The best hotels in Franschhoek

Meaning French Quarter, this quiet corner of Southern Africa’s originally bore the name Olifantshoek or ‘Elephants Corner’, which gives you a clue as to its former inhabitants. Now very much converted into farmland and vineyards, it is one of the Western Cape’s most picturesque destinations and home to some of its finest dining establishments and best hotels. Sunny in the summer, crisp in winter, verdant in the spring, majestic in autumn, Franschhoek is picturesque year-round. Our selection of the best places to stay in Franschhoek highlight the best boutique hotels and foodie havens, couples' retreats and family favourites - throughout the year.

Visit to explore the rustic vineyards, Dutch architecture and beautiful scenery. Many of the vineyards still carry the names of their French forefathers, each with their own fascinating stories to tell. What’s more, restrictions on new developments have created an architectural time capsule that shouldn’t be missed. Our recommendations will show you the best places to stay in Franschhoek to enjoy this rural gem.

WHAT NOT TO MISS

• Taste some fantastic wine in an idyllic location with Boschendal Manor & Winery, and maybe even learn a bit of history.
• Just what it says on the tin, Franschhoek Wine Tram is a fun day out for wine lovers (where no-one needs to be the dedicated driver)! Spend a day hopping on and off the tram at all the best vineyards for a day you won’t forget - hopefully!
• Rent a car and drive the Franschhoek Pass, one of the most spectacular scenic routes in Southern Africa. Tour guides can be hired.
• Be sure to book a table at La Petite Colombe, the Franschhoek outpost of one of Cape Town’s finest restaurants, La Colombe.
• Petrolheads take note, the Franschhoek Motor Museum will take you through a hundred years of automobile evolution with some breathtaking vehicles.
• Learn about the history of the French Huguenot settlers who came to the area at the Huguenot Memorial Museum, just a short stroll from the high street. Visitors can also enjoy the beautifully landscaped gardens around the museum.

Our selection of the best places to stay in Franschhoek ensures that there really is something for everyone in this charming and historic town.

The Best Places to stay in Franschhoek

For something truly special

• La Residence, is a visual feast, with impressive antiques, exotic paintings and palatial decoration. Each of the 16 suites is decorated like a Maharajah’s palace, Versailles, or a regal abode - and there’s an indulgent looking dining room and an award-winning spa.
• There’s nothing else quite like 7 Koppies in the area, nestled up upon a hill of 'koppie' above Franschhoek’s charming high street, this stylish home turned hotel, provides interior-designed accommodation in an entirely secluded location – amidst 125 acres of fynbos.
• Sitting in between the Franschhoek Valley and the Stony Brook River, Holden Manz is a spacious, five-room country house with a fantastic kitchen and a spa that will take you away from it all - though you sort of already are.

For those on a budget

• Housed in a 17th-century, traditional Cape Dutch style house, Lekkerwijn provides a very affordable stay in upmarket Franschhoek. Each of its rooms and cottages is decorated in rustic-yet-chic style and filled with antiques.
• Basse Provence Country House boasts traditional architecture and comfortable suites. Low rates throughout the year, plenty of outdoor activities, plus a separate two-bedroom cottage mean it is great for families too.

BEST BOUTIQUE OPTIONS

• Cool, quirky accommodation, Akademie Boutique Hotel has it all. Each of its rooms is individually decorated – the best include private hot tubs. A strong culinary offering, intimate size, and great location make this a firm favourite.
• Leeu House, the smallest of the luxury hotel group's collection of Franschhoek outposts, is boutique simplicity at its finest. Located in a traditional Cape Dutch house, right off the bustling high street, it's an intimate stay, with beautiful pool and gardens.

Stay on a vineyard

• La Petite Ferme is within reach of the town and also offers fantastic views and a highly renowned restaurant.
• Rickety Bridge Manor House sits within Rickety Bridge Wine Estate and has a particularly intimate feel. Beautiful traditional architecture and an outdoor pool, not to mention a great name!
• Also in the Franschhoek Valley, the Leeu Estates are in the middle of a beautiful, working vineyard. The hotel has been converted from an elegant, 19th-century manor house and the decor is both colonial and Africa, Both the dining and the wines are fine.

For a couple’s retreat

• Mont Rochelle’s secluded location, sumptuous suites, spa facilities, and a long list of romantic activities (picnic amidst the vines, anyone?) means it continues to be a firm favourite amongst couples travelling to Franschhoek.
• Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa has light and airy bedrooms, movie star mirrors, a fantastic spa and a simple but delicious menu.
• Boasting sprawling suites, superb dining, suites with private pools as well as one of the best spas in the area, Leeu Estate is a perfect choice for couples. With in-house wine tasting from their own vineyard, it’s a very indulgent stay.
• Very romantic, with plenty of activities on-site, La Clé des Montagnes' refined elegance is comprised of lavish suites, with four-poster beds, richly upholstered furnishings, and roll-top baths. Plus there's an inviting pool, tennis courts, and fine dining.

For Foodies

• La Petite Ferme's, famed vineyard and gourmet restaurant is the first port of call for many a gourmand when visiting Franschhoek. Inside the hotel, each of its suites includes epic views, and the best, private plunge pools.
• Home to La Petit Colombe, you couldn’t get much closer to foodie action than Le Quartier Francais. Beautifully decorated suites, filled with modern art by acclaimed African artists, it’s a feast for the eyes and the stomach.
• An authentic agritourism venture, Boschendal Farm Cottages, serves homegrown cuisine and even includes farm-to-table’ workshops. Perks include a farm spa and lots of wine-focused activities.

Travel Information

• Fly to Cape Town International Airport, located 88km (54 miles) from Franschhoek with a large range of domestic connections alongside several international carriers.
• If you want to rent a car to explore the beautiful region and dramatic views - for prices visit our online partner Rentalcars
• To get the best of the weather aim to visit between November and February. If possible try to avoid going between May and September as it can get quite chilly and there’s likely to be a good deal of rain.

Still not sure?

• Widen the net to include our recommendations in Stellenbosch, Paarl, Cape Town, and the Western Cape.
• Or contact one of our gurus for advice.