51 Best Hotels in The Western Cape and Winelands, South Africa

The stunning flagship property of the Leeu Collection (which also includes Leeu House), this luxurious and sprawling retreat has wonderful views of the mountains and vineyards. The rooms are generous in size, kitted out with natural fabrics and textures and oversized marble-clad bathrooms. There are a million reasons that would warrant a long-term stay, including the on-site spa (with a wide range of treatments) and the tasting room that stocks the award-wining Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines.

Although this contemporary guesthouse is located on the main street in the middle of town, it's so tranquil, you'd think it was in the countryside. Inside, there's a pretty courtyard with a garden and gleaming pool with lounge chairs and a pool bar. Some rooms have clawfoot tubs, others have terraces with small tables and chairs, but they all share a similar classic-contemporary aesthetic. The main house has a front room with comfy seating, an honesty bar, and a roaring fireplace. Leeu House is an excellent choice if you want to be close to the hustle and bustle of Franschhoek, without losing the feel of a wine farm retreat.

This classic guesthouse on the Paarl Wine Route is tastefully decorated in a comfortable and homey style—crisp white linens, wood-frame mirrors, and ornate lampshades highlight each of the guest rooms. An open hearth is popular during winters, as are summer breakfasts on the patio. Other outdoor areas include three gardens and two swimming pools. Some of the best rooms open out onto the garden.

This cluster of vine-covered buildings nestled in gardens overflowing with roses, lavender, frangipani, and jasmine sits in an upmarket residential corner of Stellenbosch. It's a mere 10-minute drive to several of the country's best wine estates and restaurants. Inside Majeka's tranquil walls, rooms are elegantly lavish with tones of silver and gold and modern chandeliers. A spa, whirlpool tub, sauna, and gym are all available, and lovely outdoor spaces abound, from the various pools to loungers in the magical gardens. 

There's a warm welcome waiting at this guesthouse close to Montagu's church, where rooms are simply decorated but have all the comforts you'll need. Most have a balcony or patio—opt for an upstairs room overlooking the street for optimal people-watching. The real star here is the restaurant, which serves excellent steaks (and a few non-carnivore dishes). Book ahead for dinner as it's also open to non-guests.

With sweeping views over the valley and mountain range, you might choose to stay put at Mont Rochelle for a few days rather than explore all Franschhoek has to offer. The hotel feels a bit like a family manor house, and you might be tempted to come to breakfast wearing the hotel's comfy slippers. The staff are friendly and more than attentive. Just squeak and they'll do their best to meet any request. The rooms are plush—there's lots of dark wood, crisp white linen, classic wing chairs, and huge paintings to lend a luxurious feel. Two of the suites—which are enormous—have private plunge pools—a real luxury in summer when the temperatures soar. Children are welcome, but there aren't any dedicated children's programs or family rooms.

This delightful hotel was originally built in Victorian times but was extensively remodeled in art deco style after a fire in the early 1930s. The present owners highlight its architectural flourishes and collect furniture and artifacts from this era to complement the interior. There's a palm-shaded swimming pool surrounded by lounge chairs in the pretty garden. The dining room serves an excellent breakfast and straightforward lunch and dinner, often showcasing South African staples like Karoo lamb. Ask about taking a trip along Route 62 in a classic American car.

What a delight to be able to explore Stellenbosch's nighttime pavement cafés and then walk back to this attractive 1802 hotel afterwards; a national monument, it's thought to be the oldest continuously running inn in South Africa. The reception area is in the original living room, a beautiful space with a lofty beamed ceiling and elegant antiques. The whole hotel has undergone a major revamp, and the rooms have a clean, contemporary feel. A lovely garden and pool in a brick courtyard shaded by trellised vines is open for meals and drinks throughout the day.

You know you're in good company at the understated and elegant Owner's Cottage on Grande Provence Wine Estate when the visitors' book includes Jude Law and British royals Sophie and Prince Edward. The cottage's six rooms are decorated in muted tones more fitting to a farmhouse than an upmarket residence. The lounge has inviting couches next to a fireplace, underfloor heating, and complimentary sherry. For summer there's a fantastic pool and whirlpool tub. Breakfast is served in a pretty conservatory and includes delicious freshly baked goods and a full cooked breakfast. If the Owner's Cottage isn't available, ask about La Provençale Villa, which is smaller but no less comfortable.

This lodge makes the most of the sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean; the rooms might be simply decorated, but who needs artwork when at every turn you catch glimpses of the azure sea? At any rate, the rooms are comfortable and—a big plus—they all open onto verandas. The lodge has a restaurant that serves West Coast cuisine, as well as a bar where you can sip cocktails while watching one of the sunsets the West Coast is so famous for.

