We look into the best in Hermanus Accommodation to give you list of the top 10 places to stay.
Hermanus is located along the coast eastwards from Cape Town. 90-minute drive from Cape Town International Airport. It is a popular vacation destination for both locals from nearby cities, and international travelers.
Why Visit Hermanus?
Hermanus is the start of the Garden Route and is highly diverse in that it has amazing fynbos, beautiful walks on the mountain, and wonderful beaches.
It is also known as the town with champagne air because the air is so clean and fresh.
A little more than 15 years ago a large section of the bay was declared a whale sanctuary to keep boats away from the Southern Right whales that come here annually to breed. The whale watching is unparalleled across the world.
There are plenty of fun things to do in Hemanus and it is also near to places of interest like Gansbaai which is world-famous for shark cage diving (Related: Things to do in Gansbaai).
The culinary experience is also a big draw card for Hermanus. It is different in that it is concentrated on a lot of seafood.
Whatever your reason for visiting, there are many appealing attractions that make Hermanus an attractive destination.
How To Choose Accommodation In Hermanus
There will be three main things to take into consideration when you are choosing a hotel in Hermanus.
Budget
Hermanus is a popular vacation town and it has hotels that run the gamut from regular all the way to 5 Star. For this reason, we have divided the list in to the very best hotels in the first section. In the next section we list hotels that are not at the top but are more affordable and still give good value for money.
Location
Hermanus is unique in that the town centre and many of the lodgings occur right along the coast. So in many towns and cities where you would usually have a trade-off between closeness to commercial centres and the most scenic places, in Hermanus it is common to have places that have the best of both worlds.
In this list, we have placed focus on hotels that let you enjoy this convenience, but also factored in overall standard and variety in the type of setting. So you can have something right in the middle of the action, or a retreat that is hidden away from it all and allow you to escape.
Best Luxury Accommodation In Hermanus
Birkenhead House
Birkenhead is a 5 Star hotel with all the accoutrements you would expect of the rating, and is easily one of the best hotels in Hermanus.
The hotel is perched right up on the cliff, with the two best swimming beaches straddling on either side. You have the beautiful oasis of the Walker Bay environment which immediately makes you feel relaxed.
The décor is quite youthful and trendy, with a lot of white and bright colors. There is a mixture of cultures put together with the beach environment to create a premium experience.
The dining is an encompassing experience in one of the most spectacular settings anywhere in the world. The cuisine is influenced by the Cape Malay style and is abundant in fresh, local seafood. Meals can be designed to meet your individual dietary preferences. But it’s not just a matter of eating.
If you are so inclined and it is in season, chefs will take you along to the Atlantic to handpick black mussels, cluing you in on how to pick mussels. This is followed by a Master Class on how to cook them, all in a one-on-one setting that is very personalized
One the biggest drawcards of the culinary experience is the al-fresco dinner over the cliff, an experience unlike any.
The rates at Birkenhead House are all-inclusive, meaning that all meals and drinks are included. So you don’t have to leave the comfort of your lodgings. Transfers to and from the hotel area also included in the rate.
There are 4 different types of rooms at Birkenhead House. All rooms include a private bathroom fitted with a bath and shower. Standard and Deluxe rooms are situated in the middle of the house, and fitted with luxurious furniture and original paintings. The best rooms are the Superior and Superior Deluxe rooms which come with mountain views, ocean views or both.
To wrap up the package, there is a spa on-site that offers four treatment rooms and a comprehensive selection of therapies, from body exfoliation to body wraps and beauty treatments.
The Thatch House Hermanus
The Thatch House is an equally impressive 5 Star Boutique Hotel with its own distinctive setting. It’s location sets itself apart from the beachfront contemporaries by being a hidden oasis for the discerning traveler.
The hotel is right against the mountain, nestled between the mountain and the lagoon. This gives you magnificent views on either side of the house. The manicured lawns and plants are maintained to the highest standard.
The Thatch House is decorated in a contemporary style that makes use of neutral colors and textures that give the hotel a sense of warmth. The aquas and greys also complement the environment well and being in the lagoon.
Its location is secluded and quiet. It is a great place to recharge away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The hotel only has 6 suites which maintains a good sense of privacy.
Rooms are very spacious with comfy furniture and gorgeous bathrooms. They are also furnished with tasteful art pieces that lends a sense of character to the spaces.
The service is top-notch and the staff are attentive without ever being in your face. They are always on hand to make sure that your needs are catered to.
Dining is another facet of The Thatch House that reinforces the 5 Star standard. Meals are prepared by the hotel’s chef and are personalized, with food prepared according to your dietary requirements.
There are two pools on the property. One is on the mountain-side and sheltered from the wind, while the other one overlooks the lagoon.
A nice touch on the mountain side of the yard is the putting green and chipping bunker where you can practice your golf swing.
If you need to keep fit, there is a small gym for use by guests. For the little ones, there is a jungle gym and tree house.
