Hotel Review: Philippolis Old Jail, Free State
Nick Yell spends the night in an old prison, now a budget hotel, where the old cells have been converted into comfortable rooms
LOCATION
49 Justisie Street, Philippolis, Free State, 60km northwest of Colesburg.
ROOMS
There are 10 cells (bedrooms) most with two single beds or bunk beds, and all have access to shared ablutions. Only the "honeymoon suite" has a double bed although there are three double-bedded en-suite rooms in the Jail House next door. If you're not the jailbird-for-a-night type, there's Harry's House (two rooms/two single beds) down the road.
STYLE
Built in 1872, this solid heritage structure with its thick, high walls was clearly designed to keep prisoners in. While it may not win any architectural awards, the old stone and plaster buildings have been well-preserved. The cells are decorated cheerily, the beds are comfortable and the upgraded ablutions first-rate.FACILITIES
There are tables and braai facilities in the old exercise yard plus a fully equipped communal kitchen and dining room. Bedding is provided but bring your own towels.
THE EATING
While you need to bring your own food and drink supplies, good-value braai-packs and wood can be arranged by Harry.
THE 'DO' LIST
For the Africana buff, Philippolis provides a cornucopia of historical monuments (the Emily Hobhouse Memorial and Laurens van der Post Memorial Garden) and heritage buildings.
The Transgariep Museum is a good place to start if you want to understand the town's importance in Griqua, Boer and English colonialist history. But there is much else to do here: there are good bookshops, galleries and restaurants and there is a craft-beer brewery just out of town. If festivals are your thing, visit during the Witblitsfees in April or in early November for the Saddle Horse Show.
RATES
From R125 - R200 per person per night sharing, R400 single rate.
CONTACT
Harry During on 011-973-1778 or 082-550-4421 or visit wheretostay.co.za...
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