The Grand Hotel Robertson: A Boutique Escape in Wine Country

Built in 1901, and a hotel since 1927, The Grand is a storied landmark of the Robertson townscape. The Victorian heritage (think high ceilings, bay windows and fireplaces) is beautifully preserved amid layers of contemporary comfort and five-star finesse.

Now, with new owners (the folks behind Melozhori, the southern Cape’s exquisite private game reserve, just 44km away), it’s become their urban retreat – raising the divine prospect of combined wine-and-safari escapes. The Robertson Wine Valley is one of the Cape’s best-kept secrets, with more than two dozen estates to explore – plus unique wine-tasting cruises on the Breede River.

Chic wine-lover’s destination

The Grand is a destination hotel that truly celebrates its prime location in a viticultural valley. Each of its 10 rooms is named after a local wine farm (with black-and-white prints of the property on the walls), and if you book a two-night stay, you are chauffeured in style in the hotel’s black London taxi to your room’s estate for a tasting.

Some rooms have patios overlooking the pool area; others are upstairs with mountain views through shuttered windows. Decor is chic, understated and calming, with a mix of antiques and modern pieces: think plush headboards and printed cushions (proteas in Arendig, paisley in Zandvliet, sage green stripes in De Wetshof), oriental rugs on wooden floors, comfy armchairs and monotone artworks… The Arabella suite has a romantic freestanding bath beside a fireplace.

Built for relaxation

At the heart of the hotel is a dreamy courtyard garden reminiscent of a Mediterranean villa or French chateau. When you’re not out exploring the Robertson Valley, you can simply relax beside the pool on large sofa loungers – a glass of wine and a platter of snacks at hand. There’s also an outdoor shower hidden in the garden.

Enjoy an alfresco mezze lunch on the verandah, followed later by aperitifs in the bar and a romantic candlelit dinner in the restaurant (the diverse global menu is locally sourced and creatively plated). The hotel also has a boutique treatment room for pampering massages using Fijn botanical products.

The lodgings

• 1 suite, 7 superior rooms + 1 deluxe room
• king-size beds (queen bed in deluxe room)
• ensuite with shower + most with baths
• seating area or separate lounge
• fireplace (in suite)
• minibar, tea/coffee station and Nespresso machine
• smart TV with Netflix
• private patio/balcony (selected rooms)
• airconditioning
• room service (8am – 8pm)
• breakfast daily

Things to do

• swimming in the pool
• onsite bar and restaurant (breakfast included in rate)
• wine-tastings onsite and in the valley
• spa treatments onsite

Good to know There is also a two-bedroom cottage with an open-plan lounge, dining room and kitchen, two fireplaces, patio and braai area.
Child friendly? Yes, in the cottage only
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 per room; 4 in the cottage
Cost Rooms: from R3 245 per night
Suite: From R4 495 per night
Cottage: From R5 495 per night
Where to find it 68 Barry Street, Robertson
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

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