Crawford's Beach Lodge
42 Steenbras Drive Chintsa East, Chintsa 5275 South Africa
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About
4.5
#1 of 1 resort in ChintsaLocation
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Crawford's Beach Lodge offers barefoot luxury and elegant thatched accommodation for the most discerning of traveller and conference organizer, who is looking for fun, sun and relaxation. Crawford's Beach Lodge is nestled in the middle of the beautiful Chintsa Bay on the Wild Coast, surrounded by rolling hills, lush tropical beach forests and the warm Indian Ocean. The perfect venue for your honeymoon or even for the more adventurous, wanting to explore the many beautiful treasures the Wild Coast has to offer. Our location is also a malaria free area. We are approximately 42km from East London, the surfside city famous for its Nahoon Reef. Treat yourself and the special person in your life to a romantic getaway. We also offer Spa Treatments at our Senses Spa, with a great ocean view. Stay in a luxury thatched rooms, relax on the deck while you sip on champagne watching the sun go down over the shimmering ocean. Come and share our slice of paradise!
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Beach
Tennis court
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Kids club
Wifi
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Kids' meals
Airport transportation
Shuttle bus service
Business Centre with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Non-smoking hotel
Laundry service
Ironing service
Room features
Air conditioning
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to TGCSA - Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
HOTEL STYLE
Family Resort
Quiet
Languages Spoken
Afrikaans
Location
42 Steenbras Drive Chintsa East, Chintsa 5275 South Africa
Getting there
6 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
2 Attractions
within 10 kilometers
Reviews
4.5
732 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Crawford's Beach Lodge offers a mixed bag when it comes to room quality; while some guests enjoy the spaciousness and views, others find them outdated and noisy. The sea view rooms, despite their higher price, are considered worthwhile by many travelers for the added value. Its prime location is often praised, although proximity to busy areas can be a drawback for some. The lodge's atmosphere is frequently described as homely, with an attentive staff and cozy common areas.
Guests also appreciate the range of amenities, including quality dining and beach access, though some amenities may need updating. Service at Crawford's is generally lauded for being friendly and helpful, with only occasional inconsistencies reported. Cleanliness across the board receives high marks, contributing positively to the overall experience at the hotel.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Inviting
Rooms
Varied
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Pristine
Service
Friendly
Amenities
Satisfactory
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Detailed Reviews
Crawfords is set in the most idyllic location, with direct access onto a quiet and pristine beach with the softest sand and a gentle wave break.
The accommodation is comfortable with large rooms and all amenities catered for.
We stayed on a Full Board basis and the food was incredible, great variety, freshly prepared and plenty of options to cater for the entire family's tastes and desires.
The staff & management are accommodating and willing to do anything in their power to make your stay magical.
Thank you Crawfords, we will be back!
The accommodation is comfortable with large rooms and all amenities catered for.
We stayed on a Full Board basis and the food was incredible, great variety, freshly prepared and plenty of options to cater for the entire family's tastes and desires.
The staff & management are accommodating and willing to do anything in their power to make your stay magical.
Thank you Crawfords, we will be back!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
On arrival at Crawfords Cabins the entry security guard was very friendly and polite. The sensation of been back amongst nature was awesome as well, looking at all the forest of trees on your property. The reception staff were very friendly. We actually wanted to stay in one of your front thatched rooms with the sea view, but we understand that you were already fully booked up and we had no option but to take what was available behind the shop. Just a suggestion we understand that your resort is a family oriantated, but yuou need to have some sort of cut off time for children to swim in the large swimming pool, they were still swimming after 21h30 Friday evening and this will be the last time that we will stay in one of your downstairs rooms as well, understanding that the people living above will make thumping noises of the wooden floors. I did report that the toilet was leaking past and wasting hundreds of litres of water. The matrass on the bed is worn out and hollow. And coming from Queenstown and that we had to get out the room by 10h30am made our stay much shorter even after asking the lady on the phone when we booked if we could vacate the room later she said no. Why could we not stay in the room longer and be at your beautiful resort and to be able to walk on the beach etc. My wife said that she found that the Saturday and the Sunday breakfasts were basically the same, some suggestions, fried tomatoes, oats, pap, boiled eggs, better selection of juices and kept cooler, the fridge in the room was also making a noise, we had to switch it off and the room needed a microwave (even a small one). Otherwise we enjoyed our stay in your excellent resort and WE WILL be coming back again, but this time round only if we are able to stay in one of your front upstairs rooms because the front rooms feel as if they are more catered to living at Crawfords Cabins. Cell 0837036430. Simon Morris
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
Beautiful family run place on the coast, the rooms have a beach house feel to them and you can see the ocean from the pool and bar area which is lovely.
