The Franschhoek Boutique Hotel – Cape Winelands
About an hour’s drive from Cape Town – and less than half an hour from Stellenbosch – South Africa’s oldest settlement, lies the small town of Franschhoek that nestles at the end of a vine-clad valley. There’s an charm about this village with its long streetscape with its abundant galleries, cosmopolitan cafés, quirky shops and white-washed, gabled Cape Dutch buildings made immaculate by the clarity of light.
Despite the Dutch influence, it’s the Huguenots we have to thank for their special heritage (Franschhoek means “French Corner” in Dutch). Fleeing religious persecution in France and invited to the Cape by the Dutch colonialists in 1688, the Huguenots brought their wine-making expertise and Protestant work ethic with them which their descendants have made the most of ever since.
Food connoisseurs and gourmands will find a delicious choice of fare in and around the village. Packed with prize winning restaurants, it is not for nothing that Franschhoek is known as the ”Gourmet Capital of South Africa”.
Located in the heart of the village, the 5-star Franschhoek Boutique Hotel has six, elegant boutique boudoirs.
These individually styled rooms boast views onto the valley, fireplaces, air conditioning, underfloor heating, a ceiling fan, a desk with 2- and 3-prong plugs conveniently located above the desk, a flatscreen TV, a bar fridge as well as a wine cooler, and lighting which can be switched on and off centrally from one’s bed. Bathrooms have deep soaking bathtubs as well as separate showers.
Generous breakfasts are served until 11 am in the lounge/dining area, and facilities at this Art Deco-influenced hotel include a restaurant, a coffee shop/café and dry cleaning.
Just step in, to relax and soak up the vistas and tranquillity – or step out, to an array of tantalizing choices. It couldn’t be more centrally situated or unexpectedly – and wonderfully quiet.