Cheval Vapeur

Abdul H

Rustig en vriendelik.

Ons was 10, maar hulle het uit hulle pad gegaan om vir ons plek te maak. Baie eenvoudig, maar skoon en vriendelike ontvangs. Ons sal definitief volgende jaar weer daar bespreek.

Colleen se Terugvoer

Baie dankie vir die mooi woorde Abdul!
Sal goed wees om julle weer te sien.

Groete,
Colleen, John en Lesley.

Cheval Vapeur

Lydon C
Saam met eggenoot/lewensmaat

Everything was great, would recommend anyone.

Place was clean and was great.

Colleen se Terugvoer

Thank you Lydon.
Hope to see you again soon.
Colleen.

Cheval Vapeur

Jeniffer B
Gesin met klein kinders

Dié plek is nie soos adverteer word nie.

Dis onnet, onhigiënies, ongerieflik, onveilig en boonop alles behalwe soos dit voorgestel word op die foto's. Groot teleurstelling.

Johann G
Enkelreisiger

Rustigste twee dae in my lewe.

Ek het dit regtig baie geniet. Dis weg van alles, stil, netjies, alles wat 'n natuurliefhebber wil hê in 'n oord opgesom.

Colleen se Terugvoer

Dankie baie vir jou mooi woorde, Johann.

Cheval Vapeur

Stephanie U
Saam met eggenoot/lewensmaat

Dit was 'n interessante ervaring.

Dit was 'n interessante ervaring wat nie sommer vergeet sal word nie.

Zeta A
Saam met eggenoot/lewensmaat

Awesome.

Only problem is that the bathroom is to far from the cottage to walk in the middle of the night but other then that is was freaking awesome.

Colleen se Terugvoer

Thank you for your review Zeta. Hope to see you again soon.

Cheval Vapeur

Constance M
Saam met eggenoot/lewensmaat

Peaceful.

Had a peaceful night's sleep and the place is quiet. The owner is very friendly and helpful.

Anneli B
Gesin met klein kinders

Disgusted.

Really disappointed. First got lost as the road only has one board by the main gate. Our car got stuck in the sand. As for the living ways: very unhygienic. Ablution points get padlocked at night making it very difficult to go to the loo at night with kids. Yes, you do get a key, but very frustrating trying to open a lock when a toddler has to go urgently. The place has flies all over. You cannot sleep during the day or make food at night as the flies are everywhere. The carpets in the cabin are so so dirty, your feet get black walking on it barefoot. ...

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Really disappointed. First got lost as the road only has one board by the main gate. Our car got stuck in the sand. As for the living ways: very unhygienic. Ablution points get padlocked at night making it very difficult to go to the loo at night with kids. Yes, you do get a key, but very frustrating trying to open a lock when a toddler has to go urgently. The place has flies all over. You cannot sleep during the day or make food at night as the flies are everywhere. The carpets in the cabin are so so dirty, your feet get black walking on it barefoot. Bathrooms are not kept clean even if they say they do. It's dusty, has spider webs and bad smell too. We came back more than a week earlier than booked and lost a week's paid accommodation. I couldn't anymore. To top it off even after using 2 cans of doom in 4 days and Toilet Duck every time I went to the loo, it was still unhygienic. I do not know how in the world this place can advertise itself even after all the bad reviews. Will not refer anyone to this place ever.

Sien minder

Colleen se Terugvoer

There is a sign to Cheval on Varkensvlei Road and at the gate itself.
Ablution blocks are locked at all times for privacy and security reasons. Each guest has his/her own key.
All cottages have automatic fly spray dispensers. These need to be replaced when depleted and we need be advised accordingly.

Cheval Vapeur

Ruanda B
Saam met vriende

Baie rustig en gemaklik.

Ek was eers vol twyfel omdat dit moeilik was om die plek te kry. GPS het ons gelei na die asgate en 'n persoon daar het gesê dat ons die 4de motor was wat daar na die plek kom soek het. Eers daar gekom, het ons heerlik gekuier en was vriendelik ontvang. Die personeel is baie behulpsaam. Ek sal weer daar gaan slaap. Absoluut uitstekende waarde vir geld.

Colleen se Terugvoer

Thank you for your kind comments. We do sometimes have a problem with people trying to find us, we will change the wording on the various websites to warn people not to use their GPS or Google maps which sometime give inaccurate directions but to rather get directions directly from us.

Cheval Vapeur

Willie J
Gesin met tieners

Uiters teleurstellend.

