We have created a list with the best castle hotels in Western Cape, South Africa. We have also included hotels in country estates, old manor houses, historic properties, wineries, mansions, "pensions" and palaces. 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 Anna Pinto & Ted Valentin. Updated February 2024.
Beach front location. Cosy rooms. Located in Knysna, 6.1 km from Simola Golf and Country Estate, Knysna Hollow Country Estate provides accommodation with free bikes, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a garden. Featuring a shared lounge, this property also provides guests with a children's playground. Knysna Hollow Country Estate features certain units that include a balcony, and all rooms include a coffee machine. Guests at Knysna Hollow Country Estate will be able to enjoy activities in and around Knysna, like cycling. The hotel has a terrace and pool views, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar. All units at the hotel come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. At the accommodation every room has bed linen and towels. A buffet, à la carte or continental breakfast is available daily at the property. Knysna Forest is 6.5 km from the hotel, while Knysna Heads is 10 km away. The nearest airport is Plettenberg Bay, 34 km from Knysna Hollow Country Estate, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.Show full description
Very cosy. Lovely interior design. Popular among couples. Welgeluk Feather Palace, a property with an outdoor swimming pool, a garden and a shared lounge, is situated in Oudtshoorn, 11 km from Oudtshoorn Golf Course, 12 km from Cango Wildlife Ranch, as well as 8.7 km from CP Nel Museum. The bed and breakfast, set in a building dating from 1910, is 9.1 km from Ateljee Thijs Nel Gallery and 9.3 km from Suspension Bridge. The bed and breakfast features rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi. Some of the units have a satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchenette with a fridge, and a private bathroom with a shower and bathrobes. All units feature a safety deposit box. Le Roux Dorpshuis Museum is 9.4 km from the bed and breakfast. The nearest airport is George Airport, 68 km from Welgeluk Feather Palace.Show full description
This is likely one of the most HISTORIC bed and breakfasts in Western Cape. And it is very popular among couples travelling to Western Cape!
Elegant. Great restaurant. Popular among couples. Nestled between the mountains and a river within the picturesque Franschhoek valley, Leeu Estates is situated on 100 hectares of vineyards, landscaped gardens and fynbos. The luxury estate boasts a spa and outdoor pool. The elegant, spacious rooms and suites are either located at the refurbished 19th-century Manor House or around the estate amongst gardens, oak trees and vineyards. There is also a library at the old Manor House. Each comes with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and tea-and-coffee making facilities. Guests can relax at the pool, work out in the fitness centre or get pampered at Leeu Spa. An array of activities is offered in the area, such as cycling and hiking. The hotel also offers free use of bicycles and car hire can be arranged. Franschhoek Monument is 2.1 km from Leeu Estates and the nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, 47 km away.Show full description
Charming. Comfortable beds. Providing garden views, Wittedrift Manor House in Tulbagh provides accommodation, an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a tennis court, a bar and barbecue facilities. There is an on-site restaurant, plus free private parking and free WiFi are available. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Wittedrift Manor House, while cycling and pub crawls can be enjoyed nearby. The nearest airport is Cape Town International, 109 km from Wittedrift Manor House, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. At the guest house, every unit includes a desk. Some of the units include a satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave, and a private bathroom with a bath and bathrobes. Guests can enjoy a meal at an outdoor dining area at the guest house. There is a snack bar, and packed lunches are also available. A variety of wellness packages are available for guests to get rejuvenated in-house. For guests with children, the guest house features an indoor play area and an outdoor play equipment. De Oude Kerk Museum Tulbagh is 60 metres from the accommodation, while Ceres Golf Club is 30 km away.Show full description
Perhaps this is the most CHARMING guest house in Western Cape. It also has AMAZING STAFF.
