"Comfortable, neat, close to everything."

Had a great time, great place.

"Great."

Good value for money, was pleasant.

"Neat and good location to walk through town."

Very nice stay and well located for walking through the town. Service was excellent and room beautiful with everything needed.

"Hearty, artful quick stop."

It was a lovely place to stay, the hostess is wonderful and helped us a lot with what to do and enjoy the best of the town. The breakfast was delicious and I would have liked to stay longer.

"Loved it."

A wonderful experience.

"Fantastic."

Magical space with a nice lounge and fireplace. The Bethesda is in the middle of the town so you can walk anywhere without walking too far! The host is super friendly and always quick with a suggestion of what to do in town. Would definitely recommend.

"The Bethesda was a restful timestop for my soul."

For 35 years I've been wanting to see Ms. Helen's owls, but always somehow ended up taking the N12 home to Pretoria. This year was to be different. This year I steered west from Knysna and followed the N9 to Nieu-Bethesda. We were late. Our hostess was our beacon from the start of our journey and brought us safely in for the landing. The road was dark but smoothly tarred - we were quite expecting a dirt road. I'll definitely remember some of the finer details of our stayover. The smile and warm welcome. The sherry waiting in the glass decanter in the arty, colourful lounge. The smell of pea soup coming from the kitchen. The pizza that we telephonically ordered as we drove through Graaff Reinette with Lorraine Mellier from Zalig and her perfect timing to have the pizza ready as a drive-through dinner pick-up for us. We heard people driving through from Beaufort for her pizzas and we were definitely not disappointed. How clear the Milky Way sparkled. The steel-footed bath and the 2-hour soak in fragranced bath salt while reading the laminated life story of Helen Martins and discovering a whole treasure map of things to do in Nieu-Bethesda the next day. The pictures of the cats. The Mebos sweets on the Alice in Wonderland table. The red knitted scarf in the Narnia cupboard. Our tasselled West door key. The dogs that came to greet. The quiet. The smell of filter coffee. The red Persian carpet and matching wingback on the stoep. Wondering what summer would look like. The books in the hallway bookshelf. Working out where the closest airport and car rental was, because flying would be much faster than 9 hours driving next time. The peanut brittle (that did not make it to Bloemfontein). Driving past the Water Tower and the Church and Library before we left for home. I was sure the handmade owls winked / blinked to remind us to come back another time. Same place - just a few days longer!

"Warm and welcoming."

I would highly recommend The Bethesda to anyone. This was our second time staying there. The hosts are fantastic and make you feel at home instantly. The house is beautifully decorated with attention to the smallest detail and everything a guest may need. My little daughter loved our room and we truly felt right at home. Thank you very much Carla!

"Great night's rest in a lovely room."

Thank you for a wonderful sleepover experience! Our hostess communicated with us in advance regarding the pass which was then due to inclement weather. We were kindly received, well informed about restaurants and activities in the town. Room was comfortable with everything needed for cold weather. We would love to come again for a longer visit!

"A good experience!"

Very nice, everything good and friendly.

"Nostalgic getaway in opulent comfort."

We really enjoyed it, it's already the second time and I hope for many more in the future! Very nice decor, makes you long for times gone by. The bathrooms are really special and the fireplace in the living room makes for nice relaxing and socializing. Breakfast was also unforgettable before the stove on a cold Karoo morning with freshly baked bread, just the right prescription to refresh your soul.

"Ten out of ten."

Lovely place with first class hostess and host.

"Fantastic."

Everything was delicious. Rooms are beautiful and the host was very helpful with everything.

"The Bethesda B&B."

Wonderful stay and I would highly recommend this comfortable B&B.

"Excellent service with beautiful rooms."

Excellent service. The Bethesda goes out of their way to make sure you know what to visit when visiting New Bethesda. The rooms are clean, tidy and very nicely decorated. Would definitely recommend The Bethesda.

"Stylish, hospitable."

All information regarding accommodation, restaurants and road directions was sent to us by Carla in advance. Reception was friendly, and along with that we were also informed about the attractions. Rooms are tastefully and stylishly furnished. The magazines in our room were a luxury to flip through. What a treat to be able to walk to the restaurant in the evening, and walk back in the quiet streets with a full moon.

"Great place with lovely setting."

Really enjoyed my stay.

"Delicious."

Wonderful stay. Had such a nice time. Was just too short.

"Wonderful."

Hospitality, friendliness, cleanliness everything was 5 star. Carla, her husband and their animal children were the best. We had a very nice peaceful night's rest. The room is clean, tidy and very nicely equipped with everything you will need. Animal friendly that was a big bonus.

