About Stanford

Hugging the banks of the roaring Klein River, picture-perfect Stanford is a popular choice with Capetonians looking for a weekend break. Under two-hours from town, it's far less frequented than some of its popular wine route neighbours. Boasting uncrowded vineyards, plenty of outdoor activities, and some excellent accommodation options, it's easy to see why. Stroll along the historic high street, between antique stores, art galleries, coffee shops and restaurants. For the adventurous: horse riding, boat cruises, hikes, bird watching and even Great White Shark Cage diving are all within an easy drive. If travelling in December, don't miss the Stanford Street Festival. Though all our recommendations are slightly out of town, our collection of the best places to stay in Stanford showcase the best in eco and heritage stays, in this picture-perfect locale. Use our guide and start to plan your visit.

The Best Places to stay in Stanford

For an eco stay

  • Look no further than Mosaic Private Sanctuary. Providing rugged interiors and plenty of outdoor activities, it's luxurious, family-friendly, and boasts green credentials to impress the eco-conscious traveller.

For a heritage stay

  • Blue Gum Country Estate's classic interiors and colonial architecture couldn't provide a more iconic period stay.

For a family stay

  • Delightful, flexible, family friendly accommodation White Water Farm provides guests with their choice of nine cottages set amidst rolling hills and vineyards. Private courtyard gardens are made for relaxing and there's endless activities in the surrounding countryside, not mention the Farm bikes that you can borrow!

For a Villa or apartment

  • Think that you might be better with a self catering option? Our online partner booking.com has a wide range of options for all budgets.

Travel Information

  • If you want to hire a care to explore the Garden Route, visit our online partner Rentalcars.
  • Cape Town International Airport is under two-hours drive - taxis can be booked easily.
  • Best visited in the months of October-November and February-March, December and January can get very hot and dry.

Still not sure?

Weather

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

The Hotel Guru is a curated hotel recommendation platform that delivers expert-selected luxury and boutique properties straight to your inbox. No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.

The best hotels in Stanford

White Water Farm

Stanford

Delightful, family friendly accommodation providing your choice of nine cottages set amidst rolling hills and vineyards. A beautiful, period stay, every room is filled with antiques and modern quirks. Private courtyard gardens are made for relaxing. Guests rave about the food - superb.

  • Families - Flexible, homely accommodation - ideal for all ages
  • Great walks - Through the Platbos Forest
  • Fishing - Equipment to rent
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
from $159 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Blue Gum Country Estate

Stanford

This property couldn't be more typical of The Cape. White gabled farmstead with neat lawns and flower beds with English-country-style interiors: stripes, checks and floral prints. Superb dining and lots of activities on and off-site - all this plus family accommodation means its great for all ages.

  • Families - Lots of activities in the surrounding area - a great family stay
  • Sailing - Gansbaai, just a 20 minute drive away, is one of the most popular spots for shark cage diving
  • Birdwatching - There are 110 different bird species can be seen on the estate
  • Tennis Court - Courts are available for guests to use
from $182 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Coot Club

Stanford (Western Cape)

A laid-back lagoon retreat near Stanford in the Overberg. Contemporary boathouses and characterful cottages combine nautical touches with natural surroundings. There's a relaxed restaurant, pool, massages and plenty of water-based activities. Ideal for switching off.

  • Local exploring - Cycle into Stanford for foodie favourites and heritage streets, then head to Walker Bay for unforgettable whale watching
  • Back to Nature - Wake to lagoon and mountain views, paddle past birdlife by kayak and soak in a wood-fired hot tub beneath the stars
  • Restaurant - Authentic, locally inspired dishes such as wood-fired pizzas, Weber-grilled roast chicken, homemade burgers and fresh salads
  • Kayaking - Paddle across the peaceful Klein River Lagoon by kayak, with mountain views and waterbirds all around
from $424 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Mosaic Lagoon Lodge

Stanford

Stay in one of these eco-luxe cottages providing rustic accommodation surrounded by rolling hills and native fynbos. Cavernous bathtubs, private terraces, four-poster beds, and in-room fireplaces: it's a very cosy escape. With plenty of activities and superb dining, it's also popular with families.

  • Families - Private cottages and plenty of activities: a great family escape
  • Great walks - Guided bird and wildflower hikes
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
  • Restaurant
from $685 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees