7,258,491 hotelsin 60 categories
Historic Hotels in Western Cape
70 HOTELS IN WESTERN CAPERanking can be influenced by the commissions we receive.
$
+1
Historic
This hotel housed notable personalities throughout the years. Winston Churchill once referred to it as "a most excellent and well appointed establishment which may be thoroughly appreciated after a sea voyage". The property has been around for more than a century. In 1918, it was painted pink to symbolize peace. This legacy has been carried for 100 years, priding itself with rose-coloured furnishings.
$
+4
Historic
This quaint five star hotel sits in the renowned Church Street. The property is a restored Manor House that dates back since 1713. Areas in the hotel are intricately designed with antique yellow-wood ceiling and richly carved French wallpaper. A wall is adorned by lighted trees made of wire. The dining area has hand-hewn poplar chairs under a glass roof. Interior design blends contemporary comfort with traditional aesthetic.
Summary of reviews related to the 'Historic' category
Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel & Spa is a charming and historical property located in the heart of Stellenbosch. The hotel boasts an authentic Cape feel and is designed in a colonial style. The lovely old building provides guests with a beautiful setting and an old world charm that is hard to resist. This period property is full of wonderful historical atmosphere that guests absolutely love. Overall, Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel & Spa is more than just a place to stay, it's an experience that combines luxury, comfort and a touch of nostalgia.
$
+2
Historic
The Cape’s first farm, established in 1682. Catharina Michelse asked Simon van der Stel for a portion of the ground where he agreed to leased 50 acres to her. Later, she asked him for a legal title to "cultivate, to plough and to sow and also to possess the farm below the stone mountain". Originally named, 'Swaaneweide' - The Feeding Place of Swans, reminding her of her native town. In 1695 Frederik Russouw bought the farm, he was a wealthy member of the Burger Council. He built the new house. The original Manor House was restored and declared a Provincial Heritage Site.
$
Historic
Historical accounts say that in 1887 the property was sold to Hymie Liberman and Abraham Buirski who were parterns in the firm Liberman & Buirski of Swellendam. They were prominent businessmen and buyers of wool and wheat. Abraham Buirski used it as residence with his wife and raised a family there. His son Eli went on to own the house until his death at the age of 54. His gravestone can be found on the reformed church yard. He was the mayor of Swellendam from 1953 to 1923 and a representative in the South African Parliament from 1924 to 1929. The house was rescued by Herman & Dulcie Moore in 1968 from a state of disrepair. Danie & Mercia Theron bought it in 1980 and lived in it for 20 years, until the current owners bought it in 2003.
Summary of reviews related to the 'Historic' category
Schoone Oordt Country House is a historical gem located in the heart of the charming town of Swellendam. This Victorian house has been meticulously restored and beautifully preserved, offering guests an unforgettable experience in a property full of soul and character. The well-kept gardens and the magnificent conservatory are just a few examples of the attention to detail and passion that went into the renovation project. The hotel is an ideal getaway for those seeking a taste of colonial-era South Africa with each room lovingly decorated in a colonial style. Schoone Oordt Country House is truly one of its kind and the best place to stay to indulge in the historical richness of Swellendam.
Questionnaire
Year erected:1853
What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?Originally Georgian. Filigree-lace balcony added in the Victorian era.
Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?Yes.
$
+8
Historic
The property is a well-preserved masterpiece that was built in 1801.The original floors, ceilings and white-washed walls are still kept to maintain an old-world feel. It stands as one of the oldest buildings in the town of Overberg, the 3rd oldest historical village in South Africa. It is between Cape Town and George and along the beautiful Breede River. It is declared as a South African national monument.
Summary of reviews related to the 'Historic' category
De Kloof Heritage Estate and Wellness is a hidden gem located in central Swellendam. The hotel boasts a 200-year-old Dutch farm that has been well-preserved and protected, giving it an exceptional, charming look. Guests are welcomed to stunningly maintained grounds surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The hotel is a historical landmark with plenty of character and history that make it stand out from other hotels. The building is very impressive and guests can marvel at the historical ensemble van gebouwen that contribute to the beautiful old complex. Overall, a stay at De Kloof Heritage Estate and Wellness is an unforgettable experience, where the rich history and beauty of the hotel will be sure to take your breath away.
