Description
Oude Werf is South Africa’s oldest continuously-operating hotel, offering excellent service and food for over two centuries. Not only that, but its pretty white walls occupy the site of the country’s first-ever church. But if you’re imagining a fusty relic, think again: a recent refurb has resulted in chic rooms and classy modern touches without losing the comfortable feel. And leafy Stellenbosch – a bustling university town, and one of South Africa’s major wine hubs – makes for a thrilling setting.
Accommodation
The 58 rooms can be split into three categories: Superior, Deluxe and Luxury. For period-style furnishings and an old-fashioned aura, book the Deluxe rooms; whilst the Luxury rooms, larger and most luxurious of the three options, offer roomier bathrooms with freestanding tubs, sofas and high ceilings. Soft hues and antique furniture are an ever-present.
Facilities
Food has always been a big focus at Oude Werf, and today’s 1802 Restaurant is popular with locals for the international and traditional cuisine it serves in cahoots with an extensive wine list. Afternoon teas and legendary cheesecakes are also available, and can be scoffed among water features in a vine-covered garden. Elsewhere, there’s a small pool with sun loungers, eclectic displays of clocks, hats and luminous animal-head models, and a cosy lounge for late-night glasses of port.
Activities
Historical walks, Winelands tasting tours and horse-riding are some of the many activities which Oude Werf’s attentive staff can organise. And good news for golfers: special rates have been negotiated at eight international-standard golf clubs within a 90-minute drive. Leave time to saunter around Stellenbosch itself, and its excellent shops, museums, wine bars, art galleries and handsome Cape Dutch buildings.
Child Policy
Children are welcome, with interconnecting rooms and babysitting available. Stellenbosch and the surrounding area has lots of family-focused attractions.
The Best of South Africa Travel map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
