Maison Malherbe, Franschhoek — Hotel in Stellenbosch Local Municipality

Asked us to pay for their electricity!!

We were actually repeat guests. However, in the 3 years since we previously stayed, the apartment has gone from wonderful to just OK. Biggest issues were linked to lack of cleanliness and maintenance. Towels smelled as though they were not washed after previous guest. Pillow cases reeked of cigarette smoke. Features such as underfloor heating did not work.

We could have overlooked all these issues if it weren't for an incident half way through our stay. After we already paid for a multi-day stay up front, the apartment manager emailed us to ask us to go buy electricity for the apartment! (home electricity is purchased at supermarkets and gas stations on a prepaid basis in South Africa) Sufficed to say that we were absolutely shocked at this outrageously brazen request. This incident really put a damper on our vacation in Franschhoek. We...

This was the perfect getaway for a short weekend break!! The apartment is literally a home away from home!! Very neat, clean & comfortable!! The added features of underfloor heating & heated towel racks are the little comforts that offer a sense of "luxury" within the self-catering unit. The one & only retractor to the stay was the beds in both bedrooms. The beds are just mattresses on a wooden frame which made for an extremely uncomfortable sleep. Unfortunately, we were not able to enjoy a good night's rest for the 3 night stay & returned home with sore backs & stiff necks. I would strongly advise that the owner considers upgrading the beds & linen, as this is the only thing that makes the apartment less than perfect. Other than this, it was a fantastic stay & I would still recommend Maison Malherbe as a...

Beautiful 2 bed apartment overlooking the Franschhoek monument on main Street in town. Close to everything. The apartment is elegant and larger than I had anticipated from the photos. Perfect for up to 2 couples, with 2 bedrooms, one en suite and one main bathroom. Would definitely stay again. Only minor things were that they didn't accept card payments (I believe they have addressed this since I booked and now accept card payments), and that the apartment can get a musty smell if the windows and doors are kept closed. The smell clears when ventilated so wasn't a major...