Location: South Africa » Kwazulu Natal » Battlefields » Anglo Zulu » DundeeThe Royal Country InnThe Royal Country Inn Hotel / Lodge accommodation in Dundee Kwazulu NatalDescriptionThe Royal Country Inn in Dundee combines the benefits of modern accommodation with an old-world charm. Situated in the heart of the battlefields, halfway between Johannesburg and Durban, it is the ideal stopover for weary travellers – a home-from-home with every comfort and amenity – as well as a convenient base from which to explore the rich history of the surrounding area. Originally known as the Royal Hotel, this inn was established in 1886, just four years after the town of Dundee was founded by a Scottish coal miner seeking his fortune and destiny. Together, Dundee and the Royal Hotel built on their foundations, growing together, and today, the Royal Country Inn stands proudly restored to its former glory.
Proprietors, Daniel and Motz Bezuidenhout, bought the Royal in 1999, at a time when the inn appeared more than a touch tired and run-down, a definite “fixer-upper”. After five years of hard work, creative energy, and equal amounts of frustration and joy – the Royal Country Inn stands proud once again. Daniel and Motz have, however, been careful throughout its ongoing restoration not to lose the original charm and historical ambience.
The Royal has a rich history – it even burnt down once – and this complex past is an integral part of its atmosphere. The collection of memorabilia, historical documents, old photos and artwork, even replicas of the uniforms of both the Anglo-Boer and the Anglo-Zulu Wars provides hours of browsing and enjoyment.
The kitchen (Motz’ department) produces meals second to none – packed with flavour and wholesome goodness – dinner at the Royal is not to be missed.
We are proud of our staff at the Royal – they are friendly, helpful, and pay attention to smaller details sometimes overlooked in large, impersonal hotels. They are always willing to go the extra mile to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
Daniel, Motz and their staff extend an invitation to come and sample the wares at the Royal Country Inn! Accommodation The Inn has a total of 29 bedrooms – 24 ensuite rooms and 5 backpacker rooms. The hotel bedrooms all have en-suite bathrooms with showers, satellite TV and are fully serviced daily by our housekeeping staff. Our downstairs bedrooms (all with wooden floors and beautifully preserved pressed iron ceilings) open onto a peaceful garden courtyard. From the hotel reception and lounge with magnificent parquet flooring, a sweeping staircase leads guests up to more rooms, some of which have been dedicated to the recipients of the Victoria Cross at the battle of Rorke’s Drift, and some of which have lovely little balconies overlooking Victoria Street and the municipal grounds.
The backpacker rooms are sold at a cheaper rate – two very clean, communal bathrooms service the 5 backpacker bedrooms. They are comfortable, affordable accommodation for those travelling on a tighter budget. 8 Double Rooms 4 Family Rooms
Family Rooms are two separate bedrooms, linked by an interleading door, and sharing a bathroom, and are perfect for a travelling family. The Royal Country Inn can accommodate a total of 50 guests at full capacity (excluding the backpacker bedrooms). Groups larger than 10 Pax qualify for a discounted rate, please just enquire (single room accommodation not included).   
AttractionsThe Royal is the ideal place from which to explore the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer War (South African War) battlefields, and is also in close proximity to the Drakensberg and the Itala Game Reserve.
DUNDEE ATTRACTIONS
Dundee attractions include: OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN THE SURROUNDING AREA
The following are but a few in the endless list of things to do and see: The Battle of Blood River Heritage Site and the Ncome Museum; Isandlwana Battlefield; Rorke’s Drift Museum and the site of the death of the Prince Imperial of France. You can also view San Bushmen paintings, Iron Age smelting sites, and enjoy a range of eco-tourism experiences such as numerous hiking trails and horse trails, bird watching, photographic safaris, mountain biking, abseiling and white water rafting. There are also many game reserves in the area such as the Weenen Game Reserve, the Spioenkop Nature Reserve, the Chelmsford Nature Reserve and Wagendrift Nature Reserve, among others. At Hattingspruit is the Tom Worthington Dam where you will find the Farmer’s Brewery that brews traditional home-brewed German and Austrian beers.
Accredited Battlefields Tour guides are also available and can be arranged by the hotel.   
