West Coast & Swartland
An elegant and imaginatively decorated place. Rooms are named after local artists, whose work is displayed on the walls, and there's a lovely garden to…
Must-see hotels in Western Cape
Franschhoek
There are various lodges and self-catering cottages at this wine farm-cum-game reserve. You can walk to town (though it's a long slog uphill to get back).
Franschhoek
The sumptuously decorated rooms at this boutique guesthouse have underfloor heating and sweeping views to the mountains. You can stroll into town.
Knysna
A funky backpackers with excellent communal areas, cheery staff and nicely decorated rooms. There’s a lively bar and a small pool on the deck.
West Coast & Swartland
In a quiet street close to the town centre, this adorable thatched cottage has a beautiful garden. There are two bedrooms plus a sleeper couch.
Western Cape
A short walk from the restaurant and shop (in a fenced area), the sites here all have electricity points. Ablutions and kitchens are shared.
Plettenberg Bay
This bright beachfront guesthouse offers airy rooms, all with great views – you might even be able to spot whales and dolphins.
Hermanus
A budget option in suburbia, this is a quiet place with good amenities (including a spa bath) and neatly furnished rooms.
West Coast & Swartland
Of the five cottages spread throughout the park, Jo Anne's Beach Cottage has the best location, overlooking the lagoon.
Franschhoek
A stylishly appointed, very comfortable family home featuring 14 spacious rooms with wooden floors and mountain views.
Route 62
A beautifully appointed, thatched Cape cottage with four-poster beds. It's a short walk from three of the wineries.
Western Cape
This quiet, gracious Cape Edwardian home boasts a lovely garden, fantastic views and an excellent breakfast.
Hermanus
The smart, comfortable rooms are set around a swimming pool. Owner-run, it's a friendly and welcoming spot.
Western Cape
There is charming self-catering accommodation dotted about the national park, some of which has sea views.
Franschhoek
A small, friendly guesthouse with good-quality rooms and stylish suites with stunning bathrooms.
Western Cape
There are pleasant campsites alongside the Breede River, some with electricity.
West Coast & Swartland
There are magnificent views, San rock art and hiking trails on this 10-sq-km property on the outskirts of the Cederberg. Accommodation is in pre-erected…
West Coast & Swartland
Some of the furniture is looking a little worn, but this vast place has a great position overlooking the ocean and offers excellent value. It's worth…
West Coast & Swartland
A twisty dirt track leading off the Baths Rd climbs past groves of citrus trees before ending at Steelwater, with its chalet sleeping up to seven people…
Garden Route
Just off the N2, on the Goukamma River's banks, this backpacker resort offers safari tents and simple cabins as well as en-suite rooms and four-sleeper…
Franschhoek
A delightful budget option in a town not known for affordable accommodation. Basic double rooms lead to a shared deck shaded by poplar trees, and there’s…
Winelands
The tents here are fairly basic – two single beds and a private bathroom – but it's really about the location. The camp is at Drakenstein Lion Park, a…
West Coast & Swartland
The bright cabins here are just large enough for a double bed. Ablutions are shared and there is a cheery bar-restaurant. Sea Shack is a rustic place that…
West Coast & Swartland
When we last visited, this large hotel was in the midst of a much-needed upgrade. The superior rooms have sea-facing balconies and revamped bathrooms or…
Western Cape
Once the hostel for Greyton’s boarding school, this cavernous place has a rather institutional feel. It is part of a larger environmental project and all…
Stellenbosch
Some of the furnishings are a bit chintzy, but you can't beat this spot for good-value digs in a great, central location. Each apartment sleeps up to four…
Western Cape
This rustic resort is 3km south of town and a fantastic base for hiking in the Swartberg mountains. Hiking permits are available, and a guide (not…
Garden Route
The position of this converted train, right beside the beach, can’t be beaten, but the compartments are undeniably cramped. There’s an attached bar…
Plettenberg Bay
The focal point is the bar and deck with views of the Tsitsikamma Mountains. There are two 'private dorms' – basically a twin room with bunks – offering a…
Garden Route
A one-stop shop for accommodation, meals and information on the area. Accommodation is in apartments and houses dotted about the town. It's best to book…
Garden Route
This friendly place has a great location a short walk from the harbour, the museum and plenty of restaurants. It's fairly rudimentary but the dorms and…
Garden Route
This caravan park and campground has an excellent location within walking distance of the Point's restaurants, bars and surf. There is a small supplement…
Route 62
This quaint, thatched guesthouse is well located, within walking distance of plenty of restaurants. The wood-floored rooms are simple but spacious. Opt…
Stellenbosch
The central location means you’re within easy stumbling distance of some of the more popular bars. Rooms are in converted apartments, so each dorm comes…
Stellenbosch
Although it's grown up in recent years, this is still Stellenbosch’s party hostel. It's split over two old houses – the second building is the quieter…
Knysna
Here you’ll find spacious, shaded camping and simple chalets with TVs. It’s a quiet place a little way out of town; follow the signs to the Heads. Prices…
Hermanus
When we last visited, these ocean-facing apartments had just been taken over by the Windsor Hotel and were about to receive a much-needed facelift.
Route 62
A genuine farmstay for backpackers – there’s a river, peacocks and pecan trees on this 500-sq-m property with simple self-catering cottages (from R480)…
Western Cape
This campground has good facilities on a fantastic surf beach. The beach is unsafe for swimming but there is a pool on site and a tidal pool nearby. Bring…
Western Cape
This decent budget option has campsites and basic chalets a short walk from the beach. Bring your own bedding and provisions. Prices rise sharply during…
