Prince Albert Accommodation: The Top 10 Places to Stay

The Karoo is a place of pilgrimage (as any journey to a land as soulful, life-affirming, starkly beautiful and filled with wonder as this is). It’s dotted with quirky historical towns where travellers feel like they’ve gone into reverse… First and foremost, they’re farming communities, holding the promise of fresh seasonal produce and warm hospitality.

The poster child for this bounty is the foodie capital of Prince Albert (established in 1762), 4.5 hours’ drive from Cape Town. Known for its ruggedly stunning Swartberg setting, and its olives, figs, apricots, cheese, lamb, bread and even wine, this is a place to settle in for a few days and taste the good life. We’ve sought out some of the best places to stay while doing so.

Have you stayed anywhere fabulous in Prince Albert? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

Dennehof Karoo Guesthouse

Setting Complete with its own iconic Karoo wind-pump in the garden and a classic deep front stoep, Dennehof (dating back to 1835) will grab your heart before you’ve stepped inside. The heritage property is beautifully furnished with a mix of heirlooms and contemporary design – although ridgeback puppy Ferdinand, the “guest liaison officer”, tends to steal the show. Rooms in the original homestead, a cottage, the wagon shed, dairy room and blacksmith’s forge are gorgeous cocoons of luxury. Breakfast in the glass conservatory in the garden is served with 360-degree views (and owner Inga’s signature sourdough loaves). The old reservoir is now a salt-water pool, with Spanish tiles and a raised sundeck with views over olive groves to the Swartberg Mountains; nearby is a sauna for two to beat the Karoo chill. In summer, special Veld Feast dinners are available, and cheese-and-wine pairings can be arranged.

The lodgings

• 8 bedrooms and suites with king-sized bed (or twins)
• ensuite bath and/or shower (outdoor Victorian tub in Wagonshed Suite)
• fridge and tea/coffee station
• vintage kitchenettes (in Windmill Suite and Cottage Room)
• fireplace, seating area and TV (in selected rooms)
• air-conditioning
• private verandah with seating
• breakfast included

Good to know For families or groups, the Windmill Suite and Windmill Room can be booked together, as can the Cottage Room and Dairy Room.
Child friendly? Yes (6 years and older)
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 per room
Cost From R1 900 – R2 550 for two people sharing
R500 per child (6 – 12 years)
Where to find it 21 Christina de Wit Street, Prince Albert
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

De Kleine Prince

Setting This extraordinary designer home is a unique East-meets-West, Africa-meets-Karoo playground. Apart from the heritage features, art, design and custom-made furnishings, it’s so meticulously filled with “attractions”, it feels like a village within a village. The dining courtyard has a banquet table, bar and piano; the pool house entertainment area comes with a garden kitchen and views over the Swartberg Mountains; and a sunken firepit provides comfy seating for Karoo stargazing. For quieter moments, there are four Karoo-style stoeps with fabulous views, a treehouse yoga deck, and an open-air pergola for massages… The property includes a small orchard, Zen garden, crated vegetable gardens, citrus trees, bonsai trees, a planting station and a wishing well. The main Victorian House, the adjoining Barn House and the self-contained Pool House, offer a total of five ensuite bedrooms – and can be booked per suite or for exclusive use. This is a retreat for slow living under Karoo skies, but in a central location within walking distance of the town’s shops and restaurants.

The lodgings
Victorian House (1913) + Barn (1926)

• 3 bedrooms: Conservatory Suite (with fireplace), Garden Suite + Library Suite (in Barn)
• colour-coded library with over 1 200 books
• ensuite bathrooms with bath and/or shower
• dining kitchen with spice-rack wall, plus a fire-kitchen in the Emerald Room
• lounge with 90-inch flatscreen TV
• drawing room with fireplace and bay window

Pool House (1972)

• 2 bedrooms: Loft Suite (with fireplace) + Guest Bedroom
• walk-in shower
• fully equipped kitchen
• verandah with braai
• eco lap pool with martini bar
• outdoor bar area
• smart TV

Good to know The entire property is powered by solar panels and unaffected by load-shedding. There are CCTV cameras at both entrances, and safe parking. Minimum two-night stay.
Child friendly? Yes (12 years and older)
Pet friendly? Yes when booking exclusive use, or by prior arrangement (no more than 2 dogs)
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 10 (2 per suite)
Cost Exclusive use: from R1 850 per person per night (10 people)
Victorian House + Barn: from R2 500 per person per night (6 people)
Victorian House: from R2 250 per person per night (4 people)
Barn House: from R3 000 per person per night (2 people)
Pool House: from R1 500 per person per night (4 people)
Individual suites: from R3 500 – R6 000 per night (2 people)
Where to find it 12 Church Street, Prince Albert
MAKE A RESERVATION