The sofa in the room was very old and in need of replacement but otherwise was a lovely stay.
The beach is beautiful and lovely for a stroll or a swim.
The food was lovely with a good choice for both dinner and breakfast.
The only complaint is that the wifi does not work in the rooms but only the restaurant pool area even though our room was right next door to this area.
The sofa in the room was very old and in need of replacement but otherwise was a lovely stay.
The beach is beautiful and lovely for a stroll or a swim.
The food was lovely with a good choice for both dinner and breakfast.
The only complaint is that the wifi does not work in the rooms but only the restaurant pool area even though our room was right next door to this area.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Getting back to Cintsa, more than 30 yrs after my last visit, was a breath of fresh air, as the beach is still incredibly beautiful and unspoilt...
When at Crawford's, you just take a few small steps down and you're on the never-ending beach that goes on and on and on...
The Lodge itself has great people running it and although I only had one night to check it all out, I'd love to take my family with next time.
The lodge is a bit older, but the location is great and you have the option to go full board if you just want to go and relax. Both pools are well-kept and I'd recommend a sea-facing room, if available, as they're very close to the beach. The rooms are spacious and can do with a renovation, but it's still clean and I will go there again, with or without renovations, as you'll be out and about most of the time.
Thank you for a lovely time, looking forward to seeing you all again!
When at Crawford's, you just take a few small steps down and you're on the never-ending beach that goes on and on and on...
The Lodge itself has great people running it and although I only had one night to check it all out, I'd love to take my family with next time.
The lodge is a bit older, but the location is great and you have the option to go full board if you just want to go and relax. Both pools are well-kept and I'd recommend a sea-facing room, if available, as they're very close to the beach. The rooms are spacious and can do with a renovation, but it's still clean and I will go there again, with or without renovations, as you'll be out and about most of the time.
Thank you for a lovely time, looking forward to seeing you all again!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2021Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hospitality staff were friendly and accommodating, which is more than I can say for management. I was disappointed with the outdated shower /bathroom. When booking we were informed that only 2 rooms were available, of which this specific room was located next to reception, but we will have privacy and be able to relax on our deck area. Well, the room location was behind the reception, kitchen and restaurant and of such that we were subjected to deliveries to the kitchen throughout the day till late. During load shedding the big generator which is located in front of the room was creating noise and fumes, forcing us to close up all doors and windows in our room to prevent fumes from entering our room. if I was properly informed of the room location and of what I should expect, I would not have made the reservation.
Upon check-out management did not make any eye contact or bother to enquire about our stay at the facility ( wonder why). The food was good though.
Upon check-out management did not make any eye contact or bother to enquire about our stay at the facility ( wonder why). The food was good though.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We arrived here in late Feb for a one night stay after a really rough day on the roads. This place is a truly wonderful haven. The food, drinks, management and staff are fabulous. The owner is always looking out for your every need. We had an Upper Dolphin room (ask for the end unit) and it was superb with fantastic balcony and lovely views of the beach and area. The water in the sea was too cold to swim but we loved walking on the beach and recovering from long days in the car. Worth it even for one night. It is an easy and paved drive from the main road. Very secure and safe and beautiful!! Thanks to all who looked after us, especially the waiter from Malawi whose name we forget.
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Date of stay: February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I walked in to Crawford’s thinking what an amazing venue, so I booked a table for 8 at the window for 6-30 two days later.
I was told that they had live music, the menu looked good and Nesley the lady who took my booking made it sound amazing, so I thought it would be a nice treat for the family.
We arrive at Crawford’s to a closed gate, the buzzer doesn’t get answered, no security at the gate to open and no mobile signal.
We sat for 15 minutes until one of the guests came along to open.
We then arrive at the Bungalow restaurant, to a crowded smokey restaurant, loud music with lots of drunk people. No table as requested at the window and were told they had a games evening about to start.
To cut a long story short, we finally got a table after most people had left, we now sitting in an almost empty restaurant being served warm beers on tap and generally not happy. Our waiter tried his best in a difficult situation and was amazing.
The food, the reason we go to restaurants was dismal to say the least, typical of small coastal towns who get a once maybe twice a year influx of visitors, guys keep it simple, small menus, few ingredients and do it well.
We thought that Prawns maybe a good idea at R20-00 each maybe we should have known, floury and awful, bottled Nando’s peri peri what are you thinking.