In one of Greyton's oldest buildings, the Post House is now a convivial hotel with a cheery, small-town welcome. Rooms combine period furnishings with bright, modern touches. There's a homey restaurant, an outdoor pool, and best of all, a quaint pub housed in the old post office.

With a great view over vineyards and mountains, this small luxury hotel in a converted farmhouse is an oasis from the sweltering Swartland summer heat (and great as a winter getaway, as well). Rooms have a homey country feel, with comfortable couches and heavy wood furniture. In addition to the outdoor pool, there's an indoor pool so you can take a dip even if the weather is iffy. 

On the outskirts of the village, this rural abode sits on a ridge overlooking a dam where you can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. The thatched suites have modern interiors and private terraces leading to the poolside garden. High ceilings, good-quality linen, and original art in each room contribute to the luxe atmosphere. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves brasserie cuisine with local flavors; meals can be enjoyed on the terrace in good weather or by the fireplace in winter. The cottage across the river has two bedrooms and is a great option for families. 

Resembling a Mediterranean village—albeit a very luxurious one—this lodging is made up of a collection of two-story buildings with their own swimming pools. Uncluttered and modern, rooms and suites are elegantly appointed with simple furnishings, gas fireplaces, and stylish detail evident in the cotton throws and wide choice of pillows. The surrounding orchards and shade trees make the complex and walkways both verdant and private. There's a kids' clubhouse offering a variety of activities including nature walks, treasure hunts, and visits to the on-site raptor rehabilitation center, so you can enjoy your wine tasting in peace.

If you're on a tight budget, this farm is the place to stay; there are no frills at the basic but comfortable cottages, but the surrounding mountain scenery is spectacular. It's also where all the climbers come to hang out when they've had enough of conquering the nearby rock faces and need to beef up with a burger. The best reason to stay though, is the Sevilla Rock Art Trail, which starts at Traveller's Rest. You can take a guided tour or explore on your own with a booklet that describes all the rock art on the farm. The restaurant is open daily and has a menu of traditional dishes like bobotie, eland stew, and chicken curry.

Wooden chalets on stilts are set among trees at this romantic lodge near the Tulbagh wineries, complete with private spa baths and breakfast served to your room. There's a small game camp with antelope and zebra, and a large pool, which you'll be very glad of if you're visiting in summer when Tulbagh's temperatures can regularly top 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The spa offers the usual treatments as well as a very romantic moonlit hot tub experience.

Originally built as the home of a British missionary, this lovingly restored guesthouse also once served as a school before becoming a hotel with rooms decorated with rich fabrics and luxurious finishes. Two have their own plunge pools, one has a Jacuzzi, and others have generous fireplaces. You're a five-minute stroll away from Franschhoek. On arrival, you're automatically booked in at highly rated Bouillabaisse, the sister seafood restaurant down the road, but you're welcome to eat anywhere in the food lovers' paradise that is Franschhoek.

This old Victorian house has been elegantly transformed into a stylish and comfortable guest lodge; white linen and subtle furnishings create a restful atmosphere. Some bathrooms have Victorian claw-foot tubs. Regularly voted one of South Africa's top-100 dining establishments, the restaurant (which charges around R120 per main course) will likely have you coming back for more, especially for dishes such as roast beef fillet with a verjuice-hollandaise sauce. The menu changes daily, and there are also interesting food-and-wine-pairing dinners that are worth inquiring about. For the lodge, arrangements must be made in advance for children.

Decorated in restful shades of blue and white, this is a great base from which to take long whale-watching walks. Ask for a room with a view and put your feet up while you watch the Southern Right whales splashing in the bay below. Alternatively, take a stroll along the nearby whale-watching cliffs. An honor bar and tea and coffee are available throughout the day.

Hidden among beautiful gardens that extend down to the Lourens River, this peaceful lodge makes a good base for exploring the entire southwestern Cape, including the peninsula, the Winelands, and the Overberg. Large, airy, comfortable rooms with sliding doors open onto the gardens; in the distance the peaks of the Helderberg are visible. D'Vine Restaurant has equally high standards and is regularly voted onto the country's top-100 list. The menu changes seasonally, but the owner is Italian, so there's a strong emphasis on Mediterranean flavors and fresh, local produce.

If you come to Hermanus anytime from July to November, consider staying at this hotel in the heart of town. It's a family-run hostelry that offers comfort but little pretense. Rooms are outdated, so the real reason to stay here is its position atop the cliffs, making it a great place to view the annual whale migration. Request one of the second-floor, sea-facing rooms, with sliding-glass doors and unbeatable views. During holidays, a games room with a pool table and table tennis is set up for older children. Breakfasts are ample.