Accolades | :Tourism Council of SA Star Grading |  | :AA Guides quality assured |
FacilitiesThe Inn also boasts one of the finest old-world dining room restaurants, treating guests to an ever-changing menu of hearty meals and other edible delights. Dinner is a la carte or a buffet, depending on the number of guests. There is the larger dining room, which also serves as a breakfast room, and the smaller grill room for more private dining. The larger dining area opens onto small courtyards on either side. Daniel and Motz love indigenous trees, and planted a Combritum (or Bush Willow) in the larger courtyard, which we are proud to say is growing very nicely! It is a lovely shadey corner to enjoy tea, or a coffee, or even dinner, lunch or breakfast, since our weather usually plays the game!
Meal times: Breakfast: 7 am to 9 am on weekdays 8 am to 10 am on weekends Lunch: 12 to 2 pm Dinner: 6 pm to 8 pm Join us for a drink at the resident pub – the Garrulous Griffin – dedicated to the 24th Welsh Regiment who fought so valiantly at the battle of Rorke’s Drift. |
Daniel and Motz restored the original public bar and have created a pub bursting with charm and atmosphere, and highly conducive to a quiet night at the pub counter. Pub lunches are served.
Pub hours: 12 - 2 pm 4 pm- 10 pm
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If the pub seems too tempting – relax in the lounge, read your book, browse the memorabilia, or just recover from a day’s travelling or touring… All bedrooms (except the backpacker rooms) are en-suite with satellite television and tea/coffee making facilities in the rooms. Conference A conference venue is on offer (maximum 50-60 delegates). We have one large conference room – maximum delegate capacity – equipped with standard A/V conference equipment, and two breakaway facilities (average capacity of 20 pax). All conference facilities are air-conditioned.
A secure parking area is located behind the Inn. This area remains locked at all times, and is patrolled by security at night.
We have a safe in reception, if you would like to store any valuables. We also ask guests with weapons to please hand them in on check-in. Contact Details:
Reservations
Tel: 086 127 6237
Int. Tel: +27 51 924 0585 |
DirectionsDIRECTIONS FROM JOHANNESBURG:
* Take the N3 to Durban
* Exit highway at Villiers offramp (just before the tollgate)
* Turn left to Cornelia/Vrede on the R103
* The R103 becomes the R34
* Turn left to Vrede on the R34
* Just before Vrede, turn right (still on the R34) to Memel
* Follow the R34 past Memel to Newcastle
* At Newcastle, follow the N11 to Ladysmith 32 km out of Newcastle, turn left to Dannhauser (R621)
* At Dannhauser, turn left again to Dundee (will see a service station directly across the road)
* Go through Hattingspruit
* At the T-Junction, turn left to Dundee
* In Dundee, follow the main road, pass through two sets of lights
* At the circle, veer left, still following the main road
* The Royal Country Inn is immediately on your right, opposite the municipality
DIRECTIONS FROM DURBAN:
* Take the N3 to Harrismith/Johannesburg
* Take the Ladysmith/Bergville offramp
* Turn right onto the N11 to Ladysmith – Newcastle
* 31 km out of Ladysmith, turn right to Glencoe/Dundee
* Pass through the outskirts of Glencoe - when you get to the T-Junction - turn right to Dundee
* Come to another T-Junction - turn right again into Dundee
* In Dundee, follow the main road, pass through two sets of lights
* At the circle, veer left, still following the main road
* The Royal Country Inn is immediately on your right, opposite the municipality
DIRECTIONS FROM THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK:
* Exit the park and head for the N4
* Follow the N4 to Nelspruit - Waterval Boven - Machadodorp
* At Machadodorp, turn left to Carolina onto the R36
* Follow the R36 through Carolina, Breyten, and then on to Ermelo
* When you get to the next main road (N17) - turn right to Ermelo
* From Ermelo follow the N11 to Amersfoort - Volksrust
* Keep following the N11 until you get to Newcastle
* From Newcastle - take the N11 to Ladysmith
* 32 km out of Newcastle, turn left to Dannhauser (R621)
* At Dannhauser, turn left again to Dundee (will see a service station directly across the road)
* Go through Hattingspruit
* At the T-Junction, turn left to Dundee
* In Dundee, follow the main road, pass through two sets of lights
* At the circle, veer left, still following the main road
* The Royal Country Inn is immediately on your right, opposite the municipality
  
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