We have created a list with cool, unusual and unique hotels in South Africa. We have also included accommodation in lodges, guest houses, boutique hotels, boats, historic buildings, chalets, country estates, apartments, residences, wineries, villas and romantic hotels. Hope you enjoy it. We think it might be the best of its kind around. Tip: Set your dates to see room prices!
A list by Ella Hofer & Maryna Kravets. Updated December 2023.
MONTAGU. Bed and Breakfast.Historic property. Lovely interior design. Popular among women. Situated in Montagu, Jonkmanshof - 20 Bath is a historic bed and breakfast that features free WiFi, and guests can enjoy pool with a view and a garden. The property has pool and garden views, and is 400 metres from Hick's Art Gallery. The accommodation offers a shared kitchen, and luggage storage for guests. All units at the bed and breakfast are fitted with a seating area. Units are fitted with a private bathroom with bathrobes, while selected rooms also feature a terrace and others also feature mountain views. At the bed and breakfast, the units are equipped with bed linen and towels. If you would like to discover the area, cycling and hiking are possible in the surroundings and the bed and breakfast can arrange a bicycle rental service. Montagu Golf Club is 2.9 km from Jonkmanshof - 20 Bath, while Bonnievale Golf Club is 22 km from the property. The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, 171 km from the accommodation.Show full description
This might be the most historic and stylish bed and breakfast in South Africa.
FRANSCHHOEK. Guest House.Charming. Gorgeous surroundings. Auberge Clermont is a stylish country guesthouse, located on a historic wine and fruit farm in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley. Surrounded by mountains and only 1 km from the quaint village centre, Auberge Clermont offers luxurious accommodation. Auberge Clermont has en-suite rooms, including a romantic honeymoon suite. At the guesthouse, delicious country breakfasts are served under the 18th-century oak trees or in the charming courtyard dining room. The units are individually decorated in the colours and moods of Provence. Underfloor heating, air-conditioning and ceiling fans ensure year round comfort. A historic, 3-bedroom self-catering Villa offers relaxing country lodgings with spectacular views from the large, covered terrace and private pool. Auberge Clermont has a tennis court, pools overlooking plum orchards and leisurely walks through the vines and along the oak-lined river. Guests can enjoy boutique-style wines and award-winning olive oil. Cape Town International Airport is a 1-hour drive away.Show full description
Auberge Clermont is a luxurious guesthouse located on a historic vineyard and fruit farm. The rooms are beautifully decorated with stunning views of the mountains and vineyards. The property has an outdoor pool and tennis court, providing a unique opportunity to stay in a picturesque setting surrounded by nature and vineyards, setting it apart from other accommodations in the area.
BRENTON-ON-SEA. Guest House.Lively. Great value. With garden views, Alkira Lodge is set in Brenton-on-Sea and has a restaurant, luggage storage space, bar, garden, outdoor fireplace and picnic area. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi. The guest house offers a pool with a view, hot tub and a business centre. Accommodation for disabled guests is also available at the property. The units in the guest house are equipped with a coffee machine. Some of the units feature a satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and bathrobes. Additional in-room amenities include wine or champagne, fruits and chocolates or cookies. There is a coffee shop, and packed lunches are also available. The guest house boasts a variety of wellness options, including spa facilities, beauty services and yoga classes. Sightseeing tours are available close by. If you would like to discover the area, cycling and hiking are possible in the surroundings and the guest house can arrange a bicycle rental service. Brenton Beach is 2.5 km from Alkira Lodge, while Simola Golf and Country Estate is 19 km away. The nearest airport is Plettenberg Bay, 46 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.Show full description
FRANSCHHOEK. Boutique hotel.Great bar. Just 300 metres from the Franschhoek monument, in the heart of the Franschhoek Wine Valley, Akademie Street Boutique Hotel offers luxurious suites and traditional cottages, some with their own private swimming pools. All of the accommodation at Akademie Street is set in lush gardens and many have views of the mountains of the Cape Winelands. Each suite or cottage has its own theme and the property boasts with wood fired hot tubs and fragrant landscaped gardens. Gelatenheid Oortuiging and Vreugde each have their own sun-kissed swimming pool and shady, private garden. The fourth building, Uitsig is a separate, large, luxurious upstairs suite with balcony and lovely views. The fifth building, Twyfeling is a gracious Cape Dutch style house with large living rooms and two large bedroom suites. Uitsig and Twyfeling share a large, heated pool and garden. A full English breakfast is served each morning and the hotel’s concierge desk is open 24/7 to help you with restaurants, wine tours, hikes and advice on what to see and do. Akademie Street Boutique Hotel is just 30 minutes drive from Stellenbosch and hour from Cape Town.Show full description
This luxurious guesthouse has a warm and inviting atmosphere. It provides elegant suites, a welcome gift of champagne, and refreshing outdoor pools. The hotel strives to create a luxurious and comfortable experience for guests in the heart of a renowned wine valley.
