Old-World Luxury at Akademie Street Boutique Hotel & Guest House in Franschhoek

The words “a home away from home” greet you at the peaceful entrance and, after a peek inside the wonderful walls of this award-winning boutique hotel, you’ll quickly understand the sentiment.

Built in the 19th century – and one of the longest-standing properties in Franschhoek (and certainly the most central) – Akademie Street Boutique Hotel & Guest House holds a certain old-world charm that is particularly sought-after when seeking a stay in a small resort town.

But of course you don’t accrue awards and accolades without the luxe factor, which is exactly what this peaceful paradise offers its guests, along with personalised hospitality and a sense of seclusion.

Home comforts

A short walk from the bustling culinary hotspots and shops on the main road, the establishment boasts eight individually styled suites, three spacious cottages, four pools and three wood-burning hot tubs.

There’s also a chic indoor lounge where the resident pianist sets the scene with soft tunes, the conservatory-style Orangerie where guests can lounge and enjoy everything from breakfast to cocktails, a library, tranquil courtyard gardens, an outdoor pergola for intimate dining experiences (on request), and a comfortable indoor bar for late-night chats or early morning cuppas spread across the breathtaking property.

Reasons to believe

All beverages and snacks (including in each suite), as well as breakfast, are included in the room rate, and guests are encouraged to enjoy this generosity to the full. Every room has its own personality, yet the sense of comfort is consistent throughout, with unique facilities taking things up a notch – we love the bluetooth gramophones!

Guests are granted their very own smartphone upon arrival, which has been loaded with the numbers of local restaurants and activities for their perusal. There are also 19th century-style bikes available should the mood for exploration strike.Akademie is the perfect mix of down-to-earth hospitality and luxe living – everything has been carefully considered, yet nothing feels pretentious or contrived – making it a one-of-a-kind retreat.

A curated collection

Twyfelings

Twyfeling A, B, and C are the three suites located inside the hotel’s Manor House, each of which has its own unique charm, and all are located a mere stumble from the main bar, library and lounge areas. Guests staying here also have direct access to the main garden, pool and Jacuzzi.

Room features:

• An extra-length king size bed
• Freestanding vintage bath and shower
• Underfloor heating
• Wood-burning fireplace
• A private walled courtyard

Twyfeling A

Twyfeling B

Twyfeling C

Cost From R6 000 – R8 500 per room per night (depending on season)

Uitsig

Taking pride of place on the top floor of one of the main buildings, alongside the garden courtyard, the Uitsig suite is a wonderful choice for those seeking cosseted seclusion.

French doors open to the bright and breezy interior, where the extra-length king size bed hugged in luxury linen and opulent marble-coated bathroom await you for your stay. There’s also complete underfloor heating for when the evening chill kicks in.
The space In addition to a private staircase, the suite boats magical mountain views from its private terrace, which boasts a hidden wood-fired hot tub, and offers guests personal access to the main gardens, heated pool, and Jacuzzi.
Cost From R7 000 – R9 500 per room per night (depending on season)

Gelantheid

With its stylish, pared-down palette and original hardwood floors, this two-storey-high Cape Dutch-style cottage is the largest on the property. Guests have shared access to a downstairs patio, private pool, sun deck and Jacuzzi.
The space There are individual two suites (Gelantheid A and B) spread over the ground and upper floor, that are connected by a wooden staircase. Each has a lounge with a fireplace, a kitchen and dining area, spacious bedroom and bathroom with a freestanding bath, a private wood burning hot tub (made with Cape brandy barrels!), and two balconies.
Cost From R8 000 – R10 500 per room per night (depending on season)

Oortuiging

Built in 1865 and used as an army recruiting office during the Boer War, this Cape Dutch cottage is steeped in fascinating history. Decorated with antique furniture with a neural colour palette, the cottage lends itself to the era in which it was built – making a stay here feel like a passage back in time.
The space The cottage boasts two one-bedroom suites (Oortuiging A and B), an open-plan lounge area, kitchen and dining room, and is available for exclusive rentals or on a per-room basis. Each room has access to its own private hot tub, while guests have shared use of the personal outdoor courtyard and plunge pool.
Cost From R 9 000 – R11 500 per room per night (depending on season)

Vreugde

With its own picturesque private garden, wood-burning hot tub, outdoor shower and fully equipped living area, this signature cottage is the perfect pick for travellers who prize sumptuous seclusion.
The space The bedroom is home to an Italian-style canopy bed, and a double antique vanity counter, while the bathroom offers a free-standing (handmade) brass bath, and a seperate shower. There is underfloor heating for when the cold kicks in, while your very own personal plunge pool will be a dream come true during the toasty summer.
Cost From R10 000 – R12 500 per room per night (depending on season)

Good to know The property is not pet-friendly. No children under 16.
Cost From R6 000 – R12 500 (includes all beverages and breakfast)
Bookings Check Availability and Book Direct