Lanzerac Hotel: Our full report

The Cape's main wine-producing region spreads around the small towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek.

There are other grape-growing areas in South Africa, but none so old and few so beautiful.

As with everywhere in this region, excellent wine estates are close by. One of our favourites is the Lanzerac Hotel in Stellenbosch. With the hotel based around a 300-year old country estate, the historic Cape Dutch manor house provides a beautiful base for any stay.

Over time the Cape Dutch architecture has been restored, and the hotel now has quite an old, colonial feel, yet it manages to maintain all the modern touches. All 48 of its rooms have en-suite bathrooms; each is individually decorated with its own character. All have balconies which either overlook the Lanzerac's vineyards or their manicured gardens.

The hotel has a large à la Carte restaurant which offers a variety of local food and international cuisine – and food is also served on the Lanzerac Terrace.

There is a big emphasis at the Lanzerac on their wine. There is a huge selection from the Lanzerac's own vineyards and other South African wineries, as well as a good range of wines of note from around the world.

There is also a large, well-stocked bar and a lounge with open fire, where you can relax while sampling some of the vineyard's vintage treats. If you are a wine aficionado, then it is possible to have a tour of the cellars and even go on a wine tasting tour; you don't need to be a connoisseur to enjoy these.

Welcoming cellar-masters may be exceptions in Europe, but here they are still the rule. Pamper yourself; spend a day in the local area, touring the vineyards, have lunch on one of the estates, or arrange to have a picnic made up for you, to eat beside one of the area's streams or lakes.

Our view

The grand old dame of Stellenbosch; if you can't stay overnight then it's worth the visit for lunch or an afternoon in their spa.

Lucy Copson

South Africa expert

Geographics

Location: Winelands, South Africa
Accessible by: Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Bed & Breakfast
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: Yes

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are very welcome with family plans available
Generally recommended for children: Yes
Notes: There are a number of inter-connecting rooms, available on request

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: No
Medical care: Quadbike warning: quad-biking is sometimes available as an activity in this area. As with any potentially dangerous activity, it’s vital that you take responsibility for ensuring that you have adequate travel insurance prior to getting involved. Be aware that some insurances cover quad-bike activities only for bikes with lower engine ratings: check such clauses particularly carefully before you get on a bike.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Fire safety