Redlands Hotel & Spa

Redlands Hotel & Spa occupies its own grounds on George Mac Farlane Lane in Wembley, one of Pietermaritzburg's leafy suburbs — a Victorian-era estate of lush gardens and period architecture that guests repeatedly describe as having genuine "Victorian ambiance," a world away from the city's CBD streetscape of red-brick Edwardian shopfronts. The outdoor pool sits within the gardens, and the hotel runs its own restaurant on a seasonal, locally sourced menu, served indoors or on the terrace, alongside a bar and Redlands Spa for treatments.

Three suite categories are on offer: the 15 m² Deluxe Suite from R3,200 a night, the 40 m² Executive Suite from R4,500, and the 70 m² Premier Suite from R5,250, all with a king bed for two guests. The estate also hosts indoor and outdoor event venues and conference rooms, making it a regular choice for Pietermaritzburg weddings and functions as well as overnight stays.

On Booking.com, Redlands holds an 8.5 out of 10 "Very Good" rating from 267 reviews, with comfort and location both scored 9.1. Guests single out the staff and setting: one reviewer called the service "impeccable" and the decor "magnificent," while another wrote that "the Redlands has a lovely charm about it and a restaurant with delicious food" — a theme that recurs across its review history.