JOHANNESBURG. Guest House.Great value. Popular among women. Located just 8.3 km from Sandton City Mall, Burkleigh House features accommodation in Johannesburg with access to a garden, barbecue facilities, as well as a housekeeping service. There is a private entrance at the guest house for the convenience of those who stay. An à la carte breakfast, comprising fruits and juice is served daily at the property. The guest house provides rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi. Each unit comes with a patio offering garden views, a satellite flat-screen TV, a well-fitted kitchenette and a private bathroom with shower, a hair dryer and free toiletries. Some units include a terrace and/or a balcony with pool views and an outdoor dining area. At the guest house, all units have bed linen and towels. The guest house features a picnic area and a year-round outdoor pool. Gautrain Sandton Station is 8.5 km from Burkleigh House, while Montecasino is 10 km away. The nearest airport is Lanseria International Airport, 22 km from the accommodation.Show full description
BALULE GAME RESERVE. Lodge.Unique. Great bar. Pondoro is set on the banks of the Olifants River inside the 50 000 ha Balule Private Game Reserve inside the greater Kruger National Park. Pondoro has three architecturally designed chalets overlooking the Olifants River. Each chalet has been beautifully decorated with an African theme. All our suites are air-conditioned and architecturally designed offering modern comforts in an ancient setting. All chalets have en-suite bathrooms (with a shower and bath overlooking the river), lounge area, air-conditioning, mosquito nets and a wooden deck. Each suite is provided with a private wooden deck, Jacuzzi, lounge area and an outside shower for those who are adventurous at heart. A fusion of traditional African and modern European cuisine can be enjoyed on the wooden deck overlooking the river. Guests can taste fine wine from Pondoro’s extensive wine cellar or grab a snack at the bar. Meals and drinks included. Revitalize your mind, body and soul with classic spa treatments which range from a glass covered steam room, a spa bath under the wide African sky to a massage in the privacy of your room or visit our fitness centre. Morning and evening safari drives on open-topped Land Rovers, bird-watching and nature walks are included. Experienced guides will not only use their knowledge and bushcraft to try and show you the Big Five and other plains game, but they will do their best to paint memories of an Africa that will never fade away. A nature walk with an armed guide would add the thrill of encountering animals on foot. The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is 131 km away. Hoedspruit Airport is a 60-minute drive from the camp.Show full description
MOSSEL BAY. Boutique hotel.Creative. Situated between the Outeniqua Mountains and Mossel Bay, Garden Route Safari Camp boutique-style accommodation in a malaria-free area. Each of the luxury units at Garden Route Safari camp features a private wooden deck with views. They have have an en suite bathroom, and some units also have an outdoor shower. The property has a restaurant and bar onsite. Various activities are available at Garden Route Safari Camp, such as guided game drives and bush walks. Guests can also cool down in the outdoor swimming pool. George Airport is 46 km from the property, while Mossel Bay is 20 km away.Show full description
The boutique-style lodge is known for its luxurious accommodations and personalized service. It provides a unique experience, blending the beauty of the bush and wildlife with a touch of luxury.
TOKAI. Boutique hotel.Historic. Nice surroundings. Situated 20 km from Cape Town, the elegant Steenberg Hotel & Spa offers a unique experience of heritage, fine wine and excellent cuisine. The hotel has a spa centre and hosts a championship golf course. The air-conditioned rooms feature an electric kettle, TV with satellite channels and shower. Further facilities include a hairdryer, slippers and free toiletries. Guests can enjoy the fine-dining at Tryn Restaurant or trendy bistro fare at winery restaurant Bistro Sixteen82. Alternatively, guests can try the award-winning wines at the Steenberg Winery. The hotel offers a free shuttle service within 5 km radius and airport shuttles can be arranged for a surcharge. The hotel, nestling at the foot of the Stone Mountain, is surrounded by pristine vineyards. The buildings, dating back to 1682, have been restored to their former glory and are national monuments.Show full description
CAPE TOWN. Apartment.Romantic. Great location. Popular among women. Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, sea view and a terrace, Four Uitsig Camps Bay is set in Cape Town. This property offers access to a balcony and free private parking. Outdoor dining is also possible at the apartment. The spacious apartment has 1 bedroom, a fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave and a toaster, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower, bathrobes and a washing machine. A private entrance leads guests into the apartment, where they can enjoy some wine or champagne and fruits. This apartment is non-smoking and soundproof. Guests can also relax in the garden. Popular points of interest near Four Uitsig Camps Bay include Camps Bay Beach, Beta Beach and Bakoven Beach. The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, 23 km from the accommodation.Show full description
This apartment has a great location in Cape Town and outstanding views.