$
+6
Historic
Located in Swellendam, this country house is steeped in history and offers a glimpse into the region's agricultural heritage. Its architecture and design reflect the Cape Dutch style, providing a unique cultural experience.
Questionnaire
Year erected:1723
What is the history of the property?JAN HARMSZ SCHAT
In 1674, east of the current town of Bonnievale, on a farm nestled under the towering Langeberg Mountains, Johannes Harman Jansz Potgieter was born.
Johannes married in 1714, and the farm appears on the grant of 1723 as Jan Harmsz Schat (treasure)- from which it was apparently corrupted to Jan Harmsgat. In 1731 we find the grazing rights being granted to a famous hunter, Jacobus Botha. His hunting career was brought to an end a couple of years later, when he shot a lion, and the lioness (which he had not seen) attacked and mauled him, leaving him for dead. Botha recovered but was never able to hunt again and in 1734 Governor de la Fontaine made a freehold grant to Botha, for services rendered, of the farm Jan Harmans Gat that he was then occupying. The farm was described as “vier uur te perd van die dorp Swellendam”
Jacobus Botha lived to the age of 90, dying in 1782, and his 12 sons gave him 190 grandchildren.
The farm is situated along the slopes of the Langeberg, between the mountain and the Breede River. The modern road from Swellendam to Ashton runs along this beautiful valley.
In 1789 the farm passed into the hands of Hermanus Steyn de Jonge. In 1765 he had married the widow Margaretha van Staden, and by the time the farm was occupied by him, he was already a man of some stature in the area. In addition to farming, he also did some Trustee work and sat on the District Council of Swellendam.
In 1795 the farmers of the District rebelled against their Dutch masters, and declared themselves independent of the Cape Government. Hermanus Steyn was chosen as the president of the new republic, which lasted only a short while before the British assumed control of the Cape Colony, and Swellendam again reverted to their original status. Hermanus Steyn lies buried on the farm Jan Harmsgat in a small plot marked by a granite gravestone, which can be seen a few hundred meters from the main house.
A grandson of the old President, Gideon van Zyl, changed the name of the farm to the gentler name of Nooitgedacht. A cousin, one Piet van Eeden, again changed the old building with its three gables under thatch. He removed the upper floors and rebuilt the house with a corrugated iron roof.
The original wine cellar and old slave quarters were retained, but again the thatch was replaced by corrugated iron. This has subsequently been changed back to thatch and is the form in which the buildings now exist.
The wine cellar reminds us of the days when Jan Harmsgat was a large wine farm. The owner of the farm during that time, one F.J. van Eeden was a member of the Legislature, and inherited the farm from old Gideon van Zyl.
One day, while sitting in a meeting of the legislature, he became so angry about a proposed excise duty, that he had all the vineyards cut down, and planted orange trees in their place.
Jan Harmsgat became famous for it’s oranges, which thrived in this climate. Four giant old orange trees, which had been planted by Hermanus Steyn, de Oue, produced wagonloads of oranges for 150 years, but were then cut down by van Eeden, and 5 dozen orangewood chairs made from the timber.
Extracts from:
Geskiedkundige Swellendam. L.L Tomlinson
In the Footsteps Of Lady Anne Barnard - Jose Burman
In 1674, east of the current town of Bonnievale, on a farm nestled under the towering Langeberg Mountains, Johannes Harman Jansz Potgieter was born.
Johannes married in 1714, and the farm appears on the grant of 1723 as Jan Harmsz Schat (treasure)- from which it was apparently corrupted to Jan Harmsgat. In 1731 we find the grazing rights being granted to a famous hunter, Jacobus Botha. His hunting career was brought to an end a couple of years later, when he shot a lion, and the lioness (which he had not seen) attacked and mauled him, leaving him for dead. Botha recovered but was never able to hunt again and in 1734 Governor de la Fontaine made a freehold grant to Botha, for services rendered, of the farm Jan Harmans Gat that he was then occupying. The farm was described as “vier uur te perd van die dorp Swellendam”
Jacobus Botha lived to the age of 90, dying in 1782, and his 12 sons gave him 190 grandchildren.
The farm is situated along the slopes of the Langeberg, between the mountain and the Breede River. The modern road from Swellendam to Ashton runs along this beautiful valley.