"Fantastic - what absolute gems - both the town and The Bethesda."

This is the first time we visited Nieu Bethesda. What an absolute gem - both the town and The Bethesda. We were made to feel welcome from the instant we drove into town. The accommodation is no exception. Best night's sleep in a long time .

"Comfortable oasis of great accommodation and friendliness."

The accommodation remains an oasis of enjoyment, comfort and friendliness. It is simply the only place where my family and I spend the night in the past and in the future. Thank you for your excellent service.

"Bliss in the countryside."

We had a great stay at The Bethesda - a great hostess!

"Enriching experience!"

Stylish, inspiring guest house with delicious restaurant and cute dogs!

"Beautiful, too short, a place to catch your breath."

We had a really nice stay, the 'attention to detail' is incredible! Carla and Ludolf are so friendly and helpful. We are already booking again for next year. We are so glad we came across the place.

"Lifestyle from a time of bygone elegance."

We had a wonderful stay. I definitely want to stay there again.

"Pleasant stay and nice supporting staff."

See stars.

"Lovely homely stay."

Very homely, nice and clean.

"Beautiful and exceptional quality."

Excellent service and beautiful accommodation. The team is just fantastic.

"Clean and tidy."

Had a nice stay. The chef was amazing. The waiters were very helpful and friendly!

"Neat and friendly accommodations."

Accommodation was neat, clean and well equipped.

"Great."

We only stayed one night. Everything was as on the website and the quality of the mattress and linen was excellent. The room and guest house are very nice, tidy and the service is friendly. Attention to detail has been given. I gladly recommend you.

"Beautiful decor and lovely spacious rooms with everything and more that is needed."

The owners are friendly and helpful. The fact that we could get all the meals on site suited us perfectly. Had a great night's sleep and will definitely stay there again.

"One cannot find fault with anything. We will be back for sure."

The people are friendly and a visit to New Bethesda is food for the soul.

"Excellent accommodation in a picturesque town!"

The Bethesda simply surpasses any accommodation I have been to in our beautiful country. Carla and Ludolf's hospitality is unsurpassed in the guesthouse and together with their friendly and helpful staff they offer excellent accommodation and service to travellers. Everything travelers need to enjoy a luxury break is provided and the rooms are extremely neat and clean. WiFi facilities are available and provisions have been made so that guests are not inconvenienced by load shedding.

"Fantastic and very hospitable."

Carla and Ludolph go out of their way to make it comfortable, warm and nice. We will definitely go again!

"We stayed at The Bethesda to explore the town."

The Bethesda is centrally located in Nieu-Bethesda, making exploration of the village convenient. The guesthouse exudes history and charm. The rooms are comfortable, and breakfast was delicious.

"Fantastic accommodation in a charming village."

A delicious, tasteful guest house with real Karoo hospitality, beautiful rooms and bathrooms and fantastic breakfast. The cute dogs are a plus!

"Carla, Ludolf and the clever team they manage had been fantastic."

Breakfast, service and accommodation could not be faulted. Great experience from the team, beautiful rooms! Couldn't find fault! Will definitely visit again.

"Unmatched - hospitality/pampering!"

Carla is the most perfect hostess and ambassador for her guesthouse, the industry and for New Bethesda! Our room and bathroom were spacious, tastefully furnished and well equipped. The guesthouse team is courteous, friendly and spoiled us with the most delicious breakfasts and service. We will cherish Carla and her people and the experience forever! Thank you and thank you again!

"Escape to the tranquility of the past."

The village is a retreat from our hectic existence to silence and simplicity, yet filled with many dining and accommodation options. The Bethesda has a charm and style of its own with all the necessities and its own restaurant serving delicious food. Really enjoyable stay!

"Excellent service and friendly staff."

Very beautiful, clean unit.

"Amazing! Best places ever!"

Attention to detail exceeds your expectations!

"Perfect overnight stay."

We spent the night on our way down to Mossel Bay. It was perfect overnight. Carla is the perfect hostess, the rooms are well equipped with dressing gown, slippers, delicious bath salts and filter coffee, tea and biscuits, board games for children, tour and map of the town. Breakfast the next morning was off the books. Carla and her team thought of everything. The guest house is centrally located so that you can walk through the beautiful village for a cold beer or dinner. It was an experience. We will definitely stay there again.

"Ideal karoo stopover for a few days."

