I'm torn about this place. Our stay was great overall: good breakfast, clean & wonderful room, secure property not impacted by load shedding. However, 2 things happened that made me lower my rating:
1. When I called to arrange late-night check in, I was told the service fee is R350. The SW1 website states the fee is R300. My South African partner called another time to inquire and was told it is R300. Thanks for adjusting it on my bill, but either update your site, inform your staff of the accurate price, or maybe just don't take advantage of "foreign" guests.
2. I left my gym shoes behind in our room's armoire. When I called a few days later, I was told housekeeping did not find anything. Listen, it's a boutique hotel with less than 8 rooms. If this was the Hilton or another large chain hotel with hundreds of rooms I could buy that answer. The manager who answered my call recognized my name & remembered the room I stayed in, which means it's a small enough hotel where the staff notices things. With 5-7 rooms total, your cleaning staff most likely did find my shoes, didn't report it (or did - who knows), and kept them. I'm familiar with how South Africa works.
It's my own fault I left the shoes. The hotel isn't responsible for my belongings, but they are responsible for their staff & general conduct. The lack of principle here is bothersome: clearly taking advantage of a "foreigner" & the general dishonesty in conducting business. Don't think I'll return.