Escape to Kroonstad: Cornerstone B&B's Unforgettable Charm
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into the world of Escape to Kroonstad: Cornerstone B&B. Forget your perfectly curated Instagram feeds – this review is going to be real, raw, and possibly a little bit chaotic. You’ve been warned.
The Accessibility Angle (Because Let's Be Real, Everyone Deserves a Getaway):
Okay, so accessibility. Before I booked, I did a deep dive (because, you know, gotta be prepared). Cornerstone gets a solid… thumbs up, but with a slight squint. They say they’re facilities for disabled guests. Now, I didn't spend my time measuring doorways with a ruler, but the website mentions an elevator, which is HUGE. I always appreciate a place that thinks about making things easier for everyone. Honestly, it's the little things, like having a smooth ramp instead of a death-trap staircase, that can make or break a trip for anyone with mobility challenges. I’m betting if you gave them a heads-up about specific needs, they'd do their best to accommodate. However, I couldn't find anything about wheelchair accessibility in the bathrooms, and that is always important, like a really big deal.
The Tech Stuff – Wi-Fi and the Internet of Tomorrow:
Let's talk internet, the modern-day lifeblood. And for that I'm relieved to say Cornerstone delivers! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! I could stream my guilty-pleasure reality shows until my eyeballs begged for mercy. And hey, they have Internet [LAN]. Apparently, some people still use that. shrugs. Now, the Wi-Fi in public areas was pretty good too. Didn't get kicked off the wifi after i uploaded my most recent instagram post.
Things to Do, Ways to Not Do Things, and the Spa… Oh, The Spa:
Okay, here's where things get interesting. They have a Fitness center. I saw a Fitness center listed, I didn't go there. Let's just say my idea of “fitness” involves aggressively clicking through Netflix and eating a bag of chips. But for the active among us, it’s there. They have a Spa. Spa/sauna. Steamroom. Listen, I'm sold. I didn’t experience it, sadly, But just thinking about a body scrub, a body wrap, a massage…oh, my aching muscles are already salivating. This is the one. This is what I live for. It's the Pool with a view. Yes, please. I'm already picturing myself, draped in a luxurious robe, sipping something fruity with a tiny umbrella, the very picture of relaxation. The Swimming pool sounds glorious. Again, I'm sold. There’s even a Foot Bath. I mean, who doesn’t love a foot bath?
Cleanliness and Safety… Because, You Know, These Times:
Cornerstone seems to take this seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays. They use Professional-grade sanitizing services. Hand sanitizer is readily available. I’m a bit of a germaphobe and that makes me happy. They have Staff trained in safety protocol. They've got it going. And I love that you can Room sanitization opt-out available.
Food, Glorious Food (and Drinks!):
Alright, foodie fanatics, this is for you. Breakfast in room. Sold. Restaurant is on the list. They have A la carte in restaurant. I'm a fan of variety, so that's cool. Asian cuisine in restaurant? Unexpected, but I'm intrigued. Bar. Obviously. Coffee/tea in restaurant. Essential. They have Desserts in restaurant (Yes!) and Salad in restaurant. They even have a Vegetarian restaurant. This is where things get amazing. Room service [24-hour]? I'm in heaven.
Let's Get to the Room (Because, Seriously, Where Are We Sleeping?)
The rooms! Oh, the sweet, sweet rooms. Air conditioning. Blackout curtains. Daily housekeeping. Wake-up service. Hair dryer. Ironing facilities. Mini bar. Refrigerator. Seating area. Slippers. Soundproofing. Toiletries. Towels, and a window that opens. I'm practically drooling just reading the listing. And the complimentary tea? That's how you win me over. They're clearly thinking about comfort and convenience. Each room looks amazing. I love Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, and Sofa. I think I might stay in my room for my entire stay.
Services and Conveniences (Because Life Isn't Always a Picnic):
They have the usual suspects: Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Luggage storage. Daily housekeeping. And oh, my goodness, the Ironing service! (Hello, wrinkle-free vacation!) They have a Gift/souvenir shop. Always nice for a last-minute present or something for myself. Air conditioning in public area. It always counts. They provide essential items like Breakfast takeaway service!
