Little Switzerland Resort By Dream Resorts Ethels Drive, Ethels Drive - Reviews, Rooms Options & Prices 2025

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About the Resort

R74 Oliviershoek Pass, Ethels Drive, South Africa, 3350

Little Switzerland Resort boasts a rich history of over a hundred years, having evolved from a tea garden into a charming family-friendly resort. Located at the foot of the Northern Drakensberg, the resort features authentic thatched roofing and local wood framing that adds to its unique cultural significance. Guests are treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the picturesque Drakensberg mountains, making it a noteworthy destination. The resort also offers a wide range of outdoor activities perfect for both kids and adults, enhancing its appeal as a family vacation spot.

Location

Nestled at the foot of the Northern Drakensberg, the resort offers scenic views of the mountains that are captivating in all seasons. The surrounding area is rich in natural beauty, with the landscape featuring craggy rocks and lush forests. The resort is easily accessible for travelers heading towards Durban and is a perfect spot for exploring the rolling KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Additionally, transportation options are available to simplify guest excursions into nearby attractions.

Rooms

Little Switzerland Resort features a variety of accommodations including quaint chalets and suites equipped with modern amenities. Each suite includes a King Extra Length Bed and an en-suite bathroom with a luxurious bath tub. Additionally, the 6-sleeper chalets come with two bathrooms, one accommodating a bath and the other a walk-in shower, enhancing comfort for families. Guests can enjoy idyllic views of the Drakensberg mountains from their private wooden decks, further elevating their stay.

Eat & Drink

The resort offers a dining experience that includes hearty buffet carveries and options for some pampering at the spa. In-house restaurants serve a variety of cuisines that cater to diverse tastes, ensuring guests have satisfying meal options. Signature dishes highlight local flavors, and guests can enjoy their meals in a cozy atmosphere by crackling log fires. Breakfast options are hearty and are designed to satisfy every palate, ensuring that guests start their day well.

Leisure & Business

The leisure facilities at Little Switzerland Resort include two outdoor swimming pools and a tennis court, catering to guests looking for activity during their stay. Guests can also engage in a variety of outdoor activities such as golfing, bird watching, cycling, and horse riding. For relaxation, the resort's spa offers a range of treatments including massages, body treatments, and facials, ensuring a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation for all guests.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Executive Suite

Max:

2 persons

40 m²

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

Garden view

Shower

Heating

room details

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Superior King Suite

Max:

2 persons

35 m²

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

Garden view

Shower

Heating

room details

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Superior One-Bedroom Chalet

Max:

2 persons

40 m²

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

Garden view

Shower

Heating

room details

Check Prices

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

Explore available ways to reach your dream destination

City Center

Ethels Drive 2.5 mi

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Delicious Dining!

“The dining experience was fantastic, especially the vegetarian breakfast options that cater to all preferences.” view full review

Cozy Comforts

“Our chalet was equipped with underfloor heating and electric blankets, making it incredibly warm and cozy during our stay.” view full review

Relaxing Atmosphere

“The outdoor sundeck under the old Blue Gum Trees provided a perfect spot for relaxation, enhancing our overall leisure experience.” view full review

Well-Equipped Kitchen

“The chalet was well-equipped with kitchen facilities, allowing for easy meal preparation when we didn’t want to dine out.” view full review

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
Concierge desk
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Smoke detectors
Electric vehicle charging station
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Hiking
Horseback riding
Cycling
Tennis court
Bowling
Pool tables
Darts
Table tennis
Mini golf
Fishing

Guest Parking

Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

Pet amenities available
Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance
Stores/Commercial services
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Outdoor dining area
Picnic area/ Tables
Dinner
Packed lunches

Business

Business center
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cribs
Babysitting/Child services
Children's buffet
Board games
Children's play area
Kids club
Game room

Spa & Leisure

Outdoor swimming pool
Beach umbrellas
Sun loungers
Entertainment
Sun terrace
Garden area
BBQ facilities
Leisure/ TV room
Spa & wellness center
Pedicure
Manicure
Waxing
Body scrub
Facial
Treatment room
Body wraps
Massage
Shallow end

Room features

Heating
Mini-bar
Sitting area
Dressing area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Location

R74 Oliviershoek Pass, Ethels Drive, South Africa, 3350

Map view

R74 Oliviershoek Pass, Ethels Drive, South Africa, 3350

City landmarks

Eskom Drakensberg Visitors Centre

2.4 mi

Kilburn Dam

2.9 mi

Driekloofdam Pier

3.0 mi

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience

80%

liked the resort and would come back again

Empathetic staff

Stunning view

Outdated decor

Food incident

8.0/10

Great

Rooms

7.4

Location

9.2

Service

9.2

Dining

8.0

Jordan

United Kingdom, January 2025

8.6/10

I had a pleasant stay at this hotel while traveling back to Johannesburg. The renovation progress was exciting to see, and the staff worked hard to ensure everything was up to their high standards. The service was exceptional, and I loved the food. However, it seems like the hotel is still sorting out some kinks, and the surroundings have a lot of potential that isn’t fully tapped yet.

