Luxury Lodging
La Residence and Villas
Perhaps a more aesthetically exciting stay than our previous feature, every corner of the 5 star La Residence is defined by individuality and extravagance, and each of the 11 rooms has its own terrace and garden. La Residence villas are surrounded by 30 acres of plum orchards and vineyards of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, while still being just a 5-minute walk from Franschhoek. Guests can enjoy complimentary wine tastings, along with sublime dining, service, scenery, and spa.
Price per night: From R7470 / £383 / $500
Address: Elandskloof Private Road, Elandskloof Farm, Franschhoek, 7690 South Africa
Find out more / Book here.
La Clé de Montagnes
Photo Credit: lacle.co.za
Comprised of 4 distinct and sophisticated villas, each sleeping 4-8 guests, the 5 star property La Clé is the perfect family getaway. The villas are designed to feel stylish, yet homey, full of both comfortable corners and amenities for entertainment – and guests don’t have to lift a finger, as each villa is serviced by a butler and maids. Each also has its own secluded backyard garden and pool, and recreational activities such as tennis, horseback riding, and cooking classes are accessible to all guests. La Clé is, of course, also located on a working wine farm quite close to town; it aims to to live up to its name as “the key of the mountains” by giving guests the best experiences the Franschhoek Valley has to offer.
Price per night: From R4915 / £250 / $330
Address: 13 Daniel Hugo, Franschhoek, 7690 South Africa
Find out more / Book here.
Leeu Estates
Comprised of 17 superior rooms in calming decor, Leeu Estates boutique hotel is a complex of manor houses and cottages conveniently situated less than one kilometer outside of Franschhoek, on the slopes of the Dassenberg mountain. Lovely views overlook the expansive 247 acres of estates and vineyards of Mullineux and Leeu Family Wines, which focuses primarily on Chardonnays. Daily Garden and Art Tours guide guests alongside the river through oaks, evergreens, and pavillions abounding in fynbos, azaleas, and granadilla. Leeu Estates provides a variety of high-quality services and amenities aiming to pamper their guests, and boasts affiliated wine studios, art galleries, restaurants, and more.
Price per night: From R8000 / £410 / $535
Address: Dassenberg Road, Franschhoek, 7690 South Africa
Find out more here.
Photo Credit: leeucollection.com
Mid-Range Stays
Auberge Clermont
Photo credit: clermont.co.za
This 4 star, 6-suite bed and breakfast is located on a 25-acre wine, fruit, and olive farm that dates back to 1694, and has stayed true to its Provence-inspired roots. A self-catering establishment, each room also comes equipped with an espresso machine and minibar. Gourmet country breakfasts are served in a charming French country style dining room, or, if the weather is good (and it usually is), outside, under the oaks alongside a sparkling brook. Guests are invited to sample Auberge Clermont’s award-winning olive oil and wines made from their own Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, and Merlot grape blends.
Price per night: From R2300 / £117 / $154
Address: Roberstvlei Rd, P O Box 504, Franschhoek, 7690 South Africa
Find out more / Book here.
The Cottage at Montpellier
A 10-minute drive from Franschhoek, The Cottage is a tad further out of the way than our other features, but not far enough to be truly inconvenient. Rather, the distance is worthwhile, as guests can enjoy stunning 360°views from the privacy of this 4 star, 2-bedroom establishment on the slopes of the Groot Drakenstein mountain range. Likewise, this secluded olive farm is ideal for visiting the more remote corners of the Franschhoek valley – should you have any desire to leave the Cottage once you arrive! Guests receive a complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival, and the self-catering kitchen is always stocked with coffee and tea.
Price per night: From R2400 / £123 / $160
Address: Montpellier, c/o Upper Waterfall Farm, R45, Franschhoek, 769
Find out more/ Book here.
Photo Credit: montpellier-franschhoek.co.za
Budget but brilliant
Bo La Motte
Restored from one of the original 9 farms started by the French Huguenots, 4 star Bo La Motte has 6 spacious and fully equipped self-catering cottages at the base of the Middagkrans Mountain, just a short jaunt south of Franschhoek by foot. Several small dams (lakes) scattered through the vineyards are ideal locations for picnicking and fly-fishing; adding to the family-friendly nature of the property are four friendly German Shepherds, as well as a jungle gym and communal swimming pool. Guests are welcome to visit the La Petit Ferme winemaker on site, or the affiliated restaurant in town, as well as Bo La Motte’s neighbor, Colmant Winery.
Price per night: From R1200 / £61 / $80
Address: Bo La Motte Farm, Middagkrans Rd, P. O. Box 521, Franschhoek, 7690
Find out more / Book here.
Otters Bend Lodge
Photo Credit: Facebook page
Rustic cabin-style accommodations on the riverbank geared towards the budget traveler and the backpacker – but no less picturesque, convenient, or friendly. The location is perfect for walking either into Franschhoek or to the surrounding hills and hikes, or you can rent a bike (or a horse!) to explore the valley’s many vineyards. In true hostel fashion, Otters Bend Lodge comes fully equipped with public self-serve areas (including an organic garden guests can harvest from!) and communal lounges where independent travelers can relax and connect in the midst of their adventures.
Price per night: From R597 / £30 / $40
Address: Dassenberg Rd, Franschhoek, 7690 South Africa
Find out more / Book here.