Mirtehof Guest Farm Estate

Setting This small farm on the edge of town, home to ponies, donkeys, sheep, geese and chickens, is a magical place. The 18th-century farmhouse has a wraparound stoep for 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains (and a sad love story in its history, involving poet CJ Langenhoven). Guests can stay in two semi-detached cottages further from the main house or in one of three suites: Arcadia is beside the kitchen garden; The Orchard overlooks its namesake and a pretty courtyard; the Prince Albert Suite occupies the entire west wing of the house. They’re all fit for royalty, with Persian carpets, exquisite fabrics and antique crystal chandeliers. We’ve not even mentioned the magnificent garden, which truly is a Karoo oasis, filled with vibrant flowers, pergolas, pathways, ponds, a quirky henhouse, wishing well and more to discover around every corner. The sound of trickling water, croaking frogs and birdsong will fill your soul with peace.

The lodgings

• extra-length king-size bed with luxury linen, robes and slippers
• ensuite bathroom with rolltop bath, walk-in shower and double basins
• seating area with satellite TV
• tea/coffee station and mini fridge
• kitchenette with stove and dining table in cottages
• furnished patio (and private garden in Prince Albert Suite)
• air-conditioning, ceiling fans and underfloor heating
• communal plunge pool
• indoor braai area and boma with firepit
• breakfast included (optional in cottages)

Child friendly? Yes (12 years and older)
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 per room or cottage
Cost From R2 450 per night for two people sharing
Where to find it 520 Christina de Wit Street, Prince Albert
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Karoo Masterclass Cottage

Setting In the southern section of town, with spectacular views of the Swartberg Mountains, is a gorgeous little abode of your dreams. It’s decorated in calming neutral tones and filled with luxuries and thoughtful touches – such as your grocery shopping done on request before you arrive (guests also have access to the herb and veg garden for freshly picked produce). The cottage is surrounded by a neat garden where you’ll find armchairs around the firepit, ready for Karoo stargazing, and a private Roman-esque splash pool that converts to a hot tub (both wood-fired and electrically heated).

The lodgings

• 1 bedroom with king-size bed (or singles), plus double sleeper couch in lounge
• ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
• smart kitchenette with induction-plate cooker, microwave, large fridge and coffee plunger
• open-plan living room with fireplace and satellite TV
• outdoor dining on verandah
• braai area/firepit with seating
• air-conditioning
• complimentary breakfast provisions delivered; braai basket (extra cost)

Good to know Under the same ownership, but elsewhere in town on the slopes of a koppie, is Karoo View Cottages – Kanon and Striata have heated plunge pools.
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? Yes
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 – 4
Cost From R1 800 per night for two people
R475 per child (3 – 12 years)
Where to find it De Queekvallei Crescent, Prince Albert
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Prince Albert Country Stay

Setting Decorated with polished old Cape heirlooms and gleaming antiques (no surprise the owners run a vintage shop on the same property), this B&B in the middle of town does old-school country with a modern-minimalist sensibility. In fact, you might feel like you’ve stumbled onto the set of a favourite period film – certainly if you book Lady Chatterley’s Chamber. The light-filled rooms are tucked under the eaves upstairs or open onto the verandah. You’ll sleep in antique brass beds (with new mattresses and luxe linen) and wake to birdsong, lovely views and hot drinks or juice delivered to your room. Breakfast is served on beautiful crockery fireside or in the charming garden.

The lodgings

• 4 rooms with king, double or twin beds
• ensuite bathrooms with shower
• tea/coffee station and mini fridge
• private balcony, roof deck or verandah
• sitting area
• evaporative cooler or air-conditioner
• swimming pool and plunge pool
• library room

Good to know The B&B shares the property with a vintage and antiques store.
Child friendly? Yes (12 years and older)
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 per room
Cost From R1 540 per night for two sharing (R1 265 for single occupation)
Where to find it 46 Church Street, Prince Albert
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Vrisch Gewagt

Setting Surrounded by towering, ancient mountains, this Karoo olive farm offers rugged landscapes and absolute peace (it’s 35km from town). Once torn in two by feuding brothers, the historic farm has been restored to a glorious 1 600-hectare property. There are seven accommodation options, filled with heritage and character but with modern bathrooms and kitchens. The 1914 farmhouse lives up to its new name, Paradys Huis (it has the best views on the farm from its verandah), plus there’s the original grand Manor House up on a hill for larger groups, and five cottages, each with their own attractions – Hannes Cottage has a romantic sunken bath for two; Library Cottage houses a collection of over 100 books; Cook’s Cottage has a wonderful living area and kitchen with a red Smeg fridge; the rustic Birdwatcher River Cottage has a farm-style oven and shares a wall with the quirky Artist River Cottage. The farm is yours to explore on walks and picnics, plus there are three swimming  pools overlooking the orchards, a bird hide and a floating deck on the farm dam.

