Hideaway Guesthouse: Our full report

One of the oldest houses in the town of Swellendam, The Hideaway is both a small, owner-run guesthouse and ...

... a national monument. It is located in a peaceful residential street close to restaurants and museums.

From the street, The Hideaway is surrounded by a white picket fence with a pretty front garden and path leading to the green-and-white painted Victorian house. Inside, a spacious lounge and dining room leads out into the tranquil back garden with views of the mountains beyond.

Spacious and air-conditioned, each of the four en-suite rooms at The Hideaway has its own entrance from the garden. The terracotta-tiled floors are topped with rugs and the bathrooms are large and spotlessly clean. Conversely, traditional furnishings with lots of wood and deep red fabrics tend to make these rooms feel quite dark. Considerable thought has gone into satisfying guests’ needs, including a minibar stocked with port, muscadel and a selection of soft drinks, beer and bottled water, all included in the rate. Other amenities range from tea- and coffee-making facilities to satellite TV and complimentary WiFi. In other respects, each of the rooms is slightly different, and each – taking the theme of the beautiful roses in the well-tended gardens – is named after a type of rose.

The Queen Elizabeth has an en-suite bathroom with separate bath and walk-in shower. The bedroom features a king-size bed, as well as a sleeper couch, both made from indigenous woods.
The Double Delight, named for a deep pink-and-cream rose, has a queen-size bed, while its en-suite bathroom with separate bath and walk-in shower opens directly onto the garden.
The Ecstasy Rose, which takes its name from a rose that grows in abundance in the garden, is probably the most luxurious of the rooms with its queen-size leather sleigh-bed. The large en-suite bathroom comes complete with a double bath, twin handbasins and double walk-in shower.
The Peace Suite has two single beds and an en-suite bathroom with bath and walk-in shower.

Back in the main house, complimentary pre-dinner wine and snacks are usually served in the comfortable lounge. Guests normally have breakfast in the dining room, with its glass sliding doors opening directly onto the garden. You’ll also find an indoor solar-heated plunge pool, while outside is a larger eco-pool (added since our visit in May 2014).

The Hideaway makes a good stopover, which may well prompt visitors to make a short exploration of historic Swellendam and its environs. While the town is usually used just as an overnight stop, it has much to offer those who have an interest in walks in the nearby nature reserves.

Our view

The Hideaway is a delightful and affordable guesthouse, where you can expect a very warm welcome from owners, Stephen and Jackie. It makes a good stopover en-route to the Garden Route, but could also justify a couple of nights to explore Swellendam and its environs.

Claire Scott

South Africa expert

Geographics

Location: Swellendam, South Africa
Ideal length of stay: One night is normal but two nights is preferable to explore the Swellendam area.
Directions: From the N2, take the Swellendam East turn off. Drive down this road and take the second road to the left into Hermanus Steyn Street. The Hideaway is number 10 – the third house on the left.
Accessible by: Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Bed & Breakfast
Food quality: Although we have not stayed overnight at The Hidewaway, we understand that the focus here is on their breakfasts, using locally sourced and homemade products.

Expect homemade muesli and honey, fruit salad and yoghurt, fresh fruit juices, local cheeses, patés and hams. A selection of freshly baked bread, homemade scones and muffins can be enjoyed with homemade jams and marmalades. A full English breakfast is also available.

Although guests often choose to eat dinner at local restaurants, some within walking distance of the guesthouse, the owners can also provide a light platter for an evening meal. This may include salads, cold meats and patés, with olives and homemade ciabatta. Alternatively they can arrange a braai (barbecue) with salads on the side. Both would be at additional cost.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: No
Drinks included: Drinks supplied in the suites and before dinner are included; others are charged extra.

Children

Attitude towards children: The Hideaway welcomes families with children
Property’s age restrictions: There are no age restrictions at the Hideaway.
Special activities & services: The owners will look after children if parents wish to go out for dinner. Parents need to note, however, that they are not registered childminders.
Equipment: Cots and highchairs can be provided.
Generally recommended for children: Yes
Notes: Parents should be aware that the eco-pool is not fenced.

Communications

Communications: Free WiFi and internet is available throughout the property, and the area has cellphone reception.
TV & radio: The suites are all fitted with local satellite TVs.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: No
Medical care: There are doctors and a hospital in Swellendam.
Dangerous animals
Security measures: The owners live on the property.
Fire safety: Fire extinguishers are placed outside the rooms.

Extras

Disabled access: In Place
Laundry facilities: A laundry service is available free of charge for extended stays only, and can be provided at extra charge for those staying just one night.
Money: Each room is fitted with an electronic safe. Currency exchange is not possible.
Accepted payment on location: Most major credit cards and cash in South African rand are accepted.