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Reviews of Amphitheatre Backpackers Lodge 5 stars

R74, Northern Drakensberg, 3350 Ethels Drive, South Africa

#4 of 4 hotels in Ethels Drive

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 346 hostel reviews

7.0

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    7.0

  • Comfort

    7.0

  • Location

    8.4

  • Facilities

    7.1

  • Staff

    8.1

  • Value for money

    7.1

  • Free WiFi

    4.1

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 21 April 2024

    7.0
    Simple and stylish. Very good as base camp for trips to Drake Mountains or for simple overnight.
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Triple Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Very slow meal service.

    We just stopped for one overnight on our way to the south. Everything was OK, we arrived late and left early. But we got all meals we ordered - slow service, but good quality.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 9 April 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights

    Our room was next to a communal bathroom and we were disturbed (light and noise) when people went to bed later than us. Dinner was served as a three-course meal. While the value for money for a three-course meal was good, it was annoying that you had to pay so much if you weren't that hungry / were on a budget. The management is obviously working to improve the hostel. However, we were privy to several conversations between staff members which should not have been conducted in front of guests.

    When we booked online, there was only the option of a room with a double bed. However, on check-in we asked if there was a room with two single beds available. There was, and we were able to stay there at no extra cost. Staff were friendly. Packed lunch was excellent. Location great for doing the gorge walk.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 7 March 2024

    7.0
    Staying was well
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Bathroom is outside

    Quitness

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 29 February 2024

    8.0
    Excellent location , love this spot
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Would have loved to have a bit more in the room. Facilities might need a little upgrade soon

    Such a great location, really unreal

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 25 February 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Great swimming pool

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 16 February 2024

    8.0
    Great base for northern Drakenbergs
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Twin Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Electricity outages from load shedding were frequent and long.

    Very diverse accommodation options, lovely grounds and facilities, great excursions, nice staff, and excellent opportunities to connect with fellow travelers. This is not just a youth hostel. It’s for all.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 15 February 2024

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Quadruple Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I was Allocated to A nice Clean Room, but was unlockable from inside ,Room 29 , we have to move to the next Room 30 Which was untidy Outside by the Whole outside Space. Needed to be Swept as there was broken plastic like bottle pieces

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 27 January 2024

    7.0
    Great accomodation, but need a car to see the surroundings.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Twin Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    They try to sell activities really quick to you even if you can do it by yourself very easily (with a car).

    They have a lot of space and really nice area's. They have a great cook as the set menus are really Delicious.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 25 January 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Triple Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Shared bathrooms.

    The bar area. We came very late and stayed for the night, we didn't get the time to explore the place. The staff was friendly.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 6 January 2024

    7.0
    OK for a short stay. Lots of room for kids to play outside.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Not much cutlery. Beds small for anyone 6 ft tall. Hole in the bathroom ceiling which let in water.

    Very clean communal kitchen. Bar area was homely.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 30 December 2023

    6.0
    Great for the views
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Quadruple Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    room service was not done properly, beds were not neat, bathroom was not cleaned. The jacuzzi is right in the middle of the bar, and the swimming pool, is just outside the bar, very small and not good if you want some privacy.

    The views were amazing, the location is good. Kids loved the ample space

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 20 December 2023

    7.0
    If they can be specific what we should carry by our self.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The towel took time to get it. I even take a shower within a towel, it wasn't state that we should carry our own towels and adapter to charge our phones. We were charging at the bar 😔😔😔😔 The took time to welcome you in the reception.

    The place was good n I enjoy it, I like the facilities. The staff treat you well.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 11 December 2023

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Twin Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The listing should have specified that "single beds" are bunk beds. My partner is quite tall and did not fit comfortably.

    The nature was beautiful and the pool was great! Peaceful atmosphere in the day. The staff were friendly and helpful.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 1 November 2023

    7.0
    We slept over one night so all in all it was a good overnight stop
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The bed was horrible

    The food was great!

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 18 October 2023

    7.0
    Really enjoyable experience, some small tweaks needed.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    General service was very casual. It would be nice to be informed on arrival that there isn’t any wifi in the rooms and that you need to put a cash deposit down for your towels.

    Location, bar, entertainment area and food were all amazing (particularly the ravioli)

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 23 August 2023

    7.0
    A bit expensive for what you get
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Triple Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The kitchen and the bathroom weren’t that clean and the hot water in the shower went on and off. In the bar the music was really loud and not suitable to the environment.

    The room was cozy and comfortable. The porch outside the room was very nice. There was heating inside the room and it was amazing! Good location for going out on some good Drakensberg hikes.

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 22 August 2023

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Closed to R. N. P

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 2 August 2023

    7.0
    Very nice atmosphere with beautiful view, facilities however were minimal.
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Twin Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The utilities were not clean, e.g. sigarettes were laying in the shower. Also the cooking facility was very minimal with no spoons for example. The jacuzzi was in the bar so we didn't feel comfortable using it. In addition to this, the walk we wanted to do was cancelled due to too little participants.

    The cabin was very nice with our own little terrace. The accomodation had an amazing view! Accomodation organises guided walks and also has a bar with dining options, very friendly staff.

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: 19 June 2023

    8.0
    Majestic Views.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Quadruple Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing much

    The atmosphere is stunning. The Food, Spa, there's tv, jacuzzi.

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: 9 April 2023

    7.0
    Nice location, good views and friendly staff.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Twin Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The hot water in the showers weren’t consistently warm , but fluctuating temperatures and the swimming pool was green and not suitable to use.

    The African style layout and good atmosphere

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 26 March 2023

    6.0
    the Accomodation was pleasant, the bathroom & kitchen was clean and hygienic. The bedding was comfortable.
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Triple Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It was great a location, the staff was friendly and pleasant.

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 21 March 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Triple Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    had 2 issues in my stay otherwise everything was perfect 1. the hot waters in the shower work very weird as it just switch it offf back to colder after about 30 seconds 2. the was a very strange smells through out around the rooms even inside , though it a sewage leak but it turn out it’s the flu catchers that hangs near the rooms , not cool at all

    transport and guide provided to the Thukela falls hike

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 18 March 2023

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Triple Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    when ordering, it is not clear which rooms have a bathroom, but it was not a problem to change the room

    in the event of a planned power outage, a spare source is available, WiFi available in the vicinity of the restaurant, a beautiful view of the mountains

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 20 February 2023

    8.0
    Good base to discover Drakensberg
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Twin Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Terrain gets dangerously slippery when it rains, some drinks were forgotten when ordered, no cocktails one night because ingredients didn't get delivered (but can live without ;))

    Good vibe, beautiful place, good facilities, we had massages, food, got laundry done.

    Stayed in February 2023

Showing 1 – 25

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