Huge doors allow the feel of the Karoo in the rooms which are well-furnished, with plush bathrooms. The Bethesda Guesthouse is well positioned in the centre of Nieu-Bethesda, Carla and Ludolph are welcoming hosts. Particularly liked the restaurant on the premises, and Bruno the dog.

"Have a nice visit. Friendly service."

From arrival to departure it was great. There is a cozy atmosphere and Carla makes an effort with her guests.

"Unique, fairytale world."

Different, nostalgic and particularly comfortable with unique style. Ludolf is a fantastic host. We would definitely stay here again and recommend Bethesda Guesthouse to everyone. Thank you very much.

"Top notch accommodation."

It is a beautiful guest house and very well located. Carla received us warmly and immediately made us feel at home. The rooms and bathrooms are spacious and were cozy and warm upon our arrival. The breakfast was top notch and there was fresh milk in every room for a nice couple of cups of tea.

"Awesome accommodation and location."

Friendly reception. Very clean and tidy. Linen is good quality. Breakfast delicious.

"Friendly, generous, luxurious."

Great guest house, awesome room and very luxurious. Highly recommend The Bethesta.

"Friendly, helpful service. Great!"

Only negative experience was that all initial correspondence was in English, even though I indicated that we were Afrikaans speaking. After my contact in Afrikaans, further contact and reception was indeed in Afrikaans.

"Luxury overnight stay."

The guesthouse is luxurious and beautiful. Delicious coffee and biscuits served and the accessories in the bathroom of good quality. "Honesty bar" in small fridge, warm bedding and spotless room. I would stay here again anytime and recommend it to other people.

"Warm welcome by Ludolf, spacious parking, pretty environment and very pleasant stay."

Gorgeously decorated and comfortable rooms and bathroom. Creaky floors, but awesome coffee, mini bar facilities, desk space, convenient plugs, gowns and slippers.

"A beautiful guest house with owners who pay a lot of attention to detail."

We really enjoyed the visit in Nieu-Bethesda and The Bethesda Guesthouse is beautiful inside and the hostess made us feel very special.

"More than fantastic."

We were so welcomed at The Bethesda. Carla and her team are phenomenal. Well organized and they even took care of our dinner reservation for us. What an experience! Guesthouse is super clean and tidy and a delicious breakfast is included in the price. We will definitely see you again! Best garlic south of the equator, straight from their garden, is for sale where you enjoy breakfast. Buy it it's amazing!

"Home from home."

Carla, dankie dat julle so mooi agter die Oudstes gekyk het.

"Fantastic hospitality and Karoo beauty in the mountains."

The Bethesda Guesthouse. Meet Carla and Ludolf Smit, owners of the Bethesda Guesthouse in Nieu-Bethesda (Eastern Cape), South Africa. This energetic couple kicked up the Jozi life almost three years ago for the quieter, but definitely not sleepy lifestyle that only a village-like Nieu-Bethesda can offer. This beautiful guesthouse offers more than just charm, luxury and convenience, it offers an experience. Every piece of furniture in the home tells a story. From the stove that Ludolf’s mum cooked on when he was a child that is proudly displayed in their adjoining restaurant, to the large wooden dining room table that was once in the Smit’s home, now nestled in the bay window where our breakfast was served, to the wooden furniture of a bygone era dotted throughout the guest rooms in The Bethesda. The feeling of being home envelopes you like a warm welcome hug. I say ‘home’ because that’s exactly what it feels like when you step through the majestic wooden doors after a long day on the road. The beautifully maintained wooden floors creek underfoot with embedded history and tales as you make your way past each guestroom. It’s a reassuring sound that echoes so many memories of so many childhoods in South African homes, including mine. Carla’s energy is infectious and her meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout The Bethesda Guesthouse. Every view from every window in The Bethesda is a picture-perfect painting and it was a delight to snap a random shot throughout the home to capture this luxury life in the Karoo. The gift shop nook in their pizzeria is jam-packed with local products, a testament to the community culture that lives here. We arrived on the eve of the Kamers Makers exhibition that travels from the Karoo to Johannesburg and other major cities throughout South Africa. We were also treated to an art exhibition that was proudly hosted by Chris Lloyd, owner of Die Waenhuis restaurant in Martin Street. The dusty Karoo roads of this sleepy little hollow town were abuzz with local and international artists. Die Waenhuis serves comfort food for weary travelers that fill that hunger spot, served with the biggest smiles and local stories from the friendliest staff I’ve met in a very long time. The drive along the gravel Owl Route Road from the national highway was well worth the view. It’s an easy enough route for most vehicles. Nieu-Bethesda is off-road country for cars, bikes and bicycles alike. The short drive to the Stone Folk installation art outside the village is as picturesque as the road into the village. The History of the Bushman Museum and the Owl House were unfortunately closed when we visited, but that’s all the more reason for us to return. The Bethesda Guesthouse will definitely see us again. Die Padstal at the edge of the village did indeed live up to its local reputation for serving the best takeaway roosterkoek sarmies for the road trip ahead. . Nieu-Bethesda’s church is an architectural beauty. The Nieu-Bethesda village asked permission from Graaff-Reinet to have their own church built as the locals could not travel the distance to attend services. It was well worth the ask. . The village of Nieu-Bethesda is an absolute delight filled with arts, culture, craft beer, brilliant accommodation, history and wonderfully colourful people. This is a village that understands that ‘if you’re okay, I’m okay. ’ This doesn’t just count for visitors but among the locals as well. The culture of ‘let’s do it for the greater good’ is the heartbeat of Nieu-Bethesda. If you’re looking for a stop-over for the night, a long weekend break-away or a week for a self-imposed writing retreat, Nieu-Bethesda is your next destination. South Africa is filled with these little gems of villages. Find them. Support them. . You won’t be sorry. Walking through the dusty roads of this little Karoo village reminds one of things often forgotten –. people are kind, places have heart, food is comfort, life is colourful, and nothing else matters when you are where you belong. Thank you Carla and Ludolf, the world needs more hearts like yours.

