laurenanne

Hi,
We have 2 days this coming new year's and thought we would spend it in wine country. We are in Cape town for 3 days prior, and leaving for namibia for 2 weeks after, so we only have this time period to go.

The feedback generally seems to be that frankschhoek is more scenic and darling than Stellenbosch? Is this the case? We are looking at properties under $300 US in frank. so far, but then I read that there isn't much to do there at night, besides the glorious dining scene. We are in our 30's just got married and love to eat, but we like a little nightlife as well, particularly if we are headed for the namibian desert for 2 weeks. We don't need a disco, but is it true everything is closed up by 9pm? What about on new year's eve? I was thinking of picking a nice restaurant to celebrate NYE. Will they stay open until midnight to toast at least?

Hence my question- someone had mentioned that Stellen. was full of college kids. If that is the case, however, does that equate with more nightlife in the town? And if so, would it be worth looking into staying there? Again, it is not the end of the world if we can't stay up past midnight, but 9 pm is a touch on the early side for us

All that being said, can anyone recommend a good place for under $300 in either area? Would like a pool, maybe mountain views, on a wine farm would be nice, but not too far out of town in the event we want to do anything at night (if there is something to do).

I have a list of the following in Frank. that are under $300 if anyone knows them:
Elephant Lodge ($275)
Rusthof Country House ($220-275)
Auberge Clermont ($240)
Akademie Street (this is right at $300 though, would prefer under since there seems to be options for less).

Plumwood Inn will only take 4 day reservations for that timeframe and Le petit Dauphine is booked, as is Frank. Manor.

Thanks in advance!
Lauren

Elizabeth_S

Hi Lauren - just replied to your Namibia question. We stayed in Simons Town for 3 weeks and did a day trip to the Winelands. We had lunch at La Petite Ferme in Franschoek - it is a lovely property

http://www.lapetiteferme.co.za/

(although the food was only good, not great)

Have you considered the Cape Peninsula instead? Simonstown is cute and charming and there are lots of little inns/hotels there?

laurenanne

Hi,
Thanks for the namibia reply. I wrote back a few replies as well. Reading your blog at the moment.

As for doing wine area lodging, being in vineyards (and sand dunes) is one of my favorite experiences on the planet (hence western cape and namibia So, I am really inclined to be in the thick of wineries for a few days.

3 weeks in simonstown! I will take a look at it. Thanks!

dutyfree

Personally I would pick Stellenbosch as I think that there is definitely more to do there.It is an actual town with lots of things going on which I think that you would enjoy.
My older twentysomething kids were with me last August there and we enjoyed hitting the vineyards along with the "cutesy shops and restaurants" in town.

La Petite Ferme is in a beautiful area but again there is nothing there except the restaurant and property which could be dull for New Years.

Simonstown is great but then we stayed there two nights strictly for the penquins and the ocean and to actually tour the Cape.
I absolutely love the Western Cape of SA-have a great time!

living4safari

Hi there

Franschoek is a lovely town - beautiful and full of character and it tends to attract more upmarket type tourists. Regarding New Year's Eve, a friend of mine was there last year and apparently the town was one big party. However, normally everything is closed by round 9h00 pm. Do keep in mind that December is local high season as well - Stellenbosch won't be as full of students as usual (it is summer holiday in SA), but it does have a lot to offer. It is also close enough to Cape Town itself should you wish to hop over to CT for an evening.
Kind regards

ekscrunchy

I agree with Elizabeth about the food at La Petit Ferme. Nice view, though.

I stayed at Akademie Street and would highly recommend if it fits your budget. You can walk into the center of town from there. The place is really charming.


http://www.aka.co.za/oortuiging.htm

laurenanne

thank you for the thoughts. still haven't decided. maybe the photos don't do akademie street justice, but their reviews are fabulous but it only looks fine on the website. what makes it special?
thanks!

ekscrunchy

I saw only the interior of the house we rented..the one that I linked above. It was furnished with a stylish combination of vintage and antique South African furniture--handsome enough to feature in a shelter magazine--and lots of art. (This was my bedroom; there are two in that particular house)


http://www.aka.co.za/Images/FullSize...ngBedrooms.jpg


We had a kitchen which the owners stocked with snacks and drinks (courtesy). The grounds are beautiful and breakfast is taken in the main house and is quite a sumptuous meal. The owners themselves are a fascinating couple. It is unlike any other guesthouse I've ever stayed at. Much more charm and character. The house even had a large tv and a selection of videos (I recommend Tsotsi).

We were three people and therefore had a two-bedroom cottage, but they do have cottages for two people.

Patty

The wonderful hosts, Katherine and Arthur, the great breakfasts and the nice little touches were what made Akademie Street special for us though to be honest I haven't stayed at any other guest houses in the area so can't compare.

I must also admit that overall I wasn't overly impressed with the food in Franschhoek given the hype.

Patty

Oh yeah, the accommodations were great too! We stayed in Gelatenheid.