Rooms

8.0

The rooms were clean and comfortable with two double beds, making it suitable for families. However, the lack of entertainment options like a TV was noticeable.

Service

10.0

The service was excellent, with staff always available to assist with any requests and making us feel very welcome throughout our stay.

Location

9.0

The location is great, especially for those looking to access nearby hiking trails and exploring Royal Natal Park. It was a lovely getaway.

Dining

9.0

The buffet dining was fantastic, offering a wide range of options for both dinner and breakfast—a true highlight of our stay.

Facilities

7.0

The hotel has extensive grounds with a lot of fun activities available, though some areas like the kids' space felt underutilized.

James

United Kingdom, January 2025

8.6/10

I had a lovely stay at this resort, where the staff truly demonstrated empathy and care during our unexpected stopover. The room was spacious and offered a breathtaking view, while the food was fantastic, especially the breakfast spread. However, there were some issues with an outdated decor and an unfortunate incident regarding food. Overall, the positive experiences outweighed the negatives, making it a memorable visit.

Rooms

8.0

The room was spacious, clean, and provided an amazing view of the mountains, although there wasn't any TV for entertainment.

Service

9.0

The service was exceptional, with staff going above and beyond to make our stay comfortable. Kathy and Sven were particularly noteworthy.

Location

9.0

Nestled away from the bustling city life, the resort is in a scenic area by the wildlife, making it a perfect retreat.

Dining

9.0

The buffet offerings were plentiful and delicious, catering to special dietary needs with no fuss.

Facilities

8.0

The facilities included multiple activities such as hiking, quad biking, and fishing, all set in a beautiful, tranquil environment.

Empathetic staff

Outdated decor

Steven

United Kingdom, January 2025

8.4/10

Staying at this resort was a truly delightful experience. The staff made us feel like family, and the breathtaking views of the mountains were simply stunning. Our room was comfortable but could have used a few more amenities. The service was excellent, as they were always available to help with our needs. While the dining options were good, I think they could offer more variety. Overall, it was a great getaway, especially for those looking to escape the busy city life.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms were comfortable, but they were quite basic without any entertainment options like a TV.

Service

10.0

The service was outstanding; the staff was eager to assist us with any request and went above and beyond to ensure our comfort.

Location

9.0

The location is perfect for nature lovers, close to the Royal Natal Park and away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Dining

7.0

The dining experience was enjoyable, though I wish there were more diverse options on the menu.

Facilities

9.0

The resort offers a range of facilities that cater to families, such as hiking, horseback riding, and relaxing areas.

Bill

United Kingdom, October 2024

9.2/10

We just wrapped up a fantastic long weekend at the resort, nestled in the mountains with stunning views. Our family stayed in self-catering chalets that were clean and well-equipped. The activities available were amazing; from hiking to horse riding, there was never a dull moment. The service from the staff, especially Gerhardt, was exceptional and made us feel right at home. Our only downside was that the fishing spots required quite a hike, but overall, we got great value for our stay and we're already planning our return!

Rooms

9.0

The self-catering chalets were clean, comfortable, and equipped with everything we needed, though a hairdryer would have been a nice addition.

Service

10.0

The staff were available to help with almost any request and were genuinely friendly and welcoming throughout our stay.

Location

10.0

The resort is beautifully situated in the mountains with breathtaking views and access to numerous hiking trails close to nature.

Dining

8.0

We enjoyed a buffet dinner one night with a great variety of tasty dishes that delighted our family.

Facilities

9.0

The resort offers a wide range of facilities including hiking trails, horse riding, tennis courts, and a lovely spa that provided one of the best massages I've had in ages.

Stunning views

Limited fishing access

Thomas

United Kingdom, October 2024

6.8/10

My stay at Little Switzerland Hotel was truly memorable. The breathtaking views from the balcony and the exceptional service made it special. While some aspects of the experience were excellent, like the dinner and hiking opportunities, I did hear a few concerns from fellow guests about outdated facilities and inconsistent service.

Rooms

5.0

The room I stayed in was a bit outdated and in need of repairs, which was disappointing given the price I paid.

Service

7.0

The staff was very helpful, available to assist with a variety of requests, but I did notice some inconsistencies during meal service.

Location

9.0

The hotel is perfectly located by the wildlife and offers fantastic hiking options, providing a great opportunity to explore the beauty around.

Dining

7.0

Dinner at the hotel was delightful, but I experienced some lapses with service during breakfast, which could be improved.