- Review

BON Hotel Riviera on Vaal in Vereeniging

I was recently invited for a mid-week stay at the BON Hotel Riviera on Vaal in Vereeniging, Gauteng , South Africa.

Bon Hotel Riviera on Vaal

The property which used to be a farmhouse in the 19th century was subsequently converted into a hotel with 91 rooms. Over its history the property has been run by a number of owners. I’ve received feedback from many friends who have great memories of having lunch or tea on the terrace when they were kids. Under different owners the level of service at the hotel has varied. Since April 2014 BON Hotels is the newest owner of this exclusive property overlooking the Vaal River with great service and personal attention being among their priorities. It only took me 50 minutes to drive to the hotel from Rosebank (in central Johannesburg) to the hotel. After being pleasantly welcomed by the receptionist who was expecting me I was promptly handed my room card.

Rooms

No matter which room you are booked into you will still be overlooking the Vaal River.

I had been booked into one of the spacious executive suites in which the bed and lounge are situated in separate rooms. One thing I was very impressed with in the room was the high pressure shower. I’ve been to so many hotels where the pressure has been so low.

Activities

After dropping off my bags I took a stroll outside into the garden and pool area.

Bon Hotel Riviera on Vaal - pool

This is a great place for outdoor functions, picnics and to take wedding photos.

There is a cool giant-sized chess set beside the pool. And a number of options for the kids to be actively entertained. I walked across into the country club and golf course section.

Bon Hotel Riviera on Vaal - country club golf

There is a fully stocked golf shop on site with gear for purchase or hire.

Bon Hotel Riviera on Vaal - pro shop

The 18-hole golf course is designed to be challenging while affording majestic views of the Vaal River. After sunset I went on a little river boat trip on the Vaal River. You can snap great shots of the hotel from here. You can even have dinner on board if you wish.

Bon Hotel Riviera on Vaal - inside riverboat

Just remember to dress warm if you’re on the river after sunset in the middle of winter – it can be chilly.

There are a number of other water sports available on site – I’d like to try this when we are out of winter.

There is also the fully equipped 5* Zorgvliet Spa on site. The staff members are professional, friendly and ready to treat you with high quality products.

Food

The rooms come equipped with the standard mini-far fridge, kettle with tea/coffee and biscuits. In addition the hotel went a little further to stock the room with a complimentary drink and snacks for me to nibble on. I appreciated this personal touch.

I loved the dining area in Matthews Restaurant. It’s a great place to entertain small and large parties, and you feel like you’re dining in a glorious farmhouse.

Bon Hotel Riviera on Vaal - breakfast table

Compliments to the chef for the hearty home-styled meals that had been cooked for us.

Bon Hotel Riviera on Vaal - prawn curry and rice

I may have indulged more than I originally intended to when dessert was served…

Bon Hotel Riviera on Vaal - baking

There is also the outdoor Matthew’s Terrace Café that overlooks the Vaal River for lighter snacks. I’m pretty sure that this place is quite popular in summer.

Business

Other facilities at the hotel including:

A small gymnasium which I’m sure a business traveller would appreciate, WiFi connectivity (with a good complimentary allowance) and four conferencing facilities to book from.

There have been many occasions in which the company I work for (in Johannesburg CBD) has booked venues in Fourways, Magaliesberg and Boksburg for teambuilding exercises. Vereeniging is only 45 minutes away from Johannesburg CBD and BON Hotel Riviera on Vaal is definitely a place I’ll be recommending we book. I had a very pleasant stay at the BON Hotel Riviera on Vaal. The décor made me feel like I am in a traditional farmhouse.

While I was driving home after visiting the hotel I kept asking myself what could the hotel do to improve the experience. The only thing I thought would be nice was a grand fireplace, just like what you may expect in a farmhouse. That’s just one thing I could think off. Apart from that the stay was perfect.

About Zaid

Zaid is an intrepid traveler from South Africa that has traveled to all 7 continents. He loves to explore new destinations, experience new activities and go off the beaten path.
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