On Church Street in the heart of Stellenbosch, the capital of the Cape Winelands, is where you’ll find Oude Werf Hotel. It’s not a church but it is an historic landmark.
Oude Werf translates as ‘the old churchyard’, the name of the hotel being inspired by the fact that in the 1600s a church did once stand on the site, reportedly the university town’s first ever place of worship.
At some point, that church was destroyed and replaced with an inn. Hardly like for like, but that’s what happened. Then the inn itself was destroyed by fire, leading to a hotel being built in the early 1800s.
Of course, the building has undergone many a refit and refurbishment since then, although some period features and furnishings remain for guests to enjoy on the other side of the impressively bright and welcoming whitewashed walls.
The presence of 58 rooms should give you an idea of the size of the place. Some rooms on the ground floor have patios, while some of the suites on the upper floors have balconies. It’s best to check when you book if you’re wanting some private outside space.
Rooms are divided into three main categories – Cosy, Comfy and Plenty. Cosy Rooms are the most compact, while the more spacious Comfy Rooms are available as either contemporary Standard Rooms or character-filled Heritage Rooms in the hotel’s original building. Plenty Rooms offer the most space. All rooms have an en-suite bathroom and comfortable king-size beds, with twin beds available in selected Comfy and Plenty Rooms. Bathrooms vary by category, with walk-in showers in Cosy and Standard Rooms and both a bath and walk-in shower in Heritage and Plenty Rooms. Rooms also include a TV with Chromecast and complimentary Wi-Fi.
The hotel is in the heart of Stellenbosch, so shops, restaurants and galleries are all within easy reach. And ask at reception for information about guided walks around the town, or tours of some of the nearby wineries. There’s also a golf course within 3km of the hotel.
A tree-lined courtyard provides an oasis of calm in the grounds of the hotel. Escape here for some quiet relaxation or head to the pool for a dip, paddle, splash or swim as you prefer.
Follow your nose to the all day restaurant where meals are served including a cooked or Continental breakfast, plus a selection of ‘light bites’ which are available all day. As well as the minibar in your room, there’s a full-size bar in the hotel, with a good wine list by all accounts.
Spa treatments can be ordered at reception and delivered in your room, while souvenirs of your trip can be bought at the curio shop.
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