The lodgings

• one, two, three or four bedrooms per unit with double, queen or king beds
• ensuites with baths and showers (plus outdoor showers in River Cottages)
• open-plan kitchen with Nespresso machine
• dining table and lounge (2 lounges in each house)
• indoor fireplace (except River Cottages)
• verandah with braai
• private swimming pool (Paradys Huis + Manor House)
• firewood and basic kitchen supplies included
• seasonal farm veggies, free-range eggs and lamb available

Child-friendly? Yes
Pet-friendly? Yes
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 – 8 per unit
Cost Paradys Huis: R7 475 per night (6 people)
Manor House: R8 625 per night (8 people)
Cook’s Cottage and Library Cottage: R4 650 per night (4 people)
Hannes Cottage: R3 555 per night (2 people)
Birdwatcher River Cottage and Artist River Cottage: R2 350 per night (2 people)
Where to find it R407, between Prince Albert and Klaarstroom
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Olive Grove Cottage

Setting Right in the heart of town, with all the attractions a short stroll away, this stylish self-catering cottage in the grounds of Olive Grove House has the perfect setting – in the midst of a lovely garden with lawns and a lush veggie patch. If you love outdoor living, this is the spot, with a dining table under a vine-covered pergola (perfect for brunch), a verandah-lounge, cool pool area with loungers, and a circular, stone-walled boma for suppers under the stars. With its thatched and corrugated-iron roof, sash windows and period detail, it’s authentic but also lovingly restored and filled with contemporary touches.

The lodgings

• 2 bedrooms with a king-size bed and two single beds (can be converted into king)
• 2 ensuite bathrooms with bath and/or shower
• fully equipped kitchen with dining table
• open-plan living room with TV and wood-burning fireplace
• verandah with seating
• outdoor dining table
• braai boma
• air-conditioning and ceiling fans
• swimming pool

Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? Yes, by request only
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 4
Cost From R1 650 per night for two people
R400 per night per extra person
Where to find it 89 Church Street, Prince Albert
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Dream On

Setting From its elevated position on the lower slopes of a koppie, this cute white cottage in a neat little garden has wonderful views over the surrounding farmlands and into the distance… this is daydreaming territory. Serenity is a given, with a calming decor palette in neutral, earthy shades dotted with beautiful artworks and tasteful furnishings. It’s all easy-breezy living here, with doors that open wide onto the verandah, ample benches, sofas and chairs to settle into, a sparkling pool and braai area, and a separate garden cottage to give extra privacy if needed.

The lodgings

• 2 bedrooms with king-size beds
• 2 bathrooms with bath and/or shower (main ensuite)
• 1 garden cottage with king-size bed, ensuite shower and desk
• fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and washing machine
• open-plan living room with fireplace and dining table
• furnished verandah
• braai area with table seating
• swimming pool with deckchairs
• evaporator cooling system

Child friendly? Yes (12 years and older)
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 6 (2 in separate garden cottage)
Cost From R1 940 per night for two people
R700 per night per extra person
Where to find it 17 Christina de Wit Street, Prince Albert
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Peredraai

Setting Get into the swing of modern Karoo living in this spacious house, with its wonderful up-close views of the mountains from the quintessential stoep. It’s great for a family or group getaway, but the main bedroom is private and upstairs, with its own seating area and balcony – perfect for a couple who want their own space sometimes. Downstairs, stacking doors open up to let the outdoors in… and what a gorgeous garden it is, with vast green lawns to play on and a pool to cool down in.

The lodgings

• 3 bedrooms – one upstairs (king bed), two downstairs (double bed and two single beds)
• 2 bathrooms with bath and/or shower (main ensuite)
• fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and washing machine
• open-plan living room with fireplace and dining table
• furnished verandah
• Weber braai
• swimming pool
• evaporator cooling system

Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? By prior arrangement
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 6
Cost From R1 940 per night for two people
R700 per night per extra person
Where to find it 12 Christina de Wit Street, Prince Albert
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Skuurtjie

Setting Yes, this was once a barn – now transformed into a wonderful, spacious house that encourages gatherings and celebrations. With its modern, almost-all-white interior, think of it as the canvas or backdrop on which to create memories. There’s a large and sunny verandah (virtually a room of its own, complete with drapes if you’d prefer shade), from which you can leap straight into the inviting pool. Lovely touches, like a Nespresso machine for great early-morning coffee, beds draped in mosquito nets and a bookshelf filled with good reads next to the fireplace, make it feel extra-special. It’s in the quieter part of town, but the main hub (and gin bar) is walking distance away.

