Leeu House — Hotel in Stellenbosch Local Municipality

Leeu House is a stunningly beautiful boutique hotel situated right in the heart of Franschhoek, and if you appreciate a more personal touch to your stay in a deeply attractive looking establishment, we cannot recommend it highly enough.

The entire property is fabulously decorated, showcasing an impeccable sense of style that makes every space feel both sophisticated and welcoming. This beautiful setting is matched by the exceptional service delivered by the small, dedicated team who truly make you feel cared for.

Our room was very spacious and well presented, though we’d note the bed, while comfortable, was on the firmer side. Not an issue for us but may be for some. The public areas are just as inviting: the pool and garden area are very well kept and easily make for a lovely, tranquil spot to spend an afternoon. The attentive staff in this area are brilliant. In the evening, we enjoyed cocktails at the front of the hotel—a truly pleasant spot to unwind and watch the town go by. As for dining, the breakfast was lovely, with the French toast standing out as a must-try item. While we didn't dine for dinner, the quality of the breakfast suggests high culinary standards across the board. Two key notes for future guests: be prepared for a few mosquitos, even on cooler days (we visited in October). Also, my wife highly recommends the Spa, which is about a 10-minute drive from the hotel. She described it as one of the best massages she’s ever had, so it's well worth checking out if you're looking for world-class relaxation.

Overall, Leeu House is an absolute gem and the perfect base for exploring the...

Food Poisoning and Poor Service at Overpriced Leeu House

Our stay at Leeu House was marred by a serious incident of food poisoning from the hotel's food. Given the first time I ate that day was at the hotel, I know their food caused the food poisoning. After I projectile vomited (I tried getting to the toilet but could not in time) my husband asked for assistance with soiled bedding. The staff informed us no cleaning would be available until the next day which surprised us. Management's dismissive handling of this health and safety issue was equally concerning.

The Leeu House Suite, while spacious, had significant shortcomings. The bed was uncomfortably soft, clearly two mattresses pushed together, and the bathroom showed poor maintenance with visibly dirty shower grout. The suite's layout was impractical, lacking basic amenities like proper reading lights so my husband could read while I slept.

For people into tea and coffee, the beverage service disappointed, with subpar coffee and tea.

At a lower price point, these issues might be more forgivable. However, for the premium rates charged, the combination of food safety issues, poor crisis management, and general service deficiencies makes Leeu House impossible to recommend.

Pros: Spacious suite Good location

Cons: Food poisoning from hotel food Unacceptable response to cleaning resulting us sleeping with throw up sheets Poor crisis management Uncomfortable bed Subpar maintenance Low-quality amenities Dismissive...

Leeu House offers the appeal of a country guesthouse in the vibrant heart of Franschhoek village in the scenic Cape winelands. This 12-room boutique hotel provides a private and luxurious oasis set in serene gardens, complete with a 15 -metre (49 foot) swimming pool and stunning mountain views, from which to explore the myriad attractions of the village and surrounding valley.

Leeu House's stylish interiors are a contemporary take on Franschhoek's traditional Cape Dutch style with its strong French influences. The seamlessly intergrated finishes are neutral, calm and multi-textured. Rooms are equipped with the latest technology and luxurious amenities. Leeu House also showcases a number of important contemporary artworks and sculptures. The immaculate front garden, one of only two on the main street, features sculptures of two iconic figures, Gandhi and Mandela, which have become a landmark in the village.

Guest can enjoy leisurely meals in The Conservatory, or al fresco on the terrace. All-day dining menus offer innovative cuisine.

The Lounge, with its views of the garden and oak trees, comfortable seating and a wood-burning fireplace, is where guests can mingle and relax. It is the perfect place for...