Verblyf lyk glad nie soos foto's op website nie. Baie, baie misleidend. Wendyhuis se sinkplate op dak was los en het heelnag opgelig soos die wind gewaai het, het niks geslaap nie. Tuinmeubels buite by braai-area was vuil en stoele verrot mens kon nie daarop sit nie dit sal breek.

Colleen se Terugvoer

Good day,

Thank you for your feedback.

You have mentioned our listing is misleading, however, we feel differently. TravelGround themselves came and visited Cheval a few months ago and took the photos you see advertised as well as wrote the content for our Cheval listing. Because TravelGround came here, we feel they have accurately represented the information you see on our listing today. The cottages do have zinc roofs and during strong winds eg South Easter Gale certainly the roof will rattle. However, the roof is...

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Good day,

Thank you for your feedback.

You have mentioned our listing is misleading, however, we feel differently. TravelGround themselves came and visited Cheval a few months ago and took the photos you see advertised as well as wrote the content for our Cheval listing. Because TravelGround came here, we feel they have accurately represented the information you see on our listing today. The cottages do have zinc roofs and during strong winds eg South Easter Gale certainly the roof will rattle. However, the roof is not loose as such and does not blow off or leak. The guest's cottage is set up for 5 guests, your party consisted of 4 guests. There is a 4 seater table and bench chairs available at the cottage as well as a large cane table (glass top) with 1 cane chair. The cane chair, unfortunately, must have got wet at some stage, started to deteriorate and we had not noticed. Therefore there was sound seating for 4 guests. We have removed the cane chair subsequently. After you had left we found the round gilded antique mirror frame had been broken and the broken pieces were lying under the bed.

Sien minder

Cheval Vapeur

Ann J
Gesin met klein kinders

Baie rustige plekkie en laat die mense jou baie welkom voel, baie bedagsaam. Regtig waarde vir geld en voel baie veilig.

Almal is baie bedagsaam en baie behulpsaam. Ons voel baie veilig en vriende wat kuier geniet dit net so baie. 'n Baie rustige plekkie om net weg te kom van jou alledaagse lewe en sal enige tyd weer kuier. Dit is regtig waarde vir geld en is dit ideaal vir kinders ook.

Colleen se Terugvoer

Thank you so much Anne. Much appreciated!
Hope to see you again soon.

Regards,
Colleen.

Cheval Vapeur

Rishaad A
Gesin met klein kinders

Very nice farm experience.

I'd recommend Cheval Vapeur. I love the ranch theme. John and Colleen are very warm and welcoming. Excellent hospitality. Will definitely be back soon.

Colleen se Terugvoer

Evening Rishaad,

I am so pleased you enjoyed your stay at Cheval.
It was an absolute pleasure hosting you and your family. Please thank your Aunt for her support during a difficult time for me.
These are the things that make all the difference in life.

Very best regards,
Colleen.
PS. John is now fully recovered.

Cheval Vapeur

Kristin A
Enkelreisiger

Interesting farm experience.

Definitely an interesting experience, guests coming here should not expect luxury. If you are up for a raw experience of farm-life, this is the place to come, price matches the accommodation offered.

Anton J
Saam met eggenoot/lewensmaat

Ongelooflik sleg.

Dis 'n skewe shack sonder water. Daar is 'n stort en toilet 'n paar honderd meter verder.

Colleen se Terugvoer

I am indeed sorry that Anton did not enjoy his stay with us. I know that he got badly lost for over an hour on his way here, and that might have soured his experience. We have 2 ablution blocks - the first is 56 m and the second 98 m from, the front door of the cottage he stayed in and not, as he states, a few 100 m further.

Cheval Vapeur

Jane P
Saam met eggenoot/lewensmaat

Value for money, rustic, getaway.

John and Colleen were extremely friendly and welcoming. The farm is a rustic, down-to-earth, value for money experience for those who love horses and nature. We enjoyed our experience and would recommend this venue highly! The horses were so wonderful to be around and the timber cottage was a delight with all our needs met: toaster, kettle, oven and even amazing art. Will definitely be back!

Colleen se Terugvoer

Thank you so much, Jane.
Looking forward to seeing you again, soon.
Regards,
Colleen.

Cheval Vapeur

Mariette W
Enkelreisiger

Heerlik rustig om weer jou siel te vind.

Baie dankie. Dit het my goed gedoen om in die natuur en tussen die perde te wees. John was binne minute daar om te help toe ek oor iets geskakel het. Ek beplan beslis om weer soontoe te gaan.