When you want to take to the lagoon, there are kayak boats that you can use for free. Alternatively, a power-boat can be requested at an additional charge for excursions and fun activities like skiing and tubing.
Mosselberg on Grotto Beach
Mosselberg is ideally located on one of the best beaches in Hermanus, the blue flag Grotto Beach. This 5 star boutique hotel sports a big deck which faces the sea and overlooks a beautiful Fynbos garden.
You have the luxury of direct access to the beach, where you can spend an afternoon getting the pearly white sand between your toes.
Rooms at Mosselberg are all very spacious and have either mountain views or sea views. The 5 rooms are all luxurious and individually decorated. Each room is named to represent a different theme of the surrounding area of Hermanus.
Our pick of the bunch is the Sugarbird Junior Suite which has a private balcony with a full sea view.
If you go during the whale season from July to November, you will be blessed with the opportunity to watch Southern Right whales right from the comfort of your own room. If you want to get out and see the town, there are various ways to see the sights.
Enjoy a mountain bike trail or a stroll on the cliff path. Facilities that you can make use of as a guest at the hotel include a beautiful swimming pool in the courtyard for training or lounging, and a games room to entertain the whole family to mention a few.
Selkirk House
Selkirk House is a boutique hotel near the Fernkloof Nature Reserve and spread out across 3 floors with spectacular mountain views.
It takes inspiration from a chic design style. The interior is modern and elegant. Bold original artworks reflect the vibrant and colorful scenery that surrounds the hotel.
The 5 luxury en-suite rooms are well appointed, with bright spirited pieces. Each suite boasts spectacular views of either the ocean or the mountain from private terraces. The bathrooms each have a bath, a double volume shower, twin hand basins and heated towel rails.
A full English of Continental breakfast is prepared each morning. Lunch and dinner can be had outside of the hotel and restaurant bookings can be made for you. If you are headed out, for sightseeing, a packed picnic lunch is available on request.
The dining room leads onto the pool deck, with its eye-catching tumbling water feature. The barbeque area is built from natural Karoo stone, enveloping you in the essence of nature.
You can relax in the inviting main lounge, which is warmed by a fireplace in the cold months. For a perfect summer’s day, you can unwind on the seaside terrace, where you can immerse yourself in the fresh ocean breeze.
The upper lounge on the top floor is equipped with a fully stocked bar and 60 inch flat screen TV which is ideal for sport lovers.
The terrace offers spectacular views of the golf course and the bay, while the rooftop deck boats views of the mountain and sea.
The Marine Hotel Hermanus
The marine is a gem in the crown of Hermanus and one of the most impressive coastal hotels in South Africa. It is situated right on the well-known Cliff Path in Hermanus and overlooks the astounding Walker Bat.
As a guest, you are treated to a premium treatment with selection of luxury accommodation and some of the best culinary experiences around. The design of the hotel is elegant, with light colors and airy rooms that complement the seaside environment.
The décor is a great middle way between classic furnishing and a clean modern layout, with pops of blue throughout reinforcing the coastal holiday theme.
There rooms come in the form of entry level double rooms, double rooms with a sea view, and premier suites which are appointed with a focus on luxury. For us, the winner is an easy pick and we opt for the luxury double room with a sea view where you can watch dolphins and whales as they swim in the bay. When staying at the hotel you receive welcome drinks on arrival.
All rooms come with a complimentary minibar, newspaper every morning, and complimentary WiFi. House keeping services are included twice a day a scheduled time that is convenient to you.
There is much to do when you are staying at the Marine, with experiences both on-site and offsite. The Carchele Beauty spa is the perfect place to rejuvenate yourself, with full-service spa and signature treatments.
For some holidaying activities, The Marine is walking distance to a lot of attractions. Hermanus is an outdoor lover’s dream. It is famous for whale watching, beaches and nature, and its food and whine scene. These are all in close proximity when you are staying at The Marine. It is easy to see why this one is one of the most popular hotels in Hermanus.
Affordable Hermanus Accommodation
Windsor Hotel Hermanus
The Windsor Hotel is a landmark in Hermanus that has been around for 120 years. Located on the edge of the scenic Walker Bay, the hotel has a panoramic view over the Indian ocean that offers some of the world’s best whale-watching in most of the rooms.
There are three types of rooms at the hotel. For those on a budget, the annexure rooms offer the comfort and ideal location at an affordable price point. If you can spare a little more, we recommend staying in one of the other room types which are the non-sea facing rooms and the sea facing rooms.
The non sea-facing rooms feature a mountain view, while the sea facing room offer a majestic view over Walker Bay and is the obvious best choice. All rooms have an en-suite bathroom, while ground floor rooms have a small patio.
If you want you are traveling in a bigger group and want your dining in your own hands, The Windsor has self-catering apartments which also boast a spectacular ocean view. There is a 3 bedroom apartment and a 2 bedroom apartment, each with 2 bathrooms and sea views and an en-suite in the main bedroom.
The apartments are fully equipped and serviced daily by staff. Free WiFi and safe parking is available for all hotel guests.
