One night in Bloemfontein.....

As my hubby had a bee in his bonnet to go see a sports car for sale, we drove Fri night after work to Bloemfontein.  What an endless road, miles and miles of nothing and hundreds of trucks slowing the drive to an absolute nightmare.  Well tired, I was happy to finally reach our over night accommodation, Bains Lodge.
http://www.bainslodge.co.za/

Bloemfontein seems the place to be and I tried several places before we managed to book our stay.  Normally I'd read tripadvisor before I book, but in this case, only referred to it the next morning and I was a little bit worried after the bad reviews.  The Lodge is huge with chalets to one side, express rooms, hotel rooms, 2 pubs/restaurants and one pub with a disco, all on the same premises.  The reception staff was wonderfully friendly and as this is a 24hour venue you do not feel as though you intrude arriving late.
We settled into the room, everything was clean and neat, the bathroom had a bath and shower (we stayed in the hotel room) and was perfect for the one night we needed.  We then set out for a late dinner at the pub at the entrance, it seemed a bit more quiet and it was great that you could just walk over.

The food was REALLY good and well priced, the staff so friendly, this really made our stay.

After a good shower, into bed!  This was the FIRST time EVER, and I have travelled a lot, that the bed was great,the cushions not too soft and poofy and the duvet not making a noise as you turn.  What bliss, I was seriously contemplating stealing a cushion :) (PS I did call back to get the name of the place where I could purchase one)

Yes they are busy with construction, this is going to be a seriously big place, but this did not intrude on our stay.  As people come and go, there is noise of people arriving late and doors opening and closing, but I do recommend this as a short stay and perhaps if you'd like a longer stay, the chalets seems so charming and further apart from each other.  For a night in Bloem, why not try this place:

Room (R690 per night)                                      

Lions Lair Pub (R280 for dinner and drinks)