TJinSOMA

We're thinking of spending a couple nights in Franschhoek and interested in advice on where to stay. We like comfort and luxury but wondering whether it's worth paying for Le Quartier Francais as we're thinking we'd rather save our dollars for safari. We don't mind a B&B type place, but like them if they're more like a boutique hotel and less like someone's house where they're trying to chat you up at breakfast. Also key is walkability to the great restaurants (don't relish jumping behind the wheel after too much South African wine).

Appreciate any great restaurant recommendations in Cape Town or Franschhoek (like great food and while may try La Calombe - like the tiny little foodie spots which are less traveled even better)

DonTopaz

You'd liely be interested in the Plumwood Inn -- definitely more like a small hotel than someone's house, just a block off the main drag in Franschhoek.

Safari_Craig

I ate lunch at Le Quartier last week with my wife. It is a fantastic hotel and the food is exceptional. I had a chance to walk through all the new room categories with the owner, Susan Huxter. You will be very happy if you want to stay at this property. It is right in the middle of town.

If you are looking for something a bit less expensive I highly recommend the Rusthof guest house. It is directly next door to Le Quartier in the heart of town. I have sent many clients to both hotels over the years. http://www.rusthof.com/index.shtml

When I was in Franschhoek last week I also stopped by and chatted with Ruth, the owner and manager of Rusthof. The rooms are looking great and they just opened a new restaurant in the hotel called Ryan’s Kitchen. Ryan cooks right in front of you in the adjacent and open kitchen.

Craig Beal – owner – Travel Beyond

OregonMaiden

Hi,
Several years ago we were, first of all in seatch of good food with a nearby place to stay. A South African friend had recommended Monneaux Restaurant which conveniently enough had a guest house connected to it ( Franschhoek Country House).

The meal was very lovely, and we rolled upstairs to a more-than-adequate-although-not-plush accommodation.

Website is http://fch.co.za/
Diane

berniespratt

Hi, Regarding 'in-village' restaurant choices in Franschhoek our guests love Le Bon Vivant and Ryan's Kitchen and if you fancy a more local experience Kalfi's is also very good.

Bernie - owner - La Fontaine Guest House, Franschhoek

braaiseason

The Black Marlin along the Cape Peninsular just outside of Simons Town & Kalkie's in Kalk Bay.

jeanned

We stayed at Le Quartier on our recent trip. The rooms were beautiful and the staff extremely accommodating; however, we were very disappointed with the breakfast! While we were there, all of the restaurants were closed (we were told just prior to leaving that The Tasting Room would be closed but expect the other restaurants to be open-- this was a big disappointment to us as we were looking forward to eating here.) . Breakfast was served in a small room near one of the suites. The food was very average. The pastries were bland -- definitely store bought. The eggs and the rest of the breakfast was fine, but certainly not what we had expected given the reputation of the restaurant. Very disappointing.

Another disappointment for us was that the screening room was being renovated. We were told that the hotel would arrange for a movie for our children while we did a dinner at the owner's house. Turned out to be a non issue as we decided against the dinner since breakfast was so bad.

Finally we were woken up early by the sounds of construction...

Bottom line: Although the accommodations were lovely, we would not stay here again. Too expensive for the experience. I would definitely recommend putting the $ into the safari portion of your trip.

For dinner, we went to The French Connection. It was good. We also went to a restaurant at a vineyard not too far from town (less than 5 minute drive) which was excellent. Unfortunately I can't remember the name off hand.

Be sure to go to Lynx Winery as well. It is a very small winery owned by a husband and wife. He gave us a wonderful and very thorough tour (the best one that we have ever had in fact). And the wine was good too.

Enjoy your trip!