CAPE TOWN. Bed and Breakfast.Charming. Popular among couples. These adult-only luxurious suites include 32 to 40-inch LCD TVs and offer views of the Atlantic Ocean. Situated in Camps Bay, this boutique hotel is a 5-minute drive from the Table Mountain Cable Car Station. The air-conditioned suites at Boutique@10 come with a tea/coffee tray, an electronic safe and free Wi-Fi access. Each has a modern bathroom with amenities and a hairdryer. A healthy breakfast including seasonal fruit is served in Boutique@10’s main lounge, which has original stone walls and a rustic fireplace. Afterwards, guests can hop on to the adjoining pool deck for a swim. The reception staff can arrange car rentals and airport shuttles to Cape Town International Airport, 20 km away. Cape Town’s CBD and the V&A waterfront are a 10-minute drive away, and free parking is provided.Show full description
SOMERSET WEST. Guest House.Relaxing atmosphere. Lovely surroundings. Popular among couples. Villa Adalbert Guesthouse in Somerset West offers individually decorated cottage suites. The accommodation offers an outdoor pool. Guest suites at Villa Adalbert are fitted with a flat-screen satellite TV, a private bathroom and one of them also offers a private patio. At Villa Adalbert all rooms come with a seating area. A Full English/Irish breakfast is served daily at the property. Other meals are available on request. Helderberg Nature Reserve is 4 km from Villa Adalbert Guesthouse while Vergelegen Wine Estate and Morgenster Estate are both within 10 minutes' drive. The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, 26 km from the property.Show full description
I would describe this as one of the most ROMANTIC guest houses in South Africa.
CAPE TOWN. Boutique hotel.Great location. Located in the Clifton district in Cape Town, 21 Nettleton Boutique Hotel & Luxury Residence is a luxury boutique hotel that boasts air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Some units include a seating area for your convenience.There is a balcony in the public area that showcases beautiful sea views where guests can enjoy the air breeze. Free private parking is available on site. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels, as well as an iPad docking station are provided. The rooms include a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes and slippers. Other facilities available onsite include a sauna and swimming pool. A shuttle service is available at an additional charge, while guests staying 3 nights or longer benefit from a free shuttle service. The area is popular for golfing. The homestay also offers car hire. Paragliding launching is 800 metres from 21 Nettleton Boutique Hotel & Luxury Residence, while Clifton - Fourth Beach is 800 metres from the property. The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, 20 km from the property.Show full description
HOEDSPRUIT. Lodge.Elegant. Great interior design. Offering mountain views, African Flair Boutique Safari Lodge in Hoedspruit offers accommodation, an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a shared lounge, a terrace and a bar. Both WiFi and private parking are available at the lodge free of charge. All units come with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom with free toiletries, shower, hot tub and bath. A patio with pool views is offered in every unit. The daily breakfast offers buffet, continental or Full English/Irish options. If you would like to discover the area, hiking is possible in the surroundings and African Flair Boutique Safari Lodge can arrange a car rental service. Drakensig Golf Club is 6.8 km from the accommodation, while Kinyonga Reptile Centre is 17 km away. The nearest airport is Hoedspruit Eastgate, 6 km from African Flair Boutique Safari Lodge, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.Show full description
KNYSNA. Lodge. Candlewood Lodge is a 5-star bed and breakfast located only minutes away from the centre of town and boasts spectacular views over the Knysna Heads and Knysna Lagoon. With an emphasis to detail, the guest rooms have been tastefully designed and uniquely decorated. Candlewood Lodge is ideally located to explore Knysna and its beautiful surrounding and is an ideal base to venture further along the Garden Route. All rooms have en suite shower, a separate area and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area. Candlewood has a bar area where guests can take a drink and read a book. Relax and sunbathe the whole day by the an outdoor pool, jacuzzi and sun deck. Knysna Golf Club is 3.3 km away, while both Pezula Championship Golf Course and Simola Golf Course are within 6 km from the property. Candlewood Lodge can assist with arranging tee times and equipment.Show full description
CAPE TOWN. Boutique hotel.Delightful property. Superb interior design. Labotessa Boutique Hotel provides rooms with air conditioning in Cape Town. In a prime location in the City Bowl district, this hotel is situated 3.6 km from V&A Waterfront. The rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and free WiFi Each of the spacious suites are fitted with a private bathroom equipped with a shower, while certain rooms have a kitchen. At Labotessa Boutique Hotel, every room includes a seating area. All suites boast direct elevator access, while the 3-bedroom penthouse offers a private splash pool, two lounge areas and two terraces with mountain views. CTICC is within 2 km of the accommodation, while Table Mountain is 6 km away. The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, 19 km from the property.Show full description
This is likely the most beautiful and well designed boutique hotel in South Africa. It also has an amazing hotel bar!
