Grande Roche Hotel

Paarl is the largest of the winelands town and is seen as somewhat unfashionable, especially amongst return visitors who prefer vibrant Stellenbosch or the rustic elegance of Franschhoek. However, if you do want to experience something a little difference, Paarl is a charming spot to visit and there is nowhere finer to stay than Grande Roche.

Nestled in the shadow of Paarl rock, this lovely hotel has a rustic feel to it, with rooms housed in the main house and outbuildings of the old Cape Dutch estate. The bedrooms are spacious and comfortable, with nods to the estate’s history in their décor, making them perfect for guests on slightly longer stays who want the space to spread out an relax. Crucially, the areas housing rooms are spread away from one another, so there is a wonderful feeling of privacy to any stay here. The hotel has long been renowned for being home to one of the finest restaurants in the Cape, with its latest incarnation – Viande – offering a huge variety of South African inspired meat dishes, as well as plenty of vegetarian options. The large wine list will satisfy even then most discerning of diners with vintages drawn from some of South Africa’s finest estates. The outdoor heated swimming pool is a very welcoming spot where guests can be found congregating in the afternoons and enjoying the sunshine.

With easy access to the wineries of Paarl, as well as the surrounding area, the Afrikaaner language monument and the town of Paarl, this is a great spot for visitors looking to enjoy a different side of the winelands and escape the crowds of tourists that tend to focus on visits to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.