Guest houses, B&Bs and self-catering: finding the right local stay

Whether you're travelling for work, planning a weekend away or finding somewhere for visiting family to stay, accommodation can look very different once you move beyond the headline price and a few beautiful photographs.

The best option depends on what you actually need.

Before paying, compare the property, location, facilities, total cost and booking terms rather than relying on one badge, rating or photograph.

What kind of stay are you looking for?

Local accommodation can include:

• guest houses;
• bed and breakfasts;
• self-catering cottages or apartments;
• holiday homes;
• backpackers and hostels;
• farm stays;
• country stays;
• lodges; and
• other short-stay accommodation.

Different types of accommodation provide different levels of privacy, meals, facilities and service.

Read what the particular property actually offers rather than assuming from its name alone.

Start with the exact location

“Near the beach” and “close to town” can mean different things to different people.

Before booking, check:

• the general location;
• distance from places you need to visit;
• transport options;
• road access;
• parking;
• whether the area suits your plans; and
• when the exact address is provided.

If the property is on a farm, estate or remote road, ask about access conditions and arrival instructions.

Look at the photos carefully

Photographs are useful, but don't rely on one attractive angle.

Look for images showing:

• the actual room or unit;
• sleeping arrangements;
• bathroom;
• kitchen, if self-catering;
• common areas;
• outside areas;
• parking, where relevant; and
• facilities that matter to you.

If something important isn't shown, ask.

Photographs also don't prove current availability or condition, so confirm important details directly.

Check exactly what you're booking

A property may have several room or unit types.

Confirm:

• which room or unit you're booking;
• maximum occupancy;
• bed configuration;
• private or shared bathroom;
• private or shared kitchen;
• private or shared outdoor space;
• stairs or accessibility considerations; and
• whether you'll share any part of the property with the host or other guests.

This matters particularly with self-catering accommodation and properties containing several units.

Check what the price actually includes

Don't compare accommodation using the headline nightly rate alone.

Ask about:

• total price for your dates;
• number of guests included;
• breakfast;
• cleaning fees;
• linen and towels;
• parking;
• Wi-Fi;
• electricity or backup-power arrangements;
• additional guest charges;
• service or administration fees;
• refundable deposits; and
• any other compulsory charges.

The useful number is the total amount payable for your stay.

Understand the deposit and payment terms

Before paying a deposit, confirm:

• the amount;
• when it is due;
• when the balance is due;
• the payment method;
• the cancellation terms;
• whether any deposit is refundable;
• what happens if the host cancels; and
• what written booking confirmation you'll receive.

Keep the booking confirmation and proof of payment.

ID Verified doesn't make a payment or deposit risk-free.

Check payment details carefully

If you're paying directly, confirm payment instructions through an appropriate contact channel.

Be especially cautious if banking details suddenly change after you've already been communicating with the property.

For a significant payment, take the time to confirm the details before transferring money.

Don't assume a profile badge guarantees the bank account or payment request.

Read the cancellation policy before paying

Cancellation terms can differ significantly.

Check what happens if:

• you cancel;
• you shorten your stay;
• you change dates;
• you don't arrive;
• weather affects your plans; or
• the accommodation provider cancels.

If the booking is non-refundable or subject to deadlines, understand those terms before paying.

Check arrival and departure times

Confirm:

• check-in time;
• latest arrival time;
• check-out time;
• whether late arrival is possible;
• how keys or access are handled; and
• who to contact if you're delayed.

A midnight arrival is a bad time to discover reception closed at eight.

Self-catering doesn't always mean fully equipped

If you plan to cook, check what's actually provided.

Depending on the property, that could include:

• fridge;
• freezer;
• stove;
• oven;
• microwave;
• kettle;
• cookware;
• crockery;
• braai facilities; or
• basic consumables.

“Self-catering” tells you the general accommodation style, not necessarily every appliance in the kitchen.

Ask about electricity, water and connectivity

If these matter to your stay, ask about:

• backup electricity;
• what backup systems actually power;
• water arrangements;
• Wi-Fi availability;
• whether Wi-Fi is included;
• mobile signal; and
• any usage limitations.

“Backup power” doesn't necessarily mean every appliance works during an outage.

Travelling with children or pets?

Don't assume.

Check:

• whether children are accepted;
• occupancy rules;
• cots or extra beds;
• stairs, pools or other features relevant to your family;
• whether pets are permitted;
• pet restrictions;
• additional pet charges; and
• whether outdoor areas are enclosed.

“Pet-friendly” can still come with conditions.

Accessibility needs should be specific

If someone in your group has mobility or other accessibility needs, don't rely only on the word “accessible”.

Ask about the features that matter to that person, such as:

• steps;
• doorway widths;
• bathroom layout;
• parking;
• pathways;
• lifts;
• room location; or
• other relevant facilities.

Understand star grading

South Africa has an official tourism star-grading system administered by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA).

If an establishment says it has an official star grading, you can independently check that claim through the TGCSA.

Star grading is separate from Know a Pro's ID verification.

Don't assume an ungraded establishment is automatically illegitimate, and don't treat ID Verified as a substitute for tourism grading.

Read reviews for context

Recent guest reviews can help you understand previous experiences with:

• communication;
• cleanliness;
• location;
• facilities;
• check-in;
• noise;
• service; or
• whether the description matched the guest's experience.

Look for patterns rather than treating one glowing or terrible review as the whole story.

Reviews don't guarantee what your stay will be like.

Understand what ID Verified means

South African Pros complete identity verification as part of the Know a Pro signup process before their profile can go live.

Once completed, their profile can display the ID Verified badge.

ID Verified relates to identity verification.

It does not verify:

• the accommodation property itself;
• the property's address;
• ownership or authority to let the property;
• current availability;
• photographs;
• facilities;
• tourism grading;
• regulatory compliance;
• cleanliness;
• safety;
• service quality; or
• a payment or deposit.

It is one piece of information, not a guarantee or endorsement of the accommodation.

Before you pay, run through this checklist

Confirm:

• exact property or unit;
• dates;
• number of guests;
• total price;
• compulsory additional charges;
• location;
• facilities important to you;
• parking;
• check-in and check-out;
• deposit;
• balance due;
• cancellation terms;
• payment details; and
• written booking confirmation.

If a detail matters to your trip, get the answer before you pay.

Find a local stay

Know a Pro lets you browse accommodation listings, view the information hosts have chosen to provide, read available reviews and decide who you want to contact.

This article provides general consumer guidance and was reviewed in September 2026. Accommodation availability, facilities, pricing, deposits, cancellation terms, grading and regulatory requirements vary by property and location. Confirm the details that matter to your stay directly before booking or paying.