HOTEL REVIEW | Houw Hoek Hotel, Overberg, Western Cape
The oldest licensed hotel in SA, in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, is beautiful and budget friendly, writes Nancy Richards
LOCATION
Tucked away below a mountain in the eastern part of the vast Kogelberg Nature Reserve, and straddling the railway line that meanders so dramatically over Sir Lowry's Pass and through the orchards and forests around Elgin to Bot River, we find South Africa's oldest licensed inn.
STYLE
No doubt updated since its humble beginnings in 1798, when Lady Anne Barnard described her meal there as "fit for an emperor", it has nonetheless retained an "olde worlde" charm. The rooms are Cape cottage comfortable in whitewash, wood and quarry tile, some with fireplaces for cosy winters.
The giant bluegum tree outside the front entrance (planted in 1848) is a landmark in the hotel's history, as are the snippets of legend and watercolour paintings of the original buildings on the walls, and banknotes stuck to the ceiling of the old Stagecoach bar.
SERVICE
What they didn't have or know, they went to lengths to find or find out.
HOW'S THE GRUB
The busy buffet breakfast will keep everybody happy. The unpretentious dining room serves everything from pizza to tempura prawns, pork cordon bleu and don pedros, and the accessible prices are a win. For pop-ins, there is the inevitable scones and jam or snack menu.
ACTIVITIES
Two games rooms include table tennis, snooker, darts, foosball, air hockey, etc. Outside, the choice includes two swimming pools, boules, putt-putt, tennis, squash, volleyball and mountain biking.
The Houw Hoek hiking trail starts here and there's a 12km circular day walk. For kiddies there's a jumping castle and trampoline. There are lots of wineries to explore in the area, as well as the Elgin Railway Market and Cape Canopy zipline.
FACILITIES
Most Saturdays, there's the popular Dinner Dance and equal crowd pleaser, the Sunday Homecooked Country Carvery. Both are open to non-residents, space permitting.
A peep into one of the decorated reception rooms suggests they've got wedding breakfasts down to a fine art and there are five conference-venue options.
BEST TIME TO GO
Just 80km from Cape Town, any time is good for a quick midweek or weekend escape.
RATES
Seventy seven rooms, some sleep up to 6. All with en suite bathrooms and free wi-fi. R640 per person sharing for two nights, single night R727, includes breakfast. Up to two children under 12 stay free.
CONTACT
Call 028-284-9646, e-mail reservations@houwhoekhotel.com or visit houwhoekhotel.com...
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