In 1789 the farm passed into the hands of Hermanus Steyn de Jonge. In 1765 he had married the widow Margaretha van Staden, and by the time the farm was occupied by him, he was already a man of some stature in the area. In addition to farming, he also did some Trustee work and sat on the District Council of Swellendam.
In 1795 the farmers of the District rebelled against their Dutch masters, and declared themselves independent of the Cape Government. Hermanus Steyn was chosen as the president of the new republic, which lasted only a short while before the British assumed control of the Cape Colony, and Swellendam again reverted to their original status. Hermanus Steyn lies buried on the farm Jan Harmsgat in a small plot marked by a granite gravestone, which can be seen a few hundred meters from the main house.
A grandson of the old President, Gideon van Zyl, changed the name of the farm to the gentler name of Nooitgedacht. A cousin, one Piet van Eeden, again changed the old building with its three gables under thatch. He removed the upper floors and rebuilt the house with a corrugated iron roof.
The original wine cellar and old slave quarters were retained, but again the thatch was replaced by corrugated iron. This has subsequently been changed back to thatch and is the form in which the buildings now exist.
The wine cellar reminds us of the days when Jan Harmsgat was a large wine farm. The owner of the farm during that time, one F.J. van Eeden was a member of the Legislature, and inherited the farm from old Gideon van Zyl.
One day, while sitting in a meeting of the legislature, he became so angry about a proposed excise duty, that he had all the vineyards cut down, and planted orange trees in their place.
Jan Harmsgat became famous for it’s oranges, which thrived in this climate. Four giant old orange trees, which had been planted by Hermanus Steyn, de Oue, produced wagonloads of oranges for 150 years, but were then cut down by van Eeden, and 5 dozen orangewood chairs made from the timber.
Extracts from:
Geskiedkundige Swellendam. L.L Tomlinson
In the Footsteps Of Lady Anne Barnard - Jose Burman
What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?1700
Old Victorian Style
Old Victorian Style
$
+5
Historic
Located in the heart of the V&A Waterfront, this hotel is situated in a historic area that was once part of Cape Town's harbor. The hotel's location and connection to the waterfront's past contribute to its historic appeal.
From $99
$
+7
Historic
Built in the 1780′s and along with its neighboring buildings that once housed gunsmiths, bakers, coach makers etc, this hotel is part of Heritage Square, a square centered around an intimate courtyard where visitors can enjoy their coffee under the shade of South Africa's oldest fruit-bearing grapevine. The hotel, while fully renovated, offers tours around the premises and square so that guests can enjoy the exposed original wall finishes and murals.
Summary of reviews related to the 'Historic' category
The Cape Heritage Hotel is a must-visit for any history buff. It is a beautiful hotel located in the heart of the city, situated in a magnificent old heritage building dating back to 1771. This charming and historic hotel has been lovingly restored and boasts a unique blend of old-world charm and modern comforts with super friendly staff. The hotel has the oldest vine in South Africa located in its courtyard, which is a sight to behold. The building and furnishings have been preserved so well that it feels like a museum. Guests appreciate the direct access to Heritage Square and the hotel's central location is perfect to explore the best parts of the city. Even locals were amazed by the rich history of the property. The hotel has character and is perfect for anyone who loves to touch history. You'll love the old-world charm with touches of modernism like the blue wall and modern art. So, if you're looking for a unique and charming hotel with a rich history, Cape Heritage Hotel is the place to be.
Questionnaire
Year erected:1771
What is the history of the property?The Cape Heritage hotel is an integral part of the restored Heritage Square, which dates back to the 18th Century. Our central courtyard is shaded by South Africa’s oldest known fruit-bearing grapevine, a calm oasis from which to explore the Mother City.
What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?The Cape Heritage Hotel is an integral part of the restored Heritage Square, which is bordered by Buitengracht, Hout, Bree and Shortmarket streets. The earliest Dutch and Georgian houses were built in 1771. The Cape Heritage Hotel itself was built in the 1780′s.
$
+7
Historic
With origins dating back to 1790 as a farm, Oude Wellington features restored original gables characteristic of Cape Dutch architecture. Accommodation includes parts of the original farmhouse and slave quarters.
$
+8
Historic
This hotel in Montagu is known for its historic charm and Art Deco architecture. It provides a glimpse into the town's past as a popular spa destination and offers a unique cultural experience.
