There is something disarming about a country hotel. Steeped in the history and character of the town or region they are situated in, these rich, often quirky refuges pack a cultural punch and are a trip in their own right. TravelGround has compiled a list of ten such charming countryside stays where you can dine and decompress in true local style.
Montagu Country Hotel
Montagu, Western Cape
The epitome of colonial Art Deco design and interior decorating, this hotel hankers back to the Golden Age with just as much flair and great service as one would expect from the Roaring Twenties. The hotel is a favourite along Route 62 and guests can enjoy luxurious rooms, traditional cooking, local wines at the Dog and Trumpet Pub and oldies emanating from the Baby Grand in the dining hall. For guests who’d like a truly unique experience, a wine tour in the hotel’s chauffeured Cadillac is on offer!
Facilities: On-site bar, restaurant and wellness centre with mineral bath, steam room and massage therapy, swimming pool, safe parking, free Wi-Fi, conference facilities, optional wine route tour.
Good to know: Pets by arrangement, wheelchair accessible
Click here to view the rates.
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Karoo Art Hotel
Barrydale, Western Cape
This funky art hotel in Barrydale offers traditional Karoo hospitality with a heavy helping of pizzazz. Every nook and cranny has something colourful or magical to offer, each room is individually decorated and all but the Garden Suite offer sweeping views of the town from the balcony. The restaurant on the premises is a fine-dining treat for breakfast, lunch and dinner serving up traditional Karoo fare with a twist and live music is often heard at the hotel bar, a much-loved local haunt.
Facilities: On-site bar and restaurant, Diner’s Choice wine list on offer, swimming pool, safe parking at the back, Wi-Fi, heating, coffee and tea-making facilities, occasional live music at the bar.
Click here to view the rates.
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The Post House Hotel
Greyton, Western Cape
With its bright red post box standing sentinel out in front, The Post House Hotel in picturesque Greyton needs no introduction, but one is hard-pressed not to add that the well-known Bells Whiskey advertisement was filmed in the cosy pub bar on site. Built in 1860, this boutique hotel is housed in one of Greyton’s oldest buildings and today it is managed by owners who are passionate about hospitality and have a flair for interior decoration.
Facilities: On-site pub and coffee shop, swimming pool, safe parking, braai area.
Click here to view the rates.
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Die Tuishuise & Victoria Manor
Cradock, Eastern Cape
The Victoria Manor on the corner of Market Street in Cradock dates back to the 1840s when Cradock was the eastern border of the Cape Colony. Back then the hotel’s halls were graced by the likes of travelling tradesmen, settlers, missionaries and prospectors hoping to make their fortune in the interior. Today the owners of this elegant hotel go out of their way to provide traditional hospitality and a setting that will make you feel as though you’ve been transported to the Victorian heyday, but with all the modern luxuries you could need. Apart from the hotel, various “tuishuise” or historical Karoo cottages are available.
Facilities: On-site dining hall and pub, swimming pool, wellness and beauty centre offering massages and treatments, Wi-Fi.
Good to know: Pets by arrangement, wheelchair accessible
Click here to view the rates.
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Tsitsikamma Village Inn
Storms River, Eastern Cape
Located in one of the most beautiful spots on the Garden Route, this inn has much to recommend it. It offers suites suitable for couples, small families and adventurers hoping to sleep in luxury before heading out to view the breathtaking surroundings. The units represent various architectural styles and are arranged around a type of town square. De Oude Martha Restaurant on the premises offers wholesome meals and the Hunter’s Pub and informal Café Bacchus all conspire to ensure you are cared for and in good spirits during your stay.
Facilities: On-site restaurant, café and pub, swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, electric blankets, tea and coffee-making facilities, braai facilities, safe parking, conference facilities, walking distance from sights in town.
Click here to view the rates.
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Mont d’Or Swartberg Hotel
Prince Albert, Western Cape
This charming Victorian hotel in the Karoo dates back to 1864 and is one of Prince Albert’s nineteen national monuments. An a la carte menu making use of locally sourced ingredients is served in the dining hall and guests can enjoy a massage at the spa and a drink at the Ladies Bar on the premises.
Facilities: On-site restaurant, café, ladies bar, gym and spa, swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, safe parking, conference facilities, walking distance from sights in town.
Click here to view the rates.
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Calderwood Hall Guest House
Natal Midlands, KwaZulu-Natal
Tucked away in an expansive garden with a gazebo, fountain, dams and a forest, Calderwood Hall is the answer to your Drakensberg dreams. The manor house suites have various themes, from Victorian to Chinese and Egyptian to Indian. Apart from the food served here, the dining hall features high ceilings, sash windows, wall paintings, yellowwood floors and a fireplace which will transport you to a bygone era.
Facilities: On-site dining facilities, bar, swimming pool, safe parking, venue and conference facilities.
Good to know: Wheelchair accessible
Click here to view the rates.
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Hanover Lodge Hotel
Hanover, Northern Cape
Located at the crossing of the N1 and N10, Hanover Lodge Hotel is the ideal stop on a long drive and is sure to see you steeped in Hanover’s history and vibe since the town’s tourism centre is also housed in this beautiful green Art Deco building. No frills accommodation with great hospitality and on-site dining await the lucky guest happening to stumble upon this gem.
Facilities: Swimming pool, on-site restaurant, coffee bar and pub, DStv Openview, heating in winter time, small library, guest lounge, safe parking, braai facilities, free Wi-Fi, conference facilities.
Good to know: Pets by arrangement, wheelchair accessible
Click here to view the rates.
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The Karroo Theatrical Hotel
Steytlerville, Eastern Cape
If dinner, razzle-dazzle and a show are what you’re looking for, look no further than the Karroo Theatrical Hotel. Located just outside of Steytlerville, this hotel is owned and managed by a dedicated pair who, along with their staff, serve up tasty traditional fare while treating guests to a piano concert and follies every Saturday night. If you’re here through the week, you can laze by the pool, enjoy meals in the dining room or sip a drink at the on-site bar.
Facilities: Swimming pool, conference facilities, safe parking, meals on-site, pub.
Good to know: Pets by arrangement
Click here to view the rates.
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Granny Mouse Country House & Spa
Balgowan, KwaZulu-Natal
This country hotel near the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg, a World Heritage Site, offers a cosy, elegant stay tucked into lush greenery. The rooms, which are scattered along winding garden paths, each offer their own conveniences ranging from panoramic bay window views, to fireplaces and Victorian baths. Sidle up to the cigar bar and try a cigar and a single malt drink or dine in style in one of the hotel’s two award-winning restaurants.
Facilities: On-site restaurants and bar, swimming pool, conference facilities, wedding venue and chapel, safe parking, spa treatments, steam room, free Wi-Fi.
Click here to view the rates.
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Come and experience the character of these small towns through their hotels and, as always, be sure to let us know which is your favourite in the comments below.
Main image: Montagu Country Hotel on TravelGround
