Cape Town and the surrounding areas including the Cape, The Garden Route and the Winelands are home to a very particular type of accommodation – the Guesthouse. These are very different to the kind we would expect here in the UK. In the UK these types of places are usually the budget option and are fairly basic in facilities. However in South Africa the guesthouse or B&B is a much more stylish and exciting option. There are many options in and around Cape Town itself. They make a fantastic base for exploring the city as many of them have excellent locations close to the main sights. The owners pride themselves on their personal touches and they can be a very useful source of local information to help you get the most from your stay.
Prices range widely: from the excellent value to more expensive luxury options. They are small, privately owned, often family run establishments that pride themselves on their personal touch. Most guesthouses offer between 2 and 6 rooms with a few larger places offering up to 20 rooms. The thing they all have in common is their charm and personality. They make for an absolutely fantastic alternative to the large, often soulless chain hotels and they are most definitely my preferred option when looking for somewhere to stay and explore a place.
Most offer a good range of facilities despite their small size. Standard packages include breakfast, internet access, secure parking, tea and coffee. Some offer much more including other meals, the use of a swimming pool, transfers into town, or even excursions. What they all offer is personality and comfort in style. Many have wonderful views over the surrounding scenery and in the Cape that can be over the sea or the mountains or even from high up overlooking Cape Town itself.
Some of our current favourites in Cape Town include:
Four Rosmead – Situated on the slopes of Table Mountain, Four Rosmead is within walking distance of Green Market Square and is 5 minutes by car from the V&A Waterfront, Kirstenbosch Gardens and Clifton and Camps Bay beaches. “Four Rosmead has the characteristics of a boutique hotel; location, style, authenticity and personal service contribute to re-defining your Cape Town travel experience.” (Conde Nast Traveller)
Leeuwenvoet House – Leeuwenvoet House is a lovingly restored Cape Victorian home which was built in 1892. The original house offers a fine example of the architecture of the period and has beautiful pressed steel ceilings and oregon pine floors and doors. The site of the guest house marks the original position of the farmhouse of Leeuwenvoet farm. It is situated twelve minutes’ walk from central Cape Town, about five minutes from the Company Botanical Gardens and adjacent to trendy Kloof Street, the fashionable restaurant district of Cape Town. The V&A Waterfront is only a few minutes away.
Afton Grove – Afton Grove is situated on the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive in the green heart of the Cape Peninsula. Set in tranquil park-like grounds, the spacious, Cape-style cottages overlook a magnificent two-acre garden and sparkling pool. Each has private entrance with secure parking bay, TV, fridge, telephone and tea tray. Minutes from restaurants, beaches, mountains, golf courses and the famous Cape attractions. Horse-riding, bird watching, barbeques and picnics can all be arranged. There is also a travel desk and laundry facilities. Location is key here with Cape Point and the city centre only 20 minutes away and you are only 30 minutes from the Winelands. (Rating: TGCSA 4-Star Guest House.)