Charmaine A
Gesin met tieners

Absolute teleurstelling.

Foto's op webtuiste en wat werklik daar is, is baie bedrieglik, sal dit vir niemand aanbeveel nie.

Colleen se Terugvoer

This guest stated they were perfectly happy with the establishment when they arrived. The following morning the gentleman came to door explaining that their relatives in Cape Town wanted them to stay with them. He asked me for his money back. I referred him to the cancellation policy. He did not like that.

Cheval Vapeur

Tebogo R
Gesin met klein kinders

Excellent!

The owners are wonderful. Loving and warm. They cared for my son and I. Taught us a lot about horses. My son even did some horse riding.

Françoise B
Besigheidsreis

A lovely farmstyle adventure.

I loved the place! This is not for snooty city types that want to watch TV etc. But if you love the outdoors this is most pleasant.

Colleen se Terugvoer

Thank you, Francoise.
We started Cheval as a Job Creation (for the indigent), Horse rescue and Wetland Birds' Restoration Tourism project, on our retirement from the actuarial profession.
We are so pleased you appreciated what we offer!
Hope to see you again (with more improvements) soon in the future.
Regards,
Colleen.

Cheval Vapeur

Dolf C
Saam met eggenoot/lewensmaat

An interesting experience.

Cheval Vapeur has the potential to be a great destination. Chalets nestled midst a working horse farm, with beautiful sunsets while we enjoyed our braai. The owners were very friendly and accommodating. Driving out to various destinations and back from different directions was a bit of a challenge.

Lettithea B

Uiters swak en teleurstellend. Verdien geen sterre net minuse!

Pasop. Absolute wanvoorstelling op advertensie. Swak, vuil, "horders" nes.

Gretha F
Besigheidsreis

Ek is baie vertroud met plase maar het nog nooit soveel vlieë beleef nie.

Vlieë en ablusiegeriewe baie, baie onsmaakllik. En laat instansie na elektriese installasies omsien.

Marilize P
Gesin met tieners

Wat 'n teleurstelling!

Dit was n aaklige ondervinding. Ons sal nooit in my lewe weer daarheen gaan nie. Die plek is in die informele nedersetting geleë, met 'n vreeslike reuk. Afgeskeep en nie versorg nie, vaal en nie gaste vriendelik nie. Glad nie in die toestand van haar foto's nie. Baie teleurgesteld!

Colleen se Terugvoer

Afternoon Marlize,
In response to your review, Cheval Vapeur is not located in an informal settlement. On the contrary, the establishment is surrounded by vegetable farms who sell under contract to various supermarkets and thus do not fertilize with human waste. The nearest informal settlement is approximately 3 km away from the establishment.

We have reviewed the pictures on our listing to ensure that guests are not under the wrong impression when they book accommodation at Cheval Vapeur, as has Cape Town Tourism...

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Afternoon Marlize,
In response to your review, Cheval Vapeur is not located in an informal settlement. On the contrary, the establishment is surrounded by vegetable farms who sell under contract to various supermarkets and thus do not fertilize with human waste. The nearest informal settlement is approximately 3 km away from the establishment.

We have reviewed the pictures on our listing to ensure that guests are not under the wrong impression when they book accommodation at Cheval Vapeur, as has Cape Town Tourism & the TEP(Tourism Enterprise Partnership), who have also vetted us we are members thereof, and confirm that our pictures are accurately representative. I do have to mention that you were under the impression that you booked the Mews Apartment, but in actual fact, you booked the Club Cottage which isn't nearly as luxurious as the Mews Apartment.

Regards,
Colleen

Sien minder

Cheval Vapeur

Jaco V
Gesin met tieners

Gemaklik en rustig.

Rustig en stil met 'n mooi uitsig op Tafelberg. Dit was ook netjies en skoon.

Colleen se Terugvoer

Baie Dankie Jaco vir jou besoek en wonderlike review.
Ek is altyd so bly as mense dit geniet.
Dan voel ons lewens vol waarde.
Hoop my taal nie te snaaks is nie.

Cheval Vapeur

Johannes J
Gesin met tieners

Plattelandse aardsheid en "rustic".

Sal nie in almal se smaak val nie, maar teen dié tariewe is dit heel gemaklik. Klein houthuisies met buite ablusiegeriewe was nogal 'n belewenis! My vrou en ek het in die woonstelle gebly en het die antieke meubels baie waardeer. Die hele opset is funksioneel en goed geskik vir 'n paar aande se oorslaap en gebruik as basis om die area te verken.

