The original Hostel was built around the homestead of Walter Coventry in 1903. It was enlarged in 1916 by Mr F C Williams, and even in those days was a popular retreat for mountaineers. In December 1941 the Hostel, then run by Otto Zunckel, burnt down. Zunckel rebuilt the Hostel on more spacious lines, turning it into what became the Natal National Park Hotel with its familiar cut stone facades. In 1947 the Hotel hosted the British Royal Family during a State visit and this earned the Park and the Hotel the right to be called the Royal Natal National Park and Royal Natal National Park Hotel.
Weeds now grow in the once elegant dining room where the Queen, as Princess Elizabeth, celebrated her 21st birthday. The baths have been removed from the rooms and are lined up outside. Graffiti covers the walls and animals and birds roost in the rooms.
The co-ordinates given are for the main entrance to the hotel. The cache is hidden in the upstairs wing that was possibly used by the royal family. You will have to search the hotel to find the narrow staircase leading to that wing. The cache is hidden in the room furthest from the stairs. Look for a PET preform in the gap in the wall.
WARNING: While exploring the hotel I have been threatened by a large baboon and have very nearly stood on a puffadder - be careful! The roof has come loose in places. Floorboards are missing and there is broken glass all over. Some rooms are very dark and dingy, so a torch may be useful. Closed shoes / hiking boots are essential.
FTF: Westview4
