Must-see hotels in Free State

  • Otters' Haunt

    Free State

    The accommodation at this cheerfully overgrown place is decidedly rustic, but the secluded location right on the Vaal River is unbeatable. Options include…

  • Kalm Guest Suites

    Free State

    With an ornate style she calls 'maximalism', interior designer extraordinaire Karen Hickman has gone to town on two guest suites, 'Yours' and 'Whose',…

  • Clarens Country House

    Free State

    Within the Clarens Golf Estate, this collection of spacious, comfortable apartments is set in century-old sandstone architecture, with an attached gallery…

  • Cranberry Cottage

    Free State

    The best place to sleep in Ladybrand (and one of the best in Free State) is this rambling stone guesthouse. Spacious rooms have a touch of luxury and the…

  • De Akker Guest House

    Bloemfontein

    This stylish offering in a central location has 15 rooms, including some with sink-in-and-smile king beds, and both baths and showers in attached en…

  • Tigress Julie Lodge

    Free State

    Opened in 2017 to visitors, the two-room lodge at Tiger Canyon is spacious, lavish and tastefully adorned with big cat art. Quarters include king beds and…

  • Klipdas Boskamp

    Free State

    Those who would like to feel truly away from it all will flip for this campground, which offers drinking water, a large stove and plenty of unadulterated…

  • Suikerbos

    Free State

    Herds of impala graze between the buildings at this very popular, self-catering farm-reserve. The chalets are airy and modern, with giant bathtubs and…

  • Karma Backpackers

    Free State

    Located in Kestell, a small maize-farming village on Rte 57 about 26km north of Phuthaditjhaba, Karma Backpackers is a peaceful, cosy place. The friendly…

  • Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge

    Free State

    Perched at the foot of Sentinel Peak, this lodge consists of 76 well-appointed rooms and chalets, as well as an elegant dining room with giant windows…

  • Hobbit Boutique Hotel

    Bloemfontein

    This charming Victorian guesthouse, comprising two 1921 houses, is popular with visiting dignitaries and perfect for literati and romantic types. The…

  • Hotel Oranjehof

    Free State

    Serving up beers since the mid 1800s, this historic hotel and bar is brimming with antique furnishing, glistening hardwood and old-timey adornments. Its…

  • Odessa Guesthouse

    Bloemfontein

    For Ukrainian hospitality in the Free State, check out Odessa. The multilingual (Russian, Ukrainian and Afrikaans are spoken along with English)…

  • Camelroc Guest Farm

    Free State

    About 11km outside Fouriesburg, and just 800m from the Lesotho border, Camelroc sits in a spectacular location against a camel-shaped sandstone outcrop,…

  • Arcadia Guesthouse

    Free State

    This smart, four-star guesthouse with classically elegant rooms is in the middle of a large garden scattered with faux-Greek statues. It’s in a peaceful…

  • Imperani Guest House & Coffee Shop

    Free State

    In a quiet spot, the Imperani has an African-flavoured, country-cottage vibe. The 36 spotless, modern rooms have wooden floors and big windows and are in…

  • Forever Resorts Gariep

    Free State

    Families will live it up at this pleasant, activity-oriented resort, where amenities include a swimming pool, minigolf course, volleyball court and…

  • Golden Gate Hotel & Chalets

    Free State

    In the heart of the park, this stately old lodge with great mountain views offers self-catering chalets and upmarket rooms. Several years ago it underwent…

  • Patcham Place

    Free State

    A good central option often offering better value in this range than competitors around town – a recent makeover included the addition of satellite TV in…

  • Platberg Harrismith Backpackers

    Free State

    This well-run place with safe parking has three dorm rooms, a double and two family units, all in good shape. You can use the braai (barbecue) outside,…

  • aha Bloemfontein Hotel

    Bloemfontein

    Taken over by the aha chain in 2017, this hotel remains a standout mid-range option (though the price has climbed significantly). Rooms are lavish, with…

  • Matanja

    Bloemfontein

    Small luxuries, such as pure goose-down duvets and a stylish, rustic ambience, set this little B&B apart. There are honesty fridges in the bedrooms, and…

  • Courtyard

    Free State

    A good option in a quiet location at the bottom of town (especially at weekends, when Clarens can get very busy). Rooms are upstairs (number 3 has a…

  • Clarens Inn & Backpackers

    Free State

    The town’s best budget option offers single-sex dorms and basic doubles, built around an artsy central courtyard with a big open fire pit and outdoor bar…

  • Book House Cottage

    Free State

    Lovely, spacious self-catering units in a peaceful suburb good for families and couples. The kitchens are well kitted out and the cottages have lovely…

  • Protea Hotel Willow Lake

    Bloemfontein

    Part of a popular national chain, the Protea offers very stylish rooms. Plump bedding and a shower cubicle that looks like it belongs at NASA complete the…

  • Vaal-de-Rama Guest House

    Free State

    This rambling mansion and its satellite, self-catering cottages occupy a peaceful riverside plot where the only thing that interrupts the quiet is bird…

  • La La Nathi Country Guest House

    Free State

    Just off the N3, 3km from Harrismith (towards Durban), and offering convenience, great value and traditional rondavels (round huts with conical roofs),…

  • Abiento Guesthouse

    Bloemfontein

    A restored historic home became this guesthouse in 2017, and its character is defined by vintage French furnishings and original wooden floors and…

  • Lake Clarens Guesthouse

    Free State

    This well-maintained, four-star guesthouse offers buckets of intimate country charm. Fresh flowers, giant bathtubs, heated floors and silky-soft linens…

  • Franklin View

    Bloemfontein

    Located on the slopes of Naval Hill, Franklin View has awesome views over Bloemfontein and a huge balcony ideal for an afternoon cocktail. Rooms are…

  • Starry Nights Karoo Cottages

    Free State

    Four lovely, restored historic homes for self-caterers, sleeping anywhere from one to six people. Interiors feature wooden floors and Victorian tubs;…

  • Green Acorn Guest House

    Free State

    Next door to an elaborate outdoor art exhibit composed entirely of rusting tin, this quaint little guesthouse consists of 12 uniquely adorned cottages…

  • Glen Reenen Rest Camp

    Free State

    This place is conveniently located on the main road, buried among the craggy limestone, and has well-maintained chalets and campsites by the river. A shop…

  • Mirabel Guesthouse

    Free State

    There are five rooms to choose from at this riverfront guesthouse, each with its own unique decor. It's a very short walk to some good restaurants.

  • Aldam Resort & Conference Center

    Free State

    Adjacent to Willem Pretorius Game Reserve, this resort offers rustic but well-appointed chalets, many of them with nice views over Allemanskraal Dam…

  • Old Jail

    Free State

    If you’ve ever fancied spending a night behind bars, here's your big chance. The town’s jail has been converted into basic but comfortable self-catering…

  • Highlands Hotel Hoogland

    Free State

    The African-themed rooms at the Highlands Hotel Hoogland are the best budget option – backpacker rooms share bathrooms, while those with en suites are…

  • Reyneke Caravan Park

    Bloemfontein

    Two kilometres out of town (take the N8 towards Kimberley), this well-organised park has a swimming pool, trampoline and kids' play area. It’s a good…