at. A lovely experience and worth visiting again when next in the area.
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Date of stay: May 2015
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tattyfae wrote a review Mar 2016
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We only stayed one night passing through, in a comfortable room with a view of the mountain. Fransel was lovely and very welcoming. She told us of the beautiful Leopard Trail walk from the Botanical gardens which was well worth it.
Wish we had longer but would definitely recommend it.
Like other guest houses we stayed in rooms are close together so if you want more privacy this might not be the place for you.
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Date of stay: March 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
minimr wrote a review Feb 2015
Cape Town, South Africa
1.0 of 5 bubbles
I found the Trail House overpriced for what you receive. My partner and I have been to various places all over the western cape, that were cheaper, and we simply cannot compare the experience. Trail House simply does not compare with other accommodation in the same price category. I also found the room was not very clean, no soap in the bathroom and no flat sheet on the bed.
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Date of stay: February 2015Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from naturelovers2015, Owner at The Trail House
Responded May 24, 2018
These 2 guests decided to both write terrible reviews on the same day after their check out time had lapsed 2 hours ago and the room needed to be serviced for the new guests to arrive. After politely reminding them of the check out time they checked out two and a half hours late... If the experience was so terrible why did you take so long to leave? Check out times are normal for this type of business and any experienced traveler knows this - no need to be angry or go bash the place after a polite reminder!
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Ron C wrote a review Jan 2018
Huntingdon, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Had a wonderful 2 nights at the Trail House with my family. We occupied 2 rooms and Fransel the owner made us feel very welcome. More so when my wife injured her knee; she was so compassionate and helpful in making my wife comfortable. The location is stunning and the rooms were lovely and clean and a credit to Fransel. Strongly recommended.
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Date of stay: January 2018Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandra C wrote a review Jan 2018
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We took our overseas visitors to Betty's Bay for the weekend and stayed in our favorite guest house "The Trail House. This place is like home from home. Fransel is so friendly and welcoming and can't do enough for you. The guest house is rustic and homely and very clean and tidy. We will be back again for sure!
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Date of stay: January 2018Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from naturelovers2015, Owner at The Trail House
Responded May 24, 2018
Thank you Sandra! Always a pleasure to have you stay with us! :)
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Irene_McC wrote a review Jul 2016
Cape Town, South Africa
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Nobody there when we arrived within the advertised arrival time - found house locked with builders on site.
Owner made no attempt to phone us although she had our number with the booking (we had to phone her to find out she was 25 minutes drive away)
No coffee for the room. Total of 4 jumbled tea bags, rooibos & ceylon not individually wrapped, 2 of each in glass jar, guessing game.
A total of two medium towels for two people, plus one hand-towel and no bath mat
Soap : only one squeezy container in bathroom at basin that was 1/4 full. No shampoo/soap /shower gel at either bath or in shower.
Single ply toilet paper.​ No deal breaker, but within keeping of the skimping shown all round.
Absolutely smallest bath tub I've ever used and I'm 5/3".
Other guests with noisy kids woke us playing in the garden outside our window very early

Bumbling and begrudging confusion regarding breakfast. We had pre-paid for breakfast included with our booking. Owner claimed no knowledge of that and sat at her computer trying to prove what we had or hadn't paid, rather than attempting to give us a piece of toast ("don't eat that white bread, it's stale"). Absolutely unprepared to give us anything whatsoever to eat in the morning. Finally refunded some of the money when she could see that we had indeed paid for breakfast included, but argued about price we'd paid.

It's beyond comprehension that a guest house owner and mother of two wouldn't be able to rustle up something to see her guests on their way. We had intended to hike the trail behind the house (inaccessible entrance due to roof trusses for building alterations blocking entry) but were forced to find breakfast elsewhere, due to absolutely nothing offered us at the B+B apart from a cup coffee.

We've paid within the same bracket for our other getaways, all of which offered more in terms of comfort, towels, bath mats, hair shampoo, toilet paper, etc, not to mention tea and coffee individually packaged with complimentary rusks . We came away with the impression that there was no generosity of spirit.
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Date of stay: November 2015
3.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
1.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Small house with several rooms that are let out for guests.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from naturelovers2015, Owner at The Trail House
Responded Sep 11, 2016
Irene, it took me a while to place this particular incident after reading your lengthy review written more than 8 months after your 1 night stay but I traced it and remember the breakfast incident. I did (and will do so again) apologize for the misunderstanding. It was a very busy time of year with lots of inquiries, bookings and cancellations when answering your inquiry and I missed the message at the bottom of the page which read: 'I'd like to book a 1 night stay later next month. What's your rate including breakfast?' - this site states clearly that breakfast is not included in the room rate and I did not include breakfast in your room rate but refunded you for that anyway because of my mistake in missing the message. We strive to offer quality budget Eco friendly accommodation - not luxury accommodation with all the trimming - the rooms are not big enough and we charge accordingly. I had a look at your other reviews and all the other establishments are at least double the rates we charge. The unwrapped tea bags, one ply and liquid soap (also un-ironed bedding) are for Environmental reasons. When you arrived I was not home, this happens on the odd occasion and guests usually go out for lunch, take a walk on the beach, visit the penguins or take a hike up the mountain (which all other hikers found access to regardless of the trusses). I have never had anyone be so rude and unwilling to be understanding before. I had to fetch my children from school but rushed back after your call. Generosity of spirit comes naturally but luxury accommodation at budget prices does not exist.
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Janneke D wrote a review Nov 2015
Bali, Indonesia
4.0 of 5 bubbles
I stayed 2 nights with Fransel and I had a good time. She really takes care of her guests and is very keen to help out with whatever she can. She even did some laundry for me and did not even charge anything for it! The room was spacious and has all you need and expect in a guest house. Breakfast is simple but very nicely done. I can really recommend to stay at this place.
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Date of stay: November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Irene_McC wrote a tip Jul 2016
Cape Town, South Africa38 contributions7 helpful votes
2.0 of 5 bubbles
"Small house with several rooms that are let out for guests."
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Ryan D wrote a tip Mar 2015
Tromso, Norway7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"We had the room with a door out to a secluded balcony with a table for 2, which was wonderful for a quiet conversation and coffee in the morning!"
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Rossonwye63 wrote a tip Jan 2014
Bristol, United Kingdom130 contributions125 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"sea facing"
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David B wrote a tip Dec 2013
London, United Kingdom2 contributions1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"I had room with own entrance door(i.e)didn,t have to use main door facing Mountain."
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Totim25 wrote a tip May 2013
Reivilo22 contributions4 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"It is a great place if you like bird watching, nature walks, lovely views and hospitality. Expect great value for money and hospitality. Rooms on the South side have a view of the ocean and the rooms on the North side a view of the mountain. Protea, the twin room, has a view of both."
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Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Betty's Bay area.
PRICE RANGE
C$44 - C$53 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaWestern CapeOverberg DistrictBetty's Bay
NUMBER OF ROOMS
3
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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The Trail House - UPDATED Prices, Reviews & Photos

Frequently Asked Questions about The Trail House
Which popular attractions are close to The Trail House?
Nearby attractions include Stony Point Nature Reserve (2.2 km), Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens (4.6 km), and Pringle Bay Beach (6.2 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Trail House?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and kids activities.
What food & drink options are available at The Trail House?
Guests can enjoy barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at The Trail House?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Trail House?
Conveniently located restaurants include Hanging Rock Kitchen, Hook, Line and Sinker, and Jack's.
Is The Trail House located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.8 km away from the centre of Betty's Bay.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at The Trail House?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Afrikaans.
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