Anyway what we thought was going to be a great evening turned out to be a great disappointment, how people can turn magnificent venues in to this I fail to dream of in my wildest dreams, it’s a crying shame.
Nesley should get a warning.
Won’t be returning very disappointed.
Shaun from Newlands
I was told that they had live music, the menu looked good and Nesley the lady who took my booking made it sound amazing, so I thought it would be a nice treat for the family.
We arrive at Crawford’s to a closed gate, the buzzer doesn’t get answered, no security at the gate to open and no mobile signal.
We sat for 15 minutes until one of the guests came along to open.
We then arrive at the Bungalow restaurant, to a crowded smokey restaurant, loud music with lots of drunk people. No table as requested at the window and were told they had a games evening about to start.
To cut a long story short, we finally got a table after most people had left, we now sitting in an almost empty restaurant being served warm beers on tap and generally not happy. Our waiter tried his best in a difficult situation and was amazing.
The food, the reason we go to restaurants was dismal to say the least, typical of small coastal towns who get a once maybe twice a year influx of visitors, guys keep it simple, small menus, few ingredients and do it well.
We thought that Prawns maybe a good idea at R20-00 each maybe we should have known, floury and awful, bottled Nando’s peri peri what are you thinking.
Anyway what we thought was going to be a great evening turned out to be a great disappointment, how people can turn magnificent venues in to this I fail to dream of in my wildest dreams, it’s a crying shame.
Nesley should get a warning.
Won’t be returning very disappointed.
Shaun from Newlands
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Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
From the owners to the restaurant staff, cleaning staff and kids club team, everyone is helpful and friendly at this well-run resort on the beach. It is the perfect family getaway. We recommend taking one of the Crawford's surf boards of body boards down into the ocean for some fun, going for a horse ride along the beach, taking walks along the magnificent beach to the rockpools and sand dunes and enjoying sundowner cocktails with a view at the Bungalow bar.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loved the facilities available - plenty to do and kids are catered for and considered. Appreciated the offer of whether anything specific for dinner should be prepared earlier for my daughter (instead of waiting for dinner time to start). Staff very accommodating with special requests (nothing is too much effort). Bonus is that it's a short drive from EL! Will definitely be back!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: June 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed here as a solo female traveller, for 4 nights in January, booking a Dolphin suite overlooking the Indian Ocean. A friend had recommended this place to me, and it did not disappoint. As a family run business, the welcome is warm and friendly especially their dogs whom are part of the furniture and indeed Chester kept me company which was lovely.
All the staff are very attentive and friendly, and there is always tea and coffee available with comfy sofas to sit on, near the bar, making the hotel feel very homely. I had breakfast and evening meal basis the food was lovely, with lots of choice (and I'm very fussy) .
There are steps leading down to the beach, which is clean and i felt very safe, swimming in the sea and going for long walks on my own. This is a great place to relax, unwind and switch off, and I`ll definitely be back.
All the staff are very attentive and friendly, and there is always tea and coffee available with comfy sofas to sit on, near the bar, making the hotel feel very homely. I had breakfast and evening meal basis the food was lovely, with lots of choice (and I'm very fussy) .
There are steps leading down to the beach, which is clean and i felt very safe, swimming in the sea and going for long walks on my own. This is a great place to relax, unwind and switch off, and I`ll definitely be back.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
In beginning of Jan, sunrise is about 5:00 and sunset is about 19:20 (peak summer) and at the end of in Feb it's about 05:55 to about 18:45.
Hi
Drinks are not included at all.
The hotel have many brochures to view in terms of sight seeing.
If you contact them directly, I am sure they will send you some information.
"Pack all types of clothing for all types of weather We had wet cold weather in December and many people packed no warm clothes"Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
C$203 - C$279 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
crawford`s beach hotel cintsa
LOCATION
South AfricaEastern CapeChintsa
NUMBER OF ROOMS
40
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Crawford's Beach Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to Crawford's Beach Lodge?
Nearby attractions include Cintsa Beach (0.8 km) and Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve (4.1 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Crawford's Beach Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
What food & drink options are available at Crawford's Beach Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Crawford's Beach Lodge?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Crawford's Beach Lodge?
Conveniently located restaurants include Prana Lodge Restaurant, Tea in the Trees, and Village Bistro.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Crawford's Beach Lodge?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Crawford's Beach Lodge have airport transportation?
Yes, Crawford's Beach Lodge offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Crawford's Beach Lodge offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business centre, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.
Does Crawford's Beach Lodge have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.