We have stayed here a couple of times before, in the cottages and in the main hotel. This time we were in the main hotel. We liked the generous, comfortable balcony outside the room, overlooking the view from the front of the hotel. The hotel has an air of faded colonial glory which adds to its attraction. There are several rooms with most interesting memorabilia of past days. Our bed was very comfortable. The dining room was spacious and we did not feel cramped up against other diners. The breakfast menu and buffet were substantial. Unusually, there was a charming little chapel in the grounds. The location on the N1 was perfect for travelling to Cape Town and the South African Large Telescope (SALT) at Sutherland.

There was some creaking of floors and doors, which we had expected, due to the age of the building. The shower water tended to pool somewhat but this soon drained away.

We loved this place. An historic building from 1899, this was an amazing experience. The grounds were amazing, as was the incrtedible swimming pool. We loved the bar next door, as well as the impressive breakfast. Our dinner was exceptional, and our server, Linda, was amazing. We loved the cleanliness of the hotel and the friendliness of the staff. The check in experience was very welcoming. The museum across the street, South Africa's largest privately owned museum, was a splendid surprise. We walked into the nearby village, and were met by friendly, smiling people who also made us feel welcomed.

Wished that the bar stayed open past 10 pm.

Our stay at the Lord Milner was nothing short of magical. We arrive on a scorching December afternoon and the pool was an oasis in the karoo. The bar also helped us to cool down and after lounging and cooling off an amazing dinner followed. The food and service was exceptional. After a early morning dip, a breakfast fit for royalty was enjoyed and off we went to our next destination. Matjiesfontein was unbelievable!

A barfridge and air-conditioning in the room would have been a nice add on but did not in anyway affect the stay. We spent most of our time out by the pool and bar

This is not just a hotel, the small village of Matjiesfontein is an experience. It’s kind of an open air museum…. Living in history, in every detail. Definitely worth to visit and stay. In general people are very nice.

As said: in general the people are very nice. However that does not go for the girls at the reception. Totally not into being interested in their customer. Short answers, not trying to be cooperative. Needs training! Another aspect is the experience of matjiesfontein itself. It seems a little down. Could use a bit of a new spirit. There are lots of opportunities to make this more vivid.

The rooms are very comfortable, but see the comments below. All meals were of good quality and the staff extremely helpful and efficient. The general ambience of the hotel is most welcoming. The location is ideal before tackling the last 150 miles to Cape Town.

1. Air-conditioning in the summer would be a bonus: the rooms are rather hot otherwise. 2. The flex of the kettle should easily reach the wall plug. One should not have either to place the kettle on the floor close to the plug or to have to scramble and stretch at floor level to reach it. 3. No instant coffee please. A hotel of your standard ought to have a Nespresso machine (or equivalent). 4. Each room should have a refrigerator, even a small one.

The food was absolutely incredible! The breakfast was superb and supper absolutely scrumptious! The room was beautiful. The beds were very comfortable, warm and clean. It was spacious and the shower was great!!

The room lacked a few essentials such as spoons to stir the coffee and not enough milk pods, we only had 2 milk pods! There was also only one complimentary water and we were 2 in the room. Our room was also next to the pool and the creepy crawly makes a thudding sound under water which was loud and kept me awake. Perhaps it should be switched off at night!!

Dinner and breakfast were very good. Staff really friendly. Loved the ambience and character of the hotel. The linen and overall decoration of the bedroom was lovely and in keeping with the old-worldliness of the hotel. The hotel's sommelier was quite knowledgeable and friendly. Some overseas passengers from Rovos Rail entered the foyer when we arrived and enquired about the age and history of the hotel and the town. Nobody could really give them an informed answer and it did not seem as if the information brochure had enough details for them. Eventually, I could give one of the tourists some historical information which they really appreciated.

The towel rail in the bathroom was loose (maintenance). The plug for the kettle was not positioned near the kettle - had to move the kettle next to the bed to plug it in. There was a sticky substance on the bedside table and on the floor (housekeeping). Please clean and fill the beautiful fountains in front of the hotel. The early morning noise of staff preparing for the day at 5:00 AM was disturbing in our room.

We stayed in the Olive Schreiner house which is separate from the main hotel, it is a very old house, floors were creaky with period type furnishings. But that is what made the place so quaint. The modern bathroom was good as was the bed. It has a coffee station but it is not self catering. Breakfast is included in the room price (eaten in the hotel) and was very good with a very extensive selection of food. We at dinner at the hotel, it was a but pricy and there could be a few more options on the menu but overall it was a good experience. We really enjoyed our stay there in spite of inclement weather. Perfect for a weekend trip, just a little pricy.

Not much

It was charming, quirky and interesting. We enjoyed stepping back in time. TLM is an oasis in the Karoo. I loved the pool. A welcome retreat from the dust and heat. Beautifully kept grounds. Activities were lovely without being over the top. Johnny and other staff are a credit to your establishment. His 7 minute bus tour on the London bus was wonderful followed by a honky tonk session in the Lairds Arms. TLM is definitely a place to visit with friends from far.

It wasn't awful but a little more finesse in the kitchen would take TLM to another level. We stayed in the Museum House..a few repairs need doing...eg front door sticking, broken chair leg

Loved the quaintness and the fact that they had tried to keep it as authentic as possible. Love the double decker bus tour and it being narrated by Johnnie. He is brilliant. Also loved Johnnie playing piano in the bar. The waitresses were also very attentive. Caleb at reception was also very welcoming and charming. All in all a wonderful experience. I had been wanting to stop and stay over since 1986 when I traveled from the Free State to Stellenbosch for university- but never had the money or opportunity. Definitely one tick off my bucket list 🙏🥰

As it is such an old and historic little town, it is starting to need serious maintenance and restoration attention. Many if the building are beginning to crumble. The little pink chapel was very sad to see. With the beautiful old piano just being left open to the elements. The little red double decker bus really needs attention. It is such a unique experience to travel around the little town and for Johnnie to narrate - but it is really needing some TLC 😢.