Getting Around (Or, How to Escape to Kroonstad in Comfort):
Airport transfer? Yes, please! Car park [free of charge]. Car park [on-site]. Taxi service. Because let’s be real, who wants to drive after indulging in that spa and room service?
For the Kids (If You Must):
Babysitting service. Family/child friendly. Kids facilities. Honestly, I’m not a kid person, but it's good to know they’ve got them covered.
And Now, the Big Sell (aka, My Opinionated Offer):
Okay, here’s the deal. If you’re looking for an escape, a true retreat where relaxation is practically mandatory, then Escape to Kroonstad: Cornerstone B&B is absolutely worth a look. I'm already picturing myself there, wrapped in a fluffy robe, all the stress of the real world melts away in the luxurious embrace of the spa.
My Honest Verdict:
Cornerstone feels like a place that really cares. The facilities, from the spa to the food, sound divine. The attention to safety is a massive plus, and the little details in the rooms indicate a thoughtful approach to hospitality. Yes, there might be a few areas where they could improve accessibility (though, seriously, call them and ask – they probably will work it out for you!). But, overall, Escape to Kroonstad: Cornerstone B&B is an experience that will make you feel truly pampered and refreshed. Go. Book it. And tell me all about it!
Book your escape today and… well, I can't promise you'll have a perfect trip, because real life doesn't work that way. But I can promise you a fantastic place to unwind, recharge, and maybe, just maybe, escape your everyday chaos for a little while.
Sapporo Luxury: ANA Crowne Plaza's Unforgettable Stay (IHG)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is the real deal. Cornerstone B&B in Kroonstad, South Africa, here we come…or maybe we're already here. Time sort of…melts, right?
The Mostly Planned Chaos: Kroonstad & Beyond (ish)
(Disclaimer: May contain excessive cheese, spontaneous detours, and the inevitable existential crisis brought on by trying to understand South African traffic. You've been warned.)
Day 1: Arrival & the Great Bed Hunt (and a Near-Panic Attack)
- Morning (ish): Land at whatever airport is closest (probably Bloemfontein, if I remember correctly, and that's already a foggy memory). The flight itself? Honestly, a blur of stale airplane coffee and the desperate hope my luggage actually made it.
- Mid-Morning (more or less): The drive. Oh, the drive. Picture this: me, slightly disoriented from the flight, gripping the steering wheel like it’s the last life raft. The vastness of the Free State…it’s…a lot. The road signs are, let's just say, optimistically placed. I almost took a wrong turn, and for a moment, envisioned myself stranded in the middle of nowhere, eating only biltong and regretting all my life choices. But, I survived. Just.
- Early Afternoon: Arrive at Cornerstone B&B! (Finally!). The website photos…well, they don’t do it justice. It's charming. Really charming. And the owner, this lovely woman whose name I've already immediately forgotten, is super welcoming. She's got that 'been there, done that' air, the kind that makes you feel like you can tell her anything, even your most neurotic travel anxieties.
- Afternoon (the real meat and potatoes): The Great Bed Hunt of 2024! Okay, I'm exaggerating, but finding the perfect room is crucial. My inner Goldilocks comes out. Too soft? No way. Too firm? Ugh, back pain central. The one I did choose…the bed. The bed. The bed was heavenly. It didn't just look inviting; it practically begged me to collapse onto it. I did. For a solid hour. Just pure, unadulterated horizontal bliss. I may have drooled. Don't judge me. And honestly, the room had a vibe. Like, someone actually cared about decorating. It was a small victory.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Exploring the B&B grounds. Okay, let's be honest, it was more like wandering around in a daze, adjusting to the time change and getting my bearings. The garden was…well, the garden was a bit overgrown, but in a delightfully chaotic way. Found a bench, sat on it for a solid, contemplative 15 minutes (or maybe it was three, time blurs), and just soaked it all in. This is what I came for, right? To be.
- Evening (and the First Meal That Wasn’t Airplane Food): The promised delicious dinner at the B&B. Had a chicken stir-fry and it was amazing. The other guests? Friendly. Chatty. Already making me question if I packed enough small talk. I also might have drank too much wine to drown my anxiety about the next few days. It was a long day, and I passed out quickly in the arms of my lovely bed.
