There aren’t many hotels in the world, let alone South Africa, with National Monument status. But the stately River Manor in the centre of Stellenbosch is one. It’s actually two manor houses next door to each other and overlooking the Eerste River that have been joined together to form a hotel where contemporary furnishings live alongside classic Cape antiques.
Particularly popular with couples and only 30 minutes from Cape Town airport, this is the place to stay if you want easy access to the restaurants, galleries and boutique shops of Stellenbosch, just a short and pleasant two-minute stroll from the hotel. Wine tasting tours and the wildlife at the nearby Jonkershoek Nature Reserve are likely to figure highly on your list of things to do and see during your stay here.
But there are plenty of facilities to keep you entertained and relaxed inside River Manor’s whitewashed walls and its gardens. Not least the presence of two large swimming pools around which you can arrange your loungers for a spot of, well, lounging, in the sun or shade as you prefer.
You’re sure to want to take a walk around the gardens, expertly landscaped of course, with the water features among the oak and fruit trees and other plant life creating a real sense of tranquility.
There are four levels of accommodation to choose from: Studio, Standard, Deluxe and Superior. The common features you’ll find in all types of room are a kingsize bed, ensuite bathroom, seating area, flatscreen TV showing satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a coffee machine. Where the rooms differ is in terms of their size and the quality of the views.
Go hot or cold for your first meal of the day with a delicious continental buffet or a la carte breakfast menu to choose from. An all-day dining menu is available in the lounge and dining area, which leads to the terrace and pool from where you can order from a selection of light snacks and meals throughout the day.
Other communal facilities you’ll almost certainly want to sample during your stay include the bar, the library and the Zest Spa. Or you can choose to have a pampering treatment or two in your room.
River Manor Boutique Hotel in Stellenbosch offers a blend of relaxing on-site amenities and easy access to local attractions. On-site, you can unwind by the tranquil pool, enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea in the beautiful garden, and indulge in delicious breakfasts and light meals. Some services, like private spa treatments or wellness classes, may also be available. Just outside the hotel, Stellenbosch’s wine estates provide opportunities for wine tastings and tours at renowned locations like Spier, Delaire Graff, and Tokara. You can explore the town’s historic centre on a walking tour, rent bikes to cycle through vineyards, or hike in the nearby Jonkershoek Nature Reserve or Stellenbosch Mountain. Cultural experiences, such as visiting the Stellenbosch Village Museum or local art galleries, are also on offer, and there are options for horseback riding, golf, or helicopter tours for those seeking more adventure. Seasonal events like harvest festivals and wine and food pairings further enhance the region’s appeal. With its prime location, River Manor is an ideal base to enjoy both relaxation and exploration in the heart of the Cape Winelands.
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