Rudy B
Gesin met klein kinders

Besonders aangenaam.

Onmiddellik tuis en gemaklik gevoel.

Colleen se Terugvoer

Evening Rudy,
Thank you for the positive review. Much appreciated!
Hope to see you again sometime in the future.
Regards,
Colleen

Cheval Vapeur

Megan D
Gesin met klein kinders

Glad nie soos verwag nie.

Dit was 'n ou Wendy-huis, wat voel of hy insak na die kant toe as jy in hom loop. Die aande was baie onrustig met karre wat jaag. Mevrou muis het in die kombuis vir ons gewag. Daar was rommel op die terrein. Sigaretstompies was in die toilette. Maar wat verwag jy vir R100 per persoon. Die eienaars is wel vriendelik, en hulpvaardig.

Colleen se Terugvoer

Good day Megan,

Thank you for your review. We do our utmost to give guests exactly what we promise. I will try to address each of your points.

Our listing details specify – wooden cottages and horse farm, in seasonal wetlands. The pictures are an accurate representation of the establishment. One should not be surprised to find a field mouse (or a horse or a duck) on a farm, or floor levels that are not exactly 90 degrees to the ground.

On the night of 2/5/15 (during your stay) a group of 6 guests stayed...

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Good day Megan,

Thank you for your review. We do our utmost to give guests exactly what we promise. I will try to address each of your points.

Our listing details specify – wooden cottages and horse farm, in seasonal wetlands. The pictures are an accurate representation of the establishment. One should not be surprised to find a field mouse (or a horse or a duck) on a farm, or floor levels that are not exactly 90 degrees to the ground.

On the night of 2/5/15 (during your stay) a group of 6 guests stayed over. Unfortunately this group created much disturbance, behaved badly dispite our quitening them down several times. There was also excessive drinking. Because of this, we now specify in our quotes that we do not allow partying, raucous behavior and excessive drinking when quoting for groups of 5 guests and over. We apologize for this night’s disturbance and offer a refund for that night. As can be seen from the various other reviews, this is not usually the case but rather the exception.

The property is constantly and continuously cleaned. One guard dog, Shine, obviously disturbed by the behavior of the 6 guests, ran around pulling over rubbish bins that night which then caused a certain amount to be strewn around. This was then sorted out and Shine has subsequently been re-homed.

Our average rating for value for money is 4 star, even including your 3 star rating.

I am sorry you did not enjoy your stay. I am happy to refund you for the night of the 2nd May 2015.

Regards,
Colleen Beak 

Sien minder

Cheval Vapeur

Lisette G
Gesin met klein kinders

Gevoel van kamp met styl.

Die huisie is klein, maar toegerus met alles wat mens nodig het as mens sou kamp. Dit is netjies en het genoeg plek om buite te kan sit of om rond te loop. Die kinders het dit baie geniet om tussen die perde te wees, hulle kon hulle voer en kon elke dag ingeloer het by hulle gunstelinge. Die toilet en stort huisie was netjies en is privaat, mens hoef dit nie met 'n klomp vreemde mense te deel nie. As jy van perde hou, is dit die plek om by te gaan bly. Ons het baie veilig gevoel en het dit regtig baie geniet.

Colleen se Terugvoer

Goeie Dag Lisette,

Baie dankie vir die positiewe woorde en sterre. Ons is baie dankbaar daaroor. Alles van die beste en ons hoop om jou weer te sien!

Groete,
Colleen en John

Cheval Vapeur

Theuns D
Gesin met tieners

Verblyf was baie lekker en die natuur baie mooi.

Sal dit aanbeveel by almal wat hou van stilte en die natuur. Eie vervoer belangrik. Stil en rustig. Vriendelike mense.

Colleen se Terugvoer

Goeie Dag Theuns,

Dankie vir jou mooi woorde in verband met Cheval. Baie gaaf van jou! Ons hoop om jou gou weer te sien!

Groete en lekker dag verder,
Colleen

Cheval Vapeur

Tertia G
Saam met vriende

Great experience!

Great experience! Thank you.

Colleen se Terugvoer

Enening Tertia,
I've only just realized I can reply to you!
Thank you so much for your Extremely Positive Review you gave Cheval after your stay.
Very much appreciated.
Hope to see you again at some time in the future.
Regards,
Colleen

Cheval Vapeur