Beautiful. Cosy rooms. Offering an outdoor pool and a cosy lounge and bar, Parkes Manor is a classic, historical house located within 2 km from the Knysna Waterfront. The country-style suites are elegantly decorated and feature under-floor heating, a sofa and air conditioning. At Parkes Manor guests can enjoy breakfast in the dining room and light meals are available upon advance request. Nearby attractions include the Knysna Heads, Simola Golf and Country Estate, and Brenton-on-Sea beach. It includes a desk, safe and en-suite bathroom with a bath and shower. Some suites offer a view of the Knysna lagoon. An array of restaurants can be found within 2 km. Guests can relax on the terrace and in the large, lush gardens which surround the swimming pool. There is a also a tee-off and a putting green for golfers in the garden. Free WiFi and private parking is available and the George Airport is within 1 hours’ drive.Show full description
Charming. Great value. Popular among couples. Situated in the heart of the Robertson Wine Valley, Excelsior Manor Guesthouse features elegantly decorated rooms and free WiFi. It offers an outdoor pool and a large shady garden. Excelsior Manor Guesthouse offers dinner either in the dining room, or outside on the deck. The guesthouse consists of spacious rooms and suites, each named after famous horses and hackneys. Each of the rooms are classically decorated and have wooden floors. All rooms have tea-and-coffee-making facilities. Wine tasting and wine blending are also available. Guests can walks through the vineyards, or just relax on the sun loungers by the pool. The more active can go for fishing in the dam across the street.Show full description
Elegant. Friendly staff. Lairds Lodge Country Estate is located between Plettenburg Bay and the Langkloof Mountains. All of the rooms have air conditioning. Attractions near to the Lairds Lodge Estate include Robberg Nature Reserve, Tsisikamma National Park and Knysna Elephant Park. The hotel has a library and an outdoor pool. The Lairds Lodge restaurant specialises in seafood and game. The hotel also has cigar lounge and shaded verandas for guests to use. All of the contemporary rooms have a balcony.Show full description
Beach front location. Relaxing atmosphere. Great value. Situated on a country estate at the heart of the Garden Route, within a 10 minute drive of Plettenberg Bay, this self-catering property welcomes guests seeking a restful and tranquil getaway. Set on 12 hectares of land, Masescha Country Estate offers various types of accommodation to suit your every need. Enjoy the privacy of your fully equipped cottage, nestled in beautiful gardens, or opt for a garden room. Guests can enjoy an optional breakfast on the wooden veranda at treetop level. Light dinner and snacks are also available with prior arrangement. The majestic forest backdrop is a delight for outdoor enthusiasts, birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. Free WiFi is available in all units. Go for a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool or take a walk around the dams.Show full description
Great views. Nestled on the banks of the Banghoekrivier, known as the heart of the Stellenbosch Wine country, you will find MolenVliet Vineyards. MolenVliet Vineyards is a boutique Wine and Guest Estate with panoramic views of the breath-taking surrounding Mountains and Vineyards. The estate offers different accommodation options: The Cottages are ideally situated at the Entrance of the Estate with close by parking and boasts a private balcony overlooking the beautiful forest like gardens. Our seven en-suite Mountain View Executive Suites are ideally overlooking the Drakenstein Mountains and Estate Vineyards, this is the perfect hideaway for guests wanting to lounge around at their private heated plunge pool or take in the immaculate views from their private balcony Our six en-suite Mountain View Luxury Suites are ideally overlooking the Drakenstein Mountains and Estate Vineyards, this is the perfect hideaway for guests wanting to take in the immaculate views from their private balcony. The boutique style River Manor is nestled in the vineyards overlooking the Simonsberg mountain while the estate's Manor House offers guests access to a communal outdoor pool. A continental and English breakfast is served daily. For lunch and dinner there are lots of restaurants in Stellenbosch, 9 km away. Guests can visit one of the many wineries in the area. Franschhoek, in the heart of the Cape Winelands, is 24 km away. Molenvliet is 44 km from Cape Town International Airport and airport shuttles can be arranged.Show full description
Historic. Great views. Falcons View Manor is situated on a hill overlooking Knysna Lagoon, 700 metres from the town centre. It features an outdoor pool, a library and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. All of the stylish guest bedrooms at Falcons View Manor are equipped with digital TV and hot drink facilities. Falcons View Manor is 1 km from Knysna Harbour, where you can rent a boat and explore the Knysna National Lakes Area. Every room is air-conditioned and also features a hairdryer and a safety deposit box. A full English breakfast is served each morning in the hotel’s elegant dining room, which offers a varied international menu for lunch and dinner. When the weather is pleasant guests can also dine in the tranquil Tea Garden. The hotel is 5 km from Simola Golf Club, which was designed by the great Jack Nicklaus. Falcons View Manor is 38 km from Plettenberg Airport and 1 km from Knysna Railway Station.Show full description