"As Paula would have said: Fantasmagorical!"

Fantastic! I want to stay there! Lovely house surrounded by a beautiful garden. Nice breakfast. Friendly staff. Owners are very pleasant people. Keep guests informed about what is happening in town. Stay more than one night!

"Piece of heaven on earth."

Absolute home-away-from-home atmosphere! Thank you for the hospitality - it was truly a special destination!

"Very pleasant."

Breakfast is included - excellent.

"Absolutely a village that captures your soul."

Ludolf and Carla are fantastic hosts. Bruno's is a must and the Guest House has character. Would highly recommend it. Our next visit is definitely longer. There is just too much to experience.

"Excellent hostess and host, they went out of their way to make us feel welcome."

Staff is very friendly. Excellent guest house, location is perfect and walking distance to everything.

"A beautiful, peaceful and safe place to stay that we will definitely visit again."

The location is breathtaking, the owners genuine, the accommodation of excellent quality and the breakfast is top notch. Go and experience Karoo hospitality at its best, you won't regret it.

"Absolutely fantastic."

We had a wonderful stay here. Carla made so much effort for us to make sure that we and our children were comfortable and peaceful. I would come back to The Bethesda any day.

"Farmhouse memories with modern comfort."

Carla and Ludolf are wonderful, welcoming hosts, going beyond to look after our needs.

"Bethesda Guesthouse is highly recommended!"

Most beautiful old house with a lovely willow tree in the garden. The host and hostess are extremely nice and helpful. The room is so nicely decorated and there is everything one could need! Will stay here again without a doubt!

"Roadside!"

Our hostess received us very kindly. She explained to us well where we could go to eat that evening, different options. We slept great on a big bed! The breakfast was delicious and stylishly presented.

"It was a privilege to be received like this and the service was great. Highly recommended."

The tranquility of the town, the absence of street lights, radio and TV was indeed a bonus. An enthusiastic group of residents truly offers you an opportunity to unwind. Thank you.

"Experience warm hospitality in this beautiful town."

Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to experience the countryside. Very nostalgic experience.

"Luxury experience."

Carla made us feel very welcome and took the time to explain to us where all the cool places to visit in the village are. The rooms are luxurious, very clean and tidy. The breakfast was delicious and went the extra mile. Will definitely go back again.

"Fantastic"

Can only recommend it. Good value.

"Very nice village. Feel free to stop on the way to the sea."

Lovely guest house with a farm feel and friendly service. I would recommend The Besthesda to others. Very nice village with old school charm. The Bethesda guest house offers everything one could want and more.

"Fantastic atmosphere and hospitality."

The room and bathroom are comfortable and tasteful. Nice relaxed atmosphere after country road. Nice pizza on site, breakfast was exceptional. The village and especially the second-hand bookshop are worth a visit.

"5-star accommodation and breakfast together with peasant hospitality"

Beautiful rooms in stately old mansion just a stone's throw from everything in New Bethesda. Hostess clearly has a passion for the village and surroundings.

"Great stay!"

The hosts went out of their way to make our stay pleasant. Will stay here again on the way to the garden route.