Way too noisy to make for a pleasant stay There were four of us in 2 separate rooms - we all had a terrible night's (rather lack of) sleep. A shame, because it's an attractive building inside & out; really clean; in a great location and (ironically) really comfy beds and lovely pillows and linen. But it is simply way too noisy to be viable as somewhere charging people to sleep. We arrived to the sound of construction noise - in fairness we had been pre-warned about renovations and makes sense to do such work out of season, but maybe not late on a Saturday afternoon. We were all woken up at 3.00 AM by screaming female voices. I assume guests after a good night out and get you can't control your guests' behaviour - but the screaming continued for half an hour, during which time hotel staff should have stepped in to tell them to show some respect to other guests and shut up. Then we were woken again by blaring music just after 6.00 AM. On phoning reception to point this out, we were told they know and it's the staff in the restaurant, who like to play music. It's terrible that it took guests to tell the hotel to tell their staff not to play blaring music at six in the morning. Some of the noise that blighted our stay was out of the hotel's control - but this was totally on them. Quite simply, the hotel staff wanted to listen to blaring music at six in the morning, without any care at all for paying guests, trying to sleep. This is inexcusable and shows utter contempt towards paying guests. The doors need better sound dampers and/or people who care about closing them as silently as possible - most of the slamming doors were early morning, so again I suspect staff not caring at all about the guest experience. And dogs constantly barking from very early morning, in between being woken by screaming and woken by music. This noise absolutely not in the hotel's control - but just added to the general cacophony and resulting sleep deprivation. In summary then not a hotel to book if you want a night's sleep, which is why you book a hotel. Mentioned to reception on check out, but got the sense they didn't care, as money already banked. And that's the really bad/sad part of this. A shame - could be lovely with a bit of consideration, care and a few adaptations.
L'ermitage- is like walking into a dream. The hospitality from the moment you enter the gate to the time you checkout. Oh, the picturess views are the main attactraction, the contrast between the lake and mountains was something I looked forward to seeing. Every morning felt like I was discovering something new, you just need to experience it, words can describe how perfect the place is. The pictures of the Honeymoon Suite don't actually do justice to how it actually look and how big it is on the inside. Lovely north facing balcony to sit and relax, enjoy the sun the whole day.Honey
7777shanertThe location is absolutely amazing, easy to access with great views of the vineyards and mountains. The views and the calm sound of river streams and birds were really the highlight. The property is pregnant lady friendly. And the chef and staff are very kind and helpful, wonderful people. It was great to know that the owners live on the estate, you can tell of the extra thought and care put into making this estate really grand. And we loved the in-room floor heating and wood chimney since we were visiting in winter season. Affordable and Highly recommended!
We stayed at the Ivy Apartments for 3 nights last week. Unfortunately we didn’t get great weather but the Ivy had everything we needed to make our stay relaxing and pleasurable anyway! Spotlessly clean, great facilities, warm & cosy, great location close to shops restaurants and the wine tram! There was always someone on hand to help with any queries or problems (like when our electric ran out!) - so always felt well looked after. This really is an excellent place to stay in Franschhoek.
Our 2nd visit to this charming guesthouse with friends. Friendly, helpful staff, beautiful French decor in the spacious 'Marseilles' room with lounge area and mountain views. Delicious breakfast served, there's a lounge with bar & fireplace to relax in a too. Only a short walk to the main road in village. We will be back.