Schoone Oordt Country House

We had used a travel agent to help us develop our itinerary in South Africa, which had a very limited duration before we continued onto Safari in Zambia. She had suggested Swellendam and in particular the Schoone Oordt house. It was a unique small town that has a wonderful small national park near it as well as a wildlife area that has trails not for the faint of heart. However, the star was the lodging. From the moment that we drove in and were welcomed to when we left the next day in our freshly washed car. Welcome: we were met by two staff who showed us dorextly to our room where we Kyle settle in prior to registering in the lovely bar/library. Grounds: spectacularly maintained and quiet. Room: large and well appointed with a fireplace ready to have for lit (June was very cold at night). Local wines and craft beer in the min fridge to trim down at night with hot water bottles in our bed. Shower was wonderful and lots of reading materials and place to sit. The library/bar was next to dining which was in the conservatory. The story of its restoration and dedication of the hosts was apparent in every detail (plus they have an awesome book to read about that as well as local things to do). The service was exceptional and food most excellent. We did eat dinner in and I highly suggest the bed and board for breakfast. Sadly we were in our way again the next morning and did an epic early morning hike. A word to US travelers-a moderate rating in SA is more of a black run than a blue!

We wish we had stayed an extra night, as we were made to feel so welcome. The hotel is lovely, a real labour of love from the husband and wife team that run it. Food was excellent- both breakfast and dinner - after wonderful food in Cape Town we were expecting to be a little disappointed but this was really good. Lovely room, open fire with hot water bottles in bed when we got back from dinner. A lovely traditional building that has been painstakingly renovated and is a real treat. Definitely worth spending a couple of nights here.

I really enjoyed staying at Schoone Oordt - the personal approach in this family-run hotel, and genuine care of the owner Alison and her team were special! The highlights for me were a roaring fireplace and a dinner platter waiting for me in my room, upon arrival after a long drive. And waking up to my vehicle washed and pampered after hours on dusty Karoo roads! The hotel is lovely and elegant, and also perfectly positioned to explore Swellendam on foot. Alison also holds dinners and special events, such as murder mystery adventure dinners, at her hotel that I wish to one day attend! I can only recommend it!

Despite the fact that they were in the middle of clearing up to debris from a major storm (trees down on the premises and much of the surrounding area (but not the hotel) without power and closed for business, the staff were fantastic. The little things that make a difference - fresh scones on arrival, car washed next morning (without asking), and the wood fire in the room (lit and then banked up while we were at dinner). Dinner menu (though not large) was superb as was breakfast. Advice on where to go walking (national parks were still closed) made the following morning memorable. All in all a truly amazing experience. Highly recommended.

Beautiful hotel., the staff are wonderful and the hospitality was second to none. Well appointed room , everything you’d need to make your stay perfect. Take an adapter if you’re from the Uk. There is a good hairdryer provided and plug sockets are near the mirrors Breakfast was a pleasure and washing the car was an extra treat Thank you for a wonderful stay

A beautiful boutique hotel. Large rooms, very comfortable. The food in the restaurant was superb, and so were the staff, Carel and Michelle. Going out of their way to make sure all needs are met. We also met the owner and she is just as amazing. Only mistake we made, was to stay for just one night. Swellendam is a lovely little town. Next time we will add an extra night.

Staying here was an experience. An experience of warmth, quality and passion. We felt this was our best stay during our garden route drive. Thank you for thinking about the “small things” which made a real difference. And thanking you for making us feel special celebrating our wedding anniversary. Highly recommended