The Windsor hotel is ideal located, with all nearby restaurants and shops a mere 5-minute walk away. With the ideal location, unparalleled views and sense of history, the hotel is a firm favourite for best hotel in Hermanus for both locals and travelers alike.
Misty Waves Boutique Hotel
The Misty Waves Boutique hotel is a dream destination for anyone wishing to have the best whale-watching on Earth.
The hotel also offers the travel organizing services and they can arrange for excursions to destinations and activities in the Western Cape region like the Garden Route to the east, and Cape Town to the west. There are a variety of rooms and suites that you can choose from.
You are treated to a majestic view of the ocean and the cliffs if you stay in one of the rooms with sea views. Rooms are large and airy as well as well-appointed. The four-poster beds add a touch of grandeur to your stay and the beds are large and comfortable.
When you are feeling hungry, you can visit the on-site restaurant called Heritage Cottage. The restaurant is one of the oldest fishing cottages in Hermanus and is very popular so you must make a booking to guarantee a seat.
The food there is delicious, with a continental buffet breakfast being served. For dinners and special occasions, there is an a la carte menu with daily specials available. The friendliness of the staff is the icing on the cake, as you will be made to feel welcome at all times.
Whale Coast All-Suite Hotel
When it comes to convenient location in Hermanus, Whale Coast All Suite Hotel is hard to top. The hotel is located in the town centre, only a 5-minute stroll away from the Old Harbour.
The location lets you enjoy the beauty of the coastal town while also being able to get things done if you are in town for more than leisure. When staying here, you have a choice between 1bedroom, 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom apartments.
All the rooms have the choice between a king bed or twin bed, and are equipped with en-suite bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. The 3 bedroom apartments can accommodate up to 6 adults and are ideal for families or large groups.
The apartments are elegantly designed in neutral colors. The ground floor is the living areas and upstairs are the bedroom and bathrooms with free toiletries and heated towel racks. The apartment is wonderfully spacious and clean with crisp linen and comfy mattresses.
Each apartment has a private balcony where you can kick back during the day and luxuriate in the views of the mountain range. When you want to get out, everything that is of interest is no more than 5 minutes away from the hotel.
You have a selection of local restaurants, boutiques and bistros in close proximity. The hotel is conveniently situated right adjacent to a shopping mall so all your immediate needs are covered in walking distance. For guests at the hotel there is also free covered parking at the Whale Coast Hotel.
One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel
As the name suggests, the hotel is located along Hermanus’ Marine Drive, right on the seafront. The shops and restaurants in the area are nearby being a 5 minute or so walk away. The hotel is also interestingly removed from the hustle and bustle of the town while being close proximity.
You have a choice between 5 rooms, all of which have views of Walker Bay and the surrounding coastline. The rooms are kitted out with cable TV and an iPad which is a nice touch.
There is also complimentary tea and coffee available throughout the day.
The rooms are decorated in a modern style with bright colors that complement the marine theme of the area.
To relax, you can spend some time in the sunshine on a lounger in the outside area which has a heated swimming pool and a secluded garden.
The shared dining hall is where you can enjoy a full homemade breakfast which is served every morning. The front desk is open 24 hours, manned by friendly staff members who make you feel welcome throughout your stay.
There is free WiFi available throughout the whole hotel to guests. If you are driving yourself there is private parking available on-site.
There is a bar where you can relax in the evening you can enjoy a complimentary glass of sherry.
The hotel is right in front of cliff path which is considered one of the best land-based whale-viewing places in the world. There is a lot to enjoy at this hotel and at a reasonable price point.
Harbour House Hotel
This one is a hotel with different characters in one destination, making it the paragon of choice in this area.
It consists of 3 different dwellings, each with its own distinct style and appeal. The Manor House was built in 1920 and has a lot of classical architecture that give insight into the history of the house and its surroundings.
The New Wing features a more contemporary style or architecture which is the go between, while the Harbour square is decorated in modern style that exhibits more dramatic interior design and vibrant colors.
One of the defining features of the hotel is the outside area that boats an iconic infinity pool and loungers for guests to recline on.
If you are staying in the Harbour Square Wing, you also have access to the exclusive rooftop pool.
The Lookout Terrace is the ideal place to enjoy a light meal and overlooks Walker Bay where the whales can be seen when in season.
The hotel is conveniently located next to shops and cafes in the town centre. You can walk to all places of interest and the area is safe. The front desk is open 24 hours as well and if you don’t want to walk or drive, you can rent bicycles to make your way around town.
There is complimentary parking on the site for each room, and free uncapped WiFi is available to guest throughout the hotel.
When you are feeling peckish, there is an in-house restaurant called Selkirk’s which serves breakfast and lunch from a seasonal menu made from locally sourced produce. When you want to eat out, there are a selection of restaurants a short stroll away.
And that wraps up our list of Hermanus Accommodation. If you have left out any particular good ones that should be in the list, do let us know.
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