Beach front location. Great restaurant. Jan Harmsgat Country House is set in a historic 17th-century farmhouse surrounded by the Langeberg Mountains and the Breede River. It is decorated throughout with classical Victorian furnishings and features a restaurant, bar and outdoor swimming pool. All elegantly presented accommodation includes heating, air conditioning and a luxurious private bathroom, some with freestanding bathtub. Each room or suite has its own distinctive style and history. The country, fine dining restaurant makes use of its location amongst sloping vineyards and orchards producing a range of fruits and nuts. Fresh homemade cuisine is served throughout the day and can be combined with a local wine from the cellar. The Robertson Wine Region begins within 20 km from the guest house. Both Bonnievale and Swellendam are a 20-minute drive away.Show full description
Great breakfast. Situated on a historic vineyard, Basse Provence offers air-conditioned accommodation in a country-style house or a manor house. A private cottage is also available. Its lush garden includes an outdoor pool. Rooms at Basse Provence Country house are decorated in a mix of traditional and modern styles. All have a private bathroom, and some have a Victorian-style tub. The cottage includes a kitchenette and a private terrace. Relaxing massages are available at Basse Provence Country House. Guests can read a book on a poolside lounger. Franschhoek is just a 1.5 km away and Pearl Valley Golf Course is a 15-minute drive from the guesthouse. Free private parking is available at Basse.Show full description
Superb breakfast. Located within the valley of Paarl at the foot of the mountain, Diamant Estate offers contemporary accommodation combining Cape Dutch and Victorian architectural styles. Offering panoramic views, it has a terrace, garden and private parking on site. At Diamant Estate breakfast is served daily. The elegant and classically decorated rooms feature a patio, en-suite bathroom and tea-and-coffee-making facilities. Free WiFi is available in some rooms. Fairview Wine and Cheese is 500 metres away. Other facilities offered include meeting facilities. An array of activities can be enjoyed in the surrounding area including hiking and wine tasting. An airport shuttle can be arranged upon request. The Cape Town International Airport is within 50 km.Show full description
Close to beach front. Unique. Great location. Tucked away on a large, private estate overlooking Camps Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, this boutique hotel combines stunning views with first-class facilities. Nestled against the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, Camps Bay Retreat Hotel is the ideal choice for guests looking to explore Cape Town in style. Whether you stay in the old manor or modern annex, ocean views are ensured at all times. Stroll over the estate and discover waterfalls and mountains streams. Wake up to the sound of rolling waves. Privacy and tranquility are guaranteed at Camps Bay Retreat, thanks to the small number of guest rooms and natural setting. Alternatively, you can have a swim in the outdoor pool or soak up the sun on your balcony. Why not treat yourself to a delicious meal on the veranda. While you indulge in seasonal specialities, the attentive staff can organise a rental car, reserve various day trips or see to it that your laundry is taken care of before your next Padel match. Turn-down service further complements your stay. Deck Rooms can be reached via a swing bridge and impress with their modern furnishings, glass front and open-plan design. Enjoy a bath in your free-standing bath or marvel at sea views from one of your balconies. Rooms in the manor boast a more traditional interior and feature elegant antique furnishings.Show full description
This boutique hotel has a great beach front location and a great location in Cape Town!
Historic. Great value. Knysna Manor House is housed in a charming Victorian mansion that offers panoramic views of the Knysna Lagoon. Guests will immediately admire the old world charm of 100-year-old Knysna Manor House. Knysna Manor House is within walking distance to shopping centres, medical facilities, banks, exclusive shops, local craft markets, restaurants and famous the Knysna Waterfront. From the original yellow-wood floors, to the character of each individual room, the Victorian theme is carried throughout the house. There are a variety of rooms that decorated in earthy colours, and all rooms contain tea trays, a hairdryer, and tea/coffee making facilities. Guests can enjoy breakfast in the dining room or by the Knysna Lagoon from the wide outdoor deck. In the evening, guests can also admire African sunsets from the deck, while enjoying sundowners before a night out.Show full description
Relaxing atmosphere. Bloomestate Swellendam offers stylish rooms and several sunbathing terraces on its expansive grounds. It features a saltwater pool and in-house beauty treatments. There are also 2 restaurants next to Bloomestate. Bloomestate Swellendam is a 5-minute drive away from Drostdy Museum, the Marloth Nature reserve, and Bontebok National Park. Each room has elegant furniture and fittings which include a Bluetooth Speaker, Smart TV, and Wi-Fi. There is a bath and walk-in shower in each en suite bathroom. For breakfast, guests can enjoy South African and European delicacies made from fresh local ingredients. Breakfast is served in the main house which overlooks the sub-tropical garden. Swellendam Golf Club is 3 km away.Show full description
Based on my research this is one of the most RELAXING guest houses in Western Cape.