CAPE TOWN. Boutique hotel.Cosy. With an amazing location and panoramic views of the ocean, Compass House Boutique Hotel - Adults Only is a luxurious boutique hotel offering the very best in style and comfort. At Compass House you don't even have to leave your bed to admire the view. For a beautiful and relaxing experience, take a dip in the ocean-facing, 22-metre infinity pool, or take the short walk down to the beach. Apart from the many popular beaches and the city centre, the Compass House is close to the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain cableway and other Cape Town attractions. All the rooms have beds with ocean views, and direct access to the deck and pool area. The top-floor suite boast a private plunge pool, while the suite located on the pool level features outdoor space and modern decor. Cape Town city centre is a 10-minute drive away. Compass House can arrange airport transfers at an additional charge.Show full description
TIMBAVATI GAME RESERVE. Lodge.Creative. Great value. Perched on a ridge within the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Geiger's Camp is an exclusive family-owned lodge with panoramic views of the Nhlaralumi River and surrounds. This luxury camp is comprised of only 4 rooms, each boasting a private wooden deck overlooking the bush. They are air-conditioned and feature an en suite bathroom with a ball-and-claw bath, as well as an outdoor shower. Brunch, high tea and dinner are included at Geiger's Camp and can be enjoyed at a scenic location on the trail with one of the guides, or within the lounge area. Guests can relax at the infinity pool on Geiger's main deck, and make the most of the two included daily game drives, which occur at sunrise and sunset.Show full description
I think this is one of the most creative, cosy and elegant lodges in South Africa! It also has great affordability. WOW!
AMAKHALA GAME RESERVE. Lodge.Lively. Popular among couples. Located in the Amakhala Game Reserve, this lodge is set on the banks of Bushman’s River. It features an outdoor pool and luxurious tented chalets with panoramic views of the plains. HillsNek Safaris has spacious tents with a private bathroom and outside shower. Each tent is elegantly decorated with wooden furniture, and offers a fan and tea-and-coffee-making facilities. Guests can have their dinner while enjoying the African sunset, or use the barbecue facilities. The lodge’s bar serves refreshing drinks. The Amakhala Game Reserve hosts an abundance of wild animals and birds. HillsNek Safaris offers wildlife experiences with game drives, night drives, walking safaris and boat cruises. This malaria-free lodge is located 70 km outside Port Elizabeth, where guests will find warm water beaches and a selection of water sport activities.Show full description
CAPE TOWN. Guest House.Hip. Great views. Popular among couples. Providing garden views, Atholl House is located in the Camps Bay district of Cape Town, 1 km from Camps Bay Beach and 1.3 km from Glen Beach. This guest house features a pool with a view, a garden and free private parking. The guest house provides sea views, a sun terrace, and free WiFi is available throughout the property. At the guest house, all units are fitted with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, bathrobes and slippers. Some units include a balcony and/or a patio with pool views and an outdoor dining area. At the guest house, all units include bed linen and towels. There is a snack bar on-site. The area is popular for cycling, and bike hire is available at this 5-star guest house. Clifton 4th Beach is 1.8 km from the guest house, while Beta Beach is 2.4 km away. The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, 25 km from Atholl House.Show full description
This is the coolest guest house in South Africa. It is very popular among couples travelling to South Africa.
KLASERIE PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE. Lodge.Romantic. Great value. Located within a Big Five Game Reserve in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Misava Safari Camp offers a traditionally decorated accommodation with African bush surroundings. There is an outdoor pool, 2 terraces and a garden. All 6 air-conditioned rooms feature a bush theme. Each has a private entrance and an en suite bathroom. Guests can relax and enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner on the outdoor patio, sun terrace or in the dining room, all featuring traditional décor, wooden furnishings and loungers. The Misava Safari Camp has game viewing and offers game drives and walking safaris. During the day guests can sunbathe poolside or enjoy a picnic in the open garden, by night relax with a drink by the boma. Klaserie River is 2 km away and the closest airport is the Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport, 37.4 km away. An airport shuttle is available on request and free private parking is available on site.Show full description
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