Must-see hotels in South Africa

  • Green Elephant

    Cape Town

    This long-running backpackers, split between four houses, remains a popular alternative to the city-centre hostels. The en-suite rooms in the houses…

  • Temenos Retreat

    Winelands

    These cottages set in spacious gardens aren't just for those on retreat. This is a peaceful place, with a decent lap pool, health treatments and a popular…

  • Surfari

    Garden Route

    It might not be close enough to smell the ocean, but Surfari is highly recommended. A family-run boutique backpacker lodge, it has bright, beautifully…

  • Port St Johns River Lodge

    The Wild Coast

    One of a few riverside lodges north of town, this well-run complex in a verdant property in has comfortable rooms, self-catering chalets and a restaurant …

  • Abbey Manor

    Cape Town

    Occupying a grand Arts and Crafts–style home, built in 1905 for a shipping magnate, the interiors of this luxury guesthouse marry fine linen and antique…

  • Island Vibe

    Port Elizabeth

    This flashpackers in a nondescript suburban house makes a comfortable base with numerous facilities. The bar, pool table and outdoor hot tub liven up the …

  • Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge

    Limpopo

    Set amid the greenery on the shores of Albasini Dam, this lodge is immersed in the local culture and countryside. Thatched chalets, standard rooms and a…

  • Links Coastal Inn

    Sunshine Coast

    A decorative African theme pervades this friendly inn's rooms and self-catering garden cottages that have been refurbished and modernised. The bar…

  • Punda Maria Rest Camp

    Kruger National Park

    Quaintly residing up a forested slope in far northern Kruger, this petite camp has plenty of old-world charm, with picturesque thatched-roof bungalows…

  • Leopard Rock Lookout Chalets

    KwaZulu-Natal

    Accommodation here is in four pleasant chalets, although it’s the vista that’s the winner. The dining deck boasts a superb view of the uMzumkulu Gorge…

  • Bohemian Lofts Backpackers

    Cape Town

    With a wrap-around balcony overlooking the heart of Obs, this is one for backpackers who want to soak up all the comings and goings of Lower Main Rd. It's…

  • Silver Palms Lodge

    Limpopo

    This good-value hotel has some pleasant touches such as marula-based shower gel in the smart rooms. Cheaper on the weekends (but with no breakfast…

  • Pennefather

    Limpopo

    Part of a complex containing antiques, junk, a museum and secondhand books, this old-world place run by charming older women is hot property, especially…

  • Super Tubes Guesthouse

    Sunshine Coast

    Just steps away from the beach and Supertubes, this upmarket and friendly guesthouse offers an assortment of tidy, light-filled rooms – most of which come…

  • Southern Sun Suncoast Hotel

    Durban

    This hotel, adjacent to the casino, is a safe if businesslike bet. It has over 100 sleek and contemporary rooms with flash trimmings. Be aware that the …

  • Ilali House

    Johannesburg

    There's no sign for this characterful guesthouse, which offers six generally spacious rooms all differently decorated, most featuring quirky prints of…

  • Addo Wildlife

    Sunshine Coast

    Addo Wildlife is a dynamic enterprise that has six great-value, well-equipped rooms, 14 plush villas, a wildlife centre with an aviary, monkeys and snakes…

  • Rosedale Organic Farm B&B

    Sunshine Coast

    On an organic citrus farm, Rosedale offers eight simple yet neat cottages with stoeps (porches) overlooking the freshwater swimming pool and tropical…

  • Morley House

    Sunshine Coast

    This quaint venture that stands in a dreamy garden has loads of charm. The rondavel is light and immaculate, while the cosy safari tent has twin beds and…

  • Ntshondwe

    KwaZulu-Natal

    This is the park’s main resort, located at the foot of Ngotshe Mountain, with superb views of the reserve below. It’s warthog heaven, and home to the red…

  • Parkview Lodge

    Sunshine Coast

    Close to the Matyholweni gate at the southern entrance of the park, Parkview offers three comfy rooms in the main building (the upstairs room has the best…

  • Joburg Backpackers

    Johannesburg

    In the leafy streets of Emmarentia, this pleasant, plainly decorated hostel is clean, safe and well run. The en-suite rooms are terrific value and open…

  • Mvubu Bush Camp

    Garden Route

    Mvubu is a large, wooden chalet set amid milkwood trees and with views of Groenvlei lake. Sleeping four in two bedrooms, it also has an expansive deck and…

  • La Rose B&B

    Cape Town

    Adheena and Yoann are the very welcoming South African–French couple running this charming B&B, which has been so successful it has expanded into nearby…

  • Karoopark Guest House

    Eastern Cape

    This family-owned and -run complex with a retro feel is a good base, with a restaurant serving South African specialities, a bar and a tour company, all…

  • Ebony Lodge

    The Wild Coast

    This early 20th-century mansion in a leafy garden has stylish rooms with African decor. The restaurant (mains from R80) is one of Mthatha's best, serving…

  • 11 Worcester on Durban

    Sunshine Coast

    An attractive, secure property in a residential area, this efficiently run haven of peace is a solid option, with four rooms that are well appointed and…

  • Casterbridge Hollow

    Mpumalanga

    These 30 rooms around an inviting outdoor pool are pitched somewhere between business and rustic, with protea lampshades, coffee machine, fridge and…

  • Summit Place

    Cape Town

    This attractive and well-appointed modern guesthouse offers light, contemporary rooms and self-catering cottages. Its balconies, lawn and pool are…

  • Long Street Backpackers

    Cape Town

    Little has changed at this backpackers since it opened in 1993 (making it the longest-running of the many that dot Long St). In a block of 14 small flats,…

  • 7 Guesthouse

    Sunshine Coast

    A fine choice in the centre. The three adjoining rooms in a revamped old house are on the small side (try for room 2, which is marginally larger) but well…

  • Bannister Hotel

    Johannesburg

    If you're after stumbling access to Braamfontein's bars and restaurants then the Bannister is a no-brainer. Its rooms are modern, cleanly decorated,…

  • Funky Town

    Sunshine Coast

    The seven rooms here are all brightly decorated with original art hanging on the walls. There's also a penthouse apartment with kitchen and sitting area…

  • Foreigners Friend Guesthouse

    Pretoria

    Character and charm – this enchanting thatched-roof abode is an oasis of tranquillity in a wonderfully quiet neighbourhood. It has 10 spacious, well…

  • Spinning Reel

    Sunshine Coast

    Bargain! A great bet if funds are short, this unpretentious venture about 4km west of the centre has simple self-catering beach cottages and Vermont-style…

  • Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel

    Johannesburg

    Rates can vary widely at this slick business hotel that's a brisk jaywalk from Sandton’s Gautrain station exit, but are cheapest on the weekends. The…

  • Cypress Cottage

    Eastern Cape

    Is this Graaff-Reinet's best-kept secret? There are six upmarket rooms and three self-catering units in these beautifully renovated Karoo cottages on a…

  • Smithgrove B&B

    KwaZulu-Natal

    This beautiful renovated Victorian home offers English-style B&B comforts with spacious, individually styled rooms, each in a different colour. There are…

  • East View Guest House

    Pretoria

    This calm haven occupies an imposing villa close to the Union Buildings. Owner Lynette Blignaut offers the perfect small B&B experience, with six fresh…

  • Green Gables Country Inn

    Winelands

    Sitting on the southern border of town, this is a family-friendly place with well-kept grounds, affable hosts and a nice pool. There's a restaurant (also…

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