Luxurious. Superb interior design. Popular among couples. Boasting a shared lounge and views of mountain, Mirtehof Guest Farm Estate is a country house set in a historic building in Prince Albert, 2.5 km from Fransie Pienaar Museum. This country house has a pool with a view, a garden and free private parking. Guests at Mirtehof Guest Farm Estate will be able to enjoy activities in and around Prince Albert, like cycling, hiking and walking tours. The nearest airport is George Airport, 170 km from Mirtehof Guest Farm Estate. The country house features garden views and an outdoor fireplace. All units are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, bathrobes and a outdoor furniture. With a private bathroom fitted with slippers, units at the country house also boast free WiFi, while certain rooms are fitted with a terrace. At the country house, every unit comes with bed linen and towels. À la carte and vegetarian breakfast options with warm dishes, pancakes and fruits are available each morning at the country house. Prince Albert Golf Club is 4.3 km from the accommodation, while Wolwekraal Nature Reserve is 5.6 km from the property.Show full description
This is likely the most well designed, peaceful and luxurious country house in Western Cape. WOW!
Luxurious. Outstanding SPA facilities. The Lanzerac is situated on a private wine estate in the Jonkershoek Valley, surrounded by the Helderberg Mountains. It has a spa, two outdoor pools and one heated indoor pool. The Manor Kitchen serves classical dinners with contemporary influences and light meals can be enjoyed at the pub-style Taphuis restaurant. The spacious and air-conditioned rooms have a seating area with a satellite TV. Each has tea-and-coffee making facilities and a minibar. The private bathroom comes with free toiletries and under floor heating. Relaxing massages and a variety of beauty treatments are available at The Lanzerac Hotel & Spa, which features 8 private treatment rooms. It also has a sauna, steam room and a fitness room. A continental buffet and and hot breakfast options are served in the morning. The Deli offers home-made jams, freshly baked produce, cheese and charcuterie platters and picnic baskets. The Craven Lounge offers drinks, wines, spirits and craft beers in a relaxed environment with a fireplace and tapas menu. There is a working winery on site, offering guests a complimentary wine tasting and cellar tour.Show full description
Delightful property. Stunning pool facilities. Offering a garden and pool view, La Cotte The Manor House is set in Franschhoek, 29 km from Boschenmeer Golf Course and 31 km from Stellenbosch University. With mountain views, this accommodation offers a patio and a swimming pool. The nearest airport is Cape Town International, 63 km from La Cotte The Manor House, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service. There is a sun terrace and guests can make use of free WiFi and free private parking. At the guest house, every unit includes a wardrobe. Complete with a private bathroom fitted with a walk-in shower and a hair dryer, all units at the guest house have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and selected rooms also offer a seating area. At the guest house, units are equipped with bed linen and towels. A bar can be found on-site. Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is 36 km from the guest house, while Heidelberg Golf Club is 49 km from the property.Show full description
I would describe this as the most BEAUTIFUL guest house in Western Cape. It also has lovely pool facilities and beautiful surroundings!
Historic. Great restaurant. Situated in the historical Constantia Valley on the slopes of Table Mountain, The Cellars-Hohenort offers luxurious rooms with views across its world-renowned gardens and vineyards. Facilities include 2 award-winning restaurants and 2 swimming pools. The elegant rooms of The Cellars-Hohenort are uniquely decorated with artworks by South African artists. All rooms have air conditioning, a seating area, a smart TV, and offer views of Table Mountain or the manicured gardens. Fresh Wellness Spa has a holistic approach to both health and beauty, and features a steam room, facial and massage rooms, and manicure and pedicure rooms. The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel also features a tennis court. Guests can enjoy a selection of traditional recipes in The Conservatory, built around a giant 300-year old oak tree. The Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is about 4 km away and Cape Town city centre can be reached within 15 minutes by car.Show full description
We do our best to keep this list as up-to-date as possible. We last updated it in February 2024. If you know of a castle hotel that should be on the list, let us know. Click here to contact us. Thanks!
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