Starling Backpackers Reviews

We realise that you wanted to cancel your booking in the morning but did not give us enough notice for us to fill the room, there four we could not accept the cancellation. We hope that this was not a reason for you to give us a bad rating. It was the first time for us to use the house and the family was not supposed to be there during this time, however things don't always work out the way we want it to. When you spoke to our staff we took it up with the owners of the house and told them about your complaint. The owner told us that they had spoken to you and it seemed that you were comfortable and happy with everything. We would like to apologise if you felt uncomfortable at any stage and hope that this would not be a permanent reflection on us. Hope you enjoy the rest of your holiday in South Africa. Regards the Starling Team.

It is fair to say that we picked you up late from the bus station and that you would be upset about it. I can assure you that this is not a common practice at Starling Village Backpackers and we made a human error, For this I would like to apologise once again. We did apologise to you and was under the impression that all was forgiven. For the rest of your comments, Starling village Backpackers have never made it a secret that we are out of town or that we are on a farm or that we have animals. It is stated on your accommodation confirmation that was sent to you (. Starling Backpackers community includes horses, dogs, cats, rabbits and chickens). All farms have animals no matter where you are traveling in the world. Also 90% of backpackers in South Africa have animals and if you do not like animals you should make sure the hostel you stay at does not have any. At Starling we do have three free shuttles per day 09:00 11:00 and 17:00. There is signs posted all over the hostel and you need to let the reception know that you would like to make use of them and at what time. If you need a shuttle outside of the given times there is a ten RAND charge and not 10 dollars. We use local minibus taxis that collects you from the hostel and you can find one in town all day long should you wish to come back outside the free shuttle times. Large shared dorms do not all have keys as there is guest coming and going all day long, keys get lost and we have to replace locks. For guest who is concerned about their valuables we have a safe in the office that you can lock away your valuables. We also have a luggage room should you wish to lock away your bags. Smaller private dorms all have keys and sleeps a maximum of four guest. The water on the farm is taken from a natural underground stream and gets pumped daily there is a red tint in the water and it is caused from the iron in the ground. The water is safe to shower in and cannot harm you in any way. We provide clean drinking water in tanks placed all over the hostel. There is signs everywhere explaining this to our guest, if you are still not happy you can buy bottled water from the bar. The iron in the water is a common thing in rural and farming areas all over South Africa. At no stage were you charged for a pickup or drop off from the bus station and if you were we would like to know who charged you so we can take this matter up with them. We feel that your comments are unjust and unfair and that should you have communicated with the staff a bit better all of your concerns could have been dealt with in a far better manner. Sorry you didn't enjoy your stay with us and we hope that you would have a better stay for the rest of your visit to South Africa. Communication is not a sin!!!!