$
+6
Historic
Located in Montagu, Mimosa Lodge offers a historic setting with well-preserved buildings. Its architecture and design reflect the town's heritage, providing guests with a unique cultural experience.
Questionnaire
Answers last updated by Mimosa Lodge
$
+6
Historic
Located in Swellendam, this hotel is housed in a historic building that reflects the town's rich heritage. Its architecture and design evoke a sense of old-world charm and provide a glimpse into the region's past.
Questionnaire
Answers last updated by Hotel Roosje van de Kaap
$
+2
Historic
The property was initially used as residence for Lady Anne Barnard, daughter of James Lindsay, the Fifth Earl of Balcarres. It turned into a hotel in 1894, under Mrs. O'Sullivan, the first general manager. For over 2 centuries, it evolved into a more environmentally-friendly and contemporary hotel in Cape Town. To ensure modern comforts, it was renovated in 2008 during the 350th celebration of wine-making in the city, along with the reconstruction of a small but vital part of the property, the vine area.
$
+4
Historic
Recognized as a historic hotel, De Doornkraal Vinotel contributes to the heritage landscape of Riversdale, offering guests a stay steeped in local history.
$
+2
Historic
This hotel sits at the foot of Paarl Rock (Pearl). It features a renovated Victorian manor house with outdoor pool and a wellness centre with Swedish massages. This is the ideal base for explore the Cape and its winelands. The property is a beautifully restored 18th century building offering 29 luxury suites and 6 executive rooms with distinctive thatched roofs, bamboo and yellow wood ceilings for a unique atmosphere.
$
+1
Historic
Located in the heart of Franschhoek, this hotel offers a charming and historic setting. Its architecture and design are inspired by the French Huguenots who settled in the area, adding to its unique heritage.
Questionnaire
Year erected:1890
What is the history of the property?Main building was once a perfume producing factory
The property was then coverted into a homestead and then later developed into a guesthouse
When restaurant was added the owners named the restaurant after the perfume factory Monneaux
The property was then coverted into a homestead and then later developed into a guesthouse
When restaurant was added the owners named the restaurant after the perfume factory Monneaux
What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?Cape architecture
From $106
$
+9
Historic
Located on Dorp Street in Stellenbosch, this hotel incorporates historic elements into its design. The town itself is one of the oldest in South Africa, and the hotel reflects some of that heritage.
$
+4
Historic
This hotel is located in a former prison building on the V&A Waterfront. While not a traditional historic hotel, its unique history as a correctional facility adds to its appeal for those interested in the past.
Summary of reviews related to the 'Historic' category
Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge offers guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Cape Town's rich history. The hotel is partly housed in a beautifully converted historic building that was once the infamous Breakwater Prison from colonial days. Visitors have the chance to stay in a preserved piece of architectural history, making the experience much more than just a regular hotel stay.
The transformation from an old jail to a contemporary lodging has fascinated many and the story of its conversion adds an interesting dimension to any visit. Guests can read about the history of the main building, allowing them to appreciate the legacy and significance of the structure. Staying here means being part of Cape Town’s storied past, where every corner of the hotel holds echoes of a bygone era.
By blending modern comfort with elements from its days as a prison over 100 years ago, the hotel seamlessly integrates historical importance with contemporary hospitality. This unique juxtaposition has consistently caught the attention of guests who value staying in places with a compelling backstory and preserved historic character.
The transformation from an old jail to a contemporary lodging has fascinated many and the story of its conversion adds an interesting dimension to any visit. Guests can read about the history of the main building, allowing them to appreciate the legacy and significance of the structure. Staying here means being part of Cape Town’s storied past, where every corner of the hotel holds echoes of a bygone era.
By blending modern comfort with elements from its days as a prison over 100 years ago, the hotel seamlessly integrates historical importance with contemporary hospitality. This unique juxtaposition has consistently caught the attention of guests who value staying in places with a compelling backstory and preserved historic character.
$
+2
Historic
Questionnaire
Year erected:1698
What is the history of the property?Still is a fruit farm since 1714
What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?Est 1714 cape Dutch style
$
+6
Historic
Questionnaire
Year erected:1903
What is the history of the property?The house was commissioned by a retired British Army officer. At a later stage owned by a very well known medical doctor from the area.
It began operating as a guest house in 1994.
It began operating as a guest house in 1994.
What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?Victorian
Categories
1
Map