Must-see hotels in South Africa

  • Kimberley Club

    Northern Cape

    Founded by Cecil Rhodes and his diamond cronies as a private club in 1881, and rebuilt following a fire in 1896, this reputedly haunted building became a…

  • Ocean Bay Guest House

    Port Elizabeth

    A short amble from the beach, this sassy venture with a boutique feel is the epitome of a refined abode, with seven elegant, modern and amply sized rooms,…

  • Isango Gate

    Port Elizabeth

    This venue strikes a perfect balance between style, functionality and privacy (there are only 10 rooms), in a residential area close to the beach. Expect…

  • 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…

  • Friday Island

    West Coast & Swartland

    There are bright rooms and cheery staff at this popular beachfront B&B. You're going to want one of the two-level sea-facing rooms (single/double R900…

  • Tatasberg Wilderness Camp

    Northern Cape

    The delightful cabins at this camp each have a covered deck with magnificent views over the Gariep (Orange) River. Made from corrugated tin, reed and…

  • B.I.G. Backpackers

    Green Point & ­Waterfront

    Tucked away on the slopes of Green Point, this backpackers has a fun, laid-back atmosphere with decently decorated rooms, chill areas and a big kitchen …

  • Potting Shed

    Hermanus

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

  • Liziwe Guest House

    Cape Town

    Liziwe has made her home into a palace, with seven delightful en-suite rooms all sporting TVs and African-themed decor. She was featured on a BBC cooking…

  • Scotia Inn Hotel & Restaurant

    Northern Cape

    There are standard rooms on the ground floor and bright, modern deluxe rooms (single/double R550/850) upstairs, some with huge sea-facing balconies…

  • 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…

  • Shimuwini Bushveld Camp

    Kruger National Park

    This beautiful small camp and bird hide has a picturesque riverine setting, with 15 self-catering cottages staggered on lawns overlooking a wide stretch…

  • 139 on Munnik

    Limpopo

    Without a doubt Louis Trichardt's most luxurious accommodation. Modern fittings, stylish touches, great beds and facilities such as a bar and coffee shop…

  • Grand Daddy Hotel

    Cape Town

    The Grand Daddy’s star attraction is its rooftop 'trailer park' of penthouse suites, made from seven vintage, artistically renovated Airstream trailers…

  • 7 Church Street

    Route 62

    A friendly, upmarket guesthouse in a charming Karoo building. Affable owners Mike and May offer large, well-appointed rooms, manicured gardens in which to…

  • 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…

  • St Francis Golf Lodge

    Sunshine Coast

    The best thing about this efficiently run venture with a boutique feel is its peaceful location inside the golf course. The 10 rooms, eight of which have…

  • Lookout

    Sunshine Coast

    Perched on a hill, this contemporary whitewashed home has five units with kitchenettes and wonderful views. All are in top nick and have individual…

  • 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…

  • Karoo Soul Travel Lodge

    Route 62

    The gracious old house is more about doubles than dorms, though there is one small dorm. Try to get one of the west-facing doubles for a romantic…

  • Kameeldoorn Tree House

    Northern Cape

    A simply delightful self-catering cabin accommodating one or two people, nestled in a tree in the centre of the park. Bookings should be made directly…

  • Rouge on Rose

    Cape Town

    This great Bo-Kaap option offers nine rustic-chic suites with kitchenettes, lounges and lots of workspace. The fun wall paintings are by a resident artist…

  • Kingwill’s B&B

    Northern Cape

    There are lovely rooms in the main building as well as spacious garden units with flat-screen TV, modern decor, microwave and fridge. Meals are served at…

  • La Pension

    Route 62

    An excellent midrange choice with spacious, stylish rooms and superb bathrooms, La Pension also has one self-catering cottage (single/double R700/1200),…

  • 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…

  • Le Must River Residence

    Northern Cape

    This elegant riverside getaway has 11 African-themed rooms with antique furnishings and crisp linen. Sitting rooms and terraces open onto the artful…

  • 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…

  • Duinepos

    West Coast & Swartland

    Bright, modern and well-equipped chalets in the heart of the park. It's an excellent birdwatching spot.

  • Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse

    Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park

    If God were to top off the beauty of the Drakensberg with a gourmet treat, Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse would be it. Guests enjoy a nightly, innovative…

  • Palace of the Lost City

    North West Province

    Consistently ranked one of the top hotels in the world by travel magazines and websites, this hotel does a good job at redefining the fantasy of luxury…

  • Jaci’s Lodges

    North West Province

    For panache and design flair, Jaci’s contiguous lodges – Safari Lodge and Tree Lodge – are excellent places to indulge. Safari Lodge’s eight rooms are…

  • Amphitheatre Backpackers

    Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park

    Amenities at this five-star backpackers are superb, including a bar, a hot tub, a sauna and a restaurant serving top-notch food. Facing out over the…

  • Mackaya Bella Guest House

    Durban

    Located near the university, this pretty spot has a lovely indigenous garden (featuring the Mackaya Bella plant) and stylish rooms in a relaxed home-style…

  • Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge

    North West Province

    This swish lodge exemplifies the sustainable, community-based tourism envisioned by Madikwe’s founders – owned by the Balete people from the local village…

  • Khotso Lodge

    Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park

    After having a less-than-stellar reputation as a backpackers, this local institution rebranded as Khotso Lodge. Gone is the rowdy vibe (though a fun…

  • Buccaneers Lodge

    The Wild Coast

    Offering an accessible taste of the Wild Coast, fabulous ‘Buccs’ is a sort of all-inclusive holiday resort for backpackers and beach bums. Sleeping…

  • Bushwillow

    The Elephant Coast

    Within the privately owned Kuleni Game Park and surrounded by superb forest – flat crown, albizia and, of course, bush willows – is this romantic,…

  • Monkey Bay Backpackers

    KwaZulu-Natal

    Calling all surf-rats. This casual place – made from recycled materials, and painted in funky colours inside – has a pleasantly hippie vibe and a friendly…

  • Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve

    Sunshine Coast

    No, you're not hallucinating, the view is real. Poised on a greenery-shrouded hillside, the four tastefully appointed Ocean Suites overlook the beach –…

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