Get a true taste of South Africa and all its charms, historical intricacies, beauty, culture, and hospitality at Ellerman House. This small hotel unlike any other contradicts as much as it complements. You’ll feel at home, without being at home; you’ll feel like a guest, but also like a friend; and you’ll want to go back even if you haven’t left.
Image Credit: Rhino Africa
Rhino Rating:
5/5
Where?
Cape Town, South Africa
Why?
Privacy is the new luxury and this is where you’re sure to find it in abundance. Not open to the public, Ellerman House allows guests to have its jaw-dropping art collection, sublime service, and exclusive location all to themselves.
More a home than a hotel, you’ll find no check-in desk or counter here. Guests are welcomed in as old friends and given their room keys on arrival. Set the timing of your own day in a way that suits you. Did someone say breakfast at noon?
Image Credit: Rhino Africa
Who?
The Artists
At Ellerman House, hospitality is an art-form – unsurprising given their obvious appreciation for the finer details. Found along its walls – and in every room – is the largest contemporary art collection in South Africa. It’s Wine Gallery is a masterpiece in itself with a terroir wall greeting you on arrival along with a 7,500-bottle wine collection.
The Connoisseurs
Any expert judge in a matter of taste will admire Ellerman House and its offerings. From its wine and art gallery to its lovingly-sculpted gardens, individually-decorated rooms, and personalised dining menus according to individual taste and preference.
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At a Glance:
This Relais & Châteaux property commands a sublime location in the exclusive Cape Town suburb of Bantry Bay, a short walk to the popular Camps Bay and Clifton strip and a scenic ten-minute drive to the heart of Cape Town’s City Bowl.
Best Time to Go:
Well, when is the best time to go home? Anytime! If you are chasing the sun and warmth, however, Cape Town is a treat to visit between September and April, thanks to its mild spring and autumn months and gorgeous summer weather. That said, curling up in front of one of Ellerman House’s fireplaces with a compelling book and glass of red wine in hand sounds pretty perfect, too, doesn’t it?
Image Credit; Rhino Africa
How to Get There:
All you have to do is take a flight to Cape Town International Airport. Ellerman House’s concierge service will pick you up on arrival and drop you off when it’s time to leave. The hotel is less than a 30-minute drive from the airport.
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Visa Information:
All visitors must be in possession of a valid passport but for many foreign passport holders, visas are not required up to a maximum number of days (normally 90 days). Travellers from countries whose passport holders do require visas must be in possession of their visa before departing as visas are not issued at South African ports of entry.
If travelling with a minor, proof of guardianship or custody, or consent from the guardian in the case of an unaccompanied minor are required. If children are travelling with only one of their parents, additional documentation is needed. Enquire at the South African Embassy in your country for the most up-to-date visa information.
Facilities & Amenities:
Ellerman House has a library, wine gallery, cellar, tasting room, the Ellerman House Contemporary Art Gallery, swimming pool, and BAR ROC – a chic bar full of locally-inspired liquid creations overlooking the Atlantic.
Image Credit: Ellerman House
Wi-Fi is available in all areas, laundry packed in tissue paper is included, and there is a 24-hour Guest Pantry for anyone feeling peckish. Work off that divine fully-inclusive breakfast and sunset canape-and-cocktail hour at the Ellerman House Spa and Fitness Centre.
Rooms:
No room is the same at Ellerman House, with each one differently laid out, with unique furnishings, and original artwork. Some have gorgeous ocean views (such as the Superior House Room) and terraces (like the Deluxe House Room), while some have access to a small deck and intimate shared swimming pool (such as the Deluxe Spa Rooms). Ellerman House also has two contemporary, exclusive-use Villas on the same property which have separate entrances and private chefs.
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A Stay at Ellerman House:
Included
- Return transfers from Cape Town International Airport and Cape Town locations
- Fully-inclusive breakfast
- Laundry packed in tissue paper
- Beverages, including spirits and beers (excluding wine and champagne)
- Fully-stocked minibar with their selection of luxury brands
- 24-hour guest pantry with a selection of snacks and in-between meal options
- Daily sunset canapes and cocktails
- Wireless internet access throughout the hotel
- Access to Ellerman House Spa and Fitness Centre
- 24-hour monitored security
- Private and secure parking
- Individual attention from Senior Managers who personally supervise guest services
Additional Cost
- Lunch and dinner
- Wines and Champagne
- Invited guests’ meals and drinks
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Dining Experience:
Ellerman House’s cuisine is centred around seasonal changes and new takes on South African-inspired recipes to give guests a true taste of the nation. All menu items change regularly for lunch and dinner and are entirely guest orientated.
In temperate weather, meals are enjoyed Al Fresco on the terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean or inside the dining room. A smaller, more private dining room is there for guests who have invited friends for dinner or who want a more intimate dining experience.
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Price Range:
From $800 per room per night or $6,000 per 3-bedroom Villa per night. To read more about Ellerman House’s exclusive-use Villas, click here.
Are you half out the door en route to your new home-away-from-home? Contact one of our expert consultants to plan your stay at Ellerman House. Chances are you’ll #NeverLeave.