The lodgings

• 3 bedrooms with one king-size bed, one queen bed and two single beds
• 2 bathrooms with bath and/or shower (one ensuite)
• fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and washing machine
• open-plan living room with fireplace and dining table
• furnished verandah
• braai area
• swimming pool
• air-conditioning and ceiling fans

Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? By prior arrangement
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 6
Cost From R1 940 per night for two people
R700 per night per extra person
Where to find it 6 De Beer Street, Prince Albert
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Weltevrede Fig Farm

Setting In a tree-filled valley in the Swartberg Mountains, 25km west of town, this sixth-generation fruit farm is an idyllic stayover, with different lodgings to choose from. Privately located Fonteinskop cottage is ideal for a hilltop romantic getaway; plus there are three larger houses for families, with big, view-drenched verandahs and gardens. They’re furnished with antiques, plush upholstery and old-style wood-burning stoves, and have no electricity, creating the authentic feel of a historic Karoo family farm. Here, your evenings will be fire-warmed and lit by the rosy glow of paraffin lamps and starlight/moonlight. Peaceful days can be spent chilling, exploring, walking in the orchards (picking fruit in late summer) and swimming (in pools or the dams). A visit to the farm’s shop/café is a must, to enjoy the cake or tart of the day.

The lodgings

Fonteinskop

• 1 bedroom with king-size bed
• 1 bathroom with clawfoot bath and shower (gas geyser)
• kitchen with Smeg gas stove and gas fridge
• lounge with fireplace and dining area
• terrace with dining table and portable braai
• plunge pool

De Hoek

• 3 bedrooms, with one king-size bed, one double and two single beds
• 3 ensuite bathrooms with bath and/or shower (gas geyser)
• kitchen with gas appliances, table and wood stove
• lounge with fireplace
• separate dining room
• verandah with seating and table
• braai and pizza oven
• swimming pool
• garden

Vredenhof

• 3 bedrooms with one king-size bed and four extra-length single beds
• 3 bathrooms with Victorian bath (main ensuite) and showers
• kitchen with gas appliances, table and wood stove
• living room with dining table
• furnished verandah
• stone braai boma
• swimming pool
• garden

Bo Vredenhof

• 3 bedrooms with a king four-poster bed, queen brass bed and two single brass beds
• 3 bathrooms with bath and/or shower (gas geyser)
• additional separate toilet
• kitchen with gas appliances, stable and wood stove
• living room with fireplace
• furnished verandah
• braai
• garden

Good to know The last 100 metres to Fonteinskop requires a 4×4 vehicle. Children pay half-price.
Child friendly? Yes (except Fonteinskop)
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 – 6 per unit
Cost Fonteinskop: R2 400 per night for two people
De Hoek and Vredenhof: from R2 400 per night for four people; R600 per night per extra guest
Bo Vredenhof: R4 320 per night for six people
Where to find it Weltevrede Road, off the R407 (25km from Prince Albert)
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Things to do in Prince Albert

• Pick up heirloom produce, fresh bakes, jams etc at the Saturday market
• Take a guided Storyweaver walk to learn about the town’s history – or ghosts
• Go wine-tasting at Bergwater, Fernskloof, Reiersvlei and SoetKaroo
• Pop in at the Fransie Pienaar Museum (and try some “witblits”)
• Enjoy a range of products at O for Olive, Prince Albert Olives or Kredouw Estate
• Stock up on delicious artisanal cheese at Gay’s Guernsey Dairy
• Visit Weltevrede Fig Farm for jams, preserves and the tart of the day
• Drive (or mountain-bike) the stunning Swartberg Pass, a national monument
• Visit the art galleries and studios of local artists
• Chill out in nature at Gamkapoort Dam
• Hike up Gordon’s Koppie for a view over town (trailhead on Bergsig Street)
• Take a biodiversity walk at Wolwekraal Nature Reserve
• Browse local hand-crafts at Karoo Looms, Cape Mohair, Avoova and more
• Eat at local restaurants – see our guide – and drink at the Green Prince Gin Bar

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