Frequently Asked Questions

Undoubtedly yes. This is the most effective form of advertising. For the cost of perhaps one or two nights' accommodation, you get a full year of advertising.

No, we are a commission free site. After payment of a small annual fee (once-off) has been received, customers deal directly with you, the establishment owner.

No, as part of our service, we give members a full page on our website. Aside from this in itself being an advert, you can use this as a link to direct your customers to. They will then be able to see all the images and information on your facilities. We do not charge extra for this and you can update information and images as you see fit.

Yes, new and existing customers can elect to pay our membership fees annually or through a monthly debit order.

This does depend on many things - the location of your establishment, the features, price and also the quality of the images and information you send us.

We try and feature as best we can in the search engines but the accommodation industry remains extremely competitive. We are confident that whatever happens you will at least recover your annual fee, with a high likelihood of more bookings. Our regular annual member renewals will attest to this.

Marketing is like fishing ... the more lines you have in the water, the better. I also run my own Guest House. I advertise this Guest House with five different internet accommodation portals and I find that this works well for me.

We offer you a full page on our websites but we can also build and host one for you at R140 per month. Click here for more info:
http://www.beaconbayaccommodation.co.za/eastlondonwebhosting.html

Yes and no. If one is careful, obtains the relevant information and takes basic safety precautions like you would do in iny other county, yes, South Africa is as safe as anywhere else. If you're careless, leave your belongings lying around and explore unknown places at the wrong time, you're tempting fate.

While not essential, it is recommended. Particulalry during the busy season, usually from November through to March. Most establishments allow you to cancel up to two weeks before arrival so why take the chance.

Wow, there are so many. If I had to pick just three, (in order of priority), these would be (a)Cape Town, (b) a game park or reserve and (c) one of the natural areas - Hermanus, perhaps the Garden Route or the winelands surrounding Stellenbosch.

The glitsy and glamourous beaches are around Cape Town. Unfortunately, the water is frightfully cold. My choice for a beach holiday is undoubtedly the Eastern Cape.

The waters of the Indian Ocean are far warmer and the weather is more moderate. Head for the Sunshine Coast and the towns of Port Elizabeth, Port Alfred, St Francis Bay, Jeffreys Bay and Kenton-on-Sea.

There is a good inter-city flight service and most car hire companies are present at all the airports. A fly/drive option is best.

Remembering that South Africa is a big country by European standards. The driving distances from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth is ± 600km and Johannesburg to Cape Town ± 1400km to give you an idea.

Inter-city bus services are a cheaper option; rail is not recommended.

No commissions are payable at all. You deal directly with the establishment who pays us a small annual fee to be on our site.

Most prices are fixed. In the event of a longer stay, perhaps of 4 days or more at one destination, there is no harm in asking for a special rate.

Accommodation establishments can elect to participate in the accredited TGCSA grading system. This firstly identifies the type of accommodation for example, Guest House, Hotel, Lodge etc., and then rates it according to a star grading from 1-5.

Once you have arrived, you will find that a holiday is quite inexpensive due to our weak currency.

Accommodation prices obviously vary according to the level of luxury but you will find a three star establishment to be average/good accommodation and priced around R300 per person sharing.

A pizza will cost around EU 8 or ZAR 80 and a lager in most places will cost around 1,5 USD or 1GBP. If you buy at retail level these are much cheaper.