A Timeless Gem in Stellenbosch - Oude Werf Hotel
Rating: ★★★★★
Stellenbosch, with its rich history and enchanting surroundings, is a place where every corner tells a story. Nestled in the heart of this historic town is the Oude Werf Hotel, a true gem that encapsulates the essence of Stellenbosch like no other. My recent stay at this remarkable establishment left me awestruck, and I am thrilled to share my experience with you.
Charming Historic Ambiance (★★★★★) From the moment I stepped through the doors of Oude Werf Hotel, I felt transported back in time. The hotel is housed in one of South Africa's oldest and most cherished buildings, dating back to 1802, and the preservation of its historical charm is nothing short of exceptional. The architecture, with its Cape Dutch style and white-washed walls, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that is both cozy and elegant.
Impeccable Service (★★★★★) The staff at Oude Werf Hotel truly understands the meaning of hospitality. From the friendly receptionists to the attentive waitstaff in the restaurant, every member of the team went above and beyond to ensure my stay was comfortable and enjoyable. They were always ready with a smile and a helpful recommendation for exploring Stellenbosch.
Comfortable and Elegant Rooms (★★★★★) My room was a haven of comfort and luxury. The decor seamlessly blended the hotel's historical character with modern amenities. The bed was plush and inviting, the bathroom spacious and well-appointed, and the attention to detail in every aspect of the room's design was evident. I particularly enjoyed the view of the hotel's beautifully landscaped garden from my window.
Culinary Delights (★★★★★) Dining at the Oude Werf Restaurant was an unforgettable experience. The menu offered a delightful array of dishes that celebrated the rich culinary traditions of the region. The breakfast was a highlight, with a delectable spread of freshly baked pastries, artisanal cheeses, and locally sourced fruits. The wine list was extensive and highlighted the exceptional wines of the Stellenbosch region.
Perfect Location (★★★★★) The hotel's central location in Stellenbosch makes it the ideal base for exploring this charming town and its surroundings. Many of the town's historic attractions, boutique shops, and world-class wineries are within walking distance, making it convenient to immerse yourself in the local culture and beauty. In conclusion, my stay at Oude Werf Hotel was nothing short of magical. It's a place where history, luxury, and exceptional service come together to create an unforgettable experience. If you're planning a visit to Stellenbosch and want to immerse yourself in the town's rich heritage while enjoying modern comforts, look no further than the Oude Werf Hotel. It's a true treasure, and I can't...
Read moreWe didn't stay in the hotel. We only dined there because it was/used to be the 1802 restaurant, which was fantastic at our last visit to the Cape. I have posted pictures of our food because not only did it look outstanding, but it tasted outstanding as well. We chose a bottle or champagne to accompany our meal just because we can. When we had finished the meal we were thinking of a glass of port and the manager suggested we try two of the local after dinner fortified wines which likewise were outanding suggestions. I must also say that there are 3 pictures of the deserts on offer and we couldn't decide so we ordered all three and shared them between us. If my wife hadn't said no, I would have ordered the one I like best.
I must say that we all too often leave a tip for the service, but having done so I specifically asked to see the chefs and gave them a generous tip as well. After all, they prepared it. It was so good and presented on our plates. Nothing was wrong with the meal at all. There was a family of loud patrons with children playing their seperate tablet videos but they had left by the time the starters were finished and then the atmosphere was extremely serene and calming. We were never rushed to finish the course, and the next was seemingly only prepared when we were ready and not kept under lamps.
Would I/we go back again..... what a silly question. It was at least 8 years since our last visit and the quality and standard had not changed just the dacor and the servers. But as we will now be regulars to Cape Town and Gordon's Bay it will become our go-to restaurant just for us or with guests. Travelling from the UK the prices are in our favour but that aside for the prices you pay the quality is worth every cent. But don't just take my word do try it...
Read moreI will say this, The place inside is fancy and really spectacularly beautiful and they have like a mini museum because the building is so old, so check it out for tourist reasons.
BUT!!! I've been here a few times and really this place is overrated. The prices are really expensive so you would assume that the quality of the food would be good. But you would be wrong. I kept trying to get a waiters attention to bring me sugar because they don't keep it on the table and don't automatically bring it when you are having a hot beverage. Then we waited a really long time for our food only to be dissapointed. They desserts taste horrible. It tasted old and not the best ingredients. They don't know how to make a proper Crème brûlée. As in the sugar wasn't done properly and then it tasted off. the Tiramisu was also not very sweet and tasted old. Basically I would really just suggest that unless they somehow fix their nasty food, don't bother eating here. Their actual food also tends to be bland. We didn't finish our food and just left to go eat cheap takeout because we felt like that was better value...
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