Must-see hotels in Western Cape

  • Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

    Western Cape

    This superb luxury choice set on 25 sq km includes horse riding, hiking, local excursions and excellent food in the price. Each of the free-standing…

  • Lord’s Guest Lodge

    Winelands

    If McGregor isn't quiet enough for you, head to this luxury lodge north of town. The thatched, stone cottages sit atop a hill and have wow vistas across…

  • Pat Busch Mountain Reserve

    Winelands

    These well-equipped cottages are based on the edge of a nature reserve 15km northeast of Robertson off Rte 60. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing and…

  • De Kloof

    Western Cape

    One of Swellendam’s swankiest options, this is a supremely stylish guesthouse with a surprisingly personal touch. It's on a large estate dating back to…

  • Views Boutique Hotel

    Garden Route

    With bright, modern, glass-fronted rooms looking on to the glorious beach, this hotel makes the most of its awesome location. It's worth paying the…

  • Hog Hollow

    Plettenberg Bay

    Hog Hollow, 18km east of Plett along the N2, provides delightful accommodation in African-art-decorated units overlooking the forest. Each luxurious unit…

  • Vindoux Guest Farm

    Winelands

    A must for the romantically inclined, these luxury tree houses each have a spa bath and views of a small wildlife area with zebras, wildebeest and…

  • Turbine Hotel & Spa

    Knysna

    The clever design of this power station-turned-boutique hotel makes it one of Knysna's coolest places to stay. Elements of the original building have been…

  • Under Milkwood

    Knysna

    Perched on the shores of Knysna Lagoon are these highly impressive self-catering log cabins, each with its own deck and braai (barbecue) area. There's no…

  • Oudebosch Eco Cabins

    Western Cape

    These modern, glass-fronted cabins were designed to meld with the natural surrounds and be as ecofriendly as possible. Delightful and well equipped, they…

  • Marloth Lodge

    Western Cape

    This excellent budget lodge is set on a huge plot of land bordering the Marloth Nature Reserve. It's had a bit of a makeover and offers charming rooms…

  • Cascade Country Manor

    Winelands

    Tucked away along a dirt road 10km east of the centre, this place will make you feel like you're far from anywhere, although it's an easy drive back to…

  • Point Village Hotel

    Garden Route

    The quirky, fake lighthouse on this exceptionally well-priced hotel’s exterior speaks to what you'll find inside: a range of fun, funky, bright rooms and…

  • Potting Shed

    Hermanus

    This friendly guesthouse offers delightful personal touches, including homemade biscuits on arrival. The neat rooms are comfortable and have bright,…

  • Reeden Lodge

    Franschhoek

    A good-value, terrific option for families, with well-equipped, self-catering cottages sleeping from two to 10 people, situated on a farm about 10 minutes…

  • Arniston Spa Hotel

    Western Cape

    The Arniston is a light-filled luxury hotel with a nautical theme and its own spa. Sea-facing rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows. The ocean-view…

  • Post House

    Western Cape

    Based in the town’s historic former post house, with rooms set around a pretty garden, this is a peaceful place right in the centre of Greyton's…

  • Banghoek Place

    Stellenbosch

    This stylish suburban hostel provides a quiet budget alternative, away from the town centre. The recreation area has satellite TV and a pool table and…

  • French Lodge International

    Garden Route

    Rooms at this town-centre guesthouse are in luxurious thatched-roof rondavels (round huts with a conical roof) set around the pool, with satellite TV and…

  • Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg Lodge

    Western Cape

    This place offers quality accommodation in lovely garden rooms. Owners Dick and Regina are a great source of information, particularly on hikes in the…

  • De Hoop Collection

    Western Cape

    There's a staggering range of accommodation and something for every budget, from campsites and rondavels with shared ablutions to elegant guesthouse rooms…

  • Akademie Street

    Franschhoek

    If there's anywhere in South Africa that you're going to blow the budget, Franschhoek might as well be it. The luxurious rooms at this quiet hotel are a…

  • Gubas De Hoek

    Winelands

    Highly recommended by readers is this friendly home with well-appointed rooms and family-friendly self-catering units (from R1200). Owner-chef Gunther…

  • Marine

    Hermanus

    The town's poshest option is right on the sea with immaculate grounds and amenities, including two sea-facing restaurants. The Pavilion is only open for…

  • Bloomestate

    Western Cape

    A modern, friendly guesthouse set on a beautiful property, it offers Zen-like privacy to go with the luxurious, colourful rooms. Health and beauty…

  • Lanzerac Hotel & Spa

    Stellenbosch

    This opulent place consists of a 300-year-old manor house and winery set in grassy grounds with awesome mountain views. One suite even has a private pool.

  • Mont Rochelle Hotel

    Franschhoek

    Along with the winery of the same name, this boutique hotel and restaurant were bought by Richard Branson in 2014. As you would expect, it offers gilt…

  • Ballinderry

    Winelands

    This colourful boutique guesthouse is impeccable, thanks to hosts Luc and Hilde. A champagne breakfast is served, as are superb dinners on request, and…

  • Summerwood Guesthouse

    Stellenbosch

    In a suburban neighbourhood bordering a small nature reserve east of the town centre is this elegant guesthouse. The immaculate rooms are bright and…

  • Grande Roche Hotel

    Winelands

    A superluxurious hotel set in a Cape Dutch manor house, offering wonderful mountain views, a heated swimming pool and the excellent Bosman’s Restaurant…

  • Le Quartier Français

    Franschhoek

    Set around a leafy courtyard and pool, the large rooms at this opulent hotel have fireplaces, huge beds and stylish decor. If you're feeling flush, try…

  • Protea Hotel Mossel Bay

    Garden Route

    Part of the Protea chain, this is a classy hotel set in the old post office building. Its restaurant, Café Gannet, has a large seafood, meat and pizza…

  • Fancourt Hotel

    Garden Route

    This is the area’s most luxurious option, with three 18-hole golf courses designed by Gary Player, a health spa and four restaurants. It's about 6km from…

  • Plettenberg

    Plettenberg Bay

    Built on a rocky headland with breathtaking vistas, this five-star place is pure decadence, with fantastic rooms, a spa and a top-class restaurant (mains…

  • Auberge Burgundy

    Hermanus

    This wonderful place, built in the style of a Provençal villa, is right in the centre of town. Many rooms have ocean views. Rates do not rise during peak…

  • Kagga Kamma

    Winelands

    Far from towns and paved roads, this is the perfect place to recharge. There are wildlife drives exploring the Karoo landscape, hikes to see San rock art…

  • Eight Bells Mountain Inn

    Garden Route

    This country inn oozes old-world charm and boasts a lovely mountain setting at the foot of the Robinson Pass. Its large grounds feature tennis and squash…

  • Cape Dutch Quarter

    Winelands

    There is a variety of accommodation on offer here, from simple apartments (two people R650) to more luxurious self-catering houses (four people R1600) and…

  • Fairy Knowe Backpackers

    Garden Route

    Set in leafy grounds overlooking the Touws River, this long-running hostel is based in a 19th-century farmhouse. The bar is in another building some…

  • Rocky Road

    Western Cape

    Rocky Road is like an enchanted clearing in the wood. Swing chairs, a donkey-boiler hot tub and offbeat bathrooms are scattered on the fringes of…

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