Day 2: Kroonstad's Secrets & the Case of the Missing Laundry
- Morning (the early bird gets…slightly less sleep): Woke up craving coffee. Strong, black, life-giving coffee. And Cornerstone delivered! Breakfast was plentiful – eggs, bacon (that was cooked perfectly!), toast…it’s all so beautiful!
- Late Morning: Kroonstad itself! This is where the itinerary gets a little…fuzzy. The plan was to check out the town. I went to the market. It was hot. So hot. I am not a summer person. I bought a hat. Felt like a genuine local. I then made a tactical retreat to a shaded cafe where I drank a milkshake the size of my head.
- Afternoon: The Laundry That Vanished Into Thin Air: Remember that laundry service the B&B offered? Yeah. I put my clothes in a bag, and promptly forgot all about them. Hours later, I realized my only clothes were…what I was wearing. Panic! Okay, deep breaths. It's a minor inconvenience. Still, I was slightly mortified. I mean, what if I had a real emergency?
- Late Afternoon: Redemption at the River…and the Threat of Crocodiles (Just Kidding!) Okay, maybe it was a stream. The point is, I walked along it. It was beautiful. The light, the sounds…it was actually a great way to clear my head after the laundry debacle. Okay, maybe I didn't clear my head about the laundry at all. It's safe to say: my laundry was still lost. I could feel the impending doom.
- Evening: Another, more-than-fulfilling dinner, followed by a second evening. And then sleep.
Day 3: One Last Day of Bliss, and Then…Who Knows?
- Morning: Coffee. Breakfast. Deep breath. This is the last full day at Cornerstone.
- Afternoon: More of whatever I fancy. Maybe a drive, finally brave enough to get in my rental car. Maybe I’ll just sit on the porch and read, soaking up the last of the tranquility.
- Evening: Packing. And dreading the flight home. And trying to remember the owner’s name. And maybe, just maybe, finally finding out what happened to the laundry.
- Night: The End?
The Fine Print (because, adulting):
- Transportation: Rental car (see Day 1 for details on my driving skills…or lack thereof).
- Food: Mostly at Cornerstone, with some local snacks thrown in for good measure. And many many milkshakes. It’s very important to stay hydrated, you know.
- Emotions: Expect a rollercoaster, with frequent swings between utter bliss and mild existential dread. And a whole lot of laundry-related anxiety.
- Unforeseen Circumstances: Highly likely. Embrace the chaos!
- Final Rating: Cornerstone B&B: 10/10. Kroonstad: 8/10 (for being a place to be). Myself: Still figuring it out.
Okay, that's it. Wish me luck. I'm gonna need it. Now excuse me, I have to go and find out if my socks ever reappeared from the dryer…
Shanghai's JW Marriott: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Escape to Kroonstad: Cornerstone B&B - Ask Me Anything (Seriously, I've Been There)
Okay, so... Is Kroonstad *actually* a place people escape *to*? And is Cornerstone B&B even worth the drive?
What's the vibe at Cornerstone? Is it all chintz and doilies? Because I'm not about that life.
Tell me about the breakfast. Is it just the standard continental fare? I need to know if I'm going to be starving by 10 am.
What is there to *do* in Kroonstad, besides eat breakfast and nap?
You can visit the local museum (which, admittedly, I didn’t get around to, because… naps), you can take a stroll through the town, or you can, and believe me, this is the most important option, you can embrace the quiet. The silence. The absence of constant noise. Sit on the porch, read a book, or just stare at the stars (which, again, might have been a highlight). I took a drive and saw some local sights. Don't expect a huge lineup of activities; this is all about slowing down and recharging. If you are looking for anything else, you should visit the B&B's website and search for more information.
Okay, so the rooms sound nice, the breakfast is amazing… but what about the *people*? Are the hosts actually nice?
So, what was the *worst* part? Spill the tea!
Would you go back? *Seriously*.
Also, since you're there, maybe make some friends. I was too focused on existential dread and breakfast food to really connect with anyone else.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to plan that return trip. Maybe I'll bring a friend along this time. Or maybe I'll just keep it as my own little secret. Decisions, decisions...
