SAS Category: Country Lodge

Small hotels with a distinctly local flavour. Standards of accommodation and service a very high by international comparison, some of these feature among the 100 top restaurants in South Africa.

Hout Bay Manor, Hout Bay

Convenient location and pleasant accommodation in an historic manor house

Four-star accommodation in the bustling beautifully situated Hout Bay with its great restaurants (noted for the excellent local seafood) and picturesque fishing harbours. The hotel is a national monument and was built over 130 years ago. It is in a quiet location a short walk from the village centre and beach and it has the air of an English Manor House rich with beams and history. The 16,  bedrooms are very comfortably appointed and decorated in classic, cottage style although they tend to be a little smaller than many of the properties we feature. Breakfast, lunch and tea are served either in the dining room or beneath the magnificent oaks on the terrace.

About the location

Relax and enjoy a drink in the lounge which is richly decorated with antiques and still has its original paved floors and window frames. In the evening the owners have created a bistro and this is beginning to gain critical acclaim in the Hout Bay area. This is a convenient location from which to explore nearby Chapman’s Peak Drive with its spectacular views as you drive to Noordhoek and Fish Hoek with their renowned beaches. Constantia with its wineries and the Kirstenbosch Gardens is a short 20 minutes drive and the centre of Cape Town is just 20 minutes away along the beautiful coastal drive via Camps Bay.


Boulders Beach Lodge, Simon’s Town, Cape Peninsula

At Boulders Beach Lodge, you can sleep and swim alongside penguins

Boulders Beach Lodge is a small country hotel exquisitely positioned next to Boulders Beach, close to Simons Town. Boulders Beach is also home to the largest colony of Jackass Penguins in Africa. The rooms, which are all en suite and have outside access. The rooms do, however,  tend to be small. The furnishings fairly basic but are reasonably comfortably  with simple, clean cut decor. Some rooms have good  views across False Bay. You should, however, note that these rooms are at the top of fairly steep stairs. Please specify your requirements on booking. There are also self-catering units available but these can be arranged on a bed and breakfast basis. Note that this is not 5 star accommodation.  Expect to see penguins visiting to see who is around but also be prepared for the sound of the penguins (rather like a donkey) which is quite noticeable especially at night. The restaurant is difficult to recommend but there are plenty of excellent places to eat in nearby Simon’s Town. The gift shop is well worth a visit with its unique penguin theme.

About Boulders Beach Lodge’s Location

The beach is just across the car park and has a small  fee during the day and it is obvious that you share it with the penguins. You will soon begin to wonder who is being watched! The beach for the breeding colony is a 10 minute walk along the attractive boardwalk and here you will find a visitor centre with everything you need to know about these fascinating birds.The interestingly renovated naval town of Simon’s Town with its restored Victorian buildings is close by and Cape Point is a 15-minute drive. Cape Town is 40 minutes away. There are some good restaurants in Simons Town and also in Kalk Bay which is a small fishing village 20 minutes away.

The Vineyard Hotel, Cape Town

Slightly impersonal but a very convenient and comfortable hotel

The Vineyard is a large family owned and run hotel set in beautiful garden in the leafy Cape Town suburb of Newlands. It is very convenient for the cricket and rugby grounds and Cavendish Square Mall that is within walking distance. The reasonably sized rooms are comfortably furnished and decorated and either have a courtyard view or a mountain view. There are two excellent restaurants that offer a wide choice of cuisine. The pool and wellness centre must be seen to be believed with state of the art design and facilities. Guests will also find the ancient giant tortoises a delightful encounter as they wander around the luxuriant gardens.

About the Location

The hotel is one of the closest to the airport (approximately 20 minutes) and only 15 minutes from the city centre yet with a country ambiance. This is a very convenient location for the Kirstenbosch Gardens which are a 10 minute drive. Cape Point is approximately a 40 minute drive while the Cape Winlands around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are just a 30 minute drive.